FEDERAL PUBLIC DEFENDER
Southern District of Texas
"SENTENCING CASELAW UPDATE"
CJA Panel Training
Live Teams Presentation
Wednesday, September 23, 2026

The Criminal Justice Act (“CJA”) provides for the appointment of counsel in criminal cases to persons who are financially unable to obtain adequate representation. 18 U.S.C. § 3006A(a). In the Southern District of Texas, in cases where the Federal Public Defender has not been appointed to represent a defendant who is entitled to the assistance of appointed counsel, individual defense attorneys are chosen from a federal panel. The Federal Public Defender is charged with assuring that members of the CJA panel are familiar with federal criminal practice.

This CLE will provide a survey of recent Fifth Circuit sentencing decisions covering Sentencing Guidelines interpretation, the categorical approach, constitutional and statutory-maximum issues, revocation hearings, and safety-valve eligibility. Practical takeaways for attorneys handling federal sentencing and appeals.

This seminar is pending approval from the State Bar of Texas MCLE Department for 1.0 hrs. of CLE credit (Course No. 174333798). There is no cost for participants or for those attorneys wishing to apply for the CLE credit. Each participant is responsible for reporting their CLE hours to the State Bar of Texas. If you have any questions, contact Dora Madrigal at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

AGENDA

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This seminar is for attorneys eligible or seeking to become eligible to take CJA appointments.