Frequently Asked Questions

The frequently asked questions section has been created to answer the most common questions received by the Appellate Public Defender's Office.  If this section doesn't address your question, call our main number at:  210-335-0701

How do I find an attorney?

Where you go to find an attorney depends on what kind of case you need help with.

An Appellate Public Defender is an attorney who works for the Appellate Public Defender's Office and hence, accepts court-appointed cases.

A court-appointed attorney is an attorney who accepts court appointed cases, primarily but not exclusively in criminal or juvenile cases.

The courts make that decision, but we've outlined the process for your information.

For purposes of legal representation, a person who is indigent is a person who cannot afford to hire, or retain, an attorney to represent them in a pending legal matter.

An indictment is the document which the Grand Jury must complete for someone to be taken to court for a felony.

28.01 refers to Article 28.01 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure which guarantees accused individuals the right to file written pleadings (or motions) with the Court.

Courts frequently hold pre-trial hearings so that defense attorneys and prosecutors can meet with the judge to discuss the allegations against an accused individual.

There are two types of bond which an accused individual can receive at a bond reduction.