Privacy Policy, Legal Disclaimer, & Terms and Conditions
Privacy Policy
This Privacy Policy describes how The Law Office of John L. Hickman PLLC ("we", "us", "our", or "the Firm") collects, uses, discloses, and protects personal information through our website johnhickmanlaw.com (the "Site") and in the course of providing Texas criminal defense legal services. By using the Site or contacting the Firm, you agree to the terms of this Policy.
1. Information We Collect
A. Information You Provide
When you contact us (via contact forms, email, phone, or chat), you may provide:
Full name, email address, phone number, mailing address;
Case details or other information you voluntarily provide in an inquiry;
Information included in documents you upload (which may be sensitive).
B. Information Collected Automatically
We also collect technical data automatically when you visit the Site, including IP address, browser type, operating system, referring page, pages visited, and timestamps. We use cookies and similar tracking technologies (see Cookies section).
2. How We Use Your Information
To respond to inquiries and provide legal information, consultations, and representation;
To manage, administer, and improve the Site and our services;
To comply with legal and ethical obligations, and to protect our rights;
To send you administrative messages (e.g., appointment confirmations) if you have contacted us.
3. Attorney-Client Relationship
Submitting information through the Site does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send confidential or sensitive information (including privileged materials) until a formal attorney-client relationship has been established in writing. If we agree to represent you, we will provide a separate engagement letter that explains our obligations and fees.
4. Cookies & Tracking Technologies
We use cookies and similar technologies to collect Site usage data and improve your experience. Types of cookies we use include:
Essential cookies: required for core site functions.
Analytics cookies: to understand site traffic and performance (e.g., Google Analytics).
You can usually manage cookies via your browser settings. Disabling some cookies may limit Site functionality.
5. Disclosure of Information
Personal information will not be sold and will only be shared when legally required, to fulfill a client's request, or with third parties acting on the firm's behalf under strict confidentiality agreements. We may disclose information:
When required by law, subpoena, court order, or ethics obligation;
To service providers who perform functions on our behalf (hosting, analytics, email), under contract and confidentiality obligations;
To protect our rights, property, or safety, or the safety of others.
6. Sensitive Personal Data
Case facts and legal details may include sensitive personal data. We treat such information with heightened care. Do not submit especially sensitive details (e.g., health records, criminal history specifics, Social Security Numbers) through the Site unless requested and/or until a secure, documented relationship is established.
7. Data Security
We implement reasonable physical, technical, and administrative safeguards to protect personal information. However, no internet transmission or storage is completely secure. If you have security concerns about transmitting information, please contact us by phone to arrange a safer method.
8. Third-Party Links & Services
The Site may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those sites. Third-party services (e.g., Google Analytics) collect data according to their own policies.
9. Retention
We retain personal information as needed to provide services, comply with legal and ethical obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce agreements. Retention periods vary depending on the type of information and applicable law.
10. Your Privacy Rights
Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have rights including:
Access to or correction of your personal information;
Deletion or restriction of processing;
Opting out of certain disclosures (see CCPA section below);
Filing complaints with your local data protection authority (see GDPR section below).
To exercise any rights, contact us at the address below. We may require identity verification before acting on requests.
11. Texas & Professional Considerations
As a Texas law firm, we follow applicable Texas laws and Texas Bar ethical requirements concerning client confidentiality and data handling. If a conflict exists between this Policy and mandatory professional responsibilities, the professional responsibilities govern.
12. California Residents (CCPA/CPRA Notice)
If you are a California resident, California law may provide you with additional rights regarding access to certain personal information, deletion, and opt-out of sale. John Hickman Law does not sell personal information. To submit a request under California law, contact us at the details below and include “California Privacy Request” in your subject line.
13. European Residents (GDPR)
If you are located in the EU/EEA, the lawful bases for processing your personal data may include consent (where requested), necessity to take steps at your request prior to entering into a contract, compliance with legal obligations, or our legitimate interests (e.g., providing legal information and protecting our rights). You may request access, correction, restriction, or erasure of personal data by contacting us. You also have the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority.
