x
Breaking News
More () »

Hays County selects vendor to serve new public defender's office, alleviate overcrowding in jail

Currently, local defense attorneys in Hays County take turns representing people in need of a lawyer.

HAYS COUNTY, Texas — Hays County is finally getting a public defender's office.

At a meeting on May 24, the County voted to select Neighborhood Defender Services to serve as a vendor to fulfill the new public defender's office.

KVUE previously reported on the need for the office. The new public defender's office will supply lawyers to those who need them and create other resources. Currently, local defense attorneys in Hays County take turns representing people in need of a lawyer.  

This comes as the Hays County Jail faces overcrowding issues. 

The public defender’s office is being funded by $5 million from the American Rescue Plan.  

RELATED: Hays County leaders are finalizing details to create a Public Defender's Office

One of the commissioners who pushed for a public defender's office previously told KVUE that she believes having a public defender’s office will allow cases to get processed more quickly, helping to keep people from staying in jail longer than needed. Commissioners say too many people are kept in the Hays County Jail because they can't afford bail.

Now that a vendor has been selected, it will take about one to two months for contract negotiations and another six months before the office will be able to take on cases.

PEOPLE ARE ALSO READING:

'I just started bawling': They offered $100K over on a house and got rejected - again. What does it take?

Travis County judge charged with DWI does not plan to resign

Neighbors continue voicing concerns as Round Rock deals with leak overflowing wastewater facility

Before You Leave, Check This Out