ABOUT TCDLA

The Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (TCDLA) is the largest state association for criminal defense attorneys in the nation. TCDLA began more than 45 years ago as a small, nonprofit association and has grown into a state-of-the-art organization, providing assistance, support, and continuing education to its members. TCDLA provides a statewide forum for criminal defense lawyers and is one of the few voices in the legislature interested in basic fairness in the defense of criminal cases. We are proud that among our 3200 members are found the “who’s who” of criminal defense professionals in Texas.

TCDLA hosts more than 40 seminars each year, providing the highest-quality legal education available for new lawyers as well as seasoned veterans. Attended regularly by our members, non-members, judges, and professionals in related fields, our yearly seminars have increased in attendance to approximately 5300 people seeking to continue their educational opportunities each year.

PURPOSE

TCDLA’s purpose is to protect and ensure by rule of law and protect those individual rights guaranteed by the Texas and federal Constitutions in criminal cases; to resist the constant efforts which are now being made to curtail such rights; to encourage cooperation between lawyers engaged in the furtherance of such objectives though educational programs and other assistance; and through such cooperation, education, and assistance, to promote justice and the common good.