Who We Are

The Texas Legislature created the Texas Task Force on Indigent Defense in 2001 to remedy persistent deficiencies in Texas indigent defense:

  • Access to counsel
  • Quality of counsel
  • Data collection

In 2011, the Task Force became the Texas Indigent Defense Commission. TIDC is tasked with funding, overseeing, and improving public defense in each of Texas's 254 counties. TIDC is led by 15 Commission Members and 20 staff.

Mission

Protecting the right to counsel, improving public defense

Vision

Excellent representation for all

Guiding Principle

Defer to counties when possible and try to reduce burdens on counties when we can

Commission

Chair

Honorable Missy Medary

Vice Chair

Mr. James D. "Jim" Bethke

Ex Officio Members

  • Honorable Jimmy Blacklock
  • Honorable Brandon Creighton
  • Honorable Emily Miskel
  • Honorable Joseph "Joe" Moody
  • Honorable David Schenck
  • Honorable John Smithee

Members Appointed by the Governor

  • Mr. James D. "Jim" Bethke
  • Mr. Alex Bunin
  • Mr. Jay Cohen
  • Honorable Valerie Covey
  • Honorable Richard Evans
  • Honorable Missy Medary
  • Honorable James R. "J.R." Woolley, Jr.

Policies and Standards Committee 

Chair - Mr. Alex Bunin

  • Mr. James D. "Jim" Bethke
  • Honorable Valerie Covey
  • Honorable Richard Evans

Grants and Reporting Committee

Chair - Honorable Emily Miskel

  • Mr. Jay Cohen
  • Honorable James R. "J.R." Woolley, Jr.

Staff