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District Attorney Mike Holley introduces an Immersive New Citizens Prosecutor Academy
The Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office is now accepting applications for District Attorney Mike Holley’s Citizens Prosecutor Academy, an all-new six-week program designed to give community members an unprecedented look inside the pursuit of justice.
Unlike traditional lecture-style citizens academies, this reimagined experience places participants in the role of prosecutors, challenging them to evaluate evidence, analyze investigative findings, and make the same types of decisions prosecutors face every day.
At the heart of the academy is “The Case File,” an immersive case challenge that unfolds over six weeks. Working in teams, participants will receive new pieces of evidence each week, including offense reports, 911 transcripts, witness statements, crime scene photographs, forensic reports, digital evidence, and expert findings, as they work toward determining what charges, if any, should be filed.
“This isn’t simply about learning what prosecutors do,” said District Attorney Mike Holley. “It’s about experiencing how justice is pursued. Every case requires careful evaluation of the facts, thoughtful application of the law, and a commitment to fairness. We want our citizens to experience that process firsthand and gain a deeper understanding of the responsibility that comes with seeking justice.”
Throughout the academy, participants will also hear directly from prosecutors, investigators, victim advocates, and law enforcement professionals as they explore many of the specialized areas within the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office, including:
Week 1: The Criminal Justice Process
Week 2: Anatomy of a Jury Trial
Week 3: Crimes Against Children, Family Violence, ICAC & Human Trafficking
Week 4: Public Integrity, Officer-Involved Shootings, Vehicular Crimes & No Refusal Program
Week 5: White Collar Crime, Asset Forfeiture & Charging Decisions
Week 6: Q&A & Graduation
Each evening concludes with a collaborative Case Challenge, where teams apply what they learned to the evolving investigation before receiving the next piece of evidence.
During the academy’s final session, participants will present their charging decisions and explain the evidence that led them to those conclusions. District Attorney Holley will then reveal how the real case was resolved and explain the prosecutorial decisions made throughout the investigation before participants graduate from the program.
The Citizens Prosecutor Academy will be held Tuesdays from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., September 15 through October 20, 2026. Dinner will be provided each week, courtesy of community sponsors.
The academy is free to attend, but space is limited. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and successfully complete a criminal background check before acceptance into the program.
Those interested in applying may visit www.mctxdao.org for additional information and application details.
Source: Laura Smith, Chief of Communications, Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office
