Researchers from the Texas A&M University Public Policy Research Institute (PPRI), in collaboration with Harvard Law School's Access to Justice Lab, have published a new article in the peer-reviewed journal Evaluation Review that provides practical guidance for jurisdictions seeking to implement Counsel at First Appearance (CAFA) programs. 

The article, From Policy to Practice: Observations From an RCT Field Operation to Guide Implementing Counsel at First Appearance, addresses a critical stage in the criminal justice process: the first court appearance after arrest, when decisions about bail and pretrial release are often made. In many jurisdictions, individuals appear before a judge at this stage without legal representation. By translating lessons learned from real world implementation efforts into actionable guidance, the study aims to help communities assess whether and how CAFA programs can improve the fairness and efficiency of pretrial processes. 

Drawing on five years of implementation experience and evidence from randomized controlled trials conducted in Texas counties, the authors present a practical roadmap for moving CAFA from policy to practice. The article identifies key stakeholders, including judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, law enforcement officials, court administrators, and county leaders and outlines the operational, logistical, and financial considerations involved in launching a program. 

Building on prior research, the authors note that providing defense counsel at first appearance hearings reduced bail amounts for certain case types and improved the information available to judges making initial release decisions. The article focuses on lessons learned from real-world implementation efforts and offers a framework jurisdictions can use to assess readiness, coordinate stakeholders, and address implementation challenges. 

The article was authored by Dr. Georges Naufal and Bethany Patterson of Texas A&M University's Public Policy Research Institute, along with Renee Danser and D. James Greiner of Harvard Law School's Access to Justice Lab.