National Association for Public Defense

Investigator Supervisor Meetup: 5-14-2025- Open Chat
2025-05-14 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | https://publicdefenders.us/event/investigator-supervisor-meetup-5-14-2025-open-chat/
HI all,
Supervisors and lead investigators second Wednesday of the month is coming, so let’s chat about how things are in your offices, with your cases and clients.
Join us!
See you on Wednesday,
Jon

AI in Justice – Insights and Implications for Public Defenders
2025-05-15 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | https://publicdefenders.us/event/ai-in-justice-insights-and-implications-for-public-defenders/
Join us for an insightful webinar as we delve into the findings of the 2025 AI in Justice Survey, which gathered perspectives from nearly 400 justice professionals nationwide. This session will explore how public defenders are navigating increasing administrative and discovery workloads, their views on the integration of AI tools in legal processes, and the critical concerns surrounding accuracy, bias, and courtroom admissibility. Structured around six key findings, the discussion will shed light on the practical challenges and opportunities that AI presents in the realm of public defense. Whether you’re considering the adoption of AI technologies or assessing their impact on your practice, this webinar offers valuable, data-driven insights into the evolving landscape of justice and technology.
Brent Berkley is an internationally-recognized expert on criminal justice and the prosecutorial function. With a career spanning nearly 35 years, he has worked as a private and public defense attorney, a prosecutor at every level of state, local, and federal prosecution, and program director, advocate, educator, and consultant for prosecutors, law enforcement, and allied professionals across the globe.His expertise covers trial practice, digital evidence and legal technology, upstream crime reduction, re-entry, and increasing efficiency within the criminal justice system.Brent joined Axon in 2015 and was responsible for the creation of the Axon Justice team, working with prosecutors, defense attorneys, and courts in every state and multiple international environments. He is currently the Strategic Relationships Director for Justice customers and works with leaders in that community to modernize criminal justice practice for the 21st Century.

Justin Dilley is the Senior Director of Product at Axon, where he leads product strategy for emerging markets, focusing on innovative technologies that enhance public safety and justice systems. With over 17 years of experience in product and technical roles, Justin has a proven track record of building and leading global product management teams in both B2C and B2B environments. Prior to joining Axon in April 2024, he held senior leadership positions at companies such as Tropic, Loopio, FullStory, The Home Depot, and Amazon, where he was instrumental in launching successful products and driving significant revenue growth. Justin holds an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management and a BS in Computer Information Systems from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business.

NAPD Changemakers Forum
2025-05-19 12:00 - 2025-05-22 12:00 (America/New_York) | Sheraton Inner Harbor Hotel,, Sheraton Inner Harbor Hotel, 300 South Charles Street, Baltimore, MD, 21201, United States
May 19 (noon start) – May 22 (1 pm end time), 2025
Apply Here – Deadline April 14th. We will make selections by April 16.
$750 registration fee. We have a few scholarships available. Please let us know in the application if you would need assistance and what level.
Audience – This event is open to innovators and leaders of all types. We are looking for a wide variety of experiences in public defense through our application process. If this event sounds like something you’d like to be a part of – you are someone we are looking for. Please apply to join us.
The National Association for Public Defense (NAPD) cordially invites innovators and leaders in public defense to our strategic leadership Forum. This event will provide a platform to discuss and address the most pressing challenges facing the field of public defense today, such as workloads, retention, independence, and other key issues defined in the ABA’s newly revised 10 principles.
We’ve reinvented the conventional institute format to create an interactive, collaborative experience. While we’ll still host a few critical plenaries, we’re excited to introduce two fresh formats.

Spark Presentations: Engage with thought leaders as they share their insights and innovative ideas in 5-10 minute, impactful talks. This is your chance to hear directly from those in the trenches about strategies and solutions they have found effective.
Open Space Sessions: A participatory and organic approach where attendees are invited to brainstorm and create actionable plans for the issues they are most passionate about. These sessions will foster dynamic discussions and collaboration, promoting a creative exchange of ideas that will inform and inspire.

Strategic Action Planning and Expert Consultations:
To ensure that the insights gained don’t merely remain theoretical, the forum will also include guidance from experts to assist in crafting executable plans. Attendees will not only gain knowledge but will leave with well-defined, actionable strategies, bridging the divide between conceptual understanding and real-world applicability. This holistic approach guarantees that our Forum isn’t just another conference—it’s a launchpad for effective and meaningful initiatives in public defense.
Registration and Cost
In an effort to democratize participation, we kindly ask all attendees to cover their own registration and travel costs. This approach enables us to focus our resources on providing a high-quality event and generating maximum value for all participants.
Nevertheless, we remain committed to inclusivity and ensuring that all who wish to participate have the opportunity. For this reason, we are pleased to offer scholarships for individuals who wish to present a Spark presentation or who may not be able to afford to attend..
The NAPD Changemakers Forum is more than an event – it is an opportunity for leaders in public defense to come together to confront our greatest challenges, foster collaboration, and drive meaningful change. We look forward to your participation and to shaping the future of public defense together.
There is discounted self-parking at the hotel.
See the agenda
From last year’s participants –
“It’s a leap of faith to go to a conference with just an outline of an agenda, but it worked, it flowed and it has been my favorite conference!”
“I felt fully embraced by the group – was able to be vulnerable and share challenges – in a place of safe support. I got so many ideas to bring home and felt inspired to bring more to my leadership role.”
‘This was a special gathering of just the right people, in the right context. Everyone fully bought in to the concept and participated fully and that made all the difference in the world.”
“I was very skeptical going in, but converted to a full believer in this format by the time the week ended.”
“The connections and bonding that came out of the conference were just as important as the session topics and ideas. It was a good length of time to allow those bonds to form, and also to allow for deep exploration of the topics. The networking event on Thursday evening was a great way to wrap the week.”

