Getting Magistrations Right

• In Event: Data in Indigent Defense: Non-representation and Waiver of Counsel

Abstract

Every year, Texas convicts thousands of people of misdemeanors even though they never had a lawyer’s help. In this presentation, the Deason Center will present findings and recommendations from its report Getting Magistrations Right. The report shows differences in rates of representation between four counties with contrasting procedures for accessing appointed lawyers. Center recommendations focus on how procedures can be designed to make sure access to a lawyer, where it is required, is assured.

Authors

• Shelby Sirivore, Deason Criminal Justice Reform Center, SMU Dedman School of Law

• Andrew L. Davies, Deason Criminal Justice Reform Center, SMU Dedman School of Law