77th Annual Justices of the Peace and Constables Association Conference

June 21 - 25, 2021

Embassy Suites by Hilton Denton Convention Center
3100 Tower Center Trail
Denton, TX 76201

Registration will open Monday, March 15, at 8 a.m. You must register for the conference to receive the hotel booking link to reserve your rooms.

For more information, contact Luz Hinojosa or Sam Burke, or call (800) 456-5974.

Check back often for conference updates.

The 77th Annual Education Conference of the Justices of the Peace and Constables Association has one goal in mind: to keep you informed about issues that are important to you and your constituents. The conference offers up to 16 hours of continuing education for justices of the peace and court personnel. TCOLE 1415 and 3101 20 hours provided to civil process with mandatory attendance. 

Education sessions are provided by the Texas Justice Court Training Center. 

Registration Fees

Full conference registration includes all education sessions, evening events (Monday Welcome Reception/Awards Ceremony, Tuesday jam session and the awards banquet on Thursday night).

Conference Registration Fees Early Registration 
by June 6
Registration
After June 
Member (full conference and events) $200 $250
Nonmember (full conference and events) $260 $300
Spouse/guest pass (admits to all evening events and banquet) $100 $100
Child pass (admits to Monday Welcome Reception and banquet on Thursday) $25 $25

Á la Carte Education Sessions

Day passes are $25 for a half day (morning or afternoon) and $50 per day (morning and afternoon). Day passes do not include admission to evening events.

Resistance Response Simulator

The Texas Association of Counties Risk Management Pool (TAC RMP) will provide its Resistance Response Simulator for hands-on demonstrations throughout the conference.

Door Prizes and Silent Auction

Please bring a door prize from your county and an item for the silent auction.

Vendor Information

Information about being a vendor or sponsor can be found on the County Progress website.

Payment Information

Please make checks payable to the Texas Association of Counties.

Mail checks to:

JPCA Annual Education Conference
c/o Texas Association of Counties
P.O. Box 2711
San Antonio, TX 78299

Embassy Suites by Hilton Denton Convention Center HOTEL FULL
3100 Tower Center Trl.
Denton, TX

You must register for the conference to receive the link to reserve your rooms.

Rates

$149 plus tax for single, double
$159 plus tax for triple
$169 plus tax for quads

The Embassy Suites by Hilton Denton Convention Center will accept room reservations for this conference beginning Monday, March 15, through the assigned hotel link. You must register for the conference to receive the hotel link.

The deadline to reserve rooms at the special rate is June 6, or until the block is full. Group rates are available for the nights of June 18-28. (Three days before and three days after the conference.)

Parking Rates

Self-parking is free.

Overflow Hotels

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Denton- UNT-TWU (1.3 miles from host hotel; 5 minute drive)
4485 North I-35, Denton, TX 76207
P:  940-808-0600
Rate: $89 plus tax

Mention you are with the Justices of the Peace and Constables Association to secure rate.

La Quinta Inn & Suites Denton (1.2 miles from host hotel; 5 minute drive)
4465 North I-35, Denton, TX 76207
P: 940-808-0444
Rate: $89 plus tax

Mention you are with the Justices of the Peace and Constables Association to secure rate.

Courtyard Marriott Denton (6.6 miles from host hotel; 8 minute drive)
2800 Colorado Blvd, Denton, TX 76210
P: 940-382-4600
Rate: $105 plus tax

Mention you are with the Justices of the Peace and Constables Association to secure rate.

Monday, June 21
10 a.m.-2 p.m.

JPCA Motorcycle Ride
$30 per motorcycle
Join other JPCA motorcycle enthusiasts on a ride through horse country. It costs $30 to participate and lunch is included. Payments will be taken onsite. Designated motorcycle parking will be available at the host hotel.

10 a.m.-3 p.m.

