Charles Downing, Appellate Attorney in Mcallen, Texas
Over 55 years of legal practice · focused on Appellate, Criminal Defense, and Family Law
Attorney
Mcallen, TX
Practicing appellate in Mcallen since 1971.
- 55+
- Years practicing
- 6
- Bar admissions
Are you Charles Downing?
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Quick answer
Charles Downing is an attorney based in McAllen, TX. The practice focuses on Appellate, Criminal Defense, and Family Law. Charles has over 55 years of legal experience.
- Based in
- McAllen, TX
- Experience
- over 55 years
- Known for
- Appellate · Criminal Defense · Family Law
- Handles Appellate, Criminal Defense, and Family Law matters from McAllen, TX.
- Over 55 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Charles Downing: Charles Downing is an attorney based in McAllen, TX. The practice focuses on Appellate, Criminal Defense, and Family Law. Charles has over 55 years of legal experience.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Charles Downing
Charles concentrates on appellate, criminal defense, family law, personal injury, and probate. Each area below outlines the kind of case Charles handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Appellate
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Criminal Defense
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Family Law
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Personal Injury
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Probate
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Appellate cases in Mcallen, Texas
Charles takes appellate matters in Mcallen, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Charles agrees to represent you.
Criminal Defense cases in Mcallen, Texas
Charles takes criminal defense matters in Mcallen, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Charles agrees to represent you.
Family Law cases in Mcallen, Texas
Charles takes family law matters in Mcallen, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Charles agrees to represent you.
Personal Injury cases in Mcallen, Texas
Charles takes personal injury matters in Mcallen, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Charles agrees to represent you.
Probate cases in Mcallen, Texas
Charles takes probate matters in Mcallen, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Charles agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Charles Downing — Over 55 years of Texas appellate experience
Charles Downing is an attorney based in McAllen, TX. The practice focuses on Appellate, Criminal Defense, and Family Law. Charles has over 55 years of legal experience.
Charles Downing is a lawyer practicing criminal, appellate, probate and 2 other areas of law. Charles received a B.S. degree from Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1953, and has been licensed for 55 years. Charles practices in McAllen, TX.
Charles's approach to appellate cases
Charles Downing is a lawyer practicing criminal, appellate, probate and 2 other areas of law. Charles received a B.S. degree from Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1953, and has been licensed for 55 years. Charles practices in McAllen, TX.
The kind of cases Charles takes
Charles reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, criminal defense, and family law matters in Mcallen and the surrounding Texas area.
Credentials
Charles Downing's legal education and bar admissions
South Bay University
J.D. · 1970
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
B.S. · 1953
Jurisdictions
Charles's state bar admissions
U.S. Court of Appeal
1980 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1979 · ACTIVE
U.S. Tax Court
1976 · ACTIVE
U.S. Supreme Court
1975 · ACTIVE
California
1971 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1971 · ACTIVE
Charles studied at J.D. in South Bay University and B.S. in Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Law school and academic background
Charles completed J.D. in South Bay University and B.S. in Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Charles runs in Texas is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Locations
Charles Downing's office in McAllen
Charles's primary office is at 900 Kerria Ave., McAllen, TX. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Charles Downing
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Charles Downing — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new appellate attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Charles usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Charles charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Charles's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Charles will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a appellate attorney in Mcallen, Texas
A short list to run through before you commit: How many appellate matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Charles
Charles discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in appellate practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every appellate matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Charles confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Charles's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many appellate practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Charles Downing
How much does it cost to hire Charles for a appellate case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Charles walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Charles offer a free consultation?
Charles charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Charles's office. Some appellate attorneys offer free consults — check Charles's current terms during booking.
How long do appellate cases in Texas typically take?
Simple appellate matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Charles gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Charles take my case if I'm outside Mcallen?
Charles is licensed in Texas. Matters governed by Texas law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Charles will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Charles?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Charles will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Charles accepting new appellate clients right now?
Charles's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Appellate attorneys serving Mcallen, Houston and Dallas in Texas
Charles handles appellate matters throughout Texas. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified appellate attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated appellate attorneys in Texas
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