Barbieri Law Firm Attorneys Present at TCDLA’s Statewide Sex-Crime Defense Seminar

Strengthening the Defense Community Through Continuing Legal Education

The Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (TCDLA)—the oldest and largest statewide association for criminal defense attorneys—held its annual "Sex Crime Cases—Science, Storytelling, Strategy & Survival" seminar on December 4-5, 2025, at Kalahari Resorts in Round Rock, Texas. TCDLA's mission is to protect constitutional rights and provide ongoing, high-level training to defense lawyers across the state.

This year's program focused on the specialized skill set required to defend sex-crime allegations—cases that demand exceptional attention to detail, careful strategy, and a deep understanding of forensic, psychological, and evidentiary issues.

Barbieri Law Firm was honored to participate, with two of its leaders presenting to attorneys from across Texas.

Heather Barbieri: Elevating the Craft of Opening Statements

Founding Attorney Heather J. Barbieri, a Board-Certified criminal defense lawyer with more than 25 years of trial experience, presented on the importance of opening statements in sex-crime cases. Her session explored how a well-constructed opening provides jurors with a framework for fairness, context, and clarity—keys to navigating some of the most emotionally charged cases in criminal law.

Heather's participation reinforced Barbieri Law Firm's long-standing commitment to advancing trial advocacy and supporting the next generation of Texas criminal defense attorneys.

Managing Attorney Carrie Thomas: A Practical Approach to Voir Dire

Carrie Thomas, Managing Attorney at Barbieri Law Firm, also presented at the seminar. Her session, "A Practical Guide to Voir Dire," outlined how strategic jury selection forms the foundation of a just trial.

Her approach emphasized identifying implicit bias, encouraging open dialogue among potential jurors, and ensuring that the panel selected is capable of evaluating the evidence fairly and objectively.

Carrie's training aligned directly with TCDLA's educational mission and highlighted the firm's dedication to improving courtroom standards statewide.

A Seminar Focused on Strategy, Science, and Storytelling

TCDLA designed this seminar to equip attorneys with the tools required for every phase of defending sex-crime cases—from pre-trial investigation to courtroom storytelling and sentencing advocacy. These cases often involve complex digital evidence, sensitive allegations, and high emotional stakes, making advanced training essential.

By contributing to this program, Barbieri Law Firm helped strengthen the broader defense community and supported TCDLA's mission to protect constitutional rights and ensure high-quality representation for every person accused of a crime.

About Barbieri Law Firm

Barbieri Law Firm is a criminal defense practice based at The Star in Frisco, Texas, representing clients in sex-crime cases, violent offenses, white-collar crimes, federal investigations, juvenile matters, and other high-stakes allegations. The firm is known for its detail-driven strategies, former-prosecutor insight, and a deep commitment to excellence in trial advocacy.

For more information or media inquiries, contact Barbieri Law Firm today or call 972-424-1902