About Texas Defense Data
Making public defense data accessible to drive meaningful reform
Our Mission
Texas Defense Data is dedicated to increasing transparency and accountability in the criminal justice system by making indigent defense data accessible to the public. We believe that data-driven insights can lead to more equitable outcomes for defendants and more efficient allocation of resources within the public defense system.
By collecting, analyzing, and presenting data on public defense in Texas, we aim to highlight disparities, identify areas for improvement, and provide evidence-based recommendations for policy reform. Our goal is to contribute to a more just and fair legal system that serves all citizens, regardless of their economic status.
Project Timeline
2021
Project initiated with grant funding
2022
Data collection and validation methodology established
2023
First comprehensive dataset published
2024
Interactive data tools launched
Our Team
Texas Defense Data is a collaborative project between legal professionals, data scientists, and community advocates. Our team brings together expertise from various disciplines to ensure that our data is accurate, comprehensive, and presented in a way that is accessible to both experts and the general public.
Legal Experts
Our team includes former public defenders, criminal justice researchers, and legal scholars who provide context and insight into the data we collect.
Data Scientists
Our data scientists ensure that our methodologies are sound, our analyses are rigorous, and our visualizations accurately represent the underlying data.
Community Advocates
We work closely with community organizations to ensure that our work addresses the real needs and concerns of those most affected by the criminal justice system.
Our Methodology
We are committed to transparency not only in the data we present but also in how we collect and analyze it. Our methodology is rigorous and designed to ensure that our findings are accurate, reliable, and useful for driving policy change.
Data Collection
We collect data from various sources, including court records, public defender offices, and government agencies. All data is anonymized to protect the privacy of individuals while still providing valuable insights into systemic patterns.
Data Analysis
Our analysis is conducted using established statistical methods and is reviewed by experts in both data science and criminal justice to ensure accuracy and relevance.
Data Validation
We employ rigorous validation processes to ensure the accuracy and reliability of our data. This includes cross-referencing multiple sources, conducting consistency checks, and regularly updating our datasets.
Presentation
We strive to present our data in ways that are accessible to a wide audience, from policymakers and researchers to community members and advocates. Our visualizations and explanations are designed to be clear, informative, and actionable.