The Texas RioGrande Legal Aid Public Defender Program's Lavaca County Office is located in Hallettsville. The Public Defender Division provides legal representation in criminal cases for indigent individuals in 14 counties: Bee, Live Oak, Lavaca, McMullen, Goliad, Refugio, Starr, Duval, Jim Hogg, Willacy, Atascosa, Karnes, Frio, and Wilson counties. TRLA Public's Public Defender Program now employs almost 40 attorneys, investigators, and other support staff, providing zealous advocacy in criminal matters for anyone who cannot afford an attorney on their own. In addition, the office provides free legal services to low-income people facing civil legal problems, including bankruptcies and foreclosures, divorces and custody arrangements, consumer fraud, wills and estates, accessing public benefits, and litigating for civil and environmental rights. The guiding principle of TRLA's Public Defender Program is all defendants in jeopardy of incarceration have the right to comprehensive and conscientious representation. Using grants from the Texas Indigent Defense Commission (TIDC) and funding from the participating counties, TRLA operates public defender offices based in Willacy, Bee, Duval, Lavaca, Starr, and Atascosa counties. Kindly contact the Texas RioGrande Legal Aid Public Defender Program's Lavaca County Office if you require further information.