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Raising the Bar – Setting Up the Appeal & Capital Murder Training

Name: Raising the Bar – Setting Up the Appeal & Capital Murder Training
Start: 2026-02-12
End: 2026-02-13
Location: Cambria Hotel Houston Downtown

by Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (TCDLA)

The "Raising the Bar – Setting Up the Appeal & Capital Murder Training" is a two-day seminar organized by the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (TCDLA). Scheduled for February 12-13, 2026, in Houston, Texas, this event aims to enhance the skills of criminal defense attorneys through focused sessions on appellate practice and capital murder defense strategies.

The first day, titled "Raising the Bar – Setting Up the Appeal," is dedicated to improving appellate practices. Sessions include discussions on jury charge issues, recent case law updates, petitions for discretionary review, and ethical considerations from a judicial perspective. The agenda also covers Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure (TRAP) issues, motions for new trials, and brief writing processes.

The second day, the "9th Annual Harris County Capital Murder Training," focuses on capital murder defense. Topics encompass trial preparation, understanding firearms, managing extensive evidence, addressing extraneous offenses under Rule 404(b), and strategies for voir dire. Ethical considerations are integrated throughout the sessions, emphasizing effective assistance of trial counsel.

This seminar is ideal for criminal defense attorneys, public defenders, investigators, judges, and mitigators seeking to refine their appellate and capital murder defense skills. Attendees will benefit from expert-led sessions, practical insights, and networking opportunities with peers in the field.

Speakers(21)

Amy Alexander

Attorney at Harris County Public Defender's Office

Amy Alexander is an attorney with the Harris County Public Defender's Office in Houston, Texas.

Amy R. Blalock

Attorney at Blalock Law Firm

Amy R. Blalock is an attorney at Blalock Law Firm in Tyler, Texas.

Ana Benavides

Attorney at Harris County Public Defender's Office

Ana Benavides is an attorney with the Harris County Public Defender's Office in Houston, Texas.

Charles F. Baird

Attorney at Baird Law Firm, PLLC

Charles F. Baird is an attorney at Baird Law Firm, PLLC, located in Austin, Texas.

Curtis E. Barton

Attorney at Harris County Public Defender's Office

Curtis E. Barton is an attorney with the Harris County Public Defender's Office in Houston, Texas.

Damon Parrish

Damon Parrish is a legal professional who discussed 'Organizing Massive Amounts of Evidence & Dealing with Punishment' at the 9th Annual Harris County Capital Murder Training.

Daniel L. Barnes

Attorney

Daniel L. Barnes is an attorney based in Waxahachie, Texas.

Fernanda Benavides

Attorney at Harris County Public Defender's Office

Fernanda Benavides is an attorney with the Harris County Public Defender's Office in Houston, Texas.

George Murphy

George Murphy is a legal professional who presented on 'Voir Dire Strategies' at the 9th Annual Harris County Capital Murder Training.

Hon. Danilo Lacayo

Judge

Hon. Danilo Lacayo is a judge who provided 'Judicial Insights' at the 9th Annual Harris County Capital Murder Training.

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Event Details

Date: February 12-13, 2026; 2 days
Location: 🇺🇸 Houston, United States; Cambria Hotel Houston Downtown
Pricing: $40 - $80; Pre-registration fees total $40, including $5 tuition for attending a grant-funded training event. Onsite registration fees total $80, including $5 tuition. Additional voluntary fees are used to supplement grant funds and cover expenses exceeding state grant guidelines.
Audience: Criminal defense attorneys, public defenders, investigators, judges, mitigators
CLE Credits: 14.25 CLE hours including 3.0 ethics