50 Target Trap Shoot Tournament
$100 per person
Max: 20 attendees
Think you are a shooting star? Show us your skills! Sign up to participate in a JPCA skeet shooting tournament. Lunch is included. Participants will receive the details of the location after they register. Tournament proceeds will be donated to a local Denton County charity.
Register for 50 Target Trap Shoot Tournament

6 p.m. Welcome Reception and Awards Ceremony
Universities Grand Ballroom
Tuesday, June 22
10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Spouse Event: TWU Outing
$15 per person
Max: 25 attendees
Enjoy a guided tour of the special collections at Texas Woman’s University (TWU). Collections include First Ladies Gown and WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots). Lunch will be at the TWU Dining Hall or a nearby café, and attendees will have the opportunity to walk the grounds with a guide.
Register for Tuesday Spouse Event

8 p.m. JPCA Jam Session
Equestrian Ballroom
Wednesday, June 23
10 a.m.-3 p.m Spouse Event: Wednesday at the Square
$30 per person
Max: 25 attendees
The Downtown Denton Square is the heart of Denton. Have brunch and coffee at the Chestnut Tree Teahouse & Bistro and walk to Painting With a Twist for a fun, personalized painting experience! Attendees will paint in a private room and will receive canvas, painting supplies, an instructor-led session and artwork. And remember, BYOB!
Register for Wednesday Spouse Event
7-10 p.m. Off-site Event: Night at the Ranch-Circle R Ranch
Location: Circle R Ranch Western Pavilion, 5901 Cross Timbers Rd., Flower Mound 75022
Dinner and Dance
*Agenda subject to change

Note: Schedule subject to change.

Total education hours offered: 16 for judges and clerks; 20 for civil process (mandatory attendance of all 20 hours)

Monday, June 21
10 a.m.-2 p.m. Hill Country Motorcycle Ride
Register onsite. Lunch included. Price: $30 per person
10 a.m.-3 p.m.

