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Trial Defenders United Inc

EIN 93-2505698 · Clearwater, FL

Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthGood75 out of 100GovernanceStrong92 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

Trial Defender's United, Inc.'s mission is to deliver exceptional legal representation for indigent individuals at the trial level through direct representation of court-appointed clients. We also endeavor to educate and support fellow Court-appointed attorneys by providing continuing legal education and collaborative case conferencing. We are committed to ensuring that every person, regardless of their financial circumstances, receives high-quality legal representation and a fair trial. By employing a multi-faceted approach that combines zealous advocacy, knowledge-sharing, and cooperative partnerships, we strive to uphold the principles of justice, address bias, protect individual rights, and promote a more equitable criminal justice system.

Income
$221,169
Spending
$191,248
Spent on programs
100%
Reserves
2.8 months of spending
Largest source of income
fees for its services, 98%
Employees
2
Volunteers
3
Highest pay
$24,750, co-executive director/trial attorney

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Good: 75 out of 100. Higher than 55% of charities in its peer group (human services, under $250k).

  • Reserves

    10 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 2.8 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes -210% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 14% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 503% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    100% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 0 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Strong: 92 out of 100. Higher than 87% of charities in its peer group (human services, under $250k).

  • Independent board

    18 of 25

    3 of 3 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    8 of 8

    Has a written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    7 of 7

    Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.

  • Board minutes

    5 of 5

    Keeps minutes of board meetings.

  • Board sees the tax return

    10 of 10

    Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Pay set independently

    5 of 5

    Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

    Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Impact evidence

Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.

Programs described in its return (3)
  1. $191,248 spent. Trial Defenders provided direct representation to court appointed indigent individuals charged with crimes in the Fifth, Sixth, Twelfth, and Thirteenth judicial circuits in Florida.
  2. Traveled to Tallahassee to educate state legislators on different bills that would impact indigent defendants and to advocate for better funding for indigent defense. This was education and advocacy; not lobbying. This was part of the co-directors general duties and did not cost any additional funds. There was no direct revenue from this as it generally advanced the cause of indigent defense.
  3. Provided informal case conferences with other attorneys who accepted court appointed cases. This was part of the co-directors general responsibilities so no additional expense was incurred nor was any revenue earned.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Legitimacy checks

  1. Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.

    Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  2. Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.

    Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.

    Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  3. Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.

    On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.

    Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  4. Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.

    Most recent return on file covers the year ending June 2025.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since February 2024.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  6. Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.

    Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.

    Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 21, 2026.

Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.