A Neurocriminological and Nutritional Neuroscience Exploration of the “Twinkie Defense”: A Look Back and Lessons Learned
2025-05-19 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | https://publicdefenders.us/event/a-neurocriminological-and-nutritional-neuroscience-exploration-of-the-twinkie-defense/
In The People v. White (1979), Dan White’s legal team employed a legal strategy that has since become widely known as the “Twinkie Defense.” Specifically, his lawyers argued that White’s diet, which included an over-reliance on unhealthy foods, contributed to White’s diminished capacity at the time of the crime. White was ultimately found guilty of voluntary manslaughter instead of first-degree murder. In the decades since The People v. White, research has reported correlational evidence that links unhealthy foods (e.g., fatty and sugary foods) to problematic behaviors like delinquency, aggression, and crime. In this innovative training, attendees will explore critical questions about the role of nutrition in problematic behaviors. This will include a retrospective analysis of the case, examinations of how diet may be linked to crime, careful consideration of myths and controversies, and explorations of potential implications for interventions. Other topics discussed in this training include Western diet, cognition, emotional dysregulation, impulsive behaviors, mental health conditions, hormonal dysfunction, gut dysbiosis, central nervous system dysfunction, blood sugar dysregulation, nutritional deficiencies, junk food, excessive sugar consumption, biological despair, HPA axis dysregulation, inflammation, and sleep disturbances to name a few. Peer-reviewed research from nutritional neuroscience and neurocriminology will be highlighted throughout this training.
Training Objectives:
• Provide a critical overview of the “Twinkie Defense”
• Develop a working knowledge of neurocriminology and nutritional neuroscience research findings
• Compare and contrast the characteristics of healthy and unhealthy diets and their implications for mood, behavior, cognition, and physical health
• Explore the role of nutrition in problematic behaviors
• Discuss how diet-focused interventions could decrease the risk of future behavioral problems
Jerrod Brown, Ph.D., M.A., M.S., M.S., M.S., is a professor, trainer, researcher, and consultant with multiple years of experience teaching collegiate courses. Jerrod is also the founder and CEO of the American Institute for the Advancement of Forensic Studies (AIAFS). Jerrod has also provided consultation services to a number of caregivers, professionals, and organizations pertaining to topics related to autism spectrum disorder (ASD), fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), intellectual and developmental disabilities, confabulation, suggestibility, memory, Miranda rights comprehension issues, sleep disturbances, trauma and other life adversities, alexithymia, executive dysfunction, criminal recidivism, serious and persistent mental illness (SPMI), traumatic brain injury (TBI), and youth firesetting. Jerrod has completed four separate master’s degree programs and holds graduate certificates in Medical Biochemistry, Exercise Prescription, Neuroscience and the Law, Neuropsychology, Dyslexia, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Other Health Disabilities (OHD), and Traumatic-Brain Injuries (TBI). In 2021, Jerrod completed a post-doctoral certificate in Leadership and Organizational Strategy from Walden University and a Professional Certificate in Forensic Psychology from San Diego State University Global Campus. In 2023, Jerrod completed a diabetes care and education certificate from Central Arizona College. Currently, Jerrod is pursuing his fifth master’s degree in Applied Clinical Nutrition from Northeast College of Health Sciences. Jerrod has also conducted over 300 workshops, webinars, and on-demand trainings for various organizations and professional and student audiences. Jerrod has published several articles and book chapters, and recently, co-edited the book Forensic Mental Health: A Source Guide for Professionals (Brown & Weinkauf, 2018) with Erv Weinkauf. Jerrod has also been quoted in various magazines, newspapers, and other professional outlets. Jerrod is also regularly featured on several national and international podcast programs.

Social Work Meetup: Workflows, with Aisling Jennings
2025-05-21 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | https://publicdefenders.us/event/social-work-meetup-2025-05-21/
Workflows can be an impactful visualization of a process, a road map, and a way to identify bottlenecks, system failures, and breaks in support. This tool can make underused and complex processes accessible- especially when the process has little to no framework to start with. Developing workflows is a collaborative effort; the best workflows are usable by all members of a team, regardless of role. Workflows are intended to evolve over time as we identify issues in the system and improve on the process.

The Mental Health Sentencing Alternative in Washington State is incredibly underused for a variety of reasons. There is not a codified process (unlike other sentencing alternatives) and my office struggled to get buy in with probation officers and service providers. Because of the lack of clear pathways, attorneys were hesitant to use the MHSA. Through trial and error, our office worked with our health department (WCHCS) to build framework for the process. This year, our office has been meeting with other jurisdictions to share what is working or not working and why in our respective systems. While the MHSA process still has a long way to go, the workflows are a significant step towards a more accessible alternative.

Come learn about this specific workflow development and discuss how to extrapolate out the development of workflows to address the bottlenecks in your office!

Aisling Jennings is a Behavioral Health Specialist in Whatcom County, Washington. She works on mitigation, sentencing alternatives, therapeutic court admissions, and client support on both felony and misdemeanor cases.

An Exploration of AANHPI Month, DEI, & Public Defense
2025-05-28 13:00 - 14:30 (America/New_York) | https://publicdefenders.us/event/an-exploration-of-aanhpi-month-dei-public-defense/
The DEIJ and Racial Justice Meetups are happy to present its May 2025 webinar in honor of AANHPI Heritage Month. This presentation aims to raise awareness, foster cultural understanding, and explore ways to improve fairness in the public defense system for AANHPI groups.
Arlene Anderson is a Trainer with the Office of the Public Defender in Maricopa County, Arizona. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice, Magna Cum Laude, and a Master’s in Criminology from Arizona State University. Arlene is recognized for her expertise in creating dynamic and impactful trainings for all levels of staff. Beyond her organization, Arlene extends her knowledge and passion for learning to a broader audience.

Arlene is no stranger to NAPD and has been a speaker at various conferences and the DEIJ Meetup. She also is a member of the Racial Justice+ Committee and was a Get Rooted Roundtable Lead at the 2024 Racial Justice Conference. Arlene also currently serves on the Board of Directors for NAPD.

