What is particpatory defense?

Participatory Defense (PD) was developed by families of Silicon Valley De-Bug’s Albert Cobarrubias Justice Project and is a community organizing model for people facing charges, their families, and communities to impact the outcome of cases and transform the landscape of power in the court system.

These hubs are part of the national PD network leading the movement to empower families to advocate for their loved ones who have been entangled in the criminal legal system.

Need support?

If your loved one is currently incarcerated, know you are not alone. If you are interested in learning more about participatory defense and need support for yourself or a loved one, fill out the form below, and a member of our team will get in touch with you.

Meet the Team

  • Carl Nix

    Participatory Defense and Bail Organizer (He/Him) cnix@grassrootsleadership.org

  • Chantel Pridgon

    Participatory Defense and Bail Organizer (She/Her) cpridgon@grassrootsleadership.org

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  • What is Participatory Defense?

    Participatory Defense is a community organizing model for people facing charges, their families, and communities to impact the outcome of cases and transform the court system's power landscape.

  • What are Grassroots Leadership and TAJ’s mission for Participatory Defense?

    To equip community members with the tools needed to represent themselves and family members, assist attorneys when needed, understand basic court procedures, and impact the outcome of their cases.

  • Who can join the Travis County Participatory Defense program?

    It can be a mother whose son has just been accused of committing a crime, a spouse facing a lengthy jail sentence, or an individual in the wrong place at the wrong time.

  • Where will the Travis County Participatory Defense Meetings take place?

    Participatory Defense meetings will take place online via Zoom

    Click here to connect with a PD Organizer

    The meetings at times take place at the TAJ HQ in Houston, Texas, at 4407 New Orleans St, Houston, TX 77020, or in Austin, Texas, at 7910 Cameron Rd., Austin, TX, 78754

  • Why is it important to have a Participatory Defense Program in your city?

    Participatory Defense is a support system for those who have been accused and their families to be empowered to navigate the criminal justice system to get cases dismissed or time saved.

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