Join us for a lunchtime session on self-defense as an affirmative defense. The "Stand Your Ground" Webinar will take place on October 16, 2025. Registration is required. Additional details, including the agenda and keynote speaker, will be provided once confirmed.

This program covers Texas self-defense laws and their application in criminal cases. Participants will learn practical strategies for asserting or challenging self-defense claims, with a focus on statutory interpretation, case law, and courtroom procedures.

This course is funded by a grant from the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals

Speaker and Topics

Mike L. Howard
Dallas Criminal Defense Lawyer
Founder, Law Office of Mike Howard

We are privileged to welcome Mike L. Howard, founder of the Law Office of Mike Howard in Dallas, as a featured speaker for our Self-Defense in Texas Webinar. A seasoned trial lawyer with extensive experience in cases involving child abuse, sexual assault, family violence, and murder, Mike also teaches jury selection as an adjunct professor at SMU Dedman School of Law. His expertise makes him a valuable voice for this program.

Topics will include:

Overview of Texas Self-Defense Statutes – Castle Doctrine, Protection of others, and a general look at key provisions and legal standards.
Strategies for Asserting or Challenging Claims – a comprehensive discussion of courtroom use and responses.
Recent Case Law and Practical Considerations – high-level review of developments shaping practice.

Who Should Attend?

Attendance is exclusive to Texas criminal defense attorneys, Texas public and private defenders, and their staff, unless invited as faculty. Other registrations will not be accepted.

MCLE Credit

This course is approved by the Texas State Bar for 1 hour of MCLE credit.

After the course, CAIL will apply for credit in California and New Mexico if requested. Attorneys in other states may seek credit through self-submission, provided that course materials and evaluations are not required.

Webinar Access and Tech Tips

Registrants will receive a link to join the webinar within 24 hours of completing registration.
Additional reminder emails will be sent in the months leading up to the program to ensure access details remain top of mind.
The Webinar will be hosted on Big Marker webinar software, which can be accessed easily from any web browser.

For the best experience, we recommend joining from a desktop or laptop using the latest version of Chrome or Microsoft Edge. Test your audio and video settings in advance and check your spam or promotions folder if you do not see your access link. A stable internet connection is required to participate fully.

Scholarship Policy

Scholarships are available for attendees who meet one of these criteria:

First three years of practice in the field
Submission of a qualifying statement (150 words or less) or a reference letter, at least four weeks before the event

Priority may be given to those with a recommendation letter. Scholarships are awarded three weeks before the course and must be accepted within 24 hours. If declined, the opportunity passes to the next qualifying candidate.

Scholarship decisions are based on need and merit and are subject to approval by CAIL staff. Successful applicants will be reimbursed for eligible travel expenses after attending, in accordance with grant guidelines and restrictions. Covered expenses may include:

Transportation (airfare, bus, mileage)
Lodging
Meals during travel (lunches provided at the event)
Full tuition waiver

Tuition Waiver Policy

Attendees may also apply for a tuition waiver by submitting a statement (100 words or less) or a reference letter at least four weeks before the event. The Program Manager reviews these applications. Applicants selected for a waiver will be contacted for confirmation.

To request an application for a scholarship or tuition waiver, contact Melissa Hooper at mhooper@cailaw.org.

Other Information

We will be using a third party platform to host this webinar/event. By registering for this event, your email address and registration information will be used by our webinar host to communicate with you about this event and other services.

Cancellation Policy

Written cancellation must be received 5 business days prior to a program to receive a refund (Email: lgaspar@cailaw.org). After this date, no refunds, but substitution of attendees for this program will be permitted with prior approval. Registrants not entitled to a refund will receive the course materials. Note: Free registrants must attend the program to receive materials at no cost.

Nondiscriminatory Policy

The Center for American and International Law does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status in educational activities, scholarship programs or admissions.

Privacy Policy

We do not sell or rent information to any outside parties. By providing your information, you will receive postal and electronic communications from The Center for American and International Law (CAIL) in accordance with CAIL's Privacy Policy. If we co-sponsor a program with another organization, information may be shared between the parties. All such co-sponsors will be identified on the event details and registration page. At any point, you can opt-out or unsubscribe by selecting either link at the bottom of each email or call us at 972.244.3400.

Stand Your Ground: Self-Defense Law in Texas

Share by Email

Program Overview