Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (TCDLA)

The Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (TCDLA) offers services and support to criminal defense lawyers and other legal professionals practicing in the state of Texas. Those holding prosecutorial or judiciary positions are not eligible for membership. TCDLA memberships include regular attorney, public defender, law student, law professors, and other membership types as approved by the TCDLA board of directors. You must be endorsed by an existing TCDLA member to join. Membership in the TCDLA is contigent on good standing membership of the State Bar of Texas with exceptions on types of membership. 

Joining the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association can provide many membership benefits including:

• Inclusion in the TCDLA printed membership directory which is mailed each year to its members;
• Online listing in TCDLA's online membership directory which is open to the public;
• Inclusion in "Lawyer Locator" which allows other attorneys or members of the public to search for members based on their interest in various practice areas;
• Discounts to attend various CLE seminars sponsored by TCDLA each year;
• Access to the TCDLA iPhone or iPad Application on iTunes where members can find a wealth of practical information including Texas criminal codes and statutes;
• Copy of TCDLA publications including "Voice for the Defense" Magazine distributed 10 times a year;
• Access to an updated list of experts used in different types of criminal cases;
• Access to TCDLA's listserves which allows members to ask questions and share information with each other;
• Discounts from third party providers for products or services such as practice management software, rental cars, hotels, professional liability insurance, and more;
• Protection from Strike Force, if a member is improperly harassed or threatened with sanctions for the zealous representation of a client;
• Access to the brief and motion bank; and
• A personalized membership certificate.

Members of TCDLA are encouraged to participate in the organization through service on various committees including:

• the Budget Committee;
• the Executive Committee; and
• the Nominations Committee.