Fall Judicial Education Session

Judicial Discretion and Ethics in Election Years
Speaker: Hon. Tramer Woytek, Judicial Resource Liaison, TAC

The ability of judges to exercise discretion in the courtroom is a central tenet of justice and fairness in Texas. This session will review areas where the judge can exercise discretion, offer guidance on when it is appropriate and focus on the special challenges during election cycles.

Eviction Appeals from Justice Court: Fallout from Moratoriums
Speaker: Ms. Thea Whalen, Director, Texas Justice Court Training Center

Eviction appeals are on the rise after the COVID-19 moratoriums were lifted. This session will offer a guide to navigate the process from justice court to a final ruling.

DWI and Other Misdemeanors: Arrest Through Trial
Speaker: Hon. Ben Nolen, Judge, Tom Green County Court-at-Law

Judge Ben Nolen will provide an overview of judicial proceedings and issues in the criminal process from the time an offender is arrested through the conclusion of trial and sentencing.

Lunch and Learn: DWI Case Law Update
Speaker: Ms. Jessica Frazier, Chief Civil Prosecutor, Comal County

This session will provide an overview of the most recent cases in DWI prosecutions and appeals and give judicial guidance on future decisions in this area of the law.

Impairment Issues (THC, Vaping, Drugs, etc.)
Speaker: Mr. Brian Watson, Assistant District Attorney, Bee County

Every year, judges are seeing new trends in drug cases. This session will offer an overview of what you can expect to see in court, what to look for in determining your rulings, and the rise of the new “legal” delta-8 THC.

Indigent Defense and Mental Health Issues
Speakers: Mr. Scott Ehlers, Director of Public Defense Improvement, Texas Indigent Defense Commission
Mr. Michael Young, Chief Public Defender, Bexar County

Indigent defense and mental health issues vary from county to county. This presentation will provide statewide, rural and urban perspectives on these issues.

Indigent Defense and Pre-Trial Services: Regional projects and Budget Impacts
Speakers: Hon. Richard Evans, Bandera County Judge
Ms. Darcy Hasty, Director of Pre-Trial Services, Medina County
Hon. Chris Schuchart, Medina County Judge
Hon. Jimmy Sylvia, Chambers County Judge

Counties continue to be faced with the rising cost of indigent defense. This session will illustrate how counties are joining together to cut costs and increase services.

Magistrations and Bail Bonds in 2022
Speaker: Mr. Randall Sarosdy, General Counsel, Texas Justice Court Training Center

The 2021 legislative session made several changes to the way judges handle magistrations and bail bonds. This session will provide the most up-to-date training on how to comply with the most recent legislative changes.

Bond Surrenders, NISI's, Forfeitures and Revocations
Speakers: Hon. Alan Bristol, County Relations Officer, TAC
Ms. Amy Befeld, Legislative Consultant, TAC
Ms. Deborah Earley, County Attorney, Blanco County
Hon. Tramer Woytek, Judicial Resource Liaison, TAC

Judges are often faced with cases where defendants fail to appear, and/or bond revocations or forfeitures are requested. This session will provide a comprehensive review of the processes and best practices in these cases.

Guardianships: Tips from the Bench
Speaker: Hon. Amanda Matzke, Judge, Brazos County Court-at-Law

Guardianships are one of the most challenging and ever-changing areas of jurisdiction for county judges. This session will provide judges with the best practices and practical tips to deal with the demands of these important cases.

The County Judge as a Teammate and Leader in the Courtroom (and Courthouse)
Speakers: Hon. Stephanie Davis, Comanche County Judge
Hon. Julia Miller, Runnels County Judge
Hon. Cindy Vanlandingham, Bosque County Judge

County judges are often put in difficult situations. This session will provide tips and tricks from tenured judges on how to navigate those tough decisions.

Efficient Docket Management
Speakers: Hon. Lucy Hebron, Wood County Judge
Hon. Jill Sklar, Jackson County Judge

COVID-19 stalled courts and created new hurdles for county judges. This panel will discuss ways to manage an efficient docket.

Zoom Hearings in a Post-Covid World
Speakers: Ms. Megan LaVoie, Public Affairs Director/Special Counsel, Texas Office of Court Administration
Ms. Kelly Thibodeau, Executive Assistant, Texas Office of Court Administration

Virtual hearings have become part of our new normal. This session will provide the do's and don'ts of Zoom hearings

Drug Court and Other Specialty Courts
Speaker: Hon. Randy Gray, Judge, Comal County Court-at-Law

Specialty courts can be a very effective way to minimize jail populations and rehabilitate many offenders in drug and alcohol related cases. This topic will outline effective methods for operating a drug court and review the successes that can be effectuated for your county.

Pre-Trial Motions, Hearings and Objections
Speaker: Mr. Joe Stephens, Lead Felony Defender, Hill Country Regional Public Defender Office

This session will provide an overview of the most common pretrial motions, the hearing process, and how to handle objections.

Recent Legislation Important to County Judges
Speaker: Mr. Noe Barrios, Director of Legislative Services, TAC
Mr. Michael Pichinson, General Counsel, TAC

The 2021 legislative session was disrupted by a global pandemic and historic winter storms. This session will provide an overview of the most important legislative updates for county judges.