Texas Defender Service

TDS provides direct representation to indigent inmates on Texas' death row, consults with other lawyers litigating such cases, intervenes in cases where expert legal assistance is urgently needed, and engages in issue advocacy to improve the Texas criminal justice system. TDS' mission is to establish a fair and just criminal justice system in Texas. There are five aspects of TDS' work, all of which aim to improve the fairness of the proceedings or quality of representation provided to indigent persons in Texas, as follows: (See Schedule O)* Litigation Department provides direct representation post-conviction litigation and consulting to reduce new death sentences. The litigation department also consults on high-risk pre-trial cases on which the mitigation unit is appointed.* Mitigation Unit provides direct representation as mitigation specialists on capital and non-capital cases across the state. The unit focuses on pre-trial cases to reduce new death sentences.* Policy Advocacy provides systemic research, advocacy, and report publication regarding the Texas death penalty and criminal justice issues.* Capital Litigation Communication is a comprehensive campaign designed to increase the chances for capital litigation success and erode public confidence in the death penalty.