Williamson County settles indigent defense lawsuit

Though it was originally upheld by a trial court, the case was later dismissed by the 3rd Court of Appeals. It was then taken before the Texas Supreme Court when the plaintiffs appealed the appellate court decision.

The Supreme Court ruled the case must go back to the trial court to determine if intervening changes in the county's procedures were appropriate, according to a statement by Hank Prejean, civil chief for the county attorney's office.

With the settlement, the county has agreed to undergo routine audits and reviews of statistical information from how its applications for indigent defense are reviewed and processed, according to a county news release.

"The settlement agreement is a good resolution of the case for Williamson County, and it avoids future costly and time-consuming litigation," Prejean said.