The Harris County Public Defender’s Office, Department of Holistic Services (“PDO”) agrees to represent me (“Client”), in the following matter(s) and will provide the following services related to the following legal issue(s): Expunction or Nondisclosure of RIC Docket charge and any additional Harris County charges potentially eligible for record clearing at the time of review.

Scope of Representation:

• Direct representation on expunction or nondisclosure of eligible Harris County RIC Docket charge following successful program completion and applicable waiting period. Screening of any additional Harris County criminal history, if opted in on this agreement, and record clearing for the charges determined eligible at the time of screening.

PDO agrees to provide this representation subject to the following provisions related to Case Assignment and Case Representation.

Case Assignment

• PDO will track the progress of my RIC case completion.  Upon sucessful completion and after any applicable waiting period, PDO will begin the case assignment process for the legal issues above.
• I understand that my case may be handled by a staff attorney, paralegal, advocate, or other agent of PDO, under the supervision of PDO attorneys.

Case Representation

PDO will provide all necessary services as appropriate to my case.

• I will not be charged any attorney’s fees.
• If there are any costs for filing or documents that cannot be waived, I may be expected to pay them.
• I will provide PDO with the most accurate contact information I have and will tell them if my contact information changes.
• I will provide PDO with complete and accurate information about my case. I will make every effort to keep appointments and provide any information requested of me.
• I understand that PDO can terminate this Agreement and stop being my attorney:
  • If I am not truthful about important information about my case, income, or living situation;
  • If I do not stay in contact with my attorney or update my contact information if it changes;
  • If I do not show up for hearings or comply with court orders
  • If I hire another attorney for the same issue;
  • If I disagree with my attorney on how to handle my case or I do something my attorney advises me not to do;
• PDO cannot settle my case without my approval and consent.
• PDO will do its best to keep me informed of progress on my case. They will provide me with copies of all documents submitted to courts or other parties on my behalf, if I ask for them. PDO has a professional responsibility to give me legal advice and explain the options I have available, but I understand that I must make the actual decisions.
• If I feel like PDO has not assisted me like they should, I will contact them immediately. PDO is required by the State Bar of Texas to provide the following notice:

The State Bar of Texas investigates and prosecutes professional misconduct committed by Texas attorneys. Although not every complaint against or dispute with a lawyer involves professional misconduct, the State Bar Office of General Counsel will provide you with information on how to file a complaint. For more information, call toll-free 1-800-932-1900.

• I understand that anything I discuss with my attorney is confidential and that my attorney will not discuss this information with anyone outside of PDO unless I say they can and give my permission in writing. However, in certain circumstances, PDO might have to share this information, such as when someone is in danger or if a court says they have to.
• I understand that PDO may share information I have provided, with my knowledge and permission, with courts in order to further my representation.
• AUTHORIZATION FOR RELEASE OF INFORMATION: “I hereby authorize any third party maintaining records which may be applicable to this representation to release any information requested by PDO. This authorization will remain effective from the date of my signature below until I revoke it in writing. I have read and understand this release. A copy or facsimile of this authorization has the same force and effect as an original.”

This agreement is the only agreement between PDO and me regarding the legal issue(s) referenced above. Any earlier agreement or agreements we may have spoken about are invalid.

I acknowledge that I have read or have had explained to me, understand and agree to the terms of this Agreement for Legal Services. I swear that all information that I have given to PDO is correct and true to the best of my knowledge. All of the information I have given to PDO will be treated as confidential.