TCDLA Member Benefits

STRIKE FORCE

Some judges see zealous representation as contemptuous behavior. If that happens, members of TCDLA are protected by our Strike Force. A team of specially trained lawyers is here to protect the defense function by assisting attorneys under attack for defending the citizen. Click here for contact information

AMICUS Curiae Brief Committee Guidelines

TCDLA's Amicus Curiae Brief Committee aims to provide amicus assistance in both state and federal courts in cases that present issues of importance to criminal defendants, criminal defense lawyers, and the criminal justice system as a whole, in a manner consistent with TCDLA's fundamental purpose of protecting and ensuring the individual rights guaranteed by the Texas and Federal Constitutions in criminal cases. It is the Committee's goal to maintain and enhance the positive impact of TCDLA on the criminal justice system at both the State and national level. Click here for guidelines

Moot Court

The Amicus Committee is delighted to announce a new moot court program for TCDLA members. The Amicus Committee will coordinate and hold a moot court for free for any TCDLA member preparing for oral argument in front of the Court of Criminal Appeals. We developed the program with the hope that better preparation produces better opinions, which will benefit every member of TCDLA and their clients.

This is a new program, and for the time being it is limited to attorneys preparing for oral arguments in front of the CCA. But if the program goes well, then we hope to expand it to support TCDLA members as they prepare for oral argument in Texas intermediate appellate courts too.

We encourage you to contact Allison Clayton, Chair of the Amicus Committee, at allison@allisonclaytonlaw.com, if you are set for oral argument in the CCA and would like the benefit of this program. Together we are better!

State Motions CD 

This collection of motions has been collected from experienced attorneys from around the state.  Most situations which a criminal trial lawyer is likely to face are dealt with in this collection. While is it absolutely necessary to customize the motions, this cd constitutes a head-start to the litigation process.

Brief Bank and Resources

There is no need to reinvent the wheel. The Brief Bank comprises a library of the collected tools of the trade from some of the top criminal defense lawyers in the state. After a careful comparison of the facts in your case, you will be able to modify the briefs and other material to raise the level of your representation.

New Listservs

Listservs give members the opportunity to get quick, insightful answers to the questions that come up every day. This is the most effective means to arrange an immediate consult with lawyers from all around the state on whatever topic you have. Listservs are also a quick and thorough way to vet expert witnesses and to learn if other defense lawyers have impeaching material on a witness you are likely to face in an upcoming trial. Specialized Listserves give practitioners who specialize, to whatever degree, to discuss issues specific to their area. Contact TCDLA at 512.478.2514 if you need assistance logging in.

Legislature

TCDLA employs a team of lobbyists who represent the interests of citizens accused and of those who protect their rights before the Legislature. Having a voice in the legislature recently resulted in the Michael Morton Act. Our legislative team also keep our members apprised with legislative updates and training's around the state. We are involved in the legislative effort and keeping members up to date.e.

New TCDLA Ethics Hotline Number

Don't sit and stew over something leaving you ethically challenged. Experienced attorneys stand ready to give direction and make suggestions about how counsel can best navigate the maze that makes up the ethics of day-to-day law practice. Call the direct line to the TCDLA Ethics Committee and leave a message.

Updated iPhone/iPad/Droid/Windows 7 App

An entire library of criminal codes and statues in the palm of your hand. Many of the statutes and rules are annotated, too, so you are never without a beginning for a legal argument.

Voice for the Defense magazine

A subscription to the ONLY statewide magazine written specifically for defense lawyers, published 10 times a year. This publication is so much more than a “member’s mag,” it contains timely topics, useful tips, current scholarship and tactical guidance as well as the Significant Decision Report. In addition, the magazine is archived back to 1993, it constitutes an invaluable research tool.

MEMO BANK

Sometimes a letter-brief or a short memo will persuade the Court that your client deserves a favorable ruling. This collection of short and to-the-point memos expands your capacity and effectiveness. These memos have been created by experienced, accomplished attorneys.

Membership Directory

A searchable and comprehensive listing of current TCDLA members in both print and PDF versions is updated at least annually. Members are listed by last name and by county of practice. Online directory updated daily. 

Lawyer Locator

Your opportunity to inform others about your interests and focus of your practice. Online directory provides members an opportunity to list up to three areas of practice for public advertising.

Expert List

“Who you gonna call?” Many lawyers, especially lawyers new to practice or located in more rural jurisdictions are challenged when they need an expert to testify on their client’s behalf. TCDLA members have access to an extensive list of experts for all types of criminal cases, including investigation, mitigation and forensics specialists. No expert is listed until he/she is vetted and the association receives the “thumbs up” from other members who have engaged the expert.