50 Target Trap Shoot Tournament
Register here. Lunch included. Price: $100 per person

Noon-5 p.m.  Registration Open
2-5 p.m. Vendors Setup
Pioneer 1-4
2-5 p.m. Committee Meetings
Appaloosa/Quarter
3:30-5 p.m. Budget and Oversight Committee Meeting
Palomino/Arabian
6 p.m. Welcome Reception and Awards Ceremony
Universities Grand Ballroom
Tuesday, June 22
8 a.m.-5 p.m. Registration Open
8 a.m.-4 p.m. Vendors Open
Pioneer 1-4
8 a.m.-5 p.m. Resistance Response Simulator
Kerry Meeting Room
8:30-11:30 a.m. Opening Ceremony ● Business Meeting ● Nominations
Universities Grand Ballroom
10 a.m.-3 p.m Spouse Event: TWU Outing
Register here
Enjoy a guided tour of the special collections at Texas Woman’s University (TWU). Collections include First Ladies Gown and WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots). Lunch will be at the TWU Dining Hall or a nearby café, and attendees will have the opportunity to walk the grounds with a guide.
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Lunch on Your Own
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Board of Directors/Past Presidents Luncheon
Palomino/Arabian
1-5 p.m.  Education General Session: JPs/Clerks/Constables Class
Universities Grand Ballroom
1-3 p.m. Improving Intergenerational Communication and Leadership for Success in a Multigenerational World
Dr. Mark Taylor, President, Taylor Programs
Today’s workplaces, families and communities are an exciting, though not always harmonious, mixture of several generational cohorts. Successfully navigating, managing and leading requires being able to understand, relate to, and communicate with everyone, from each generational group. In the workplace, understanding typical generational values, traits, preferences and styles can improve recruitment, worker and workplace effectiveness, harmony and employee satisfaction and retention. This workshop will address the generational issues and dynamics with immediately applicable suggestions for being effective and developing the most productive, positive and effective intergenerational environment to facilitate everyone's success and happiness. Dr. Taylor will also introduce a leadership model designed to be most effective across the generational cohorts.
3-3:15 p.m.  Refreshment Break
Visit With Vendors
Pioneer 1-4
3:15-4 p.m.  Multigenerational Communication (continued)
4-5 p.m.  County Budgets
Hon. Bill Gravell, Williamson County Judge
Ms. Andrea Schiele, Criminal Court Administrator, Williamson County
Have you always wondered what a county judge thinks of your proposed budget? Join us for a conversation to discuss that and best practices for a successful budget process.
8 p.m. JPCA Jam Session
Equestrian Ballroom
Wednesday, June 23
8 a.m.-5 p.m. Registration Open
8 a.m.-5 p.m. Resistance Response Simulator
Kerry Meeting Room
8 a.m.-5 p.m. Silent Auction
8:30 a.m.-3:15 p.m. Vendors Open
Pioneer 1-4
9-11 a.m. Education General Session: JPs/Clerks/Constables Class
Universities Grand Ballroom
National Alliance on Mental Illness
Mental illness and mental health issues have long been a part of the justice system. Join the professionals at the NAMI to discuss those conditions you are most likely to see and how to best serve their needs when you encounter a mental health issue through the court systems in which you work.
10 a.m.-3 p.m. Spouse Event: Wednesday at the Square
Register here
The Downtown Denton Square is the heart of Denton. Have brunch and coffee at the Chestnut Tree Teahouse & Bistro and walk to Painting With a Twist for a fun, personalized painting experience! Attendees will paint in a private room and will receive canvas, painting supplies, an instructor-led session and artwork. And remember, BYOB!
11-11:30 a.m. Refreshment Break
Visit With Vendors
Pioneer 1-4
11 a.m.  JPCA Legislative Committee Meeting
Pat Howell Board Room
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Lunch on Your Own
1-5 p.m. Education Breakout Sessions
1-2 p.m. JPs/Clerks Class ● Universities Grand Ballroom
Prosecutor's Perspective
Ms. Colleen Davis, Assistant County Attorney, Burnet County         
Most justice courts do not have a full-time prosecutor and rarely do judges and clerks get to visit with the prosecutor long enough to understand how the prosecutor’s job works in the court. This class is an opportunity to see the criminal cases from their side of the bench and will open communication and enhance perceptions.
Civil Process ● Equestrian Ballroom
Advanced Executions Scenarios
Deputy Carl Herbst, Deputy Constable, Brazoria County
Practice makes perfect, and what better place to practice execution procedures and strategies than with other constables? This course will feature real life scenarios as the canvas for creating procedures to be used in executing writs and provide an opportunity for constables to share what has and hasn’t worked for them.
2-3 p.m. JPs/Clerks Class ● Universities Grand Ballroom
Case Law
Hon. Ann-Marie Carruth, District Judge, 72nd District Court
Ever wonder how to figure out what the law is when a statute or rule is not clearly written?  This class will help you unravel the law by explaining how to find, read and understand cases decided by our appellate courts, including the Texas Supreme Court and the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, as well as how to locate and read statutes, rules and Attorney General Opinions.
