Justice. Humanity. Hope.
Dear Friends,
Justice. Humanity. Hope. As we begin 2026, that’s what we are fighting for here at Texas Defender Service.
Hope means that our client Lois, a victim of sex trafficking, will finally go home to heal from the trauma she experienced. Like many women caught in sex trafficking rings, Lois gave advice to another person being sex trafficked on how to survive, a natural and compassionate impulse. But the giving of such advice is also a crime—and a prosecutor charged Lois, herself a victim, with sex trafficking. Lois has spent over nine years behind bars. Sadly, Lois’s story is not unique: survivors of sex trafficking often end up in prison.
But what is unique is that TDS shared her story with the parole board, which—horrified by the circumstances of her incarceration— made the right decision and granted Lois parole. TDS shared not only Lois’s history but also all she has accomplished during her incarceration: mentoring young women, teaching classes, and joining a community leadership team to improve communication between incarcerated women and prison staff.
In our Pro Bono Parole Program, we and our partners advocate for people like Lois before the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles. We share their human story, explain why they are ready for a second chance, and assemble a comprehensive reentry plan. In a short period of time, our advocacy has helped 13 clients secure parole, resulting in a success rate more than double that of unrepresented applicants.
We are grateful Lois is finally going home, but our work is far from done. Lois isn’t alone; there are thousands of others like her who are incarcerated and are ready to go home and contribute their unique gifts and capabilities in our world.
With your partnership and support, we will advocate for others like Lois—and fight for justice, hope, and humanity—in 2026.
With gratitude,
Burke Butler
Executive Director
Texas Defender Service
