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eConference

2026 Robert O. Dawson eConference on Criminal Appeals

Contains material from May 2025 to Jun 2026
2026 Robert O. Dawson eConference on Criminal Appeals
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UT Law CLE's 2026 Robert O. Dawson eConference 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.

Includes: Video Captions Audio Transcript Paper Slides No Materials

  • Total Credit Hours:
  • 13.25 | 2.25 ethics
  • Credit Info
  • TX, CA, OK, PA
  • TX MCLE credit expires: 6/30/2027
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Sessions

Credit
1. Significant Decisions of the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals (Jun 2026)

Hon. David C. Newell

0.75 0.00 0.00 0.75
Downloadable Materials
Transcript (txt)
Paper (pdf) – 43 pgs
Slides (pdf) – 49 pgs

Session 1 —42 mins 0.75

Significant Decisions of the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals (Jun 2026)

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

Originally presented: May 2026 Conference on Criminal Appeals

Hon. David C. Newell, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals - Austin, TX

2. Supreme Court Update (Jun 2026)

Emily Johnson-Liu, Britt Houston Lindsey

1.00 0.00 0.00 1.00
Downloadable Materials
Transcript (txt)
Paper (pdf) – 45 pgs
Slides (pdf) – 62 pgs

Session 2 —58 mins 1.00

Supreme Court Update (Jun 2026)

Catch up on the criminal cases decided in the last two years and preview those remaining on the docket.

Originally presented: May 2026 Conference on Criminal Appeals

Emily Johnson-Liu, Office of the State Prosecuting Attorney - Austin, TX
Britt Houston Lindsey, Taylor County District Attorney's Office - Abilene, TX

3. Best Practices for an Uphill Battle: A Discussion Between Defense Attorneys
(Jun 2026)

Niles Illich, Brett Ordiway

0.75 0.00 0.00 0.75
Downloadable Materials
Transcript (txt)
Paper (pdf) – 11 pgs
Slides (pdf) – 9 pgs

Session 3 —42 mins 0.75

Best Practices for an Uphill Battle: A Discussion Between Defense Attorneys
(Jun 2026)

What works in criminal appeals? What doesn't? And what is worth doing anyway? Join speakers—defense attorneys, former judicial law clerks, and board-certification committee members—for a candid discussion on the realities and nuances of representing defendants in appellate courts.

Originally presented: May 2026 Conference on Criminal Appeals

Niles Illich, Palmer Perlstein - Dallas, TX
Brett Ordiway, Ordiway PLLC - Dallas, TX

4. The PDR Playbook: Techniques for Powerful Petitions (Jun 2026)

David L. Botsford, Stacey M. Soule

0.75 0.00 0.00 0.75
Downloadable Materials
Transcript (txt)
Paper (pdf) – 50 pgs
Slides (pdf) – 78 pgs

Session 4 —47 mins 0.75

The PDR Playbook: Techniques for Powerful Petitions (Jun 2026)

In The PDR Playbook: Techniques for Powerful Petitions, learn how to elevate your PDR practice using concrete strategies grounded in what actually moves the Court of Criminal Appeals. This session breaks down the essentials—from developing a clean narrative to drilling into the COA’s error, conducting targeted research, and framing issues with maximum persuasive force—so your petitions stand out instead of getting lost in the “friv” stack. Leave with practical techniques and checklists for crafting focused, effective, and grant-worthy PDRs.

Originally presented: May 2026 Conference on Criminal Appeals

David L. Botsford, Botsford & Roark - Austin, TX
Stacey M. Soule, Office of the State Prosecuting Attorney - Austin, TX

5. Science Meets the Law: Article 11.073
(Jun 2026)

Paul Still

0.50 0.00 0.00 0.50
Downloadable Materials
Transcript (txt)
Paper (pdf) – 15 pgs
Slides (pdf) – 49 pgs

Session 5 —27 mins 0.50

Science Meets the Law: Article 11.073
(Jun 2026)

CCP Article 11.073 has been described as an antidote to convictions based on ‘junk science.’ Examine whether that description is accurate and explore the inner workings of this trailblazing statute.

