After spending 18 years behind bars for a crime he did not commit, Anthony Graves hopes he can start a movement of getting more people with experience with the legal system involved in Public Defense. As the Director of Community Outreach for the Harris County Public Defender Office, Anthony is helping to bridge the gap between Public Defenders and the clients they represent. With crushing caseloads and minimal resources, Public Defenders cannot always provide the type of care that each of their clients need. While we may understand that this is more a product of a failing public defender system than the indifference of the attorney, the client only sees that their needs are not being met. From there, trust, with the client and the community, can easily erode. This is where Anthony steps in.

Few people know the needs of those currently accused of a crime quite like those who have spent time trapped in the legal system. Yet, many who serve as Public Defenders are unable to fully relate to the plight of their clients. With the help of Anthony and his Peer Navigators, Public Defenders can fill this critical knowledge gap and move one step closer to true holistic representation.

Guest:

Anthony Graves, Director of Community Outreach, Harris County Public Defender Office

Resources:

Harris County Public Defender Office

http://harriscountypublicdefender.org/

Anthony's Website

https://www.anthonygraves.org/

Follow Anthony on Twitter

https://twitter.com/anthonycgraves?lang=en

Email Anthony

ACGraves18@Gmail.com

In Memorium of Jeff Blackburn

96: How to Include the Formerly Incarcerated in Public Defense w/Anthony Graves