14. Children
The Site is not directed to children under 16. We do not knowingly collect personal information from minors. If you believe we have collected information from a child, contact us and we will take steps to remove it.
15. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Policy from time to time. We will post the updated Policy on this page with a revised "Effective Date." Material changes will be noted prominently.
Legal Disclaimer
The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Viewing or using the content on this site does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and The Law Office of John L. Hickman PLLC.
Every case is unique. You should not act or rely on any information provided on this website without consulting a qualified attorney. The Law Office of John L. Hickman PLLC expressly disclaims any liability with respect to actions taken or not taken based on the content of this website.
Communications through this website, including emails or contact forms, are not confidential and do not establish an attorney-client relationship. Confidential or sensitive information should only be shared directly with an attorney at The Law Office of John L. Hickman PLLC in a secure manner.
By using this website, you agree to these terms and understand the limitations of the information provided herein.
No attorney-client relationship formed: Viewing this website or contacting the firm via email does not create an attorney-client relationship.
Not legal advice: The information on this site is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice.
Attorney John Hickman is responsible for this site's content. Our principal office is located in Paris, TX.
Terms and Conditions
Welcome to the website of The Law Office of John L. Hickman PLLC ("we," "our," or "the Firm"). By accessing or using this website johnhickmanlaw.com (the "Site"), you agree to comply with and be bound by the following terms and conditions. If you do not agree with these terms, please do not use this Site.
1. Use of Website
The Site is intended for general informational purposes regarding our legal services, Texas criminal defense law, and related resources.
You agree not to use the Site for any unlawful purpose or in any way that could damage, disable, or impair the Site.
Unauthorized use of the Site may give rise to civil and criminal liability.
2. No Attorney-Client Relationship
Accessing or using this Site does not create an attorney-client relationship. Do not submit confidential, privileged, or sensitive information through this Site unless a formal attorney-client relationship has been established with the Firm. Any communication sent via email or contact forms is not protected by attorney-client privilege until a formal agreement is executed.
3. Legal Disclaimer
Information on this Site is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice.
Consult an attorney for advice regarding your specific legal situation.
Past results or examples described on this Site do not guarantee future results.
4. Intellectual Property
All content on the Site, including text, graphics, logos, images, and design elements, are owned or licensed by John Hickman Law.
You may not reproduce, distribute, modify, or create derivative works from any Site content without our prior written consent.
5. Third-Party Links
The Site may include links to third-party websites. We do not control these websites and are not responsible for their content, privacy practices, or any consequences arising from use.
6. Privacy
Our Privacy Policy above explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal information. By using this Site, you agree to our Privacy Policy.
7. Past Performance Is Not a Guarantee
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. Any recovery amounts or past results mentioned on this website are not a guarantee or prediction of similar outcomes in any future matter.
8. Texas Board of Legal Specialization
Unless specified, the attorneys at John Hickman Law are not certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.
9. Attorney Advertising
This website may be considered attorney advertising under State Bar of Texas rules. The firm is responsible for its content and it is not intended as a solicitation where it does not comply with local laws and rules.
10. Limitation of Liability
To the maximum extent permitted by law, John Hickman Law will not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages resulting from your use of, or inability to use, this Site.
11. Governing Law
These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of the State of Texas without regard to conflict of law principles. Any dispute arising from or relating to these terms shall be resolved in the state or federal courts located in [County], Texas.
12. Modifications
We may revise these Terms and Conditions at any time by updating this page. Your continued use of the Site constitutes acceptance of any changes.
13. Contact Us
If you have questions about these Terms and Conditions, please contact us:
The Law Office of John L. Hickman PLLC
101 W Houston St
Paris, TX 75460-4179
Email: jhickman@johnhickmanlaw.com