Success Stories

Fred Hawkins successfully defended his clients in numerous trials and dispositive motions. Further, he has successfully defended those wins on appeal. Below are a few examples of notable wins:

Jason Patric v. Joshua Visi, Cause Number A-05-CA-022AA

Jason Patric, the actor, sued the City of Austin and officer Joshua Visi.  He alleged he was falsely arrested, slandered, and the officer used excessive force. 

 The defendants prevailed.  

LaCresha Murray v. Ronnie Earle, Dayna Blazey, Stephanie Emmons, Hector Reveles, Albert Eells, Ernest Pedraza, Angela McGown and the City of Austin, Cause Number A-02-CA-552SS

LaCresha Murray was an 11 year old girl interrogated by defendants on May 29th, 1996 concerning the death of a 2 year old child named Jayla Belton.  Although Murray was mirandized she was only 11 years old and no parent or guardian was present for the interview. Her confession was introduced at her trials and she was convicted. However, her convictions were overturned on appeal.  Subsequently in 2002 she sued the defendants for violations of her civil rights and demanded $30 million.  After numerous appeals to the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals and the U.S. Supreme Court

the defendants prevailed in 2009.

E. Ramon Hernandez v. City of Austin and Defendants of Austin Police Department, William Heilman, Christoper Gray, and Joel Follmer, Cause Number A-06-CA-975RP

Ramon Hernandez alleged the force used against him by defendants was excessive.  He was tasered, struck with an Asp, kicked in the head and handcuffed.  While handcuffed he was repeatedly punched and tasered by defendants. The latter was captured on videotape. 

The defendants prevailed.

Jesse Lee Owens et al, v. City of Austin et al., Cause Number, A-05-CA-287SS

Jesse Lee Owens was shot and killed by police officer Scott Glascow after a traffic stop.  Plaintiffs claimed the defendants used excessive force.  Plaintiff claimed the defendant officer violated policy and created the dangerous situation. 

 The defendants prevailed.

Trudy Leggett v. City of Austin, Cause Number, GN201349

Plaintiff's son was killed when he attempted to drive through high flood waters crossing over a street.  Plaintiff alleged the City failed to warn or make safe the premises.  Plaintiff claimed the condition of the road constituted a special defect.  Plaintiff further alleged the condition of the detention pond caused the flood making the City liable. 

 The defendant prevailed.

Jesse Wickenheiser et al. v. City of Austin et al.  Cause Number, 97-06837

Plaintiffs were riding in a van when the driver ran a faded stop sign.  All were members of an evangelical religious group known as the Family. Five teenage girls in the van were killed when it struck a truck driven by Mr. Harris.  Mr. Harris' wife was also killed in the accident.   Plaintiffs sued alleging negligence on the part of the City Austin. 

 After a 5 week trial the defendants prevailed.

Other trials and results are available upon request.