Legal proceedings can be incredibly stressful and arduous regardless of the involvement of criminal charges as the American Bar Association finds that nearly 80% of low-income individuals cannot afford representation. With Texas employing a notoriously complex system to determine who’s eligible for a public defender, low-income individuals facing grave legal challenges such as immigration issues or domestic violence may be better off looking for local pro bono lawyers in Hays County and other highly populated counties. Here’s more information on pro bono representation and the types of services available in Hays County.
What is Pro Bono Representation?
Pro bono representation comes from the Latin phrase meaning “for the public good” and refers to professional legal services that are provided at (usually) no cost or a highly reduced cost. Pro bono representation is a way to ensure equity in the judicial system, with the American Bar Association recommending that every lawyer takes on at least 50 hours of pro bono work per year.
Pro bono representation is not only focused on serving those of low income but is largely based on aiding those who are historically disenfranchised by the legal system, such as victims of police brutality or individuals filing an appeal of their sentence. Pro Bono lawyers in Hays County and Central Texas largely handle legal matters relating to immigration and domestic violence.
Hays County Pro Bono Lawyers:
Finding a pro bono lawyer in Hays County will likely have to be done through a local organization, as you’re less likely to find a law office or firm that will commit to pro bono representation after one initial consultation. Here are some organizations that provide various types of pro bono representation throughout Hays County and Central Texas:
American Gateways:
American Gateways is a nonprofit organization of more than 300 volunteer lawyers and law professionals serving Hays and 23 other counties throughout Texas. Working with immigrants, political refugees, and survivors of persecution and human trafficking, American Gateways is one of Texas’ largest immigration legal service providers and offers pro bono representation throughout the entirety of a case. In addition to representing clients in immigration court, aiding them with asylum, and formulating domestic violence petitions, American Gateways provides a variety of educational services including immigration workshops, legal orientations, and community and stakeholder outreach. American Gateways will provide legal services to anyone meeting their income guidelines and case priorities. To determine your eligibility, call the Austin office at (512) 478- 0546 extension 200.
Hays-Caldwell Women’s Center (HCWC):
The Hays-Caldwell Women’s Center is a nonprofit domestic violence shelter located in San Marcos offering free and confidential services to those living, working, or going to school in Hays or Caldwell counties who are victims of family violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and child abuse. In 2022 alone the HCWC provided support to over 2,000 community members, including 639 victims of child abuse and 978 victims of domestic violence. In addition to providing counseling, shelter, and crisis response, The HCWC can provide Hays-Caldwell residents with legal services including assistance with legal aid and protective order applications. For assistance from the HCWC, call their 24-hour crisis and informational HELPline which can be reached at (512) 396- 4357.
Texas RioGrande Legal Aid (TRLA):
Founded to protect Texas farm workers, Today Texas RioGrande Legal Aid provides free legal services to 68 southwestern Texas counties. Specializing in over 45 areas of representation such as civil rights, housing, farmwork, family law, employment, and bankruptcy, TRLA is Texas’ largest legal aid provider and the second largest in the country. TRLA also provides several special programs catered toward groups with unique legal needs and challenges such as programs devoted to LGBTQ civil rights, mental illness legal advocacy, and legal aid for current and former foster care youth. As a state and federally-funded agency, TRLA has strict income, asset, and immigration guidelines to determine your eligibility for services. For assistance with the application process, call the Telephone Access to Justice (TAJ) hotline at (833) 329- 8752.
Call A Hays County Pro Bono Lawyer Organization Today!
If you’re in need of legal assistance, don’t wait to be assigned a Texas public defender. Call a Hays County pro bono organization today to safeguard your freedoms and provide you with justice.
