2022 Robert O. Dawson

Conference on Criminal Appeals

Austin May 25-27, 2022 AT&T Conference Center
Conference Concluded

Live Webcast May 25-27, 2022
Conference Concluded

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Related products: eConference Materials

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Overview

UT Law CLE's 2022 Robert O. Dawson Conference on Criminal Appeals features members of the Court of Criminal Appeals and judges from the intermediate courts around Texas joining prosecutors and defense attorneys for balanced discussions and insights into current issues facing the criminal justice system, including:

A review of significant decisions from both the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals and the U.S. Supreme Court from the past year.
Advanced tips on brief writing and appellate practice.
Insight from directly judges from both the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals and different Courts of Appeals in the state.
Practical tips for writ practice, writing findings of fact, statutory analysis, and more.
Speedy trial issues related to the pandemic.

** NEW THIS YEAR! Join your colleagues and conference faculty at the Wednesday Evening Opening Reception.

Following the conference, attendees will receive a bonus eSupplement containing an additional hours of MCLE to ensure that Texas practitioners can earn their required 15.00/3.00 MCLE hours for the year.

Event Schedule

Program is subject to change.
All times are Central Time Zone.

Time

Credit

Subject

Speaker
Wednesday Afternoon, May 25, 2022
Presiding Officer:
Hon. Barbara P. Hervey, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals - Austin, TX
12:30 pm
Austin Only

Registration Opens

Includes light refreshments.
1:20 pm

Welcoming Remarks
1:30 pm

1.00 hr

Significant Decisions of the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals

Analyze significant decisions in the last year and what they mean for criminal law practitioners.

Hon. David C. Newell, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals - Austin, TX
2:30 pm

1.00 hr

Supreme Court Update

Hear an update on criminal law and criminal procedure cases relevant to Texas criminal appellate practice that were heard and decided by the United States Supreme Court in the 2021 term, and get a preview of hot cases in the pipeline for the 2022 term.

Jennifer E. Laurin, The University of Texas School of Law - Austin, TX
3:30 pm

15-Minute Break
3:45 pm

0.50 hr

War of the Words: Statutory Construction, Texas Criminal Law, and the Code Construction Act

Lawyers and judges are unified by words contained in statutes (i.e., statutory law). The “war of the words,” the struggle to determine the meaning of statutory law, entails more than conflicts in courtrooms or disagreements among lawyers or judges. It occurs repeatedly in the mind of every lawyer and judge when interpreting and construing statutes. Gain insight on statutory construction and the pervasive influence of the Code Construction Act on Texas criminal law.

Hon. Ryan Kellus Turner, Texas Municipal Courts Education Center - Austin, TX
4:15 pm

1.00 hr

Beyond Brief Writing

Go beyond the basics of brief writing in this talk that encourages breaking the mold of tedious, superficial briefing through strategic choices, charts and pictures, better issue-framing, and more.

Emily Johnson-Liu, Office of the State Prosecuting Attorney - Austin, TX
Stacey M. Soule, Office of the State Prosecuting Attorney - Austin, TX
5:15 pm
Austin Only

Adjourn to Reception (5:15 p.m. - 6:15 p.m.)

Enjoy refreshments and a networking opportunity with colleagues and conference faculty.

THANK YOU TO OUR RECEPTION SPONSORS

Appellate Section of the State Bar of Texas

Criminal Justice Section of the State Bar of Texas

Time

Credit

Subject

Speaker
Thursday Morning, May 26, 2022
Presiding Officer:
Hon. David C. Newell, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals - Austin, TX
8:30 am
Austin Only

Conference Room Opens

Includes continental breakfast.
9:00 am

0.75 hr

PreTrial Writ from Texas Jails: Pandemic Justice Delayed and Pandemic Justice Denied

As Martin Luther King, Jr. wrote from Birmingham Jail, “Justice too long delayed is justice denied,” but with the Covid-19 pandemic wearing on, Texas courts have to rethink their analysis of the Speedy Trial guarantee under Barker v. Wingo.

Naomi Howard, Naomi Howard, P.C., Attorney at Law - Austin, TX
9:45 am

0.50 hr

Pretrial Writs

Gain insight into pretrial writs of mandamus, prohibition, and habeas corpus. Focus on when, how, and where to file these writs, as well as the standards that apply to the courts deciding them.