Significant Decisions Report

Most lawyers can’t keep up with the volume of reported cases. Experienced lawyers monitor advance sheets and generate professional reports summarizing state and federal cases. The report is emailed to members.

TCDLA Member Discounts

Members receive significant discounts on CLE seminars and TCDLA publications. TCDLA hosts more than 40 seminars each year. We also welcome non-members, judges, and professionals in related fields, educating new lawyers and seasoned veterans alike. In addition, TCDLA provides a variety of quality publications at a reasonable cost. Our educational materials, ranging from code books to legal treatises, are essential references geared toward the criminal defense practitioner.

Membership Certificate

Display your TCDLA membership with pride! New members will receive a personalized certificate by mail. Members of 25 years receive a special certificate.

TCDLA Logo for Member Use

Camera-ready art of the TCDLA Logo is now available for use on business cards, websites, etc.

Enterprise Car Rental

Enterprise is the largest rental car company in North America in Terms of locations and number of cars while maintaining the highest level of customer service. TCDLA members receive a 10% discount. Make your reservation at Enterprise Rent-A-Car.

La Quinta

La Quinta Inns & Suites is pleased to announce our partnership with Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association – offering preferred room rates at all La Quinta Hotels throughout the United States. TCDLA members will receive a 10% discount from the best available rate. La Quinta Inns & suites offers what any guest needs to wake up on the bright side. Enjoy our free Bright Side Breakfast®, free high-speed internet, and comfy beds. Plus, our hotels are conveniently located close to area restaurants, shopping and entertainment venues. Be sure to sign up for La Quinta Returns, and start earning points toward upgrades and free nights fast! Enrolling is fast, easy and free. Go to LQ.com or call 1-800-RETURNS (738-8767) for information.

Lenovo

The global leader in PCs, Lenovo® proudly partners with TCDLA by providing its members deep discounts on our innovative computing technologies, smart devices, accessories, security software and services for your home or home office use. Our exciting offers change frequently, so visit us often for great new deals. 

Laurel, A Payment Solutions Program by Efficient Processing

CardConnect, a leader in full-service payment processing, and Efficient Processing are teaming up to bring TCDLA Laurel, a Payment Solutions Program. This program offers unique benefits to TCDLA members and supports the growth and mission of their members’ businesses. CardConnect offers not only credit card processing solutions but also payment gateways, shopping carts, POS systems, ACH payments, and more. TCDLA's members will receive all of that, plus the security and confidence from Efficient Processing powered by CardConnect. To learn more about this TCDLA member benefit, visit Laurel Payment Solutions

LawPay

Power your payments with LawPay
Approved by more than 110 state, local, and specialty bars, LawPay is proud to be the preferred payment partner of more than 45,000 law firms. Designed specifically for the legal industry, LawPay provides attorneys with a simple, secure way to accept credit card and eCheck payments in their practice. LawPay understands the unique compliance and financial requirements placed on attorneys, which is why their solution was developed specifically to correctly separate earned and unearned fees, giving you peace of mind that your transactions are always handled correctly. For more than a decade, LawPay has made it as easy as possible for attorneys to receive payment for their services, and TCDLA members pay no monthly fee for their first three months.

Colonial Life

We are pleased to announce that TCDLA has partnered with Colonial Life and HUB International in its newest member benefit offering to all participating members and their employees. This partnership will provide an array of supplemental insurance including Short Term Disability and Dental. These product lines can enhance and further protect our members and their families; additionally, individuals may be able to participate in low cost non-major medical program that provides access to basic medical care such as doctor visits, urgent care, and prescription drugs.

If you have at least 10 employees and allow Colonial Life to do an open enrollment at your office, you and every employee will receive a free $10,000 Accidental death and dismemberment policy, access to a Tele-doc service, and a wellness card that offers discounts on prescription drugs among other benefits with no purchase necessary of any policy; just as a thank you for allowing Colonial to offer their services to you and your employees.

Open Enrollment Starts Now, Don’t miss out on your FREE COVERAGE!

 

CaseFleet

TCDLA is proud to announce a new discount for members; CaseFleet is offering TCDLA members a 10% discount on their first Annual Subscription or the first 12-months of a Monthly Subscription. Use TCDLA's promo code to receive the 10% discount.

CaseFleet's case management software empowers lawyers to build winning cases with tools for reviewing evidence, organizing facts, and identifying trends. To learn more about CaseFleet or to schedule a demo, call: (800) 968-3994. Start your free 14-day trial at: casefleet.com