Arlene brings a unique blend of expertise, enthusiasm, and empathy as a presenter, making her a highly sought-after speaker and facilitator in her field.

Litigating Racism: Incorporating Race into Legal Arguments
2025-05-30 12:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | https://publicdefenders.us/event/litigating-racism-incorporating-race-into-legal-arguments/
Litigating Racism is a workshop that educates participants on the intersection of race and the criminal system. Advocates will be given the historical context of racialized oppression in the American criminal legal system. Understanding the historical context of racism will frame the lens through which each participant should analyze each phase of the criminal legal process and each actor in the criminal legal system (i.e., prosecutor, police, probation officer).
For example, participants will be educated on police militarization and the occupation of police forces in black and brown communities. This information will then help frame how defenders should review criminal complaints and argue for their client’s release or when they argue motions during suppression hearings. Understanding the history of police occupation will help defenders reframe the narrative from “high crime neighborhood” to “highly policed community.”
This workshop does not only serve to educate and inform but also to teach practical skills. It is not enough to simply acknowledge racism in the context of the criminal legal system. Attorneys must argue that the system is racist. But how do you do that? This workshop examines how defenders can apply those principles in a practical way. Participants will learn how they can make arguments that incorporate race in their bail review hearings, suppression hearings, and trials.
Bethany Bonsu is a zealous public defender who has been practicing criminal defense for four years. Ms. Bonsu started her legal career at the New York County Defender Services, where she represented hundreds of adults facing misdemeanor charges in Manhattan. She has since been a public defender in D.C. at the Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia, where she represented juveniles faced with the most serious felonies and now Prince George’s County, Maryland, representing adults charged with felonies. Ms. Bonsu is also the 2024 recipient of the New Leaders in Advocacy Award presented by the National Legal Aid and Defender Association.Prior to her time as a public defender, Ms. Bonsu was a law clerk at various national civil rights offices such as the ACLU, DOJ, and NAACP Legal Defense Fund, to name a few. It was her time at those offices and her time at the New York County Defender Services, where Ms. Bonsu was taught how to incorporate race into legal arguments. Since becoming a public defender, Ms. Bonsu has incorporated race into nearly every aspect of her client’s criminal cases. Challenging issues such as police bias, excessive force, racial profiling, and predatory police practices during interrogations. Ms. Bonsu received her law degree from the University of Houston Law Center and her bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University.

Investigator Meetup: Inside the system from two perspectives - 5/30/2025- 2:00 ET, 1:00 CT, 12:00 MT, 11:00 PT
2025-05-30 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | https://publicdefenders.us/event/investigator-meetup-inside-the-system-from-two-perspectives/
Inside the System pulls back the curtain on the justice system—taught by someone who’s worked both sides. Everything from arrests to courtroom battles, real insight every future law enforcer or advocate needs.
Dyllan Leonard is a former police officer and current public defender investigator with over a decade of frontline justice experience. His unique dual perspective fuels a mission to educate, challenge, and inspire future justice professionals.

NAPD The Clarence Darrow/David Baldus Death Penalty College & Intellectual Disability Track
2025-06-03 10:00 - 2025-06-06 13:00 (America/Chicago) | Iowa City Law School, 130 Byington Rd, Iowa City, IA, 52242, United States
June 3-6, 2025. Starting at 10 am on the 3rd and ending at 1 pm on the 6th.
Pricing before April 1, 2024 $950 NAPD Members, $1050 Non Members
Pricing April 2 and beyond $1150 NAPD Members, $1300 Non Members
Registration Deadline May 16th
See the current draft program with the agenda and confirmed speakers
Room Block at Hyatt Place Iowa City Downtown/University Hotel $110 plus taxes and fees / May 13 deadline
Reservation Booking Link: https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/group-booking/IOWZI/G-DABA
Phone Reservations: call the Central Reservations Office at: 1-800-233-1234 and reference the NAPD June 2025 Darrow Baldus College Conference or Group Code: G-DABA

Participants spend the week working on their own pending cases as well as learning from some of the most prestigious capital defense trainers in the country. Each day, participants engage in various learning activities, including small group sessions, lectures, role playing, and strategy demonstrations for guilt/innocence and penalty phases.
Small group sessions are designed to provide constructive feedback and encouragement while also brainstorming the case and doing actual case preparation for the capital trial. These sessions are followed by lectures and demonstrations for small
er groups or plenary sessions for all participants. Evenings are primarily unscheduled, allowing participants to explore all that Iowa City has to offer.
This unique training offers participants the choice of two intensive tracks:

The Traditional Track: Teams work collaboratively on their own pending cases, focusing on the mitigation strategy for both the guilt/innocence and penalty phases of a capital trial. Solo practitioners without an active case are also welcome to attend. This track includes small group sessions that provide constructive feedback, brainstorming, and hands-on case preparation, supplemented by lectures, role-playing, and strategy demonstrations.
The Intellectual Disability (ID) Track: Designed for those seeking advanced training on investigating and litigating intellectual disability claims, this track equips defense teams with the tools needed to ensure no one with intellectual disability is executed. Participants will delve into the nuances of identifying and presenting evidence of ID, guided by experts in law, psychology, and mitigation. This track is geared toward intermediate and experienced practitioners but welcomes beginners seeking to develop these essential skills.