Jessica Caird, Harris County District Attorney's Office - Houston, TX
10:15 am

15-Minute Break
10:30 am

0.50 hr

Mandamus

Learn rules governing the form and content of petitions for writ of mandamus, as well as jurisdictional and substantive requirements to obtain mandamus relief, from both a defense and prosecution perspective.

Rosa Theofanis, Travis County District Attorney's Office - Austin, TX
11:00 am

0.50 hr

Defense and Jury Charges

Defenses and jury charges from the viewpoint of the trial attorney for the benefit of the appellate attorney.

Michael C. Gross, Gross & Esparza, P.L.L.C. - San Antonio, TX
11:30 am

0.75 hr

Advanced Appellate Tips

Practical tips and appellate hacks for the busy practitioner in both prosecution and defense of appellate matters. Explore some of the best practices in areas of appellate law with a focus on the most common and important areas with helpful tips for anyone who wants to strengthen their appellate game.

Carmen Roe, Carmen Roe Law Firm, PLLC - Houston, TX
12:15 pm
Austin Only

Pick Up Lunch (in Austin)

Included in registration.
Thursday Afternoon, May 26, 2022
Presiding Officer:
Hon. David C. Newell, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals - Austin, TX
12:35 pm

0.50 hr

Briefing Tips from the Civil Side

Research has demonstrated that readers rely heavily on the visible structure of documents, paragraphs, and even sentences. These insights suggests tools that brief writers can use to make briefs easier to understand and more persuasive.

Robert B. Dubose, Alexander Dubose & Jefferson LLP - Houston, TX
1:05 pm

15-Minute Break
1:20 pm

0.75 hr

Writ Judges' Panel

District Court and CCA judges’ perspectives on 11.07 writs, gain insight into what works and what doesn’t.

Hon. Mary Lou Keel, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals - Austin, TX
Hon. Ana Martinez, 179th Criminal Court - Houston, TX
2:05 pm

0.50 hr

Drafting Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law

Practical tips for post-conviction litigators: drafting proposed Findings of Fact; increasing the likelihood they will be adopted; and framing the issues for favorable review.

Catherine G. Burnett, South Texas College of Law Houston - Houston, TX
2:35 pm

15-Minute Break
2:50 pm

0.50 hr

Reversal Trends in the Appellate Courts

Analyze issues and trends of every criminal opinion issued by the Texas Courts of Appeal for the 2018-2019 judicial year. This was the year when four appellate courts flipped from Republican to Democratic majorities. Discuss statistical differences between party affiliations of the justices.

James Huggler, Law Office Of James Huggler - Tyler, TX
3:20 pm

1.00 hr
0.25 hr ethics

Court of Appeals Judicial Panel

Practical advice from the people whose opinions matter about what they like to see in briefs and appeals and what they do not. Appellate judges will give tips and take your questions.

Moderator:
Jay Brandon, Bexar County District Attorney's Office, Appeals Section - San Antonio, TX
Panelists:
Hon. Melissa Young Goodwin, Third Court of Appeals - Austin, TX
Hon. Judy C. Parker, Seventh Court of Appeals - Amarillo, TX
4:20 pm

Adjourn

Time

Credit

Subject

Speaker
Friday Morning, May 27, 2022
Presiding Officer:
Stacey M. Soule, Office of the State Prosecuting Attorney - Austin, TX
8:30 am
Austin Only

Conference Room Opens

Includes continental breakfast.
9:00 am

0.75 hr

Writs

Discuss the law of 11.07 habeas corpus with tips for writ practice at the Court of Criminal Appeals.

Michael Staats Falkenberg, Harris County Public Defender's Office - Houston, TX
9:45 am

0.75 hr ethics

Brady

When it comes to the State’s discovery obligation, what exactly does it mean to say that evidence is “material?” What factors do courts consider? Learn about state and federal case law illustrating why certain evidence is material or immaterial.

