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Overview
Real-World Insights and Actionable Tips From Trial Prep to Sentencing
From jury selection to sentencing, every decision in a criminal defense trial matters - and your strategy can be the difference between a conviction and an acquittal. Do you have the skills you need to build a defense strategy that resonates with the jury and effectively challenges the prosecution at every turn? This basic guide will provide you with real-world insights on what works, what doesn't, and what you need to do achieve the best possible outcome for your client. Develop your criminal defense trial strategies - register today!
- Use motions to limit the prosecution's evidence.
- Learn how to build a jury that will be most receptive to your defense.
- Create openings that capture the jury's attention and set the tone for the rest of the trial.
- Discover how to tear down the prosecution's evidence.
- Deconstruct the prosecution's narrative and show the jury why they should find reasonable doubt.
- Find out how to effectively advocate for leniency at the sentencing stage.
Abbreviated Agenda
- Trial Preparation: 30 Tips in 30 Minutes
- Jury Selection and Voir Dire
- Nailing Your Opening Statement
- Defense Evidence, Witnesses, and Expert Testimony
- Cross-Examining the Prosecution's Witnesses: Key Areas to Attack and Questions to Ask
- Closing Arguments: What Works and What Doesn't
- Sentencing Advocacy Pointers
- Legal Ethics
Credit Details
Credits Available
| Credit | Status | Total | Until |
|---|---|---|---|
| California MCLE Paralegal |
|
6 Total | 12-10-2027 |
| Alaska CLE |
|
6 Total | 12-10-2027 |
| Alabama CLE |
|
6 Total | 12-31-2026 |
| Arkansas CLE |
|
6 Total | 06-30-2026 |
| Arizona CLE |
|
6 Total | 12-10-2027 |
| California CLE |
|
6 Total | 12-10-2027 |
| Colorado CLE |
|
7 Total | 12-31-2027 |
| Connecticut CLE |
|
6 Total | 12-10-2027 |
| Delaware CLE |
|
6 Total | 12-10-2027 |
| Florida CLE |
|
7 Total | 06-30-2027 |
| Georgia CLE |
|
6 Total | 12-31-2026 |
| Hawaii CLE |
|
6 Total | 12-10-2027 |
| Iowa CLE |
|
6 Total | 12-10-2026 |
| Idaho CLE |
|
6 Total | 12-10-2030 |
| Illinois CLE |
|
6 Total | 12-09-2027 |
| Indiana CLE |
|
6 Total | 12-10-2026 |
| Kansas CLE |
|
7 Total | 12-09-2026 |
| Kentucky CLE |
|
6 Total | 06-30-2026 |
| Louisiana CLE |
|
6 Total | 12-10-2026 |
| Maine CLE |
|
6 Total | 12-09-2027 |
| Minnesota CLE |
|
6 Total | 12-10-2027 |
| Missouri CLE |
|
6 Total | 12-10-2027 |
| Northern Mariana Islands CLE |
|
6 Total | 12-10-2027 |
| Mississippi CLE |
|
6 Total | 07-31-2026 |
| Montana CLE |
|
6 Total | 12-10-2028 |
| North Dakota CLE |
|
6 Total | 12-10-2028 |
| Nebraska CLE |
|
6 Total | 12-10-2027 |
| New Hampshire CLE |
|
6 Total | 12-10-2028 |
| New Jersey CLE |
|
7.2 Total | 08-21-2026 |
| New Mexico CLE |
|
6 Total | 12-10-2027 |
| Nevada CLE |
|
6 Total | 12-10-2028 |
| New York CLE |
|
7 Total | 12-10-2028 |
| Ohio CLE |
|
6 Total | 12-31-2026 |
| Oklahoma CLE |
|
7 Total | 12-10-2027 |
| Oregon CLE |
|
6 Total | 12-10-2028 |
| Pennsylvania CLE |
|
6 Total | 12-10-2027 |
| Rhode Island CLE |
|
6 Total | 06-30-2026 |
| South Carolina CLE |
|
6 Total | 12-31-2026 |
| Tennessee CLE |
|
6 Total | 12-09-2027 |
| Texas CLE |
|
6 Total | 11-30-2026 |
| Utah CLE |
|
6 Total | 12-31-2026 |
| Virginia CLE |
|
6 Total | 10-31-2026 |
| Vermont CLE |
|
6 Total | 12-10-2027 |
| Washington CLE |
|
6 Total | 12-09-2030 |
| Wisconsin CLE |
|
7 Total | 12-31-2026 |
| West Virginia CLE |
|
7.2 Total | 12-10-2027 |
| Wyoming CLE |
|
6 Total | 08-29-2026 |
| Delaware Certified Paralegal Program |
|
6 Total | 12-10-2026 |
| Florida Registered Paralegal |
|
6 Total | 06-30-2027 |
| Indiana Paralegal CLE |
|
6 Total | 12-10-2026 |
| Montana CLE Credit for Paralegals |
|
6 Total | 12-10-2027 |
| New Mexico Paralegal Division, State Bar of |
|
6 Total | 12-10-2027 |
| Ohio Certified Paralegals |
|
6 Total | 12-10-2026 |
| NFPA |
|
0 Total | 12-10-2026 |
| Texas State Bar of Paralegal Division |
|
6 Total | 12-10-2027 |
Select Jurisdiction
CLE
Paralegal
Agenda
-
Trial Preparation: 30 Tips in 30 Minutes
- 5 Tips for Case Strategy and Theme
- 7 Tips for Using Motions to Shape the Trial and Limit the Prosecution's Evidence
