Court Debt Relief and Driver’s License Recovery with Texas Fair Defense Project (TFDP)

Students will assist individuals with driver’s license holds related to unpaid criminal justice debt. In the two weeks leading up to the clinic, students will research the cause(s) of license suspensions, and compile court records for the individuals they will be working with at the clinic. On the day of the clinic, students will meet with the applicants and explain the steps drivers must take to recover their licenses. In most cases, the first step to driver’s license recovery will involve obtaining a fee waiver, fee reduction, or alternative payment plan. In those cases, volunteers will help individuals complete financial affidavits.

Organization

Texas Fair Defense Project

The Texas Fair Defense Project’s mission is to fight to end the criminalization of poverty in Texas. TFDP envisions a system of justice that upholds the dignity and civil rights of all people, regardless of income, race, or gender. TFDP provides direct assistance in the areas of criminal record clearing, driver’s license restoration, and access to counsel.

Project Details

Project Date

Saturday, April 13

Project Time
10am-2pm
Approximate hours of work requested
8-10 hours, including training and record research conducted before the clinic
Training
Thursday, March 28, 12pm-1pm AND Thursday, April 11, 12pm-1pm (both trainings will be recorded for volunteers who are unable to attend the live virtual training sessions)
Skills used
Client communication; records research; document preparation/review; written advocacy
Project location
Huston-Tillotson University, 900 Chicon St, Austin, TX 78702
Number of student volunteers requested
14
Class year preference
1L, 2L, 3L, LLM