The Credo of the Dallas County Public Defender's Office
We believe that standing with strength and pride next to those accused of wrongdoing and telling their stories in a system that wishes to ignore or erase their voices is the highest expression of the values we hold. Coming from all walks of life and from different disciplines, we believe in the power of collaboration not only to lift up our clients but also to lift up our community.
Christi Dean, Chief Public Defender
Mission & Story
History
In 1983, influenced by the spirit of justice and the story of Clarence Gideon, Commissioner John Wiley Price used his platform, presence, and influence to convince the Dallas County Commissioners Court to establish the Dallas County Public Defender’s Office.
What began with a staff of fourteen, including eight attorneys representing clients in four criminal district courts, two investigators, two secretaries, a receptionist, and an interpreter, has blossomed into one of the largest Public Defender’s Offices of its kind in the State of Texas.
In all cases, the individuals represented by the Public Defender’s Office have been found “indigent” by the court. A defendant is deemed indigent when he/she does not have sufficient income to afford an attorney for legal representation. If the court finds a defendant is indigent, the court must appoint a public defender or an attorney in private practice who meets the eligibility requirements to represent him/her. Attorneys in private practice are not affiliated with the Dallas County Public Defender’s Office.
Mission
Our mission is to rise above historical biases against public defense and make public defense the standard of excellence. We provide the highest level of legal advocacy and achieve the best possible outcomes in and out of the courtroom through intensive training, vigorous litigation, community partnerships, and legislative engagement.
Vision
We envision a legal system that affords all individuals dignity, high-quality legal defense, and the chance to be defined by their potential and not their past.
Values
- Excellence in Representation
- Compassion
- Collaboration
- Integrity
Who We Are
We are a team of attorneys, investigators, social workers, and support staff dedicated to making justice accessible to everyone. What began as a small group driven by fairness has grown into a strong community committed to protecting rights, uplifting clients, and ensuring everyone has a fair chance at justice.
Public Defender's Credo:
I AM A PUBLIC DEFENDER,
I AM THE GUARDIAN OF THE PRESUMPTION OF INNOCENCE.
MY CLIENTS ARE THE INDIGENT ACCUSED.
THEY ARE THE LONELY, THE FRIENDLESS.
THERE IS NO ONE TO SPEAK FOR THEM BUT ME.
MY VOICE WILL BE RAISED IN THEIR DEFENSE.
I WILL PROTECT AND DEFEND MY CLIENTS AND THE
CONSTITUTIONS OF THE UNITED STATES
AND THE STATE OF TEXAS.
What We Do
Public defenders don’t just defend cases; we defend people’s futures. At the Dallas County Public Defender’s Office, we handle everything from misdemeanors to murder trials and advocate for juveniles, families, and individuals in crisis. Our work involves legal research, interviewing witnesses, reviewing evidence, and arguing bail. Some days we’re in court fighting for our clients’ rights, and other days we’re behind the scenes solving problems, preparing cases, and working to ensure fairness and justice for everyone we represent.
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