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About Us

Common Questions
What is the MAC Office?
MAC stands for Managed Assigned Counsel. The MAC works with private attorneys who handle criminal cases. Private attorneys must complete an application process to receive clients through the MAC. The MAC is responsible for ensuring that attorneys are well-trained, prepared to respond to the needs of each case, and are supported with all MAC services available through the MAC Office to provide high quality and holistic representation.
What is a MAC-appointed attorney?
A MAC-appointed attorney is a private attorney that is appointed to represent people who are unable to afford an attorney and are facing misdemeanor criminal charges in the County Criminal Court at Law . The MAC is able to assist these attorneys with support services such as investigators, social workers, immigration resources, and other support to ensure everyone gets quality representation, regardless of their ability to pay.

How do I become a MAC-appointed attorney?

Visit our Become a MAC Attorney to learn more about applying to join the MAC-appointed attorney list.

Is the MAC office accepting employment applications for staff positions?

Visit our Employment Opportunity page or the Harris County Careers website to see MAC employment opportunities.

Are MAC-appointed attorneys employed by the MAC?

No. MAC-appointed attorneys function as independent contractors but receive appointments through the MAC Office. The MAC Office supports MAC-appointed attorneys only in their representation of clients/cases received through the MAC appointment system. 

Does the MAC office report to judges, prosecutors, or MAC-appointed attorneys?

None of the above. While the MAC office is a Harris County Department, we exist as an independent entity for purposes of managing appointments among MAC-appointed attorneys. The MAC office reports directly to the Harris County Commissioners Court.

Does the MAC office handle appointments for all criminal cases in Harris County?

No. The MAC office is limited to managing appointments for people who cannot afford an attorney and are facing misdemeanor criminal charges in the Harris County Criminal Courts at Law.

Is this the only MAC office in the State of Texas?

No. Out of the 254 counties in Texas, there are four other MAC Offices which exist in Lubbock County, Collin County, Travis County, and Bexar County.