The Causal Impact of Counsel at First Appearance: Evidence from Two Randomized Control Trials

• In Event: Legal Representation and Justice Outcomes

Abstract

This paper examines the impact of defense counsel at first appearance (CAFA) on criminal justice outcomes using randomized control trials in two Texas counties. The study evaluates the influence of CAFA on bond amounts, pretrial release, conditions, and post-magistration outcomes such as recidivism and failure to appear. Results show that CAFA reduces bond amounts in both jurisdiction but only influences bond types and pretrial release in one. As expected, CAFA's impact on recidivism is limited. These findings highlight jurisdictional differences and suggest that CAFA’s impact may be more nuanced than previous studies indicate, underscoring the need for further research in this area.

Author

• Georges Naufal, Texas A&M University
  Presenting Author