Austin Bar Association’s Post

🚨 ACLU of Texas Files Class-Action Lawsuit 🚨 The ACLU of Texas has filed a federal class-action complaint against Travis County for allegedly denying legal counsel during first appearances. The lawsuit highlights that many arrested individuals must attend court without a lawyer, violating their Sixth Amendment rights. Key findings from ACLU's observations: 1. Jail Time Without Counsel: Detainees are often jailed while waiting for a lawyer, harming their lives and increasing pressure to plead guilty. 2. Self-Incrimination: Many detainees make harmful statements due to lack of legal guidance, jeopardizing their defense. 3. Formal Video Hearings: First appearances via video are treated as mere formalities, leading to poor communication and inadequate hearings. The ACLU seeks to certify a class of affected detainees and demands a declaratory judgment against Travis County for this violation of rights. #ACLU #LegalRights #TravisCounty #JusticeForAll #RightToCounsel #CriminalJusticeReform #DueProcess http://dlvr.it/TFZLC9

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