- 13 Tips for Readying Trial Notebooks, Exhibits, and Witnesses
- 5 Tips for Preparing Your Client
-
Jury Selection and Voir Dire
- What to Look for in Potential Jurors
- How Much Case Information You Can and Should Introduce
- Asking All the Right Questions
- Challenging Jurors for Cause
- Strategic Use of Peremptory Challenges
- Batson Challenges
-
Nailing Your Opening Statement
- Building the Defense Narrative
- Identifying Weaknesses in the Prosecution's Case
- Avoiding Common Pitfalls
-
Defense Evidence, Witnesses, and Expert Testimony
- Challenging Evidence Chain of Custody
- Highlighting the Limitations of Forensic Evidence
- Effective Use of Experts
- Handling Character Evidence and Prior Convictions
- Defendant's Testimony: Weighing Strategic Considerations and Risks
-
Cross-Examining the Prosecution's Witnesses: Key Areas to Attack and Questions to Ask
- Alleged Victims
- Eyewitnesses
- Law Enforcement Officers
- Expert Witnesses
- Co-Defendants or Informants
-
Closing Arguments: What Works and What Doesn't
- Summarizing the Defense's Case
- Addressing Jury Instructions
- Reframing the Prosecution's Arguments
-
Sentencing Advocacy Pointers
- The PSR: Using it to Your Advantage and Correcting Inaccuracies
- Presenting Compelling Mitigating Factors, Testimonials, and Legal Precedent
- Writing a Powerful Sentencing Memorandum
- Counterbalancing Victim Impact Statements: Dos and Don'ts
-
Legal Ethics
- Zealous Representation Within the Bounds of Professional Conduct
- Client Confidentiality and Privilege
- Conflicts of Interest
- Duty to the Court
- False Evidence and Perjury
Who Should Attend
This program is specially designed for criminal defense attorneys. Paralegals may also benefit.
Speakers
Speaker bio
Brian DeJean
is an attorney at DeJean Law Firm, where his practice focuses on alcoholic beverage control law and consulting, taxation, regulatory law, and transactional work. He is admitted in Louisiana. Mr. DeJean earned his B.A. degree in broadcast journalist and his J.D. degree from Southern University Law Center.
Speaker bio
Kurt Nachtman
is a partner at Silverman Thompson Slutkin and White, where he focuses his practice on personal injury, criminal defense, business litigation, administrative law, and the defense of licensed professionals. Prior to joining the firm, he served as the founder and managing partner of Eldridge, Nachtman and Crandell, LLC for 12 years, and spent five years as an assistant state's attorney for the Baltimore City State's Attorney's Office. Mr. Nachtman has successfully handled numerous jury trials and high-stakes negotiations, including securing a $1,000,000 settlement in a wrongful death case arising from a motor vehicle collision. He is recognized for his meticulous trial preparation, strategic litigation skills, and dedication to achieving favorable outcomes for his clients. His government service includes positions in the Economic Crimes, General Felony, and Misdemeanor Trial Divisions, as well as serving as a law clerk in the Homicide Division. Mr. Nachtman is admitted to practice in Maryland. He earned his J.D., cum laude, from the University of Baltimore School of Law and his B.S. from The Pennsylvania State University.
Speaker bio
Timothy B. Fair
is the founder of Fair Law Vermont. He has been a vocal advocate for both cannabis and overall drug policy reform for most of his adult life. Since becoming an attorney, Mr. Fair has been fortunate enough to be part of the statewide movement to legalize cannabis in Vermont. He has been featured on a number of podcasts and radio shows, including The Ganjapreneur Podcast, VPR's "Vermont Edition," "In The Weeds" radio show and Paris Marketing's "Creative Warrior" podcast. Mr. Fair has also been quoted in multiple national media sources including The Washington Post, Marijuana Business Daily and High Times magazine. He has spoken on the topic of cannabis law, including banking and tax, at numerous seminars and events across the country, and was recently tapped to help design and teach Vermont's first continuing legal education course on cannabis business law in Vermont. He earned his B.S. degree from Woodbury College and his J.D. degree from Vermont School of Law.
