Harris County commissioners have unanimously selected Judge Genesis Draper, a respected criminal court judge and former public defender, as the next Chief Public Defender. Taking office on July 7, Draper will inherit a nationally recognized office and aims to expand its capacity to provide crucial legal defense services significantly.
The Harris County commissioners unanimously appointed Judge Genesis Draper as the new Chief Public Defender during their June 12 court meeting.
Alex Bunin, who will retire in December after 15 years of dedicated service to the office, will be succeeded by Draper, a highly regarded criminal court judge and former public defender, who is scheduled to officially undertake the role on July 7.
The anticipated outcome of this leadership transition is a tangible improvement in legal defense services throughout the county, which will benefit communities from downtown Houston to its northernmost extremities, including those in the Conroe area that are under Harris County's jurisdiction.
Draper expressed her preparedness for the challenge, stating, "We are at a critical juncture where the foundations of fairness and equality are being scrutinized." Draper shared gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to this project and build upon the significant work that Chief Bunin has initiated.
With over 13 years of expertise as a public defender and six years as a judge, Draper brings a wealth of knowledge to her new role. She received her Juris Doctor from The University of Texas at Austin School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts in English from Spelman College.
Established in 2011, the Harris County Public Defender's Office (HCPD) offers essential legal defense services to indigent clients, including representation in appellate and mental health cases. The office has achieved national recognition for its innovative programs under the stewardship of the outgoing Chief Bunin.
These creative initiatives encompass a nationally recognized training program for new defense attorneys, complimentary legal education for Texas State Bar members, professional clothing services for individuals participating in jury trials, and a presence at preliminary bail proceedings. Additionally, the office has a history of clearing numerous individuals due to unreliable forensic findings, which underscores its commitment to justice.
District 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones praised Draper as a "warrior for justice," praising her unwavering commitment to systemic reform, extensive experience, and integrity. Briones observed, "Justice is in your blood." Commissioner Rodney Ellis of Precinct 1 emphasized that the appointment was a critical step in the county's ambitious goal of halving the court case backlog.
Ellis emphasizes the importance of this to ensure that a larger number of cases are handled and that all individuals receive the fair trial to which they are entitled. This sentiment is shared by communities throughout the county, including those in the Conroe area who interact with the Harris County court system.
Harris County has allocated $57.6 million for fiscal year 2025-26 to demonstrate its commitment to enhancing the capabilities of the HCPD. This substantial investment will enable the legal team to expand and implement new programs designed to help clients expunge their criminal records and address the underlying social issues that contribute to legal challenges.
The office is poised to expand its influence and effectiveness under Draper's leadership, with the ambitious objective of addressing at least half of all appointed criminal cases. This will represent a substantial increase from current figures, ensuring that the diverse communities of Harris County have broader access to legal representation.