Hon. Jesse McClure, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals - Austin, TX
10:30 am

15-Minute Break
10:45 am

1.00 hr ethics

Ethics of Criminal Appellate Practice

Ethical representation is required at the appellate level as well as the trial level. Explore rules of ethics and situations specifically centered on appellate representation.

Stephanie L. Stevens, St. Mary's University School of Law - San Antonio, TX
11:45 am

Adjourn

Download Schedule

Conference Faculty

Jay Brandon

Bexar County District Attorney's Office, Appeals Section
San Antonio, TX

Catherine G. Burnett

South Texas College of Law Houston
Houston, TX

Jessica Caird

Harris County District Attorney's Office
Houston, TX

Robert B. Dubose

Alexander Dubose & Jefferson LLP
Houston, TX

Michael Staats Falkenberg

Harris County Public Defender's Office
Houston, TX

Hon. Melissa Young Goodwin

Third Court of Appeals
Austin, TX

Michael C. Gross

Gross & Esparza, P.L.L.C.
San Antonio, TX

Naomi Howard

Naomi Howard, P.C., Attorney at Law
Austin, TX

James Huggler

Law Office Of James Huggler
Tyler, TX

Emily Johnson-Liu

Office of the State Prosecuting Attorney
Austin, TX

Hon. Mary Lou Keel

Texas Court of Criminal Appeals
Austin, TX

Jennifer E. Laurin

The University of Texas School of Law
Austin, TX

Hon. Ana Martinez

179th Criminal Court
Houston, TX

Hon. Jesse McClure

Texas Court of Criminal Appeals
Austin, TX

Hon. David C. Newell

Texas Court of Criminal Appeals
Austin, TX

Hon. Judy C. Parker

Seventh Court of Appeals
Amarillo, TX

Carmen Roe

Carmen Roe Law Firm, PLLC
Houston, TX

Stacey M. Soule

Office of the State Prosecuting Attorney
Austin, TX

Stephanie L. Stevens

St. Mary's University School of Law
San Antonio, TX

Rosa Theofanis

Travis County District Attorney's Office
Austin, TX

Hon. Ryan Kellus Turner

Texas Municipal Courts Education Center
Austin, TX

Planning Committee

Hon. Barbara P. Hervey—Co-Chair

Texas Court of Criminal Appeals
Austin, TX

Hon. David C. Newell—Co-Chair

Texas Court of Criminal Appeals
Austin, TX

Joanna Jefferson—Director

The University of Texas School of Law
Austin, TX

Jay Brandon

Bexar County District Attorney's Office, Appeals Section
San Antonio, TX

Alison Fox Dahlberg

Texas Court of Criminal Appeals
Austin, TX

Michael Staats Falkenberg

Harris County Public Defender's Office
Houston, TX

Carson R. Guy

Texas Court of Criminal Appeals
Austin, TX

Susan Riva Klein

The University of Texas School of Law
Austin, TX

Jennifer E. Laurin

The University of Texas School of Law
Austin, TX

Carmen Roe

Carmen Roe Law Firm, PLLC
Houston, TX

Stephanie L. Stevens

St. Mary's University School of Law
San Antonio, TX

Lisa Dotin Stewart

Travis County District Attorney's Office
Austin, TX

MCLE Credit

Texas – 12.25 hrs | 2.00 hrs Ethics
Legal Specialization(s): Criminal Law, Criminal Appellate Law

You may claim your credit online in Your Briefcase, and UT Law CLE will report credit on your behalf to the State Bar of Texas. A Certificate of Attendance will be provided in Your Briefcase for your records. The system reports Texas CLE credit every Tuesday. If you are claiming credit in the last week of your birth month, self-report your CLE credit directly to the State Bar of Texas at texasbar.com, using the course number provided on your certificate of attendance.

California – 12.25 hrs | 2.00 hrs Ethics

You must claim your credit online in Your Briefcase, and will then be provided a Certificate of Attendance for your records. UT Law CLE is required to provide the State Bar with electronic attendance records for any MCLE participatory activity within 60 days of completion of the activity. The California licensee is responsible for reporting their compliance/credit hours earned to the State Bar at the end of their reporting period directly to the State Bar of California at calbar.ca.gov. UT Law CLE will maintain Attendance Records for four years.

