Let's kiss unequal representation for low-income residents goodbye in Hays Co!

On behalf of the Public Defender's Alliance (PDA), we invite you to express why you think our county needs a Public Defender's Office next Tues, May 7th!
Community members can share thoughts with Commissioners at the Hays County Historic Courthouse, where they will vote on whether to submit a grant to the Texas Indigent Defense Commission -- who is offering to cover 80% of the costs the 1st year & half the costs over four years -- to build a Public Defender's Office in Hays County!

A Public Defender's Office would be an alternative to overworked court-appointed attorneys, allowing low-income defendants to receive thorough support beyond just at sentencing -- while also reducing the amount of people in the overcrowded Hays County Jail:

* A Mental Health Public Defender to represent individuals with mental health concerns by connecting them with adequate services -- instead of the Jail continuing to serve as the largest mental-health provider in Hays County

* An Immigration (Padilla) Public Defender to ensure non-citizens have their constitutional rights protected and that they are properly informed of consequences from plea decisions on their immigration status, as required under law.

* Counsel at Magistration to ensure all defendants will have a lawyer present the first time they see a judge: ascertaining probable cause for charges brought against the accused, which could reduce a bond or result in release from jail with charges dropped.


WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
*Sign-up will be from 8-8:45am, so get there EARLY! *Free breakfast tacos available for our participants, provided by Mano Amiga.

*Each person gets 3 minutes to speak! If you have something you want to share but don't know how to share it, contact Mano Amiga or Arrondi Creative here on Facebook.

Come help us educate county officials on the numerous benefits of a Public Defender's Office!