MEET THE TEAM
Jay Michael "Pat" Phelan
Chief Public Defender
Pat has over 37 years of legal experience and has demonstrated his commitment to justice and public service. As a District Judge for the State of Texas in Hockley and Cochran Counties for more than 17 years, Pat has honed his judicial skills and gained invaluable insights into the legal system. Pat’s tenure as a prosecutor for the District Attorney’s Office and an elected County Attorney for over 16 years has instilled in him a deep understanding of criminal law and the intricacies of legal proceedings. Pat has been certified as a Criminal Law specialist by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization since 1995.
In addition to his extensive courtroom experience, Pat has contributed to the academic community as a part-time instructor at South Plains College in the Law Enforcement department. Pat’s diverse legal background includes serving as a defense attorney and managing a private practice for over 20 years, specializing in Civil Litigation, Family Law, and Estate Planning. Pat has presided over or tried more than three hundred jury trials throughout his career, highlighting his ability to manage complex cases and deliver fair judgments.
Throughout his 38-year career as an attorney, prosecutor, and judge, Pat has served on numerous committees at the state, county, school, and city levels. His experience in rural communities has equipped him with a deep understanding of county government operations, including advising Commissioners Courts. Pat has established excellent relationships with District Judges, County Judges, and most prosecutors and sheriffs in the region.
Pat is enthusiastic about advocating for individuals' rights and ensuring equitable access to legal representation. His commitment to justice and public service, combined with his comprehensive legal expertise, make him the right person to lead the High Plains Regional Public Defender’s Office.
Savanah Cavezuela
Office Manager
Savannah joins HPRPDO with several years of experience in legal procedures as a legal assistant, client care coordinator, deputy court clerk, county and district court coordinator and former Justice of the Peace Court Judge. Her passion is in committing to the team she works alongside to bring justice through competent and confident legal representation. Savannah holds a Bachelor of Science in Legal Support and Services with a Concentration in Paralegal Studies and Paralegal Certification from Purdue University.
Born in Hockley County, residing in Cochran County, proudly serves the surrounding 12 counties that participate and trust in the mission of the Texas Indigent Defense Commission to appoint counsel, so justice is served and in turn our communities and society are served.
Sherri Griffith
Assistant Office Manager and Social Worker
Sherri comes to the High Plains Regional Public Defender’s Office as a seasoned legal professional with over 25 years of experience spanning civil litigation, employment law, and public defense. Her career reflects a deep commitment to justice and equity, particularly through her work over the past 13 years with public defender offices, where she has passionately advocated for indigent clients facing criminal charges. Sherri brings not only legal acumen but also a strong operational mindset—skilled in developing and managing office systems, mentoring support staff, assisting with budget planning, and streamlining workflows to enhance efficiency and data reporting. Her leadership style is rooted in service, collaboration, and a drive to improve outcomes for both clients and the teams that support them.
Born in Plainview, Texas, Sherri spent much of her childhood visiting close relatives in the rural communities she now proudly serves. These early experiences instilled in her a deep understanding of and connection to the people and places that shaped her work today. When she’s not in the office, Sherri can often be found in nature—traveling with her camper and two dogs, exploring new trails, and embracing the peace and perspective that the outdoors provides.
Michelle Daniel
Legal Assistant
A native of Hale County, Michelle Daniel attended Plainview schools and upon graduating, she moved to Lubbock and attended Texas Tech University, earning Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature, and in History. In 2020 Michelle returned to her childhood home near Halfway to care for her aging parents.
Michelle worked for Lubbock County for 23 years; 22 of those serving as an administrative assistant in Lubbock County Detention Center. Her tenure in criminal justice allowed her to develop a range of experience with many facets of the system. For over a decade, Michelle also volunteered with of Voice of Hope, Lubbock Rape Crisis Center. Her professional and volunteer experience allowed her the privilege of working for and with exceptional officers, attorneys, judges, mental health providers, and social workers who understood the value of holistic collaboration in criminal justice. From education to counseling to job placement, bringing resources together to assist with clients’ needs, empowers them to succeed, in and out of the criminal justice system.
Michelle is excited to be a part of the HPRPDO team and their commitment to the holistic defense of clients to safeguard the equitable treatment of every person in the criminal justice system.
Clint Overland
Lead Investigator
Born and reared in the high plains of the Llano Estacado, Clint Overland is a 5th generation Texan and a staunch believer in God, his family the US constitution and beans do not go into chili. After a youth spent reading Louis Lamor and Robert E Howard, he decided that a life worth living was a life worth risking. After a stint as a USAF law enforcement MWD K9 handler he returned to the Panhandle and began a varied life of cowboy, truck driver, bouncer, bounty hunter and multiple other not so savory jobs. Married to his true love 23 years he is the father of 4 PaPa of 5 and a true Constitutionalist! When asked why he choose to become an investigator for a Defense team He relies constantly that the Constitution says you are innocent unless proven guilty by a jury of your peers and that is what I believe in defending with my everything. The Rights protected from being abused by the overwhelming presence of the government!
Melanie Knabe
Case Worker
Melanie Knabe is a dedicated and compassionate professional with a strong academic foundation and a heart for service. She holds an Associate's degree in Behavioral Science from South Plains College, a bachelor's degree in Psychology with a minor in Business Administration, and a master's degree in Human Services with an emphasis in Counseling from Wayland Baptist University. She is pursuing a doctorate in Strategic Leadership, further deepening her commitment to empowering individuals and communities.
Driven by a passion for helping those in need, Melanie believes in the power of support, guidance, and hope. Her work is centered around making a meaningful difference in the lives of others, ensuring that people know help is available and accessible.
Caytlin Nichols
Public Defender
A native of Hockley County, Caytlin Nichols obtained a bachelor’s degree in Broadcasting and Electronic Media from. West Texas A&M. Caytlin then graduated from the Texas Tech School of Law.
After graduating from law school Caytlin worked as a general practice attorney in Spearman, Texas, then joined HPRPDO in 2025.
Caytlin is excited to be a part of the HPRPDO team.
Kaytlyn Martinez "Katy"
Legal Assistant
Katy, a proud local of Hockley County, is a dedicated and detail-oriented legal assistant with a strong passion for supporting legal teams. She joined HPRDPO with excitement and determination. Katy graduated from Bryant and Stratton University with an Associates of Applied Science, specializing in Paralegal Studies, in April of 2025. She looks forward to being a part of our team and using her skills to support the attorneys in providing valuable services to the indigent community, ensuring justice and hope for all.