Reports and Resources
Recommendations and Implementation of Best Practices in Indigent Defense Delivery
Ten Principles of a Public Defense Delivery System - The Principles were created by the American Bar Association as a practical guide for governmental officials, policymakers, and other parties who are charged with creating and funding new, or improving existing, public defense delivery systems. (2002)
Blueprint for Creating a Public Defender Office in Texas - This blueprint by the Task Force on Indigent Defense is intended to be a tool for Texas local and state officials who seek a deeper understanding of what a “public defender” is and whether creating one makes sense for their county or region. (2008)Reports on Indigent Defense
Gideon’s Broken Promise: America’s Continuing Quest for Equal Justice - The American Bar Association held a series of public hearings to examine whether the right to counsel for indigents were being practiced. The hearings support showed that thousands of persons are processed through America’s courts with no lawyer or with a lawyer who does not have the inclination to provide effective representation. (2004)Reports on Indigent Defense Practices in Texas
Giving Timbre to Gideon's Trumpet: Evaluating the Administration and Effectiveness of Legal Representation for Texas' Indigent Criminal Defendants - Michael K. Moore and Allan K. Butcher provide an examination of the Fair Defense Act’s early years from the perspective of three groups involved in the courtroom - criminal defense attorneys, prosecutors, and judges. (2007)
Examining the Impact of Criminal Defense Reform in Texas: Has the Fair Defense Been Effective? - This paper provides an examination of the Fair Defense Act’s early years from the perspective of the criminal defense attorneys and prosecutors. (2005)
The Fair Defense Report: Analysis of Indigent Defense Practices in Texas, A Reference Report - This report by Texas Appleseed provides a comprehensive analysis of indigent defense practices in Texas as they existed at that time and documents the pressing reform issues. (December 2000)
The Fair Defense Report: Findings and Recommendations on Indigent Defense Practices in Texas - This report provides the resulting findings and recommendations based on the comprehensive Fair Defense Report study of county-level indigent defense practices in Texas. (December 2000)Resources for Defendants:
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How to Ask for a Court-Appointed Lawyer - Texas has 254 counties which vary in their attorney appointment process. If you would like to have an attorney represent you in a criminal (or juvenile) proceeding, you have the right to request an attorney and to receive assistance in completing the forms to request an attorney.
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If you would like to find an attorney or would like to receive a brief consultation with an attorney about your case, you may contact the Lawyer Referral Information Service (LRIS) of the State Bar of Texas. LRIS can provide you with the name and number of an attorney in your county who may specialize in the area of law you need. Attorneys referred by LRIS may provide a 30-minute initial consultation for a $20 fee. Contact the LRIS toll free at 1-800-252-9690 or 1-877-9TEXBAR. Please read these Lawyer Referral Tips to better prepare before contacting an attorney.
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All lawyers in Texas – including prosecutors, defense attorneys, and judges – are obligated to maintain a high standard of ethical conduct. If you would like to file a complaint against an attorney, you may wish to contact the following organizations:
Client-Attorney Assistance Program
P.O. Box 12487
Austin, TX 78711-2487
Austin, TX 78711-2487
Client-Attorney Assistance Program (CAAP) is a statewide service provided by the State Bar of Texas which supports dispute resolution and the attorney disciplinary process by accepting grievances against attorneys licensed in Texas for investigation. Furthermore, CAAP may offer appropriate referrals to departments, local bar associations, and other community and State agencies. More information is available online by clicking the “Client Assistance and Grievance” link at or by calling the CAAP Grievance Information Hotline toll free at 1-800-932-1900 or 1-800-204-2222 ext. 1790. The Attorney Complaint Information brochure published by the State Bar of Texas covers many common questions about filing a grievance.
510 South Congress, Suite 208
Austin, TX 78704
The Texas Fair Defense Campaign offers a complaint intake process. Although the Texas Fair Defense Campaign does not provide direct representation, sharing your story will help in advocacy efforts for improved indigent defense services and they may be able to provide you with more helpful information or appropriate assistance.