Overview
What is Texas Defender Service?
Texas Defender Service (TDS) is a nonprofit organization situated in Austin, Texas, dedicated to advocating for a fair and just criminal justice system, particularly in reducing the use of the death penalty. TDS accomplishes this through various means, including providing direct representation to indigent inmates on Texas' death row, consulting with other lawyers in similar cases, and intervening in urgent situations requiring expert legal assistance. The organization also engages in issue advocacy to improve Texas' criminal justice system. The Litigation Department and Mitigation Unit work to reduce new death sentences and provide effective legal representation, respectively, while the Policy Advocacy team conducts research and publishes reports on Texas' death penalty and criminal justice issues. Lastly, the Capital Litigation Communication campaign aims to enhance the chances for capital litigation success and weaken public confidence in the death penalty. With a total of 18 employees, TDS is committed to enhancing the quality of representation and fairness in the Texas criminal justice system.
Official website here: www.texasdefender.org
What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?
Charity Navigator rating: 100%, Four-Star out of Four Star rating.
Texas Defender Service has achieved a perfect score of 100% on Charity Navigator, indicating a high level of accountability and financial management. The organization is noted for its entirely independent board, which not only meets but exceeds the standards for governance with 13 independent members. This strong oversight is reflected in their financial practices, including thorough audits and a robust conflict of interest policy.
The organization's financial health is impressive, with a program expense ratio of 80.66%, showcasing its commitment to allocating funds directly to its programs rather than administrative costs. Additionally, Texas Defender Service maintains transparent financial practices by posting essential documents on its website, ensuring stakeholders have access to crucial information.
While the data indicates strong governance and financial practices, the summary does not highlight any specific programmatic outcomes or community impact, which could provide a fuller picture of the organization's effectiveness in achieving its mission. Overall, Texas Defender Service demonstrates exemplary standards in accountability and financial stewardship.
This AI summary has been generated from information found on Charity Navigator.
Is Texas Defender Service legitimate?
Texas Defender Service is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. Texas Defender Service submitted a form 990, which is a tax form used by tax-exempt organizations in the U.S., indicating its operational transparency and adherence to regulatory requirements. Donations to this organization are tax deductible.
Heare are some key statistics you may want to consider:
Executive Compensation: $344,384
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $756,022
For more financial information, click here
Official website here: www.texasdefender.org
What is the mission statement of Texas Defender Service?
Texas Defender Service, as an organization, is committed to promoting a fair and just criminal justice system, with a particular focus on reducing the use of the death penalty. Their mission is achieved through various activities such as providing direct representation to indigent inmates on death row, consulting with other lawyers, intervening in urgent cases, and engaging in issue advocacy to improve the Texas criminal justice system. The organization has five key areas of work: litigation, mitigation, policy advocacy, and capital litigation communication, all aimed at improving the fairness of the proceedings or the quality of representation provided to indigent persons in Texas.
Official website here: www.texasdefender.org
Who is the CEO of Texas Defender Service?
Burke Butler is the Board Chair of Texas Defender Service.
Official website here: www.texasdefender.org
What is the revenue of Texas Defender Service?
Texas Defender Service's revenue in 2022 was $2,298,075.
Official website here: www.texasdefender.org
Who are the executives of Texas Defender Service and what are their salaries?
The average compensation at Texas Defender Service during 2022 was $61,134. There are 18 employees and 16 volunteers at Texas Defender Service.
Here are 16 key members and their salaries:
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- Compensation: $104,885
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- Other: $12,029
Official website here: www.texasdefender.org
Where can I find the form 990 for Texas Defender Service?
Texas Defender Service's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2022 and can be accessed here.
Official website here: www.texasdefender.org
Learn more at the official website: www.texasdefender.org
Mission Statement of Texas Defender Service
Texas Defender Service, a nonprofit organization, is committed to fostering a fair and just criminal justice system in the state of Texas. The organization's mission is to reduce the use of the death penalty and promote a more equitable system. To accomplish this, Texas Defender Service engages in several activities.
Firstly, the organization provides direct representation to indigent inmates on Texas' death row. This service extends to consulting with other lawyers handling similar cases, ensuring that every case receives the necessary legal attention. Moreover, Texas Defender Service intervenes in urgent situations where expert legal assistance is required. This proactive approach ensures that indigent persons in Texas receive the fair and just representation they deserve.
Secondly, Texas Defender Service has a Mitigation Unit that provides direct representation as mitigation specialists on capital and non-capital cases across the state. The unit focuses on pre-trial cases with the aim of reducing new death sentences. This strategic approach to case management is designed to improve the fairness of the proceedings and the quality of representation provided to indigent individuals.
Lastly, Texas Defender Service engages in policy advocacy, conducting systemic research, advocacy, and report publication regarding the Texas death penalty and criminal justice issues. This aspect of the organization's work is crucial in influencing policy changes that improve the justice system. Additionally, Texas Defender Service has a Capital Litigation Communication campaign designed to increase the chances of success in capital litigation and erode public confidence in the death penalty.
In summary, Texas Defender Service is dedicated to promoting a fair and just criminal justice system in Texas. The organization achieves this by providing direct representation, consulting with other lawyers, intervening in urgent situations, and engaging in policy advocacy and communication campaigns.
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Impact
July, 2024
Texas Defender Service's impact can be seen in its relentless efforts to promote a fair and just criminal justice system in Texas. By providing direct representation to indigent inmates on death row, consulting with other lawyers handling such cases, intervening in urgent situations requiring legal expertise, and engaging in issue advocacy, Texas Defender Service works towards reducing the use of the death penalty and improving the overall quality of representation for those in need. Through its various departments, including the Litigation Department, Mitigation Unit, Policy Advocacy, and Capital Litigation Communication, Texas Defender Service aims to establish fairness in legal proceedings and enhance the outcomes for indigent individuals involved in the criminal justice system.
This information is meant to be a general summary of Texas Defender Service. Please take the time to review official sources before making any decisions based upon the content provided here.
Financials
This financial information is from Propublica.
Other financial information:
This information is from the most recently submitted tax form from this organization, which was in 2022.
- Investment Income: $173,056
- Program Service Revenue: $1,273,854
- Gross Receipts: $2,774,668
Assets and Liabilities:
- Total Assets: $2,286,744
- Total Liabilities: $79,238
- Net Assets: $2,207,506
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Programs
Programs are reported by nonprofits in their tax forms and are normally their tax-exempt activities.
Legal service fees
Revenue
$1,273,854
Organization Details
Founding Year
1995
Phone
(512) 320-8300Principal Officer
Burke Butler
Main Address
PO Box 82236, Austin, TX, 78708
Website
www.texasdefender.orgNTEE Category
Code: R60 - Civil rights
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