Criminal Defense Services Inc.

The Pro Bono Connection Program: For Attorneys

Welcome to Pro Bono Connection Program

At Criminal Defense Services, we recognize the importance of pro bono legal work and the impact it has on underserved communities. Our Pro Bono Connection program provides attorneys with an opportunity to fulfill their pro bono hours by offering limited assistance to individuals seeking post-conviction relief.

This program is designed to connect attorneys with eligible clients who have already undergone a full investigation and need legal guidance for their Personal Restraint Petition (PRP) or other post-conviction matters.

How It Works

Step 1: Apply to Participate
Attorneys interested in participating must review and sign the Attorney Participation Agreement (download thePDF below)
Step 2: Review Client Cases
Once approved, attorneys will be matched with eligible clients seeking pro bono guidance. Cases will already have comprehensive investigation reports prepared by a private investigator.
Step 3: Provide Limited Legal Assistance
Attorneys may assist clients by:
- Reviewing completed PRPs or other post-conviction documents.
- Offering general legal advice within the scope of the program.
- Providing recommendations on next steps without committing to full representation.
Step 4: Track Your Pro Bono Hours
Participation counts toward your pro bono hour goal, and documentation can be provided upon request.

Why Join?

✅ Flexible Commitment – Attorneys can choose which cases to assist with based on availability.
✅ No Long-Term Obligations – There is no requirement to take full representation unless you choose to.
✅ Support & Resources – Clients will come with completed investigation reports, making it easier to provide informed guidance.
✅ Ethical Protections – Participating attorneys sign a limited scope agreement to protect against any ethical concerns, including bar complaints or ineffective assistance claims.

Attorney Participation Agreement

Before participating, attorneys must sign the Attorney Participation Agreement, which outlines:

📌 The limited nature of the legal assistance provided – Attorneys will only review documents and provide general legal guidance. There is no obligation to take on full representation.

📌 A waiver of liability – Attorneys are fully protected from:

Waiver of Liability & Ethical Protections

To ensure a safe and ethical environment, CDS has established the following protections for participating attorneys:

✅ Bar Complaint Waiver: Clients must sign a waiver acknowledging that they will not file a bar complaint based on pro bono guidance provided through this Program.

✅ No Claim for Ineffective Counsel: Clients acknowledge that Attorney is not providing full legal representation and, therefore, cannot be held liable for ineffective assistance of counsel under any legal theory, including post-conviction challenges, bar complaints, or malpractice claims.

✅ Lawsuit Protection: Attorney shall not be subject to civil lawsuits, malpractice claims, or disciplinary actions for any advice or guidance provided through this Program, as participation is strictly limited to voluntary, non-representative legal assistance.

✅ Indemnification Clause: Criminal Defense Services, Inc. agrees to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless all participating attorneys from any claims, demands, liabilities, or legal actions arising from their participation in the Program, except in cases of willful misconduct or gross negligence.

✅ Confidentiality: Attorney agrees to maintain confidentiality in accordance with professional ethical standards.

📌 Clear terms of engagement – The agreement ensures that attorneys are only providing limited assistance and cannot be held responsible for any legal filings, case outcomes, or additional obligations beyond their voluntary participation.

👉 Just Copy and Paste the Attorney Participation Agreement Here

file:///C:/Users/cdsce/OneDrive/Documents/ATTORNEY%20PARTICIPATION%20AGREEMENT%20(2).pdf

How to Get Started

Interested in joining? Simply fill out our participation form (or email us) to get started!
📩 cds.renteria@yahoo.com

For any questions, contact us at:
📧 cds.renteria@yahoo.com
📞 (509) 426-5970