The program is held in honor of the late Professor David Baldus, whose thorough, groundbreaking capital punishment research significantly impacted the death penalty defense community and legal community as a whole. Professor Baldus is best known for “the Baldus study,” cited by the United States Supreme Court in McCleskey v. Kemp, although his research extends far beyond.
Intensive Intellectual Disability Track
Intellectual disability is an absolute bar to the death penalty, making this a necessary area of investigation in every capital case. There are no exceptions.
This intensive training introduces participants to the nuances of investigating and litigating intellectual disability claims and features strategies for overcoming common barriers to identifying and effectively presenting evidence of ID. This course is geared towards intermediate and experienced capital practitioners. Beginners are welcome to attend, but the material is advanced.
It is our mission to ensure that no one with intellectual disability is ever executed. We are dedicated to equipping all members of the defense team with the tools needed to discover, investigate, and effectively litigate intellectual disability.
Intellectual disability can be difficult to detect. Often, clients go to great lengths to hide their disability due to shame and embarrassment, even when it can save their life. Unlike common stereotypes, those with intellectual disability cannot be identified based on their appearance or superficial interactions. Clients may appear “normal” in the context of school, work, family or when we first encounter them as the defendant in a capital prosecution. Education is crucial to overcome these stereotypes.
This training will offer the most up-to-date legal and scientific information concerning ID and provide hands-on opportunities to practice skills needed to screen effectively for ID. Students will learn how to work with mental-health experts and how to develop and provide the detailed life-history information needed for an effective evaluation. Instructors will include psychologists, lawyers, and mitigation specialists who are experts on the subject.
Comments from past participants –
Without question this was the best conference / educational trainings I have ever attended. The quality of the experts and the access that we had to them was unprecedented in my experience. The small group sessions were so helpful. I also love that this is not designed to be a one and done event. The opportunity to return and continue to work on cases is really helpful.
The ID conference played a major role in my ability to formulate a compelling, fact based motion as to my client’s ID issues and adaptive functioning deficits. It was also beneficial to be able to explain the various IQ tests, how they work, what they test for and how the Flynn Effect impacts standardized testing. I was able to compare and contrast those issues with the State and reach and the outcome of death being taken off the table.
OUTSTANDING! Lifechanging information and access to experts
I have been to many Capital trainings. this one has been one of the best for getting useful information relevant and applicable to our cases.
These were, by far, the most professional, relevant and motivating training sessions I have ever been a part of. My practice has already improved greatly, and I feel that I have tools I need as I transition into a capital practice.
Great location. I loved the student hosts. I felt this training was for people serious about the work and not just interested in traveling to a conference. Great opportunity to hear from experts and to gain insight from more experienced lawyers.
This
was an INCREDIBLE conference. Every expert, attorney speaker, leader of our small groups, etc. brought so much knowledge, insight, and experience. It was packed with content–I filled up an entire notebook and sent daily emails reporting back to the team I was working on with information and to-dos immediately applicable to cases.

Need help with this registration process? Watch this video.
NAPD Events and Cancellation Policy
By registering for this training, I am affirming that today I am neither a prosecutor, nor attending this training with the purpose of aiding the prosecution of any criminally accused. I further affirm that I am dedicated to the ideals of the criminal defense practitioner, and am committed to the causes of effective and zealous defense of those charged with crimes, the protection and assertion of constitutional rights afforded the criminally accused, and the recognition and preservation of human dignity of those charged with crimes. I further affirm that my use of the information provided by this training will not be used by me in any manner which would impugn the above set out ideals.

Social Work Meetup: Learn About Video Mitigation with Isacha Sandy
2025-06-04 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | https://publicdefenders.us/event/social-work-meetup-learn-about-video-mitigation-with-isacha-sandy/
At this week’s meetup, Forensic Social Worker Isacha Sandy will share how she has created video mitigation in an accessible, budget-friendly way to help humanize clients facing legal systems. This session will explore core principles of effective storytelling, ethical considerations, and creative strategies for working within limited resources. Isacha will highlight the use of video in sentencing advocacy, family reunification, and trauma-informed casework, offering insight into how these tools can amplify client voice and context.

Attendees will leave with a better understanding of how to produce compelling video content using accessible tools—no advanced technical background required.
Join us to see what cool things she has done and learn how to do it yourself!

Isacha Sandy is a Forensic Social Worker with the Alameda County Public Defender

Racial Justice Meetup - June Edition
2025-06-10 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
Racial Justice Advocates,
It’s time for another RACIAL JUSTICE MEETUP of 2025!

Guy Lang, our Justice-Impacted Communities Coordinator, will lead us in a Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month edition of the Advocating While Black: The Experiences and Perspectives of Black Men In Public Defense© presentation.
It’s going to be good. Don’t miss this meetup! Meetup flyer and agenda, as well as the speaker bio, will be posted on the listserv.

Not on the Racial Justice listserv? Send your request to be added to BGT, DEIJ Coordinator, at Brittanygt@publicdefenders.us.
See you soon, DEIJ!

Investigator Supervisor Meetup: 06-11-2025- Open Chat
2025-06-11 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | https://publicdefenders.us/event/investigator-supervisor-meetup-06-11-2025-open-chat/

Social Work Supervisors Discussion Meetup
2025-06-12 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | https://publicdefenders.us/event/social-work-supervisors-discussion-meetup-2-pm-est-1-pm-cst-12-pm-mst-11-am-pst/
Social Work Supervisors Discussion – now monthly on Thursday at 2 PM EST/1 PM CST/12 PM MST/11 AM PST!
This month’s Social Work Supervisors Discussion meetup is on the topic of having difficult conversations, giving feedback that inspires growth, and how to develop and improve morale overall in the face of less-than-ideal circumstances. This discussion is for supervisors of social workers, mitigation specialists, social work interns, and others being supervised in similar roles in defense-based offices.

