Harris County Public Defender's Office

YOU ARE INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY

About the Office

We are a team of professionals who represent indigent persons charged in the misdemeanor, felony, and juvenile courts of Harris County. Our clients receive zealous representation from the combined experience of lawyers, investigators, social workers, and administrative staff.

Harris County Public Defender's Office
Est. 2011

The Harris County Public Defender’s Office (PDO) was established by the Harris County Commissioners Court to represent persons charged in the misdemeanor, felony and juvenile courts who cannot afford to hire an attorney. Persons represented by the PDO can expect zealous representation from the combined experience of lawyers, investigators, social workers, advocates, and other staff.

The chief public defender, Alex Bunin, leads the PDO to improve the representation and services for clients.

LEADERSHIP

ERIC DAVIS

Felony Trial Division Chief

Eric J. Davis, Trial Chief, joined the PDO in September 2011. He has been a practicing attorney since 1994. Prior to joining the PDO, Mr. Davis was a criminal defense lawyer in private practice. He has tried over 100 cases to verdict as lead counsel, winning over 80 percent of them.

JANI MASELLI

Appellate Division Chief

Jani Maselli, Assistant Public Defender, joined the Appellate Division of the Public Defender Office in February 2011. Prior to joining the PDO, Ms. Maselli was an attorney in private practice for thirteen years specializing in state and federal appeals and post-conviction matters.

STEVEN HALPERT

Juvenile Division Chief

Steven Halpert, Juvenile Division Chief, joined the PDO in October 2011. Prior to joining the PDO, Mr. Halpert was a private practice criminal defense attorney for eight years. Prior to private practice, he was an Assistant District Attorney in Harris County from 2000 to 2003.

HARRIS COUNTY
PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE

PDO CLE VIDEOS

INTERNSHIPS

HOLISTIC DEFENSE

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT