In Maverick County, Texas, poor defendants face long delays and lack legal representation, leading to unjust jail time.

In Maverick County, Texas, poor defendants often face severe delays and lack of legal representation, leading to unjust jail time. Despite state laws, many, like Fernando Padron, spend months in jail without charges or legal aid. The county's court system is criticized for its dysfunction, including missing files and poor record-keeping, which have allowed these issues to persist. Defense lawyers and scholars have harshly condemned these practices as a failure of the justice system.