Anosognosia: A Primary Reason for Treatment Noncompliance, Medication Refusal, Substance Misuse, and Other Problematic Outcomes
2025-06-16 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | https://publicdefenders.us/event/anosognosia-a-primary-reason-for-treatment-noncompliance/
Anosognosia is a complex condition where a person genuinely lacks awareness or insight of the fact that they suffer from a disability, disease, or disorder. This lack of insight or awareness can extend to deficits that involve executive function, emotions, language skills, judgement, motor skill ability, and memory. Anosognosia is distinct from denial, as the symptoms of the person’s condition may limit or prevent thought processes that would enable the conscious choice of denial. Anosognosia has been observed among those with a history of traumatic brain injuries, structural brain lesion, neurodegenerative disorders, schizophrenia and other serious mental health disorders, and strokes. The consequences of Anosognosia can contribute to (a) treatment completion issues (b) higher relapse rates (c) medication noncompliance (d) poorer psychosocial functioning (e) anger, aggression, and violence (f) criminal justice involvement (g) homelessness, and (h) increased utilization of crisis support services. Intended for professionals, this training will examine the definitions, symptoms, causes, and consequences associated with Anosognosia and its implications for justice-involved individuals. Tips, strategies, and solutions will also be discussed. Empirically based research findings will be highlighted throughout this training.
Jerrod Brown, Ph.D., M.A., M.S., M.S., M.S., is a professor, trainer, researcher, and consultant with multiple years of experience teaching collegiate courses. Jerrod is also the founder and CEO of the American Institute for the Advancement of Forensic Studies (AIAFS). Jerrod has also provided consultation services to a number of caregivers, professionals, and organizations pertaining to topics related to autism spectrum disorder (ASD), fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), intellectual and developmental disabilities, confabulation, suggestibility, memory, Miranda rights comprehension issues, sleep disturbances, trauma and other life adversities, alexithymia, executive dysfunction, criminal recidivism, serious and persistent mental illness (SPMI), traumatic brain injury (TBI), and youth firesetting. Jerrod has completed four separate master’s degree programs and holds graduate certificates in Medical Biochemistry, Exercise Prescription, Neuroscience and the Law, Neuropsychology, Dyslexia, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Other Health Disabilities (OHD), and Traumatic-Brain Injuries (TBI). In 2021, Jerrod completed a post-doctoral certificate in Leadership and Organizational Strategy from Walden University and a Professional Certificate in Forensic Psychology from San Diego State University Global Campus. In 2023, Jerrod completed a diabetes care and education certificate from Central Arizona College. Currently, Jerrod is pursuing his fifth master’s degree in Applied Clinical Nutrition from Northeast College of Health Sciences. Jerrod has also conducted over 300 workshops, webinars, and on-demand trainings for various organizations and professional and student audiences. Jerrod has published several articles and book chapters, and recently, co-edited the book Forensic Mental Health: A Source Guide for Professionals (Brown & Weinkauf, 2018) with Erv Weinkauf. Jerrod has also been quoted in various magazines, newspapers, and other professional outlets. Jerrod is also regularly featured on several national and international podcast programs.

Social Worker Meetup: Keeping Mitigation Themes Compelling
2025-06-18 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | https://publicdefenders.us/event/swmeetup-keeping-mitigation-themes-compelling/
We have talked in the past about mitigation themes and also referred to the John B. Meixner, Jr. article, “Modern Sentencing Mitigation” that includes an analysis of the most compelling themes with the best outcomes in federal sentencing. This social work meetup will look at themes we use and themes Meixner says are most compelling, and we will talk about how to keep these themes fresh, innovative, and compelling each time. How do we create different narratives if we are using (seeing) the same themes? What do we do to not feel like our writing is in a rut? This will be a good discussion to get us all thinking innovatively and creatively!
Stephanne Cline Thornton is a West Virginia native who has worked in and around criminal defense and mitigation for more than 20 years in Georgia, Colorado, and West Virginia. She is currently the Clinical Director for the West Virginia Judicial and Lawyer Assistance Program, and owner of Transform Legal, a consultancy focused on mitigation, training, and sustainability. As a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and Master Addiction Counselor, Stephanne focuses on proper assessment for and access to trauma and substance use disorder treatment to ensure the health and well-being of affected individuals. Stephanne is on the Trauma-Informed Care Network Speakers Bureau and uses that platform to call attention to the intersection of secondary traumatic stress and legal practice. She approaches her work with clients, lawyers, social workers, and mitigation specialists through a contextualized mitigation lens.

Pregnancy Criminalization: Leveraging Medical Expertise for Effective Criminal Defense
2025-06-24 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | https://publicdefenders.us/event/pregnancy-criminalization-leveraging-medical-expertise-for-effective-criminal-defense/
The legal landscape surrounding pregnancy criminalization is worsening. Representing individuals whose pregnancy outcomes or healthcare decisions become the subject of a criminal or civil investigation requires attorneys to navigate complex medical and forensic evidence. In collaboration with Pregnancy Justice, the leading legal advocacy organization defending the civil and human rights of pregnant people, and Dr. Mishka Terplan, Medical Director of Friends Research Institute and co-founder of Doing Right by Birth, this webinar will provide guidance on how to challenge the misleading science on which these prosecutions are often based and share example case studies.
Mishka Terplan, MD MPH FACOG DFASAM
Mishka Terplan is board certified in both obstetrics and gynecology and in addiction medicine. His primary clinical, research, public health, and advocacy interests lie along the intersections of reproductive and behavioral health. He is Medical Director at Friends Research Institute and adjunct faculty at the University of California, San Francisco where he is a Substance Use Warmline clinician. He is Co-Founder and Co-Director of Doing Right By Birth, a non-profit that seeks to flip the script from drug exposure to early childhood development. Dr. Terplan has spoken at local high schools and before the United States Congress and is internationally recognized as an expert in the care of pregnant and parenting people who use drugs.

Emma Roth, JD
Emma Roth (she/her) is a senior staff attorney at Pregnancy Justice, a national legal nonprofit that advances and defends the rights of pregnant people. She provides criminal defense to people facing charges related to their pregnancies and also litigates civil rights cases related to reproductive rights and justice. She previously worked at the ACLU Women’s Rights Project, where she brough impact litigation to advance the rights of women and girls in courts across the country. Emma served as a judicial law clerk to Judge Ronnie Abrams of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. Emma received her J.D. from Yale Law School and her A.B. from Brown University. As a proud mother of two young children, Emma brings both her personal and professional experiences to her representation of pregnant and parenting people.

