Texas state prisoners have only 15 days to file a Step 1 grievance. Here's everything you need to know about the TDCJ grievance process.
The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) uses a two-step grievance process. The critical difference from the federal system is the 15-day deadline for Step 1 — one of the shortest grievance deadlines in the country.
You must file a Step 1 grievance within 15 days of the incident. Submit the I-127 form to the Unit Grievance Investigator (UGI). The UGI has 40 days to respond.
If you are not satisfied with the Step 1 response, you must file a Step 2 grievance within 15 days of receiving the Step 1 response. Submit the I-128 form to the TDCJ Grievance Operations Division in Huntsville.
Texas courts strictly enforce the 15-day deadline. Missing it — even by one day — can permanently bar you from bringing that claim in court. This is the most common reason Texas prisoner cases get dismissed.
Our team of formerly incarcerated advocates and contributors with BOP and DOC experience gives you the right forms, deadline tracking, and step-by-step instructions — so you never miss a deadline.
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