Originally presented: May 2026 Conference on Criminal Appeals

Paul Still, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals - Austin, TX

6. Future Issues with Regards to Forensic Sciences (Jun 2026)

Sarah Brandon

0.75 0.00 0.00 0.75
Downloadable Materials
Transcript (txt)
Slides (pdf) – 58 pgs

Session 6 —42 mins 0.75

Future Issues with Regards to Forensic Sciences (Jun 2026)

This presentation provides a high-level overview of burgeoning forensic science issues in fields such as toolmark examinations, digital forensic analysis of cell phones beyond location data, and of course shaken baby syndrome. The presentation also covers the role of the Office of Capital and Forensic Writs in representing individuals whose convictions rests on flawed forensics.

Originally presented: May 2026 Conference on Criminal Appeals

Sarah Brandon, Office of Capital and Forensic Writs - Austin, TX

7. 11.07 Writs
(Jun 2026)

Lynda Hercules Charleson

0.50 0.00 0.00 0.50
Downloadable Materials
Transcript (txt)
Paper (pdf) – 58 pgs
Slides (pdf) – 61 pgs

Session 7 —35 mins 0.50

11.07 Writs
(Jun 2026)

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

Originally presented: May 2026 Conference on Criminal Appeals

Lynda Hercules Charleson, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals - Austin, TX

8. Writ Panel: An Interactive Walkthrough of the Process
(Jun 2026)

Lynda Hercules Charleson, Kelly Gatewood, Luis Gonzalez, Shelly Kristin Messerli

1.00 0.00 0.00 1.00
Downloadable Materials
Transcript (txt)
No Materials (pdf) – 1 pgs

Session 8 —53 mins 1.00

Writ Panel: An Interactive Walkthrough of the Process
(Jun 2026)

An interactive conversation with appellate-court staff attorneys discussing how writs are processed at their respective courts, including the roles they play in writ decisions.

Originally presented: May 2026 Conference on Criminal Appeals

Lynda Hercules Charleson, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals - Austin, TX
Kelly Gatewood, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals - Austin, TX
Luis Gonzalez, Thirteenth Court of Appeals - Edinburg, TX
Shelly Kristin Messerli, Fifth Court of Appeals - Dallas, TX

9. Research Tips and Tools (Jun 2026)

Amy Small

0.75 0.00 0.00 0.75
Downloadable Materials
Transcript (txt)
Paper (pdf) – 8 pgs

Session 9 —41 mins 0.75

Research Tips and Tools (Jun 2026)

Learn about free research tools and resources available to you through the Texas State Law Library. Special attention devoted to statutory and legislative history, legal treatises, and legal periodicals.

Originally presented: May 2026 Conference on Criminal Appeals

Amy Small, Texas State Law Library - Austin, TX

10. Persuasive Legal Writing
(Jun 2026)

Kamela Bridges

1.00 0.00 0.00 1.00
Downloadable Materials
Transcript (txt)
Paper (pdf) – 26 pgs
Slides (pdf) – 85 pgs

Session 10 —61 mins 1.00

Persuasive Legal Writing
(Jun 2026)

Legal writing persuades by meeting the reader’s needs and helping the reader see the case from the client’s point of view. Explore techniques legal writers can use to help their readers and their clients.

Originally presented: May 2026 Conference on Criminal Appeals

Kamela Bridges, The University of Texas School of Law - Austin, TX

11. Preservation of Error (Jun 2026)

Brian W. Wice

0.50 0.00 0.00 0.50
Downloadable Materials
Transcript (txt)
Paper (pdf) – 43 pgs
Slides (pdf) – 28 pgs

Session 11 —31 mins 0.50

Preservation of Error (Jun 2026)

Everything you need to know about preserving potential error at trial from jury selection to motions for new trial that will dramatically increase your chances of buying a winning lottery ticket on appeal. And, as a bonus, a checklist on error preservation for your trial notebook and an up-to-the-minute case law update.