Fikayo Walter-Johnson
Fikayo Walter-Johnson (she/her) is a social science researcher committed to transformative social movements. Prior to joining Pregnancy Justice, she supported research on the long-term social and mental impacts of juvenile incarceration and worked as a paralegal with the ACLU’s Speech, Privacy & Technology Project, where she assisted attorneys on pressing First and Fourth Amendment litigation. As the Senior Research Associate at Pregnancy Justice, she combines her knowledge of privacy, free speech, public health and social science research to advance pregnant people’s social and legal protections. Fikayo received her bachelor’s from the University of Chicago with a dual degree in Sociology & Public Policy and a specialization in Gender & Sexuality Studies.

JOIN US for the June 2025 edition of the DEIJ MEETUP!
2025-06-25 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York)
DEI Advocates,
JOIN US for the June 2025 edition of the DEIJ MEETUP!
KC (she/her/they/then) will lead a presentation and discussion entitled When Self-Care is Not Enough? A DEI-fatigue Discussion. Oh this is going to be good!
You definitely do not want to miss this meetup! The meetup flyer, agenda, and Zoom link will be posted on the listserv. Not on the listserv?
Send your request to be added to the DEIJ listserv to BGT, DEIJ Coordinator, at Brittanygt@publicdefenders.us.
See you soon, DEIJ!

Theory Based Jury Selection
2025-06-26 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | https://publicdefenders.us/event/theory-based-jury-selection/
Jury Selection is one of the most important aspects of developing a successful defense of your client. It is also an aspect many defense lawyers either find very challenging or don’t spend enough time preparing. We will discuss the importance of preparing and presenting an effective, theory based jury selection. You will learn the types of questions to ask so that you can get the most information to enable you to make the best choices in selecting your client’s jury. We will also discuss the types of questions to avoid which provide little or insufficient information.
Andre Vitale (Jersey City, NJ). Andre has served as a public defense lawyer for over 25 years as a trial lawyer, training director, educator, and mentor. He currently works as the First Assistant Deputy Public Defender with the Essex Trial Region of the New Jersey Office of the Public Defender. Andre previously served as a Special Assistant Public Defender and Training Director with the Monroe County Public Defender’s Office (Rochester, NY) and as the Assistant Training Director with the King County Department of Public Defense (Seattle, WA). Andre has extensive trial experience taking more than 100 cases to verdict, while handling some of the most complex matters. He has developed an expertise in defending homicide and sex cases, with a proficiency in contesting forensic and other technical evidence, including DNA, fingerprints, CSAAS, and eyewitness identification. Andre authored an article: Fighting Racial Prejudice through Suppression Litigation, which was published in July 2021 edition of the CHAMPION

Social Workers Meetup: Community Engagement and Community Resources
2025-07-02 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | https://publicdefenders.us/event/community-engagement-and-community-resources/
This meetup will discuss the broad spectrum of community engagement and community resources: two sides of the same coin. Community resources are critical for an underserved client population in need of resources, especially when they have gone without having this need met historically. But to link to community resources there is a degree of community engagement that must be undertaken. Does your office have a community engagement policy or aspiration? Is community engagement and learning about community resources part of the day-to-day work or ancillary to it? Are there ways in which you and your office are making community engagement measurable or quantifiable (e.g., a dollars and cents rationale for engaging with the community because it is a carceral alternative through community-based alternative sentencing)? Share your ideas and insights as well as what you are doing!
Stephanne Cline Thornton is a West Virginia native who has worked in and around criminal defense and mitigation for more than 20 years in Georgia, Colorado, and West Virginia. She is currently the Clinical Director for the West Virginia Judicial and Lawyer Assistance Program, and owner of Transform Legal, a consultancy focused on mitigation, training, and sustainability. As a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and Master Addiction Counselor, Stephanne focuses on proper assessment for and access to trauma and substance use disorder treatment to ensure the health and well-being of affected individuals. Stephanne is on the Trauma-Informed Care Network Speakers Bureau and uses that platform to call attention to the intersection of secondary traumatic stress and legal practice. She approaches her work with clients, lawyers, social workers, and mitigation specialists through a contextualized mitigation lens.

RACIAL JUSTICE MEETUP - July Edition
2025-07-08 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York)
Racial Justice Meetup –
Join us for the next edition of the RACIAL JUSTICE MEETUP on July 8, 2025 at 1 p.m. (est) / 12 p.m. (cst) / 11 a.m. (mt) / 10 a.m. (pst)!
This month Stan Hickman, Esq. will lead our meetup in a presentation entitled Black & Seasoned!
Meetup info and reminders will be provided on the Racial Justice Listserv.
Be sure you’re there, NAPD!

Investigator Supervisor Meetup - Open Chat
2025-07-09 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | https://publicdefenders.us/event/36302/
Hi investigators in a supervisory role,
it will be the second Wednesday of the month , so let’s chat about how things are in your offices, with your cases and clients.
See you Wednesday!
Jon

Investigator meetup - Social profiler demo
2025-07-11 14:00 (America/New_York) | https://publicdefenders.us/event/investigator-meetup-7-11-2025-social-profiler/
Welcome to an exciting month of guests for the month of July! This is an a new tool for getting a feel for our witnesses and potential jurors too!
Socialprofiler is a newly launched social media background check and research tool. Technology that analyzes Facebook, X, TikTok & Instagram to generate profile reports on an individual’s personal interests.
Our social media screenings identify & categorize a person’s interests based on their social media actions, allowing you to identify risks, highlight red flags & anticipate compatibility issues.
With our AI mapping capabilities, Socialprofiler cross-references anyone’s personal network of friends, acquaintances & followers on Instagram, X and TikTok so you can understand mutual relationships & network.
You can explore several report examples here: https://dashboard.socialprofiler.com/report-examples

