Independent Office of Inmate Counsel

What We Do

IOIC is responsible for providing legal counsel and representation to indigent persons while they are incarcerated in TDCJ-ID as defined by statute. IOIC also provides legal representation to currently and formerly incarcerated clients facing civil commitment proceedings in accordance with Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 841. IOIC is appointed to handle cases for indigent clients (1) indicated for alleged criminal acts committed while in the TDCJ-ID custody; (2) subject to immigration removal proceedings; and (3) named in civil commitment proceedings as further described below. IOIC does not handle death penalty cases, fee generating cases, cases involving civil right issues, or parole matters.

There are four legal sections within IOIC: Criminal Defense, Civil Defense, Appellate, and Legal Services. An Investigations section assists all legal sections as needed.