Originally presented: May 2026 Conference on Criminal Appeals

Brian W. Wice, Attorney at Law - Houston, TX

12. Ethical Responsibility in Learning How to Use Technology and AI in Appellate Practice (Jun 2026)

Hon. John G. Browning

1.00 1.00 0.00 1.00 | 1.00 ethics
Downloadable Materials
Transcript (txt)
Paper (pdf) – 40 pgs
Slides (pdf) – 18 pgs

Session 12 —58 mins 1.00 | 1.00 ethics

Ethical Responsibility in Learning How to Use Technology and AI in Appellate Practice (Jun 2026)

Discuss the ethical obligations of appellate attorneys impacted by the use of AI, as well as how appellate courts are beginning to use AI. From the duty of technological competence to the duty to supervise to the duty of candor to the tribunal (and much more), it is critical for appellate practitioners to understand AI’s benefits and risks for their practice, and to know where the boundary lines are drawn. Also, hear about cutting-edge topics, including the ethical considerations surrounding the use of AI assistants to record and summarize client communications.

Originally presented: May 2026 Conference on Criminal Appeals

Hon. John G. Browning, Of Counsel, The Cole Law Firm, McKinney, Texas and Distinguished Jurist in Residence, Faulkner University School of Law - Montgomery, AL

13. Court of Appeals Judicial Panel (Jun 2026)

Jay Brandon, Hon. Kristin M. Guiney, Hon. Chari L. Kelly, Hon. Clarissa Silva

1.00 0.25 0.00 1.00 | 0.25 ethics
Downloadable Materials
Transcript (txt)
No Materials (pdf) – 1 pgs

Session 13 —61 mins 1.00 | 0.25 ethics

Court of Appeals Judicial Panel (Jun 2026)

Tips from behind the scenes with judges from three different Courts of Appeals. What judges really want to see and hear in your briefs and oral presentations.

Originally presented: May 2026 Conference on Criminal Appeals

Jay Brandon, San Antonio, TX
Hon. Kristin M. Guiney, First Court of Appeals - Houston, TX
Hon. Chari L. Kelly, Third Court of Appeals - Austin, TX
Hon. Clarissa Silva, 13th Court of Appeals - Corpus Christi, TX

14. Mandamus (Jun 2026)

Michael Staats Falkenberg

0.50 0.00 0.00 0.50
Downloadable Materials
Transcript (txt)
Paper (pdf) – 31 pgs
Slides (pdf) – 62 pgs

Session 14 —31 mins 0.50

Mandamus (Jun 2026)

Mandamus is an increasingly important tool for criminal practitioners in Texas state court. This discussion covers the fundamental law and procedure and highlights emerging trends in extraordinary writ practice.

Originally presented: May 2026 Conference on Criminal Appeals

Michael Staats Falkenberg, Harris County Public Defender’s Office - Houston, TX

15. Discovery in Light of Heath (Jun 2026)

Robert Daniel, Victoria Ford Oblon

1.00 0.00 0.00 1.00
Downloadable Materials
Transcript (txt)
Paper (pdf) – 20 pgs
Slides (pdf) – 43 pgs

Session 15 —63 mins 1.00

Discovery in Light of Heath (Jun 2026)

Explore the Heath opinion and its impact on trial and appellate practitioners. Address trial court pleadings, direct appeals, and mandamus related to discovery issues.

Originally presented: May 2026 Conference on Criminal Appeals

Robert Daniel, Law Office of Robert Daniel - Austin, TX
Victoria Ford Oblon, Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney's Office - Fort Worth, TX

16. States Appeals (Jun 2026)

Jessica Caird

0.50 0.00 0.00 0.50
Downloadable Materials
Transcript (txt)
Paper (pdf) – 28 pgs
Slides (pdf) – 16 pgs

Session 16 —30 mins 0.50

States Appeals (Jun 2026)

The matters to consider before filing a State’s appeals, as well as when and how to file one.

Originally presented: May 2026 Conference on Criminal Appeals

Jessica Caird, Harris County District Attorney's Office - Houston, TX

17. BONUS: Your Emergency Grievance Toolkit (May 2025)

Scott Rothenberg

1.00 1.00 0.00 1.00 | 1.00 ethics
Downloadable Materials
Slides (pdf) – 16 pgs

Session 17 —63 mins 1.00 | 1.00 ethics

BONUS: Your Emergency Grievance Toolkit (May 2025)

For many lawyers, the grievance process can be upsetting, confusing, frightening, and anger-producing. Learn the most effective techniques for dealing with a grievance from the immediate past-Committee Chair of the District 4 grievance committee.

Originally presented: Apr 2025 First Friday Ethics (April 2025)

Scott Rothenberg, Law Offices of Scott Rothenberg - Bellaire, TX