The Shrinking Panel of Court-Appointed Lawyers in Bexar County

• In Event: Data in Indigent Defense: Echoes of Austerity: The Shrinking Pool of Private Attorneys

Abstract

Bexar County, home to one of Texas' largest criminal justice systems, is facing a growing crisis in its indigent defense system. Historically, private attorneys played a critical role in ensuring that indigent defendants received legal representation alongside the Public Defenders. However, over the past decade, the number of attorneys willing to accept court appointments has steadily declined, leaving fewer lawyers to handle an increasing caseload. While this issue is statewide, Bexar County has experienced a particularly sharp decline in private attorneys on the indigent appointment lists. This has resulted in excessive workloads for the remaining attorneys. Several factors have contributed to the diminishing pool of private attorneys willing to accept court appointments in Bexar County. Addressing the shortage of court-appointed attorneys in Bexar County requires a multifaceted approach. Without meaningful reform, the continued decline in court-appointed attorneys will only deepen the strain on Bexar County’s indigent defense system. Ensuring that every defendant receives effective legal representation requires immediate action to remove barriers and improve the viability of private bar appointments.

Authors

• Jim Bethke, Bexar County MAC

• Jessy Tyler, Harris County County Public Defenders Office

• Micaela Sudolcan, Bexar County MAC