Please note: Wednesday's sessions will be held at the Texas Tech University School of Law. Breakfast will be provided at the Overton Hotel, and bus transportation is provided to and from the university. More details will be provided in the email sent to attendees prior to the conference.
Speaker: Brian Watson, First Asst. County Attorney, Bee County | Understanding "Maskings" and the risk of unwarranted reductions of drug related and impaired driving charges for Commercial Drivers.
Speaker: Hon. JR Woolley, Justice of the Peace Pct. 2, Waller County | Overview of the 88th Legislative Session's changes to the Transportation Code related to Occupational Drivers' License procedures and considerations.
Speaker: Hon. Tramer Woytek, Judicial Resource Liaison, TAC | This class will be a roundtable-style lunch and learn where alternative sentencing and best practices to prevent recidivism will be discussed at each table guided by a moderator.
Speaker: Hon. JR Woolley, Justice of the Peace Pct. 2, Waller County | An overview of the investigation into the cause and circumstances of the death of a person, and the determination with or without a formal court hearing, as to whether the death was caused by an unlawful act or omission.
Speaker: Hon. Tramer Woytek, Judicial Resource Liaison, TAC | This class will familiarize judges with the ethical responsibilities of the office of county judge. We will cover the origins of ethics, the practical application of ethics from the bench and beyond, as well as the role of the Texas Commission on Judicial Conduct and how it applies to constitutional county judges.
Speaker: John Reddington, Assoc. General Counsel , TAC | This session will outline the mechanics and basic elements involved in conducting a hearing on a defendant's motion to suppress.
Speaker: Justice Judy Parker, Seventh District Court of Appeals | An overview of appellate decisions in recent years relating to misdemeanors, evictions, civil cases, and guardianship matters.
Speaker: Hon. Greg Holly, Ward County Judge | Dealing with unrepresented (pro se) parties and avoiding improper ex parte communications are related, but distinct, challenges for county judges. Providing access to the courts is important, but a judge can easily cross the line and inadvertently engage in improper communications or actions. This session helps the judge, as well as their staff, to better navigate these challenges as they arise.
Speakers: Hon. Stephanie Davis, Comanche County Judge and Hon. Lisa Johnson, Hemphill County Judge | This session will provide tips and tricks to rule on evidence more confidently, manage courtroom dockets, make fair and unbiased decisions, and handle juries and sentencing more effectively.
Speaker: Molly Davis, Staff Attorney, Judicial Commission on Mental Health | The session will provide updates from the 88th Legislative Session to the process for proceedings in juvenile court and resources available for children with mental illness and intellectual disabilities.
Speakers: Hon. Robert Newsom, Hopkins County Judge and Hon. Jimmy Sylvia, Chambers County Judge | This session is designed to provide best practices and funding opportunities in dealing with individuals with mental health needs or intellectual disabilities. The session will provide diversion practices, tips for working with your local mental health strategy, and an illustration of sequential intercepts as a strategic planning tool.
Speaker: Katy Estrada, Legislative Consultant, TAC | An update of the 88th Legislative Session and a county-level analysis of the bills affecting county court.