Oklahoma – 14.50 hrs | 2.50 hrs Ethics

You must claim and certify your credit online in Your Briefcase, then you will then be provided a Certificate of Attendance for your records. UT Law CLE will report credit on your behalf to the Oklahoma Bar Association within 30 days after the conference.

Pennsylvania – 12.00 hrs | 2.00 hrs Ethics

UT Law CLE is an approved provider of Pennsylvania credit, sponsor #236. You must claim your credit online in Your Briefcase, and will then be provided a Certificate of Attendance for your records. Attorney attendance will be reported to Pennsylvania within 2 weeks after credit is claimed and submit. Attorneys are not able to report this credit on their own, and UT Law CLE pays all associated fees for the credit hours. Contact us at accreditation@utcle.org if you have additional questions.

Other States – 12.25 hrs | 2.00 hrs Ethics

Note on Self-Reporting Your Credits in Another State

If you wish to satisfy MCLE or other professional education requirements in another state for a program offered by the University of Texas School of Law, please check with the state bar or other licensing authority in that state to ensure it will qualify for self-reporting your credits.

You must claim and certify your credit online in Your Briefcase, you will then be provided a Certificate of Attendance for your records and to provided to other licensing authorities as needed.

MCLE credit is presented based on a 60-minute credit hour.

Other Credit

TX Accounting CPE – 15.00 hrs

The University of Texas School of Law (Provider #250) live conferences are presumptively approved by The Texas State Board of Public Accountancy for Texas Accounting CPE credit based on a 50-minute credit hour. Approved for general CPE credit only.

At the conference, you are welcome to sign in on the Accounting CPE Record of Attendance form at the registration desk, but we are now reporting all credit online. You will receive a Texas Accounting Certificate of Completion in Your Briefcase. Self-report your CPE credit directly to TSBPA. UT Law CLE will maintain Attendance Records for four years.

Contact us at accreditation@utcle.org if you have additional questions.

MCLE Credit

Texas – 12.25 hrs | 2.00 hrs Ethics
Legal Specialization(s): Criminal Law, Criminal Appellate Law

You may claim your credit online in Your Briefcase, and UT Law CLE will report credit on your behalf to the State Bar of Texas. A Certificate of Completion will be emailed to you upon claiming credit. The system reports Texas CLE credit every Tuesday. If you are claiming credit in the last week of your birth month, self-report your CLE credit directly to the State Bar of Texas at texasbar.com, using the course number provided on your certificate of attendance.

California – 12.25 hrs | 2.00 hrs Ethics

To claim California MCLE credit, California credit option must be selected PRIOR to viewing the live webcast. This accreditation requires attendance verification. UT Law CLE monitors and records attendee responses to questions that randomly appear during the live webcast presentation. Verification pop-ups will NOT display when the webcast video player is in "full screen" mode. Furthermore, the notification sound effect alerting pop-ups, will NOT play on mobile devices. We recommend viewing from a computer, as opposed to a mobile device, should MCLE credit, other than Texas, be needed. The response record is detailed on the Certificate of Completion.

You must claim your credit online in Your Briefcase, and will then be provided a Certificate of Attendance for your records. UT Law CLE is required to provide the State Bar with electronic attendance records for any MCLE participatory activity within 60 days of completion of the activity. The California licensee is responsible for reporting their compliance/credit hours earned to the State Bar at the end of their reporting period directly to the State Bar of California at calbar.ca.gov. UT Law CLE will maintain Attendance Records for four years.

MCLE credit is presented based on a 60-minute credit hour.

Oklahoma – 14.50 hrs | 2.50 hrs Ethics

To claim Oklahoma MCLE credit, Oklahoma credit option must be selected PRIOR to viewing the live webcast. This accreditation requires attendance verification. UT Law CLE monitors and records attendee responses to questions that randomly appear during the live webcast presentation. Verification pop-ups will NOT display when the webcast video player is in "full screen" mode. Furthermore, the notification sound effect alerting pop-ups, will NOT play on mobile devices. We recommend viewing from a computer, as opposed to a mobile device, should MCLE credit, other than Texas, be needed. The response record is detailed on the Certificate of Completion.

