Receive briefing on public defense attorney shortage and possible solutions. (Commissioner Howard)

Staff Report & Agenda Item Details

Travis County Public Defender's Office (PDO) about 20% of all public defense clients in the County. The remainder are represented by the Capital Area Private Defender Service (CAPDS). And CAPDS has lost half of its attorneys in the past decade. This attorney shortage has rendered it difficult for the County to meet its statutory and constitutional obligations. Public defense leaders will brief the Court on the problem and potential solutions.