Travis County District Attorney Announces New Director for Special Victims Unit

Travis County District Attorney José Garza has appointed Assistant Director Andrea Austin as the new Director of the Special Victims Unit. In her new role, Austin will oversee the family violence and sexual assault units.

With a career spanning over two decades, Andrea Austin began her prosecutorial journey at the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office in 1998. During her tenure there, she handled a diverse range of cases, including homicides, hardcore gang cases, family violence cases, child abuse cases, sexual assaults, and general felonies for over ten years. In 2011, Austin joined the Travis County District Attorney’s Office, where she spent more than twelve years in the Trial Court Division. Over the years, she earned promotions, including becoming Team Lead in 2014, and worked in the 167th and the 390th District Courts. Throughout her career, Austin has successfully tried over 75 jury trials, showcasing her extensive experience.

Travis County District Attorney José Garza expressed gratitude to Ms. Austin for bringing her wealth of trial and prosecutorial experience to the role. Garza highlighted Austin’s successful tenure as Assistant Director of Trial Court, emphasizing her readiness for the new challenge.

The former Director of the Special Victims Unit, Erin Martinson, has stepped down from her position due to health reasons. However, Martinson will continue contributing to the Special Victims Unit by serving as a liaison on sexual assault cases between the office and the Austin Police Department.

District Attorney Garza commended Martinson for her significant contributions to making Travis County a safer place and ensuring that vulnerable victims receive the justice they deserve. He acknowledged Martinson’s impact on emphasizing the importance of treating every victim with dignity and respect.

“Erin Martinson, not just while at the Travis County District Attorney’s Office but during her entire career, has made Travis County a safer place and ensured that our most vulnerable victims got the justice system they are entitled to,” said Travis County District Attorney José Garza. “She also taught us all the importance of treating each and every victim who walks through our doors with dignity and respect, and her impact on that alone will always be a part of TCDA. I look forward to working with her in her new role.”

“As the Director of the Special Victims Unit with DA Garza, it has been an honor to lead a team that supported survivors of violence throughout the criminal justice process with dignity and respect,” said Erin Martinson. “The goal has always been to establish a justice system that survivors can trust by involving them in the entire process and letting their experiences guide how we handle prosecutions. I know that Andrea Austin supports that goal, and SVU will thrive under her leadership.”