1 week Ago By Madison O'Hara
Facing a shortage of attorneys and a gap in indigent defense services, Crossroads Defenders was founded to provide those in need with professional and experienced legal counsel. “We serve the poor accused of crimes,” Chief Public Defender Brian Watson at Crossroads Defenders, said. “We often work with people who are mentally ill, homeless, addicted to drugs or have experienced family or generational trauma.
” While the Sixth Amendment in the United States’ Constitution guarantees the right to legal representation in court, the Supreme Court case Gideon v. Wainwright (1963) ruled that all criminal defendants, even those who cannot afford it, have a right to an attorney, and this right must be provided at the state’s expense. “This is an unfunded mandate in the area and you have to wonder, who’s going to pay?” Watson said.
“For a long time, the county shouldered the burden.” The Crossroads Defenders’ office is supported primarily by a generous grant from the Texas Indigent Defense Commission. This office serves those in need across Victoria, Refugio, Jackson and Lavaca Counties.
“This is a good investment for the community, justice benefits from this and it keeps government power in check,” Watson said. Attorneys at Crossroads Defenders approach cases with holistic care. This means that while providing legal counsel, the office is also working hand-in-hand with clients to connect them with social workers, community organizations and any resources they might need.
“We’re meeting people on the worst days of their lives,” Watson said. “We want to position people to never be in a courtroom again.” Through a series of life factors and events, some of Victoria’s most vulnerable residents end up entangled in criminal activity due to a lack of resources or unfortunate circumstances.
“We get innocent people all the time. Everyone has right to defend themselves in court, no matter than socio-economic status. This is a constitutional guarantee,” Watson said.
“Our mission is to make sure people aren’t falling through cracks in the legal system. Everyone deserves a good attorney who cares and and that will defend their dignity.” For the 10 attorneys already taking on cases at Crossroads Defenders, their job as public defenders is about more than simply a paycheck.
It’s a calling to help the poor. “We’ll be judged by the number of people we save and our level of competency, our skills and the amount of passion we have here,” Watson said. Watson said Crossroads Defenders is here to be a resource to the community, whether it is for legal guidance for a resident or to provide assistance for local attorneys.
In this column called Ask Madison, Madison O’Hara, a Victoria native and Advocate reporter, answers questions readers have about anything and everything to do with the Crossroads. Email your question to Madison at [email protected] or call her at 361-580-6558.
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