The University of Texas School of Law (Provider #169) live webcast presentations meet the requirements and are presumptively approved by the Oklahoma Bar Association for MCLE credit based on a 50-minute credit hour. Upon claiming credit, a Certificate of Completion will be emailed to you. UT Law CLE will report credit on your behalf to the Oklahoma Bar Association within 30 days after the webcast.

Pennsylvania – 12.00 hrs | 2.00 hrs Ethics

To claim Pennsylvania MCLE credit, Pennsylvania credit option must be selected PRIOR to viewing the live webcast. This accreditation requires attendance verification. UT Law CLE monitors and records attendee responses to questions that randomly appear during the live webcast presentation. Verification pop-ups will NOT display when the webcast video player is in "full screen" mode. Furthermore, the notification sound effect alerting pop-ups, will NOT play on mobile devices. We recommend viewing from a computer, as opposed to a mobile device, should MCLE credit, other than Texas, be needed. The response record is detailed on the Certificate of Completion.

UT Law CLE is an approved provider of Pennsylvania credit, sponsor #236. Attorney attendance will be reported to Pennsylvania within 2 weeks after credit is claimed and submitted. Attorneys are not able to report this credit on their own, and UT Law CLE pays all associated fees for the credit hours. Contact us at accreditation@utcle.org if you have additional questions.

MCLE credit is presented based on a 60-minute credit hour.

Other States – 12.25 hrs | 2.00 hrs Ethics

Note on Self-Reporting Your Credits in Another State

To claim Other States MCLE credit, Other States credit option must be selected PRIOR to viewing the live webcast. You must claim and certify your credit online in Your Briefcase, you will then be provided a Certificate of Attendance for your records and to provide to other licensing authorities as needed.

This accreditation requires attendance verification. UT Law CLE monitors and records attendee responses to questions that randomly appear during the live webcast presentation. The response record is detailed on the Certificate of Completion.

MCLE credit is presented based on a 60-minute credit hour.

Other Credit

TX Accounting CPE – 15.00 hrs

The University of Texas School of Law (Provider #250) live webcast presentations meet the requirements and are presumptively approved by the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy for Texas Accounting CPE credit based on a 50-minute credit hour. Approved for general CPE credit only.

This accreditation requires attendance verification. In compliance with the rules, UT Law CLE monitors and records attendee responses to questions that randomly appear during the live webcast presentation. The response record is detailed on the Certificate of Completion.

To claim Texas Accounting CPE credit, the Texas Accounting CPE credit option must be selected PRIOR to viewing the live webcast. Upon claiming credit, a Certificate of Completion will be emailed to you. Self-report your CPE credit directly to the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy.

Contact us at accreditation@utcle.org if you have additional questions.

Key Dates

Austin – May 25-27, 2022 – AT&T Conference Center

Conference Concluded

Live Webcast – May 25-27, 2022

Conference Concluded

Buy

Austin
Live Webcast

Individual
Last day for $525.00 Regular pricing: May 18, 2022

$575.00 for registrations received after this time

Group (5 registrants minimum)
Last day for $475.00 Regular pricing: May 18, 2022

$525.00 for registrations received after this time

Group (10 registrants minimum)
Last day for $420.00 Regular pricing: May 18, 2022

$470.00 for registrations received after this time

Last day for cancellation (full refund): May 20, 2022

$50 processing fee applied after this date

Last day for cancellation: May 23, 2022

Individual
Last day for $525.00 Regular pricing: May 18, 2022

$575.00 for registrations received after this time

Group (5 registrants minimum)
Last day for $475.00 Regular pricing: May 18, 2022

$525.00 for registrations received after this time

Group (10 registrants minimum)
Last day for $420.00 Regular pricing: May 18, 2022

$470.00 for registrations received after this time

Last day for cancellation (full refund): May 20, 2022

$50 processing fee applied after this date

Last day for cancellation: May 23, 2022

Venue

AT&T Conference Center

The University of Texas at Austin
1900 University Avenue
Austin, TX
877.744.8822 (reservations)
Map

Accommodations

A limited number of rooms have been reserved at a special rate of $189 per night. Special room rate is available until April 24, or until the room block is exhausted, whichever comes first. You can reserve by calling 877-744-8822 and mentioning "Criminal Appeals Conference" or by visiting their website here.