Metabolic Syndrome among Justice-Involved Individuals: Implications for Mood, Behavior, Cognition, and Physical Health
2025-07-15 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | https://publicdefenders.us/event/metabolic-syndrome-among-justice-involved-individuals/
A modern-day epidemic and daunting public health challenge, metabolic syndrome is a constellation of cardio-metabolic risk factors, including high blood pressure, low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, high triglycerides, central obesity, impaired glucose tolerance, and insulin dysfunction. The presence of metabolic syndrome drastically increases the risk of experiencing diabetes, cardiovascular disease, strokes, and premature mortality. This is particularly true among those involved in the criminal justice system. Emerging research is also finding that metabolic syndrome has significant implications for mood, behavior, cognition, and physical health. This training provides attendees with (a) an overview of metabolic syndrome, (b) a review of the causes, consequences, and symptoms, and (c) an exploration of interventions for metabolic syndrome among justice-involved individuals. This training highlights the importance of adopting multidisciplinary and integrated approaches, characterized by collaborations with registered dieticians and licensed nutritionists, psychogastroenterologists, sleep specialists, exercise specialists, and other professionals. Such integrated care approaches (e.g., comprehensive screening and targeted holistic interventions) are crucial for improving short and long-term outcomes of justice-involved individuals with metabolic syndrome.
Jerrod Brown, Ph.D., M.A., M.S., M.S., M.S., is a professor, trainer, researcher, and consultant with multiple years of experience teaching collegiate courses. Jerrod is also the founder and CEO of the American Institute for the Advancement of Forensic Studies (AIAFS). Jerrod has also provided consultation services to a number of caregivers, professionals, and organizations pertaining to topics related to autism spectrum disorder (ASD), fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), confabulation, suggestibility, trauma and other life adversities, alexithymia, executive dysfunction, criminal recidivism, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and youth fire setting. Jerrod has completed four separate master’s degree programs and holds graduate certificates in Dyslexia, Medical Biochemistry, Exercise Prescription, Neuroscience and the Law, Neuropsychology, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Other Health Disabilities (OHD), and Traumatic-Brain Injuries (TBI). In 2021, Jerrod completed a post-doctoral certificate in Leadership and Organizational Strategy from Walden University and a Professional Certificate in Forensic Psychology from San Diego State University Global Campus. In 2023, Jerrod completed a diabetes care and education certificate from Central Arizona College. Currently, Jerrod is pursuing his fifth master’s degree in Applied Clinical Nutrition from Northeast College of Health Sciences. Jerrod has also conducted over 300 workshops, webinars, and on-demand trainings for various organizations and professional and student audiences. Jerrod has published several articles and book chapters, and recently, co-edited the book Forensic Mental Health: A Source Guide for Professionals (Brown & Weinkauf, 2018) with Erv Weinkauf. Jerrod has also been quoted in various magazines, newspapers, and other professional outlets. Jerrod is also regularly featured on several national and international podcast programs.

Social Work Meetup: New Things to Share About!
2025-07-16 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | https://publicdefenders.us/event/social-work-meetup-7-16-2025/
Similar to our past “brag fest” meetups, this meetup is your opportunity to share new mitigation strategies you’ve tried, new work products, interesting client meeting questions, innovative ways you have advocated, manuals or guides you have created, new initiatives, and whatever else you would like to share that would be new to the group!
Stephanne Cline Thornton is a West Virginia native who has worked in and around criminal defense and mitigation for more than 20 years in Georgia, Colorado, and West Virginia. She is currently the Clinical Director for the West Virginia Judicial and Lawyer Assistance Program, and owner of Transform Legal, a consultancy focused on mitigation, training, and sustainability. As a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and Master Addiction Counselor, Stephanne focuses on proper assessment for and access to trauma and substance use disorder treatment to ensure the health and well-being of affected individuals. Stephanne is on the Trauma-Informed Care Network Speakers Bureau and uses that platform to call attention to the intersection of secondary traumatic stress and legal practice. She approaches her work with clients, lawyers, social workers, and mitigation specialists through a contextualized mitigation lens.

The Defender Wellness Collective: Monthly Meetup for Public Defense Wellness
2025-07-17 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | https://publicdefenders.us/event/the-defender-wellness-collective-monthly-meetup-for-public-defense-wellness/
The Defender Wellness Collective is a monthly gathering designed to support public defenders and others in the public defense community in maintaining their well-being. This meetup provides a space for reflection, connection, and practical strategies to help mitigate burnout, manage stress, and build resilience in a demanding profession.

These meetups will occur the third Thursday of the month at 2:00 pm EST | 11:00 am Pacific.

Corey Dewayne Smith is a United States Army JAG Corps veteran who has transitioned into criminal defense social work and leadership training. He is passionate about developing others and volunteers with several organizations that provide support and resources to leaders. As a nationally recognized speaker on leadership, multidisciplinary team building, and professional development, he is committed to helping leaders and their teams overcome challenges and achieve their goals.

Social Worker Supervisor Discussion: Hiring & Coaching
2025-07-17 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | https://publicdefenders.us/event/social-worker-supervisor-discussion-hiring-coaching/
When the team works well together and is a good fit, the work gets done effectively and successfully, fulfilling all team members. How do we hire the right staff and coach to their strengths and to the strengths of the team? That will be our discussion starting point this week during our Social Worker Supervisor Discussion.
Facilitated by Stephanne Thornton and Kevin Bishop.

July 2025 edition of the DEIJ MEETUP
2025-07-23 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York)
DEIJ Advocates,
JOIN US our July 2025 edition of the DEIJ MEETUP! Charles Fox, Jr., M.A.P.P. (he/his/him) will lead us with his presentation – Bending the Arc: Navigating DEIJ in Public Defense Amidst Hostility & Misinformation.
A timely presentation indeed! Don’t miss this meetup! It is the last meetup before NAPD takes its Annual Defense Rest for the month of August! Come connect with us and get inspired to continue in the fight.
The meetup flyer, agenda, speaker bio, and Zoom link will be posted on the listserv.
Not on the listserv? Want to join us? Send your request to be added to the DEIJ listserv to BGT, DEIJ Coordinator, at Brittanygt@publicdefenders.us.

See you soon, DEIJ!

