Convicted former official forays into legal mediation

A former Winkler County Attorney has moved on in his career after being convicted on four felony counts and two misdemeanors in October.

Scott Tidwell’s law license, which he had since 1992, was suspended after his conviction and he was sentenced to 10 years probation. He was convicted at the hands of a jury but sentenced by Judge Robert Moore.

He has appealed the suspension of his license, according to State Bar of Texas spokeswoman Maureen Ray, and the appeal was put on their docket Monday.

Now Tidwell is circulating a letter to attorneys in the area offering mediation and trial-consulting services.

“After almost 20 years of practicing law in West Texas, and due to circumstances which I believe to a large part have been out of my control, I am no longer practicing law,” Tidwell stated in the letter.

Tidwell cited experience in civil, family, criminal and appellate law as reasons why attorneys should consider him to be a mediator or legal assistant.

“I am also available to assist you on a variety of litigation matters, including preparation an analysis of trial exhibits, handling exhibits at trial, discussing and assisting in the evaluation of claims and preparation of motions and all types of appellate filings,” the letter stated.

Tidwell’s father, Jack Tidwell, said Scott Tidwell is not working exclusively for him but may do some family law mediation “from time to time” with his firm.

Scott Tidwell did not return messages left at his office.

After a year-and-a-half long legal struggle that began with the prosecution of two whistle-blowing nurses at Winkler County Memorial Hospital and ended with the conviction of two elected officials and one doctor, Scott Tidwell found himself kicked out of office.

Scott Tidwell and former Sheriff Robert Roberts were both convicted on two counts each of felony retaliation and misuse of official information and two counts of misdemeanor official oppression.

In addition to the 10 years probation, Tidwell also was sentenced to four months in the Crane County Jail. However, Tidwell is appealing the convictions.

Roberts was sentenced to 100 days in jail and was forced to give up his law enforcement license.

The doctor who originally made the complaint, Dr. Rolando Arafiles, pleaded guilty to retaliation and misuse of official information Nov. 7.

As part of the plea deal, Arafiles was sentenced to two months in jail and five years in probation.

@OAcourts