Sidebar with TCDLA

TCDLA
  • 5.0 (14)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Sidebar with TCDLA is sponsored by the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, and produced by Aaron Diaz of San Antonio, Texas.

  1. Ep. 36 - Issues with Juvenile Law Practice with Jacky Varela

    2D AGO

    Ep. 36 - Issues with Juvenile Law Practice with Jacky Varela

    In this podcast, we sit down with Jacky Varela and explore the unique challenges and nuances of juvenile law practice in Texas, including legal differences, systemic issues, and effective defense strategies. Whether you're new to juvenile law or looking to refine your approach, this discussion will providevaluable insights to better serve young clients.

    25 min
  2. Significant Decisions Report - Vol. XLI No. 1 | January February 2026

    2D AGO

    Significant Decisions Report - Vol. XLI No. 1 | January February 2026

    This episode covers the March 2026 Significant Decisions Report, highlighting notable criminal law opinions from the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals and courts of appeals across the state, including cases on vehicle searches, probation revocations for nonpayment, self-representation, necessity and self-defense, jury and confrontation issues, indictment amendments, evidentiary challenges, and double jeopardy. The report also notes that the United States Supreme Court and Fifth Circuit did not issue any significant published opinions during this reporting period. This Significant Decisions Report can also be read in the January/February 2026 issue of The Voice magazine.

    1h 54m
  3. Ep. 35 - Choosing Mitigation Specialist with Nicole VanToorn and Jeff Wax

    FEB 25

    Ep. 35 - Choosing Mitigation Specialist with Nicole VanToorn and Jeff Wax

    In this episode of Sidebar with TCDLA, we sit down with mitigation specialists Nicole VanToorn and Jeff Wax for an in-depth discussion on Choosing Mitigation Specialists and why mitigation work is essential to effective criminal defense. The conversation breaks down what mitigation specialists do, how their role differs from investigators and expert witnesses, and why mitigation is about far more than sentencing or capital cases. Nicole and Jeff explain how uncovering a client’s social history—trauma, mental health, family background, and life experiences—can shift cases from judgment to understanding and fundamentally change outcomes. Listeners will learn when to bring in a mitigation specialist (spoiler: earlier is better), key red flags that signal mitigation can make a difference, and what qualities attorneys should look for when hiring the right specialist. The episode also explores cultural competency, trauma-informed practice, funding strategies, confidentiality, and best practices for integrating mitigation specialists into the defense team without duplicating efforts. Through real-world examples—including a powerful case where mitigation transformed a capital prosecution—the guests show how effective mitigation reframes narratives, builds credibility with courts, and restores humanity to people who risk being defined only by their charges. 🎧 Whether you’re handling misdemeanors or capital cases, this episode offers practical guidance and a compelling case for why mitigation belongs at the heart of defense strategy.

    25 min
  4. Ep. 34 - Defending Dreams: Scholarships & Swag with TCDLEI with Laurie Key and Mehr Singh

    FEB 11

    Ep. 34 - Defending Dreams: Scholarships & Swag with TCDLEI with Laurie Key and Mehr Singh

    Episode Description – Spotify Podcast Notes In this episode of Sidebar with TCDLA, we are joined by TCDLEI officers Laurie Key and Mehr Singh for a conversation that gets to the heart of what makes the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Educational Institute so special: scholarships, fundraising, and community. They break down how TCDLEI scholarships open doors for new, rural, and financially burdened defense lawyers—helping ensure access to high-quality CLE, mentorship, and professional growth. From over 100 CLE scholarships awarded each year to the Charlie Butts Law Student Scholarship, the discussion highlights how education today becomes leadership and service tomorrow. We will also dive into the fun (and impactful) side of fundraising—merchandise, wine pulls, silent auctions, and yes, the fan-favorite dog bandanas. Every purchase and donation goes directly toward supporting scholarships and strengthening the defense bar across Texas. 🎧 Tune in to hear how TCDLEI turns CLE into TLC—Teaching, Learning, and Caring—and why defending dreams starts with defenders like you.

    9 min
  5. Staff Spotlight Series: The Seminar Support Squad Pt. 1

    FEB 9

    Staff Spotlight Series: The Seminar Support Squad Pt. 1

    Welcome to our Staff Spotlight Series — a mini-collection of behind-the-scenes conversations that introduce you to the incredible people who keep TCDLA moving. Each episode shines a light on the voices, talents, and personalities that power our mission every day. Get to know the team like never before! Today we are talking with Ameriss Renteria, one of our Seminar Clerks! Take a look at how she helps behind-the-scenes support to keep seminars organized and running efficiently.

    8 min
  6. Staff Spotlight Series: Balancing the Books

    JAN 19

    Staff Spotlight Series: Balancing the Books

    Welcome to our Staff Spotlight Series — a mini-collection of behind-the-scenes conversations that introduce you to the incredible people who keep TCDLA moving. Each episode shines a light on the voices, talents, and personalities that power our mission every day. Get to know the team like never before! Let's chat with your TCDLA Accountant, Cris Abascal! Who keeps TCDLA’s finances balanced, accurate, and running smoothly behind the scenes.

    10 min
  7. Ep. 33 - Building the Case: The Incremental Development of Mental Health Evidence with Patrick McCann

    JAN 14

    Ep. 33 - Building the Case: The Incremental Development of Mental Health Evidence with Patrick McCann

    Mental health evidence doesn’t always come in one neat report — and it rarely shows up at the start of a case. In this episode of Sidebar with TCDLA, we sit down with Patrick McCann to explore how criminal defense lawyers in Texas can build mental health evidence step by step throughout the life of a case. From early client interviews and background records to expert involvement and courtroom timing, this discussion breaks down how to layer in mental health strategically for maximum impact.   Whether you’re seeking mitigation, raising competency, or simply telling your client’s full story, learning how to develop this evidence incrementally can shape outcomes — and change lives.

    23 min
  8. Staff Spotlight Series: The Financial Framework

    JAN 12

    Staff Spotlight Series: The Financial Framework

    Welcome to our Staff Spotlight Series — a mini-collection of behind-the-scenes conversations that introduce you to the incredible people who keep TCDLA moving. Each episode shines a light on the voices, talents, and personalities that power our mission every day. Get to know the team like never before! On this episode, we are checking in with our CFO, Mari Flores! Who oversees the organization’s financial strategy to ensure long-term stability and smart growth.

    9 min
See All (45)

5
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

Sidebar with TCDLA is sponsored by the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, and produced by Aaron Diaz of San Antonio, Texas.

Information

  • Creator
    TCDLA
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    45
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © TCDLA
  • Show Website
    Sidebar with TCDLA

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