Defending a Shaken Baby Case
2025-07-24 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | https://publicdefenders.us/event/defending-a-shaken-baby-case/
Shaken Baby Syndrome has led to a number of wrongful convictions throughout the years. SBS cases were heavily litigated in the 1990s and early 2000s before they seemed to trail off. However, over the past five or so years we have seen a resurgence in the use of SBS as a theory of Prosecution as it has now been rebranded Abusive Head Trauma. While the labels have changed the underlying theories have stayed the same. In this presentation we will discuss SBS/ AHT cases and the Triad that is used to arrive at the Hypothesis. You will learn the false assumptions underlying the SBS/ AHT Hypothesis. We will also discuss the types of Experts you need to consult in order to develop a successful defense.
Andre Vitale (Jersey City, NJ). Andre has served as a public defense lawyer for over 25 years as a trial lawyer, training director, educator, and mentor. He currently works as the First Assistant Deputy Public Defender with the Essex Trial Region of the New Jersey Office of the Public Defender. Andre previously served as a Special Assistant Public Defender and Training Director with the Monroe County Public Defender’s Office (Rochester, NY) and as the Assistant Training Director with the King County Department of Public Defense (Seattle, WA). Andre has extensive trial experience taking more than 100 cases to verdict, while handling some of the most complex matters. He has developed an expertise in defending homicide and sex cases, with a proficiency in contesting forensic and other technical evidence, including DNA, fingerprints, CSAAS, and eyewitness identification. Andre authored an article: Fighting Racial Prejudice through Suppression Litigation, which was published in July 2021 edition of the CHAMPION

Investigator Meetup: The Gideon Blueprint: Innovating On-Prem AI for Public Defense
2025-07-25 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | https://publicdefenders.us/event/investigator-meetup-the-gideon-blueprint-innovating-on-prem-ai/
The Gideon Blueprint: Innovating On-Prem AI for Public Defense
This session explores the full arc of building a secure, on-premises AI system tailored for public defense work. From research and cost comparisons to the decision to avoid cloud-based risks, we’ll walk through the practical and ethical motivations behind developing “Gideon,” our internal AI system. You’ll learn how we selected and tuned large language models, navigated technical and organizational pitfalls, and integrated the system into real-world defense workflows. We’ll cover current capabilities, limitations, and where we are headed next. This is a transparent, behind-the-scenes look at what it took to build and lead AI innovation in the public defender space
Robert Thies
Senior Investigator, Federal Public Defender – Eastern District of Missouri
Based in St. Louis, Robert Thies is a Senior Investigator with nearly 30 years of experience in criminal defense. He leads AI innovation for the Federal Public Defender’s Office and is the project lead for GIDEON, a secure, locally hosted platform supporting case analysis, discovery review, and legal strategy. Robert is a national resource on AI use in defense settings and has authored internal policies, conducted hands-on training, and advised offices across the country. He holds an AI Prompting Certification from the University of Missouri–St. Louis and is the author of The Algorithm, a novel about AI and the justice system, due out in 2026.
He enjoys playing pickleball, snowboarding, and keeping bees.

First 1,000 Days of Life and Implications for Future Health and Behavioral Outcomes: A Neurocriminological and Nutritional Neuroscience Perspective
2025-07-29 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | https://publicdefenders.us/event/first-1000-days/
The first 1,000 days refers to a child’s life from day one of conception until the age of 2. This is a unique period of opportunity when the foundations of ideal neurodevelopment, growth, and health are established. Problematic and traumatic experiences during the first 1,000 days can have a lifelong effect on health and well-being, including increased risk of future engagement in concerning and problematic behaviors. Targeted interventions during this period may play a vital role in reducing problematic behavioral, emotional, psychological, social, cognitive, and physical health outcomes throughout the lifespan. This training introduces professionals to the research that supports the first 1,000 days of life, examines problematic factors and experiences that may occur during this critical stage of development, and implications for future adverse health outcomes and problematic behaviors. Implications for intake, screening, intervention, management, and prevention will be discussed throughout this training. Insights from the fields of neurocriminology and nutritional neuroscience will be incorporated throughout. Empirically based research findings are highlighted throughout this training.

Jerrod Brown, Ph.D., M.A., M.S., M.S., M.S., is a professor, trainer, researcher, and consultant with multiple years of experience teaching collegiate courses. Jerrod is also the founder and CEO of the American Institute for the Advancement of Forensic Studies (AIAFS). Jerrod is also the founder and co-editor-in-chief of Forensic Scholars Today (FST). Jerrod has also provided consultation services to a number of caregivers, professionals, and organizations pertaining to topics related to autism spectrum disorder (ASD), fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), intellectual and developmental disabilities, confabulation, suggestibility, sleep disturbances, serious and persistent mental health disorders, trauma and other life adversities, alexithymia, executive dysfunction, criminal recidivism, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and youth firesetting. Jerrod has completed four separate master’s degree programs and holds graduate certificates in Medical Biochemistry, Exercise Prescription, Dyslexia, Neuroscience and the Law, Neuropsychology, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Other Health Disabilities (OHD), and Traumatic-Brain Injuries (TBI). In 2021, Jerrod completed a post-doctoral certificate in Leadership and Organizational Strategy from Walden University and a Professional Certificate in Forensic Psychology from San Diego State University Global Campus. In 2023, Jerrod completed a diabetes care and education certificate from Central Arizona College. Currently, Jerrod is pursuing his fifth master’s degree in Applied Clinical Nutrition from Northeast College of Health Sciences. Jerrod also holds a wide range of professional certifications and has completed several comprehensive training programs. Jerrod has also conducted over 300 workshops, webinars, and on-demand trainings for various organizations and professional and student audiences. Jerrod has published several articles and book chapters, and previously co-edited the book Forensic Mental Health: A Source Guide for Professionals (Brown & Weinkauf, 2018) with Erv Weinkauf. Jerrod has also been quoted in various magazines, newspapers, and other professional outlets and has appeared in two documentaries related to the topic of FASD. Jerrod is also regularly featured on several national and international podcast programs.
