Dallas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (DCDLA)

DCDLA was founded in 1949 and has operated continuously for more than 75 years. The organization's past-presidents roster begins with Dick McLemore Jr., who served as president in 1949 and 1950, followed by a long succession of Dallas criminal defense attorneys. DCDLA describes itself as the longest continuously operating criminal defense organization in the country.

Throughout its history, DCDLA has developed from a local association of defense lawyers into an established professional organization providing continuing legal education, litigation resources, mentoring, courthouse facilities, and advocacy on issues affecting criminal defense practice. Its past presidents include prominent members of the Texas criminal defense bar, including Charles W. Tessmer, Stanley Weinberg, Adelfa B. Callejo, Robert Udashen, Knox Fitzpatrick, and numerous other attorneys who have played significant roles in criminal defense practice in Dallas and throughout Texas.

According to the organization's About page, DCDLA works to improve the knowledge and skills of Dallas County criminal defense attorneys while protecting constitutional rights and promoting justice. Its principal activities include:

• Continuing Legal Education – DCDLA regularly provides CLE programs covering criminal law, evidence, trial advocacy, ethics, immigration consequences, DWI defense, and other subjects relevant to criminal defense practice.

• Professional Support – Members can obtain practical assistance and advice from other attorneys through DCDLA's professional network and members-only resources.

• Constitutional Advocacy – The organization advocates for the individual rights guaranteed by the Texas Constitution and U.S. Constitution in criminal cases.

• Representation of the Defense Bar – DCDLA represents criminal defense attorneys in matters involving judges, prosecutors, local government officials, the media, and other institutions affecting criminal practice.

• Cooperation Among Defense Attorneys – The association promotes the exchange of knowledge and experience among criminal defense lawyers and encourages cooperation in the pursuit of justice and effective representation.

DCDLA also regularly addresses developments involving Dallas County courts and criminal procedure, making the organization both a professional resource and an institutional voice for the local defense bar.

Membership in DCDLA provides criminal defense attorneys with a range of educational, professional, and practical resources specifically designed for criminal practice in Dallas County. Benefits include:

• Members-Only Listserv – DCDLA operates a private forum where members can seek advice from other defense attorneys, discuss case strategy, evaluate expert witnesses, share documents, and exchange information about legal and courthouse issues.

• Brief and Motion Bank – Members receive access to a library of motions, briefs, and other legal documents that can be used as research and drafting resources in criminal cases.

• Frank Crowley Courthouse Lounge – DCDLA members have access to a private workspace and lounge at the Frank Crowley Courts Building, providing attorneys with a place to work and meet while handling cases at the courthouse.

• Monthly CLE Programs – The association offers regular continuing legal education programs focused on criminal defense law and practice.

• Annual Seminars – DCDLA sponsors larger educational programs including its Bench Bar Conference, Lone Star Ethics seminar, and immigration-related training for criminal defense attorneys.

• On-Demand CLE Video Bank – Members have access to a searchable library of recorded CLE presentations, with new educational videos added regularly.

• Judicial Advocacy – DCDLA serves as a liaison between the criminal defense bar, local judges, and the Dallas County District Attorney's Office on issues affecting criminal practice.

• Judicial Surveys – Members can participate in DCDLA surveys evaluating judges and issues affecting the local courts.

• Legislative and Policy Information – The association keeps members informed about local and state policy developments affecting criminal law and criminal defense practice.

• Mentoring and Professional Networking – Members can connect with experienced trial attorneys and other criminal defense professionals throughout Dallas County and North Texas.

• Social Events – DCDLA organizes networking and community events such as happy hours, holiday events, and its annual field day.

These benefits give criminal defense attorneys access to both practical litigation tools and a professional community of lawyers who regularly practice in the same courts.

DCDLA offers several membership categories based on professional role and experience. Current membership options include:

• Regular Member – $175 annually

• Associate Member for attorneys practicing two years or less – $50 annually

• Public Defender – $75 annually

• Law Student – $25 annually

• Paralegal – $50 annually

• Investigator/Sponsor – $50 annually

• Members over age 70 – No cost

• Sustaining Member – $1,000 for seven years

• Lifetime Member – $2,500

The different membership categories allow newer attorneys, public defenders, law students, investigators, and other defense professionals to participate in the organization at reduced rates while also offering long-term membership options for established practitioners.

Continuing education is a major part of DCDLA's work. The organization regularly holds CLE programs at the Frank Crowley Courts Building and other locations, with programming addressing both broad criminal-defense skills and specialized areas of practice.

Recent programs have included training on evidence and trial advocacy, immigration issues for criminal defense attorneys, DWI defense, preservation of error, and State Bar grievance issues. DCDLA also hosts its annual Bench Bar program and maintains an on-demand CLE video bank for members who cannot attend programs in person.

The organization supplements its educational programming with social and networking events, providing attorneys with opportunities to build professional relationships within Dallas County's criminal defense community.

DCDLA provides a local professional network for attorneys practicing criminal defense in Dallas and throughout Dallas County. Because many of its resources are specifically focused on practice in the Dallas County criminal courts, membership can provide attorneys with information and professional contacts that extend beyond general statewide criminal-defense education.

The association's role as a liaison between defense attorneys, judges, prosecutors, and other Dallas County institutions also gives the local criminal defense bar a collective voice on issues involving courthouse procedures and criminal justice policy.