Justice advocates have long pushed for Counsel at First Appearance (CAFA) to guarantee all individuals access to legal representation during their initial bail hearings. After attempts at a pilot program in 2022 failed due to staff shortages, Austin has made strides toward establishing CAFA shifts permanently by October 1, 2024. A recent meeting approved the hiring of 39 new personnel to support this initiative, demonstrating a commitment to ensuring vital legal rights are upheld for defendants.
With the CAFA program set to launch on a more consistent basis, we see it as a pivotal step in defending the rights of the accused at their most vulnerable. The resolution to integrate permanent staffing from various departments, including Public Defenders and the Community Legal Services’ new division, indicates a holistic approach to the legal needs of Travis County’s residents. This is about ensuring fair representation from the very first moment someone comes into contact with the judicial system.
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