Yolanda Marie Torres

I received my Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of North Texas in 1993 and my law degree from Southern Methodist University School of Law in 1997.

Upon graduation I entered private practice and practiced in the areas of professional liability, insurance defense, and medical malpractice.

In 1999, I became a cooperating attorney with the Texas Chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union. In 2000, I filed a 42 U.S.C. §1983 action against the Texas Department of Criminal Justice over its policy and practice of having prison guards eavesdrop on attorney-prisoner legal phone calls. In response, the TDCJ changed its policy to recognize and protect the attorney-client privilege.  

In 2001, I relocated to Huntsville, Texas to concentrate on prison-related issues.

In 2001 and 2002, I participated in on-site inspections of TDCJ prison units in Amarillo, Beeville, Lamesa, Wichita Falls, Abilene, Woodville, Huntsville, and Tennessee Colony as part of the Ruiz v. Johnson prisoner class action lawsuit.

I have presented at Continuing Legal Education seminars on the issues of parole, civil rights and corrections/prison. 

I have been published in the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyer's Association periodicial, THE VOICE and have written an extensive paper on the Prison Litigation Reform Act and Prisoner Civil Rights Claims.  

I have successfully advocated on behalf of TDCJ prisoners in prison administrative matters, federal excessive force claims, and parole and revocation matters.

I represent prisoners and their families in a variety of prison-related issues, including but not limited to:

--    Parole Review before the Board of Pardons and Paroles

--    Parole revocation hearings

--    Disciplinary challenges

--    Unit transfer requests

--    Offender Protection Investigations (formerly known as Life Endangerment)

--    Safety issues related to correctional staff and/or other prisoners

--    Appeals to the Director's Review Committee

--    Bans on visitation

--    Bans on correspondence (placement on a negative mailing list)

I also practice civil and criminal law and represent prisoners in civil proceedings.

I can be reached at:

Yolanda M. Torres
The Law Office Of Yolanda M. Torres, PLLC
P.O. Box 118648
Carrollton, Texas 75011-8648
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Website: