03: Texas Public Defense with James McDermott and Scott Ehlers

In a country that lacks legal representation for all, some people are fighting for change. 

 

James McDermott, Chief Public Defender of Far West Texas, and Scott Ehlers, Director of Public Defense Improvement at the Texas Indigent Defense Commission, are two of those people.

 

In this group interview, James and Scott discuss the Texas Indigent Defense System and how they make a positive impact in their respective areas. 

 

We uncover the barriers stopping people from receiving fair legal representation and even hear some heartwarming stories about clients that James and Scott represent. 

 

If you want to dive deep into the complexities of the Texas Indigent Defense System and learn how you can help, this is the episode for you.

 

Key Topics and Takeaways 

 

• What James and Scott do, and the role their offices play.
• Community outreach and support services within the Texas Indigent Defense System.
• Why the willingness for judges to work with public defenders is so important.
• The barriers stopping Texas from providing fair legal representation.
• The real price of public defense and why Texas has not allowed more state funding.
• Who the average client of a public defense office is.
• The importance of client-centered and holistic defense models.

Guests:

James McDermott, Chief Public Defender Far West Texas

Far West Texas Regional Public Defender

Scott Ehlers, Director of Public Defense Improvement, Texas Indigent Defense Commission

Texas Indigent Defense Commission 

 

References

County Sixth Amendment Center

Texas Fair Defense Project 

Texas Inmate Families Association