Association Awards | Texas District & County Attorneys Association

Posted: April 10, 2026

The following association awards are presented at TDCAA’s Annual Criminal & Civil Law Conference each year:

PROSECUTOR OF THE YEAR (POTY)

The POTY Award is a broad recognition for outstanding service to the criminal justice system for a prosecutor who improves the quality of justice through their leadership and/or their efforts to shape public policy. It should be given to someone who has demonstrated a devotion to the profession and who aspires to be a true example of a “minister of justice.”
This award, although designated by the State Bar as a “practitioner of the year award,” contemplates that a prosecutor may also be recognized for a body of work or activities that may span more than a single year.
The terms should be read expansively to include all efforts to improve the criminal jurisprudence of the state, whether it be through developing novel theories of prosecution through trial and appellate advocacy, creating and implementing innovative investigation and prosecution techniques, affecting positive change at the Texas Legislature, making significant contributions to the profession of prosecution through training and support of other prosecutors, or spearheading new programs and services in the community at large.
PROCESS: Nominations are reviewed by the Nominations Committee, which in turn makes a selection and forwards it to the TDCAA Board of Directors for approval at its Summer Meeting.

The Lone Star Award recognizes significant efforts of prosecutors, including civil practitioners, who have distinguished themselves through trial or appellate advocacy or other government representation in the past year. (It is not a lifetime achievement award.)
This award is primarily intended for those whose work may otherwise go largely unnoticed around the state, but who advance justice in their communities.
PROCESS: Nominations are reviewed by the Nominations Committee, which in turn makes a selection and forwards it to the TDCAA Board of Directors for approval at its Summer Meeting.

The Kepple Award honors recipients whose career accomplishments have left an indelible mark on the field of Texas prosecution.
This award is intended to honor those whose career body of work has impacted the efforts that Texas prosecutors undertake every day in a way that will continue for years to come. Recipients may include prosecutors, those who lead prosecution-affiliated organizations, people who work with victims of crime, law enforcement officials, legislators, and others who have created a lasting, positive impact on our field of work.
This award was created in 2024 to honor longtime TDCAA Executive Director Rob Kepple for his incomparable service to Texas prosecutors.
PROCESS: Nominations are reviewed by the Nominations Committee, which in turn makes a selection and forwards it to the TDCAA Board of Directors for approval at its Summer Meeting.

The C. Chris Marshall Memorial Award recognizes outstanding service as a teacher and trainer for Texas prosecutors and their staff.
The award is named after C. Chris Marshall, a Tarrant County assistant criminal district attorney who was a statewide leader in appellate law and shared his talents with anyone who needed it. He was killed in court in 1992.
Eligibility: Any prosecutor, staff member, or allied professional who has demonstrated a sustained commitment to training and educating those in the profession, whether it be through teaching, publications, one-on-one technical assistance, or a combination.
PROCESS: The C. Chris Marshall Award winner is reviewed and nominated by TDCAA’s Training Committee, confirmed by the Nominations Committee, and approved by TDCAA’s Board of Directors.

Nominations for TDCAA Awards are accepted starting in April of each year and may be submitted to awards@tdcaa.com.

For information about TDCAA’s Rising Star Prosecutor Awards, click here.