Texas Defense Data
Explore public defense data to understand disparities and drive reform
Data Overview
Our data provides insights into various aspects of the public defense system in Texas, including caseloads, outcomes, attorney assignments, and more. By exploring this data, you can gain a better understanding of the challenges faced by public defenders and their clients, as well as identify opportunities for improvement.
We present our data in multiple formats to accommodate different needs and preferences. You can explore interactive visualizations, download raw data for your own analysis, or read our reports that provide context and interpretation of the findings.
Caseloads in Texas
Whether someone accused of a crime hires an attorney or is appointed one depends on a lot of factors. The accused may have more money and resources to afford an attorney. For instance, if more people arrested for driving while intoxicated charges tend to have a higher income compared to people charged with other types of crimes, then we would see a higher proportion of folks accused of DWIs retaining their own attorney.
→ Explore Caseload DataOutcomes in Texas
Whether someone accused of a crime hires an attorney or is appointed one depends on a lot of factors. The accused may have more money and resources to afford an attorney. For instance, if more people arrested for driving while intoxicated charges tend to have a higher income compared to people charged with other types of crimes, then we would see a higher proportion of folks accused of DWIs retaining their own attorney.
→ Explore Outcome DataData Methodology
Our data is collected from various sources, including court records, public defender offices, and government agencies. We employ rigorous validation processes to ensure the accuracy and reliability of our data, including cross-referencing multiple sources, conducting consistency checks, and regularly updating our datasets.
Learn More About Our MethodologyData Downloads
We provide access to our raw data for researchers, policymakers, and other interested parties. All data is anonymized to protect the privacy of individuals while still providing valuable insights into systemic patterns.
Caseload Data (2023)
CSV file containing caseload data for all counties in Texas for the year 2023.
Outcome Data (2023)
CSV file containing case outcome data for all counties in Texas for the year 2023.
Complete Dataset (2021-2023)
ZIP file containing all data collected from 2021 to 2023, including caseloads, outcomes, and more.
Data Visualizations
Our interactive visualizations allow you to explore the data in a more intuitive way. You can filter by county, year, case type, and more to gain insights into specific aspects of the public defense system in Texas.