A study looking at benefits of legal representation at a first appearance before a magistrate for arrestees could be in the works in Hays County.

The Hays County Commissioner’s Court approved a grant from the Texas Indigent Defense Commission (TIDC) to participate in a study examining potential benefits of such a program.

Commissioners unanimously approved the measure 4-0 with Pct. 3 Commissioner Lon Shell absent. The grant of $136,500 will be used to pay defense attorneys attending the bai...