University of Texas School of Law Criminal Defense Clinic

Students represent indigent defendants charged with misdemeanors in Travis County. Typical offenses include DWI, theft, assault, and drug possession. Students function as “first chair” attorneys, with the supervising attorneys sitting as “second chair” during court proceedings. Students arrange jail releases, interview clients and witnesses, litigate pretrial issues, negotiate with prosecutors, and try cases before judges and juries. For appeals, students review transcripts, write briefs, and present oral argume