Capital cases demand the highest level of preparation and strategy - but even experienced attorneys can stumble. In this episode, we sit down with leading capital defense attorneys to uncover the most common mistakes made in death penalty cases, from pretrial pitfalls to penalty phase missteps. Tune…
Latest Episodes
What happens when young people are released but still trapped by the system? In this episode, we dive into the harsh realities of parole conditions for youth in Texas with Kameron Johnson—how they're set, why they often set kids up to fail, and what criminal defense lawyers can do to push back. Hear…
In this podcast, we sit down with Jacky Varela and explore the unique challenges and nuances of juvenile law practice in Texas, including legal differences, systemic issues, and effective defense strategies. Whether you're new to juvenile law or looking to refine your approach, this discussion will …
This episode covers the March 2026 Significant Decisions Report, highlighting notable criminal law opinions from the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals and courts of appeals across the state, including cases on vehicle searches, probation revocations for nonpayment, self-representation, necessity and s…
In this episode of Sidebar with TCDLA, we sit down with mitigation specialists Nicole VanToorn and Jeff Wax for an in-depth discussion on Choosing Mitigation Specialists and why mitigation work is essential to effective criminal defense.
The conversation breaks down what mitigation specialists do, h…
Episode Description – Spotify Podcast Notes
In this episode of Sidebar with TCDLA, we are joined by TCDLEI officers Laurie Key and Mehr Singh for a conversation that gets to the heart of what makes the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Educational Institute so special: scholarships, fundraising, and co…
Welcome to our Staff Spotlight Series — a mini-collection of behind-the-scenes conversations that introduce you to the incredible people who keep TCDLA moving. Each episode shines a light on the voices, talents, and personalities that power our mission every day. Get to know the team like never befo…
Welcome to our Staff Spotlight Series — a mini-collection of behind-the-scenes conversations that introduce you to the incredible people who keep TCDLA moving. Each episode shines a light on the voices, talents, and personalities that power our mission every day. Get to know the team like never befo…
Mental health evidence doesn’t always come in one neat report — and it rarely shows up at the start of a case. In this episode of Sidebar with TCDLA, we sit down with Patrick McCann to explore how criminal defense lawyers in Texas can build mental health evidence step by step throughout the life of …
Welcome to our Staff Spotlight Series — a mini-collection of behind-the-scenes conversations that introduce you to the incredible people who keep TCDLA moving. Each episode shines a light on the voices, talents, and personalities that power our mission every day. Get to know the team like never befo…
Welcome to our Staff Spotlight Series — a mini-collection of behind-the-scenes conversations that introduce you to the incredible people who keep TCDLA moving. Each episode shines a light on the voices, talents, and personalities that power our mission every day. Get to know the team like never befo…
Welcome to our Staff Spotlight Series — a mini-collection of behind-the-scenes conversations that introduce you to the incredible people who keep TCDLA moving. Each episode shines a light on the voices, talents, and personalities that power our mission every day. Get to know the team like never befo…
In this heartfelt episode, Kerri Anderson Donica opens up about her two-year sobriety journey and how it reshaped both her personal life and her work as a criminal defense lawyer. She reflects on the turning point that made sobriety feel necessary, the early challenges, and the myths she had to let …
Welcome to our Staff Spotlight Series — a mini-collection of behind-the-scenes conversations that introduce you to the incredible people who keep TCDLA moving. Each episode shines a light on the voices, talents, and personalities that power our mission every day. Get to know the team like never befo…
Welcome to our Staff Spotlight Series — a mini-collection of behind-the-scenes conversations that introduce you to the incredible people who keep TCDLA moving. Each episode shines a light on the voices, talents, and personalities that power our mission every day. Get to know the team like never befo…
In this episode, we sit down with Patrick McLain to explore his path from military service to private criminal defense practice. He shares how military discipline, values, and legal experience shaped his civilian work, the challenges of shifting gears, and the surprising overlaps between military an…
Welcome to our Staff Spotlight Series — a mini-collection of behind-the-scenes conversations that introduce you to the incredible people who keep TCDLA moving. Each episode shines a light on the voices, talents, and personalities that power our mission every day. Get to know the team like never befo…
Discover how to select, evaluate, and prepare expert witnesses who can make or break your case in “Vetting Your Experts.” Join us as Katherine Mayer shares practical tips, common pitfalls, and key strategies to ensure your experts are courtroom-ready and credible.
Learn how to turn records into powerful tools for defense in “What to Look for When You Get the Records & How to Use Them.” with our guest, Patrick McCann. This episode provides actionable tips on analyzing, interpreting, and presenting records to build a compelling case strategy.
Should a juvenile adjudication follow someone into adultcourt? In this episode, we break down § 12.42(f) of the Texas Penal Code—a little-known law with big consequences. Learn how this statute allows juvenile records to enhance adult sentences, why it clashes with the core values of juvenile justic…