Civil Process ● Equestrian Ballroom
Advanced Executions Scenarios (continued)
Deputy Carl Herbst, Deputy Constable, Brazoria County
3-3:15 p.m.  Refreshment Break 
Visit With Vendors
Pioneer 1-4
3:15-5 p.m. JPs/Clerks Class ● Universities Grand Ballroom
Legal Jeopardy
Ms. Thea Whalen, Executive Director, Texas Justice Court Training Center
Come participate in an interactive experience reviewing your justice court knowledge with a Jeopardy! theme.
Civil Process ● Equestrian Ballroom
You’re In a Pickle
Hon. Charles “Buck” Stevens, Brazoria County Constable
Presenter will share samples of odd writs and discuss what to do.
7-10 p.m. Dinner and Dance Event: Circle R Ranch Western Pavilion, 5901 Cross Timbers Rd., Flower Mound 75022
Thursday, June 24
7:30-9 a.m. Prayer Breakfast
Pioneer 2
8 a.m.-5 p.m.  Registration Open
8 a.m.-5 p.m. Resistance Response Simulator
Kerry Meeting Room
8 a.m.-3:15 p.m. Silent Auction
9-11:30 a.m. Business Meeting
Universities Grand Ballroom
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Lunch on Your Own
1-3 p.m.  Education General Session: JPs/Clerks/Constables Class
Universities Grand Ballroom
What Rights Do You Have to Be Here: Guests, Tenants and Squatter
Hon. James Kerbow, Denton County Justice of the Peace
Deputy John Porter, Deputy Constable, Denton County
Constables deal with all kinds of occupants and trespassers, including, guests, tenants, and squatters, but what’s the difference? This course will navigate those various landlord-tenant-roommate relationships in relation to writs of possession and trespass calls.
3-3:15 p.m. Refreshment Break (Silent auction ends during break.)
3:15-5 p.m. Education General Session: JPs/Clerks/Constables Class
Universities Grand Ballroom
Partnerships in the Courthouse Post-Pandemic
Hon. Paul Pape, Bastrop County Judge
Hon. Jen Crownover, Comal County Commissioner
Hon. Christie Roundtree, Hunt County Justice of the Peace
Hon. Michael Truitt, Denton County Constable
Join a discussion with county leaders from across the state to discuss how to manage during a pandemic and learn what worked, what to improve, and what unexpected benefits were discovered.
6-7 p.m. President's Reception
7-9 p.m. Installation and Awards Banquet
Universities Grand Ballroom
Friday, June 25
9-11 a.m. Education General Session: JPs/Clerks/Constables Class
Universities Grand Ballroom
Legislative Updates
Hon. Carlos B. Lopez, Travis County Constable
Hon. Wayne Mack, Montgomery County Justice of the Peace
What a year! Join JPCA legislative chairs to discuss the success and results archived at the Capitol this year. This course will provide the background to the new laws and what it means for the association moving into the future.
11 a.m.-noon Lunch (Civil Process attendees only)
Pioneer 1-4
Noon-3:45 p.m. Civil Process
Universities Grand Ballroom
Noon-1:45 p.m. Protecting and Disposing of Property Seized Under Civil Writs
Deputy Thomas Sanders, Deputy Constable, Tarrant County
Constables are liable for property they levy on so it is essential their office has processes and procedures for storing property. In addition to storing levied property, constables may encounter items while serving civil process that are criminal in nature that must be seized. It is just as important to have processes and procedures for storing this type of property. This course will equip constables with the tools they need to create and implement procedures relating to property retention.
1:45-2 p.m. Refreshment Break
Universities Grand Ballroom Foyer
2-3:45 p.m. County Liability: A County Attorney Perspective
Ms. Venisa McLaughlin, Assistant County Attorney, Hood County
Ms. Amber Myers, Staff Attorney, Texas Justice Court Training Center
Constables have two main duties: civil process service and bailiff service in justice courts. In both instances, as well as in discretionary duties, liability for the officer and county is always a concern. This course will delve into common liability issues that arise when constables and deputies are executing their required duties with an emphasis on civil process. The instructors will also provide a county and district attorney’s office perspective.

*Agenda subject to change

The conference offers up to 16 hours of continuing education for justices of the peace and court personnel. TCOLE 1415 and 3101 20 hours provided to civil process with mandatory attendance.

Please note that the education sessions for justices of the peace meet the County and District Court Technology Fund’s provisions for paying for continuing education and training for county court, statutory county court, or district court judges and clerks regarding technological enhancements. Get a copy of the letter here.

Conference fees are fully transferable to other participants, upon request. All conference registration refund requests must be received in writing before June 1 to receive a full refund, less a $50 administrative fee. No refund requests will be honored after June 1.

Please send an email to Sam Burke or fax notice of your cancellation to (512) 477-1324.

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