Parking Information

Parking is available in the hotel's attached garage, as well as Rowling Hall Garage. Both garage entrances are located on W 20th St. Guests may self-park or use the hotel's valet services at the University Avenue entrance. Parking rates are subject to change without notice.

Self-parking fees:

Hourly Parking:
0-30 minutes, $3
31-60 minutes, $4
1– 2 hours, $6
2– 3 hours, $9
3– 4 hours, $12
4– 5 hours, $15
5– 8 hours, $18
8– 24 hours, $21

Overnight Guests:
Hotel guests may obtain a parking card at the front desk for $21 per night.

Valet Parking Rates:

Daily valet: $21
Overnight valet: $35

Additional Information

The conference will take place in the Grand Ballroom at the AT&T Center. If you self-park in the AT&T Conference Center Garage, please take the conference center elevators to level “M3" and follow signs to the Grand Ballroom. If you park in Rowling Hall Garage, please take the elevators to level “B1” and walk across the courtyard to the Conference Center, where you can take the elevators to level "M3" Grand Ballroom.

Our Sponsors

Thank you to our sponsors! Click each logo below to learn more.

Appellate Section of the State Bar of Texas

Appellate Section of the State Bar of Texas

The Appellate Section promotes the role of appellate lawyers in Texas, enhances their skills, and improves appellate practice in Texas. It furthers these goals by offering continuing legal education, disseminating materials on matters of interest to members of the Appellate Section, and creating opportunities for the exchange of ideas among members of the Appellate Section. http://www.tex-app.org/
Criminal Justice Section of the State Bar of Texas

Criminal Justice Section of the State Bar of Texas

The Criminal Justice Section of the State Bar of Texas is made up of more than 3100 criminal practitioners, which includes prosecutors, defense attorneys and judges across the state. Our mission is to promote excellence in the practice of criminal law by embracing ethics, professionalism, education, training and fellowship. We sponsor CLE at the State Bar Annual meeting, State Bar of Texas webcasts on criminal law matters, and co-sponsor the State Bar of Texas Advanced Criminal Law Course. We also publish a quarterly newsletter to our members. The section’s policies and activities are governed by the Criminal Justice Council. https://www.txbarcjs.org/

2022 Robert O. Dawson

Conference on Criminal Appeals

Austin May 25-27, 2022 AT&T Conference Center Conference Concluded

Live Webcast May 25-27, 2022 Conference Concluded

Buy

Related products: eConference Materials

Overview

Event Schedule

Wednesday Afternoon, May 25, 2022

Thursday Morning, May 26, 2022

Thursday Afternoon, May 26, 2022

Friday Morning, May 27, 2022

Conference Faculty

Jay Brandon

Catherine G. Burnett

Jessica Caird

Robert B. Dubose

Michael Staats Falkenberg

Hon. Melissa Young Goodwin

Michael C. Gross

Naomi Howard

James Huggler

Emily Johnson-Liu

Hon. Mary Lou Keel

Jennifer E. Laurin

Hon. Ana Martinez

Hon. Jesse McClure

Hon. David C. Newell

Hon. Judy C. Parker

Carmen Roe

Stacey M. Soule

Stephanie L. Stevens

Rosa Theofanis

Hon. Ryan Kellus Turner

Planning Committee

Hon. Barbara P. Hervey—Co-Chair

Hon. David C. Newell—Co-Chair

Joanna Jefferson—Director

Jay Brandon

Alison Fox Dahlberg

Michael Staats Falkenberg

Carson R. Guy

Susan Riva Klein

Jennifer E. Laurin

Carmen Roe

Stephanie L. Stevens

Lisa Dotin Stewart

Credit Info

MCLE Credit

Other Credit

MCLE Credit

Other Credit

Key Dates

Venue

AT&T Conference Center

Accommodations

Parking Information

Additional Information

Our Sponsors

Appellate Section of the State Bar of Texas

Criminal Justice Section of the State Bar of Texas

Stay in the loop with UT Law CLE

Austin May 25-27, 2022 AT&T Conference Center
Conference Concluded

Live Webcast May 25-27, 2022
Conference Concluded