Who is Taking Indigent Defense Cases in Texas?

• In Event: Data in Indigent Defense: Identity, Culture, and Education: A Focus on the Public Defender

Abstract

There are three main types of attorneys who take indigent defense cases in Texas: Assigned counsel, contract counsel, and public defenders. Annually as many as 5,000 attorneys take indigent defense cases throughout the 254 counties in Texas. This study will explore data from 2018 to 2023 and look at the demographic landscape of these attorneys, how long and where they take cases, as well as a broader understanding of trends surrounding their work in adult criminal, juvenile delinquency, and family protection appointments.

Authors

• Sarah Gammell, Texas Indigent Defense Commission

• Kristin Meeks, Texas Indigent Defense Commission