Speaker bio
Phillip A. Geigle
is a member of Geigle | Morales, LLC in Denver, Colorado. He has a diverse litigation practice that focuses on criminal defense, plaintiff-side civil litigation, business litigation, and domestic litigation. In Mr. Geigle's career, he has tried many high-profile cases to juries, including homicide, embezzlement, securities fraud, and violations of the Colorado Organized Crime Control Act (COCCA); and has tried more than 60 cases to verdict. He is perennially peer-rated as AV-Preeminent from Martindale-Hubbell and a Super Lawyer in the area of white-collar criminal defense. In domestic litigation, Mr. Geigle represents individuals involved in dissolution proceedings involving significant assets and, in many instances, emotionally charged circumstances. Prior to forming Geigle | Morales, LLC, he served as a senior deputy district attorney at the Denver District Attorney's Office in specialty assignments with the Family Violence and the Economic Crime units. Mr. Geigle is admitted to practice in Colorado and Arkansas.
Speaker bio
Marissa Constant
is a solo practitioner based in Polk County, Florida. She specializes in real estate, contract law, consumer disputes, and criminal defense. With nearly a decade of experience, Ms. Constant has built a strong reputation for providing dedicated representation while prioritizing her clients' needs. Before starting her law firm during the pandemic, she served as a public defender for over four years. Ms. Constant earned her undergraduate degree from Florida State University and her J.D. degree from Florida Coastal School of Law. She is active in community initiatives; and is a member of the Junior League of Greater Lakeland (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Board), Wilson Inn of Court, Polk Association for Women Lawyers (PAWL), and Central Florida Association for Women Lawyers (CFAWL).
Speaker bio
Tristan M. Shaffer
is an experienced trial attorney with more than 15 years of practice. He has a diverse background in criminal defense, appellate litigation, and civil matters. Mr. Shaffer brings this extensive courtroom and appellate experience to the firm's clients, focusing on complex criminal matters. He began his career with the Richland County Public Defender's Office, later serving with the South Carolina Commission on Indigent Defense as an Appellate defender where he argued multiple cases to state's highest courts. Mr. Shaffer has also served as the director of litigation for the Eighth Circuit Public Defender's Office. He gained valuable experience working for a boutique criminal defense firm. Mr. Shaffer also previously owned and operated his own law practice, handling a wide range of cases including criminal defense, post-conviction relief, and personal injury. He currently works for Axelrod & Associates, and is a contract public defender in the Eighth Judicial Circuit. Mr. Shaffer was named the 2021 Defender of the Year by the South Carolina Public Defender Association. He has also been elected to serve on the Board of Directors for the South Carolina Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. Additionally, Mr. Shaffer is a graduate of the prestigious National Criminal Defense College Trial Practice Institute. Furthermore, since 2021 he has taught trial advocacy skills to young attorneys through the South Carolina Indigent Defense Academy. Over the course of his career, Mr. Shaffer has successfully litigated numerous notable cases, securing reversals of convictions and new trials. His work reflects a deep commitment to protecting the rights of his clients and achieving justice in every case. Mr. Shaffer earned his J.D. degree from the Charleston School of Law and his B.S. degree in psychology from Clemson University. He is admitted to practice in South Carolina, U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina and U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.
Speaker bio
Dorie A. Maryan
is a sole practitioner at Maryan Law, LLC. As an Indianapolis criminal attorney, she has handled cases that range from probation violation to murder, and she has defended clients in state and federal courts throughout Indianapolis, as well as in neighboring counties. Ms. Maryan is admitted in Indiana and the U.S. District Court Southern District of Indiana. She is a member of Super Lawyers (2013 - present), been awarded Indiana Super Lawyers Rising Stars, Clients' Choice Award from Avvo (2013 - present) and The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100. She received her B.A. degree from the University of Illinois, in sociology, and her J.D. degree from Indiana University School of Law.
Speaker bio
Claiborne H. Ferguson
is attorney with Ferguson McNeil Law Firm, P.A. He is a Memphis criminal defense lawyer who has been serving clients for over 15 years. Mr. Ferguson has been certified as a criminal trial specialist by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, is associated with the National Board of Legal Specialty Certification, and has a membership with both the National College or DUI Defense and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. He offers unique representation, having previously been trained in technology and medical science. Mr. Ferguson earned his B.S. degree from Rhodes College and his J.D. degree, summa cum laude, from Mississippi College School of Law.
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