On this 250th anniversary of Independence we are reminded that our nation was founded on a declaration & an unfinished promise of freedom for all. As we defend people's rights & challenge unfair systems, our work stands as part of the ongoing struggle to fulfill the promise of independence for all.

"Because, in the face of these challenges, there is nothing more urgent than freedom—regardless of your identity or whom you love."

🌟 July events from the Harris County Public Defender's Office. Mark your calendars and get ready to join us! 🧵

"At the Harris County Public Defender's Office, we see firsthand the barriers the LGBTQ community face while navigating the criminal justice system..." Check out our latest blog post celebrating pride month! 🏳️‍🌈 #PrideMonth #HarrisCounty

Earlier this month our team attended the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association Annual Banquet. Congrats to the PDO alumni, Alex Bunin, Porscha Brown and Steven Halpert as they were recognized, receiving the President’s Award! Just more proof of the talent & good work coming from our office. 🙌

Attorneys Doug Gladden & Michael Falkenberg from our office presented at the University of Texas' Robert O. Dawson Conference on Criminal Appeals, presenting on Appellate Ethics and Mandamus writs. #CriminalAppeals #LegalEthics #JusticeMatters

Last month, the Chief Public Defender Draper sent a letter in support of our colleague San Franciso’s Chief Defender Raju, as he had been held in contempt of court and fined $26,000 for refusing to accept additional cases beyond his office’s capacity to provide a zealous and ethical representation.

See you tonight on Zoom for our Participatory Defense Hub. Participatory defense is a community organizing model for people facing charges, their families, and communities to impact the outcomes of cases and transform the landscape of power in the court system.

THANK YOU to all who attended this discussion at Brazos Bookstore with Author @galvinalmanza.bsky.social of ‘The Price of Mercy’. Chief Draper opened the event saying “to the defenders in the room… I firmly believe that we are … the heroes in this movement.” #publicdefense #justiceforall

Join our friends this weekend for a free resource fair! #DefendYourRights Unase este fin de semana por una feria de recursos gratis! #DefiendeTusDerechos

Join us at Brazos Bookstore in Rice Village on Wednesday, April 8 at 6:30! 📚✨ Discover the insights of "The Price of Mercy" as Emily Galvin Almanza, a former public defender, unveils the realities of America's criminal courts. Our Chief Defender Draper will opening the program so don't be late! 👇👇👇

Mark your calendars for these free upcoming CLE events! With virtual and in-person options to learn from experts, you won't want to miss these opportunities. Make sure to register to join us! #FreeCLE #HarrisCounty 👇👇👇

“We want to make sure that we assist people not with just their case but also try and reduce the chances that they return to the criminal legal system,” Chief Draper said to Commissioner’s Court.

"I want to begin with a truth that is just as important in 2026 as it was in 1963... When the system treats people like case numbers instead of human beings, the consequences can be devastating."

This #InternationalWomensDay, we celebrate Chief Public Defender Genesis Draper — the first Black woman to lead the Harris County PDO — and the incredible women leading our divisions every day.💜 #IWD2026 #HarrisCounty #HouTX  . 🧵