In the Interest of B.L.D.

I. Introduction

Following a jury verdict, the trial court terminated the parental rights of Jimmy and Spring Dossey to two of their children. The court of appeals reversed the trial court’s judgment on two grounds, holding that (1) the Dosseys were deprived of a constitutional right to effective assistance of counsel due to their joint representation by an appointed attorney when there was a conflict of interest between them, and (2) the form of the jury charge violated the Dosseys’ constitutional rights. 56 S.W.3d 203, 205. The Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services petitioned…