• Innocence Project of Texas (IPTX)
• University of Houston Law Center Texas Innocence Network
• University of Texas School of Law Actual Innocence Clinic
• Thurgood Marshall School of Law Innocence Project
• University of North Texas Dallas College of Law Joyce Ann Brown Innocence Clinic

• If you have been charged with a crime and want to request court-appointed counsel, contact the indigent defense coordinator, court coordinator or judge in the county where you have been charged. See the applicable indigent defense plan or you can call your court for instructions on local processes.
• State Bar of Texas Lawyer Referral Services
• Lawyer Referral Service of Central Texas

• Your local legal aid organization: Texas RioGrande Legal Aid (Office locations in Southwest Texas); Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas (Service area); Lone Star Legal Aid (Counties served)
• Texas Court Help
• Texas Law Help
• Texas Legal Services Center Family Helpline (for Child Protective Services ("CPS") issues)

• State Bar of Texas Client Attorney Assistance Program (CAAP)
• State Bar of Texas Grievance System
• State Bar of Texas Grievance information Helpline: (800) 932-1900

• Office of State Commission on Judicial Conduct

• Texas Fair Defense Project

• Texas Jail Project

• Texas Civil Rights Project

• Disability Rights Texas

If you have been accused of a felony, Class A misdemeanor, Class B misdemeanor, or a juvenile offense, you have the right to an attorney. Gideon v. Wainright, 372 U.S. 335, 344 (1963); Argersinger v. Hamlin, 407 U.S. 25, 36 (1972); In re Gault, 387 U.S. 1, 30 (1967); Tex. Const. art. I. You also have the right to an attorney on direct appeal. Douglas v. California, 372 U.S. 353, 355 (1963).

The consequences of a criminal conviction—which may include fines, fees, jail time, prison time, loss of licenses, reporting requirements, access to public benefits, ability to own a firearm, child custody, housing benefits, employment, or deportation—can be serious. A lawyer can help you navigate the criminal justice system and explain criminal laws, criminal procedure, motion practice, evidentiary rules, sentencing, and mitigation. You also have the right to represent yourself, if you do not want a lawyer. Faretta v. California, 442 U.S. 806 (1975).

See the following link for helpful legal aid contacts: https://www.txcourts.gov/programs-services/legal-aid/.

If you cannot afford an attorney, you have the right to have one appointed to you in a felony, Class A misdemeanor, Class B misdemeanor, juvenile, or direct appeal case. See Tex. Code Crim. Pro. Ann. art. 1.051(b); Gideon v. Wainwright, 372 U.S. 335, 341 (1963).

You need pay only what you can afford, which may be nothing. The court cannot bill you for attorney costs, unless it determines that you are able to pay. Tex. Code Crim. Pro. CCP 26.05(g)-(g-1); Mayer v. State, 309 S.W.3d 552, 556 (Tex. Crim. App. 2010). If you do not have the ability to pay even small fees for an attorney, tell the court.

There are two times when a judge should ask you if you want a lawyer appointed to you:

• Shortly after you are arrested, at what is called “magistration” or the “Article 15.17 hearing.” Code Crim. Pro. art. 15.17.
• When you go to the courthouse for the first time, which is called “arraignment.” Code Crim. Pro. art. 26.01.

You can also ask for a lawyer at any time after magistration. Title 1 Tex. Admin. Code § 174.51.

After you ask for a lawyer, you will be asked about your finances. Depending on what county you’re in, you may need to:

• Fill out a form about your income, expenses, and property
• Be interviewed by a judge or court staff
• Collect documents for proof of your financial statements (e.g. pay stub)
• Swear an oath to the truth of your financial statements

Try to give information that is complete and accurate as possible and ask for help if you need it. There are many questions a judge can ask about your finances, but they should not ask whether other people (except your spouse) can pay for a lawyer for you. Tex. Code Crim. Pro. Ann. art. 26.04(m). If you have special circumstances that make it harder for you to afford a lawyer (like children who are dependent on you or debt), remember to explain that to the court.

Once you have asked for a lawyer, a judge has up to three days to decide whether you financially qualify (and only one day to decide in larger counties). Tex. Code Crim. Pro. Ann. art. 1.051(c). A judge may appoint a lawyer to you the same day you are in court, or you may hear from your lawyer soon after they are appointed. You may not hear back from the court if your request for a lawyer was denied. If you are not sure if you have a lawyer, contact the court.

You have a right to talk to your lawyer:

• When being interrogated by police. Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436 (1966); Pecina v. State, 361 S.W.3d 68, 75-76 (Tex. Crim. App. 2012). Police must stop interrogating you if you say you want to speak to a lawyer.
• In private, before a court hearing. Code Crim. Pro. Ann. art. 1.051(a). The court should stop a hearing if you haven’t had a chance to speak with your lawyer confidentially before it begins.
• During a court hearing. Tell your lawyer if you do not understand something.

You have the right to a lawyer who is competent and diligent, and who communicates with you. Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668, 685 (1984). If your lawyer will not talk to you or work on your case, ask the court for help. If the court does not help, contact the State Bar of Texas’s Client-Attorney Assistance Program: https://www.texasbar.com/Content/NavigationMenu/ForThePublic/ProblemswithanAttorney/CAAP/default.htm

Your lawyer must contact you within a day of being appointed to your case. Tex. Code Crim. Pro. Ann. art. 26.04(j)(1). This may be by sending you a letter. Your lawyer must interview as soon as practicable after they are appointed to represent you. Tex. Code Crim. Pro. Ann. art. 26.04(j)(1).  The court can give you your lawyer’s name and contact information if you need it.