Prosecutorial Ethics: Navigating the Grey Areas
San Antonio, Texas, USA
Location TBA
San Antonio, Texas
Grant Staff: +1.972.244.3415
Registrar: +1.972.244.3404
E-Mail: mhooper@cailaw.org
Program Overview
Registration Opens October 1, 2025.
On April 10, 2026, join us for a day in historic San Antonio for a rare traveling CLE that brings together prosecutors from across the state. This exclusive program will discuss the legal and ethical obligations of the State from top to bottom, covering what prosecutors need to know to seek justice and maintain the finality of the conviction. Topics also cover the most urgent ethical issues in wrongful conviction cases, including the duty to seek justice, disclose exculpatory evidence, and exercise prosecutorial discretion to prevent miscarriages of justice.
Participants will learn practical strategies for handling these dilemmas while maintaining the integrity of the criminal justice system and the rights of victims in post-conviction. The program also provides updates on the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct, with a special focus on Rule 3.09 – Special Responsibilities of a Prosecutor.
This course is funded by a grant from the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals.
Speaker and Topics
Program Chair
Matt B. Howard
Bexar County Criminal District Attorney's Office
Criminal Prosecution, Post-Conviction Habeas
Matthew B. Howard is the Director of the Conviction Integrity Unit at the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office. Board-certified in Criminal Law, Matthew has played a key role in numerous exonerations, helped establish national standards for post-conviction practices, and written influential work on forensic DNA litigation. His leadership ensures a thoughtful and practical approach to the ethical issues prosecutors face in wrongful conviction cases.
The faculty list and agenda will be posted as they become available.
Topics will include:
- Understanding the Intersection of Prosecutorial Duties – Expand your knowledge of ethical and legal obligations, including the justice-seeking and disclosure requirements of Brady, Art. 39.14, Rule 3.09, and other duties as prosecutors continue to “wear the white hat” in Texas.
- Apply Strategies to Prevent Injustice – Learn practical methods for exercising discretion responsibly and reducing wrongful convictions, with a look at legal authority in an era shaped by new forensics and an increasing need for victim agency in a post-conviction space.
- Keep Updated on Professional Standards – Review recent updates to the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct, with focus on Rule 3.09 and what happens during the grievance process.
Who Should Attend?
Attendance is limited to invited faculty, Texas prosecuting attorneys, and their personnel. Other registrations will not be accepted.
MCLE Credit
This course will be submitted to the Texas State Bar for 6 hours of MCLE credit, including 3 hours of ethics.
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.
Hotel Accommodations
For participants traveling from outside the San Antonio area, we're delighted to partner with The Drury Plaza Hotel, San Antonio Riverwalk. We've secured a special discounted rate just for CAIL program attendees! The Drury offers comfortable historic rooms, on-site dining, and easy access to local attractions. To enjoy this exclusive rate, book through the reservation link below — the discount is already applied. Hurry, space is limited, and this offer is reserved for our event attendees!
Drury Plaza Hotel, San Antonio Riverwalk
Address: 105 S St Mary's St, San Antonio, TX 78205
Phone: (210) 270-7799
Scholarship Policy
Scholarships are available for counties with a population of under 250,000.
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
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.