Andrew & Andrew on Texas Criminal Defense

Andrew Herreth & Andrew Decker

Two attorneys practicing Criminal Defense in Texas want to gain and share knowledge from some of the best lawyers in their field.

  1. FEB 15

    How Harris County’s Managed Assigned Counsel (MAC) Office Is Changing Indigent Defense in Texas

    In this episode of Andrew & Andrew on Texas Criminal Defense, we sit down with Natalie Ware, Chief of Misdemeanor and Training Director for the Harris County Office of Managed Assigned Counsel (MAC) to break down how Texas is transforming indigent defense at the misdemeanor level. If you’re a Texas criminal defense attorney — or simply interested in how the criminal justice system works — this episode offers a rare inside look at: What the Harris County Managed Assigned Counsel system actually does How attorneys qualify to take appointed misdemeanor cases Training requirements for MAC list attorneys Pay structure and voucher oversight Caseload standards in Harris County Recidivism data and dismissal rates The client-centered, holistic defense model How social workers and immigration attorneys support appointed counsel Why holistic criminal defense reduces jail time without increasing future crime We also discuss how the MAC office provides interdisciplinary support — including social workers, immigration specialists, and resource attorneys — to ensure clients receive representation that addresses both legal and life circumstances. For criminal defense lawyers across Texas, this episode is a must-listen discussion on the future of indigent defense reform and what other counties can learn from Harris County’s model. If you practice criminal law, serve on appointment lists, or are interested in public defense reform, this conversation provides practical insight into how systems change happens. Learn more about the Harris County MAC office at: https://mac.harriscountytx.gov 00:00 Introduction 03:00 What is Managed Assigned Counsel? 08:00 How attorneys qualify for the MAC list 14:00 Training requirements for appointed counsel 19:00 Holistic defense explained 23:00 Immigration support & Padilla implications 29:00 Pay structure for appointed attorneys 37:00 Recidivism and dismissal statistics 44:00 The future of indigent defense in Texas

    53 min
5
out of 5
46 Ratings

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Two attorneys practicing Criminal Defense in Texas want to gain and share knowledge from some of the best lawyers in their field.