NACDL will draft a pretrial release manual, tailored to the specific legal framework, defense bar needs and challenges of Harris County, TX. The manual will include a discussion of fundamental bail issues and case law, practice guidelines and checklists for effective bail advocacy, a catalog of Harris County's laws and procedures, sample pleadings, applicable risk-assessment tools, and available resources within the jurisdiction. Throughout the manual, every effort will be made to underscore the importance of pretrial release and the vital role of the defense lawyer in advocating for the client’s liberty pending trial. The manual will be provided to on-site training attendees and made available online through NACDL’s website.
Met with the authors to review the second draft at the Harris County Public Defender's Office.