Visit our website at www.tdcaa.com/training/#online-training for more information about any of these courses and to register for them.
2026 Ethics Update
This two-hour course features C. Scott Brumley, County Attorney in Potter County, and Ariane Flores, Assistant County Attorney in Williamson County. Scott takes us on a tour of our favorite ethical vacation retreat, Conflicts Island. He covers a wide range of situations and examples so that prosecutors—especially our civil practitioners—are ready in case they find themselves caught on Conflicts Island.
In the age of “right now” news, prosecutor offices are bombarded with media requests. While we may wish to keep our communities fully informed, Ariane explains the ethical concerns raised by speaking to the media about ongoing litigation and highlights the ethical duties that all prosecutors must follow in cases involving both criminal defendants and juveniles. Every attorney completing this online course will receive two hours of CLE ethics credit.
Diminishing Diminished Capacity
Defense arguments for diminished capacity happen every day in courtrooms across Texas, but knowing how to combat these arguments can be tough. Join Lauren Bard, Assistant District Attorney in Harris County, as she explains what diminished capacity is, what it isn’t, and how to properly keep it out of your next trial. Viewers who complete the course will receive one hour of CLE.
Forensics in the Courtroom: DNA
When prosecutors ask in jury selection what sort of scientific evidence the jury expects the State to produce at trial, the first response is often “DNA.” But presenting DNA evidence to a jury can be intimidating. After all, we are attorneys, not scientists! If you’ve ever felt this way about presenting DNA evidence, please join Tiffany Larsen, Assistant District Attorney in Brazos County, as she walks through what prosecutors should understand about DNA and how to use this evidence in the courtroom. Tiffany breaks down DNA terminology, testing, and results and explains different ways to use those results in the courtroom. Viewers who complete the course will receive 1.75 hours of CLE.
Forensics in the Courtroom: Genetic Genealogy
In the last few years, genetic genealogy has swiftly transformed from an easy way to build a family tree to a cutting-edge tool for solving both cold cases and active investigations. Join Leighton D’Antoni, Assistant Criminal District Attorney in Dallas County, as he explains the emerging importance of genetic genealogy and how it can be used by law enforcement and prosecutors to bring justice to crime victims. If you need a DNA refresher, TDCAA recommends viewing “Forensics in the Courtroom: DNA” before moving on to this one. Viewers who complete this course will receive 0.75 hours of CLE.
Fundamentals of Child Welfare Law
Many Texas prosecutor offices have taken on the important responsibility of representing the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) in legal proceedings related to child welfare in their jurisdictions. In this six-part video course presented by highly experienced Texas prosecutors and DFPS attorneys, you will learn the fundamental skills of child welfare law specifically designed for prosecutors that represent DFPS. This course provides 5.25 hours of CLE.
How Does a County Buy & Sell Property?
Great question! There is much to consider. Follow along as Jennifer Fox, Assistant County Attorney in Fort Bend County, explains the ins and outs of buying and selling county property. She covers what items should be included in a purchase agreement when the county buys land, the best method for selling public property, and what procedures must be followed for a successful transaction. This course is free of cost, and those who complete it will receive 0.75 hours of CLE.
Introduction to Juvenile Law
This course covers the fundamentals of juvenile law ranging from terminology all the way to juvenile trials and confidentiality. Our team of juvenile law experts come from across the state and give insight for prosecutors practicing in both rural and urban jurisdictions. The course will help prosecutors new to juvenile law as well as veteran prosecutors who would like to learn more about this often overlooked but crucial area of our justice system. Viewers who complete the course will receive 4 hours of CLE. This course is free of cost.
Mental Health Courts & Jail-Based Competency Restoration
This course is divided into three presentations. In the first, Jason Steans, Assistant County Attorney in Williamson County, discusses the recent emergence of jail-based competency restoration. This program allows defendants to remain in custody and receive treatment by mental health providers while in jail. Mr. Steans discusses the statutory authority for these programs as well as some of the benefits and challenges they present. The second presentation is by Jessica Frazier, Assistant Criminal District Attorney in Comal County, and Malori Martin, Assistant Criminal District Attorney in Walker County. Ms. Frazier walks through the statutory steps for establishing a mental health court. In the second part of the presentation, Ms. Frazier and Ms. Martin discuss not only the benefits of mental health courts but also what prosecutors can do in counties without mental health courts to make sure that defendants with mental health issues are being properly addressed. In the final presentation our presenters answer questions they have received in their role as mental health prosecutors.
Mandatory Brady Training (2022)
This is a free course on a prosecutor’s duty to disclose exculpatory and mitigating evidence and information. It meets the requirements of Government Code §41.111 and has been approved by the Court of Criminal Appeals. All prosecutors must take this course at least once every four years. Those who complete it will receive 1.25 hours of CLE ethics credit.
Also note that TDCAA is in the process of updating this Brady course for 2026. Keep an eye on our website at www.tdcaa.com for its launch.