Join TCDLA


Join TCDLA and become part of a long history of providing outstanding services and assistance to criminal defense lawyers across the great state of Texas. Enjoy numerous member benefits. Endorse a colleague or friend—encourage others to become members of TCDLA.

We offer a number of ways for YOU to join ...

You can fill out the Membership Application or Membership Brochure (pdf) and submit it: 

  • by mail or in person at our home office:
    Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
    6808 Hill Meadow Drive
    Austin, Texas 78736

For more information, explore our Member Resource Guide and Volunteer Resource Guide to get the most out of your TCDLA membership.

Lawyer Membership

Regular

$100/1st 2 YEARS

New members join today and receive a discounted rate of $100 each year for the first two years as a member of TCDLA. After your first 2 years, the regular member’s renewal rate is $180 annually.

Voluntary Sustaining

$330/year

Want to give a little extra to TCDLA up your membership level to a Voluntary Sustaining member. Required for TCDLA Officers and Directors.

Public Defender

$60/year

Public Defenders who are employed by a Texas Or Federal Public Defender Office.
Texas Public Defender Offices

Student

$20/year

Law students who are currently enrolled in college. Click here for the Law Student Brochure .

Affiliate Membership

Affiliate

$80/year

Law Professors, social workers, mitigators, exhibitors, advertisers and other Persons Approved By The Board of Directors

Expert

$80/year

Experts who routinely provide evidence or testimony for criminal defense cases.

Investigator

$80/year

Investigators and support staff working in the criminal defense profession.

Paralegal

$80/year

Support staff working in criminal defense profession.
Note: To join TCDLA you must be a member in good standing of the State Bar of Texas engaged in the defense of criminal cases (except law students or affiliate applicants). New applicants must be endorsed by a current TCDLA member. Members of the judiciary (except honorary members) and those regularly employed in a prosecutorial office are not eligible.