National Association for Public Defense

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs): A Call on Clinical Behavioral Health
2026-01-12 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | https://publicdefenders.us/event/adverse-childhood-experiences-aces-a-call-on-clinical-behavioral-health/
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) (e.g., household dysfunction, abuse, neglect, witnessing violence in the home or community) are traumatic events occurring prior to the age of 18 and are related to long-term negative cognitive, developmental, behavioral, social, and physical health outcomes. Designed for professionals working in clinical behavioral health, criminal justice, forensic psychological, and legal, this training provides attendees with an overview of the ACEs research and its implications for justice-involved populations, and screening, intake, intervention, supervision, and management. This includes a review of practical tips, strategies, and solutions that can be utilized when working with clients impacted by various types of adverse childhood experiences. Other relevant topics of interest discussed include prenatal trauma, maternal adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and adverse birth outcomes, complex and developmental trauma, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), complex PTSD (CPTSD), toxic stress, alexithymia, mentalization deficits, attachment problems, executive functioning limitations, sleep disturbances, self-regulation problems, theory of mind (ToM) limitations, language development issues, hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis dysregulation, suicidality, shame, empathy, resilience, and trauma informed care strategies. All aforementioned discussions are grounded in empirical research findings.
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, 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 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.

Permission to Pause: The Guilt-Free Guide to Self-Care and Making You a Priority
2026-01-13 14:00 - 15:00 | https://publicdefenders.us/event/permission-to-pause-the-guilt-free-guide-to-self-care-and-making-you-a-priority/
Public Defense isn’t just a job, it’s a calling. But constantly showing up for clients, colleagues, and the mission can leave you running on empty, disconnected from your own needs, and feeling like there’s no end in sight. Now add in family responsibilities, and it’s a wonder you can breathe. This training recognizes that your well-being is not optional; it’s essential. I know, I was a Public Defender for 17+ years.

In this session, you’ll discover practical, realistic ways to carve out time for yourself—even when your schedule never lets up. You’ll learn how to reclaim short pockets of time, protect them from interruptions, and use them in ways that actually restore your energy, focus, and resilience. The truth is, you don’t need hours—just 15 minutes a day can make a real difference when you know how to use it well.

You’ll walk away with:
Clear, actionable strategies for protecting time for self-care
Learning to carve out those pockets of time in even the busiest days
Tools to make your 15-minute resets meaningful and restorative
The confidence to prioritize yourself all without guilt or hesitation

Practices for treating yourself with self-compassion

This training meets you where you are, in the reality of high stakes, heavy workloads, and back-to-back responsibilities. Because you give so much, it’s time to give some of that care back to yourself.

You matter. Your energy matters. And you are worth the time it takes to care for yourself.

Marie Sennett, certified yoga teacher and transitional life coach, works 1:1 with her clients designing a yoga and meditation plan tailored to their needs for a healthy body and mind, making them absolutely ready to Live their Dream Retirement.

A yoga practitioner since 1997, Marie struggled as a busy civil rights lawyer and Public Defender for decades to make the time needed to make her body strong and flexible and her mind relaxed and focused so she could be ready to live the dream retirement she always wanted. She became a yoga teacher to assist her clients in making that transformation to their Dream Retirement.

Online Course: Anti-Fat Bias & Mitigation
2026-01-21 - 2026-02-18
Five-week course with weekly live Zoom small groups, each Wednesday starting January 21, 2026.
This course is crafted for anyone working with multiply-marginalized clients, this five week course provides real world application of intersectional theory. Learn about the historical roots and modern-day impact of anti-fat bias (AKA fatphobia), and how to use that information to improve client relationships and craft impactful mitigation.
Dates: January 21 -February 18, 2026
Weekly 70-minute live Zoom small groups – Each Wednesday 7:00 pm – 8:10 pm Eastern / 4:00 pm – 5:10 pm Pacific starting January 21, 2026
Registration Deadline January 12, 2026
Price: $300 NAPD Members / $400 Non Members You will continue to have access to the entire course for three months after the completion of the small group sessions. If the course does not meet the minimum required registrants it may be cancelled or postponed.
What to Expect
On Demand Learning
Each week, you’ll gain access to articles, videos, and educational materials through our learning platform. Review them at your own pace to inspire and challenge yourself between live classes.
Facilitated Small Group Workshops
Attend a 70-minute Zoom based workshop each week for five weeks, led by experienced Mitigation Specialist Savannah Weinstock. Through structured presentations, collaborative group discussions, and exploration of contemporary issues faced by the fat community today, you’ll dive into this exciting topic in a safe space.
Topics Covered

Explore and define anti-fat bias, taking into account its historical roots and modern day impact
Highlight the harm encountered by fat folks at the intersection of anti-fat bias and other marginalizations
Analyze how public defense clients may be particularly at risk of anti-fat bias
Learn how to incorporate the topic of anti-fat bias into defense mitigation
Learn and feel confident using accurate, client-centered language surrounding this topic while speaking to and about fat clients

Who Should Attend
This course is for anyone in public defense who wants to incorporate intersectionality into their practice, whether that means written mitigation reports, oral arguments at sentencing, or within client relationships. You will come away from this course with extensive knowledge of academic/scientific research and how to use it, the ability to interact more effectively with fat clients, and insight into the fat experience.
Small Group Facilitator
Savannah Weinstock is a Midwest native whose education brought her first to Portland, OR and then to Boston, MA before coming home to join the Milwaukee Trial Office of the Wisconsin State Public Defender as a Mitigation Specialist (CSS) in 2021. She has a professional background in domestic violence counseling, journalism, and advocacy. She has presented at national conferences on Anti-Fat Bias and Mitigation, including the NAPD Women’s Conference and the Social Work and Law National Symposium. She has run statewide trainings on gender identity, working as a Defense team, and forming community connections. She is certified to train other trainers on the use of Narcan and harm-reduction techniques. She is also a member of the Vital Strategies Drug Checking Policy Committee and the NAPD Education Advisory Committee. She is a staunch supporter of prison abolition, antiracism, disability justice, and radical fat activism. She is a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community and the parent of five dogs, which she swears isn’t as crazy as it sounds.

Pozner on Cross: One and Done; Efficiently drafting Chapter Method cross-examinations.
2026-01-21 14:00 - 15:30 | Virtual, Virtual Conference
One and Done sets out the most efficient method of studying discovery and filtering facts into draft Chapter Method cross-examinations. Using the techniques of One and Done, we can rapidly study discovery in the most fruitful order and simultaneously filter relevant facts and their sources into potential chapters of cross-examination.

The One and Done techniques enable us to quickly see our best areas for cross-examination. These methods clearly reveal potential impeachments by inconsistent statements, or by omission, disagreements among prosecution witnesses, incomplete investigations, and other potential chapters of cross-examination. The facts we can use in constructive cross -examination or asymmetrical cross-examination are easily documented , giving us great confidence in our Chapters.
The One and Done method of review and writing provides draft chapters of cross in a form that is immediately useful in trial.

Larry Pozner is a nationally recognized trial lawyer, lecturer, and author. His book, Cross Examination: Science and Techniques (Lexis, co-authored with Roger Dodd) is now in its 3rd edition and continues to be America’s bestselling book on cross. Reviewers have described the book in words such as “long,” and “in English.”
Larry’s lectures are built around the newest tools for understanding how to motivate jurors to award us the verdict we seek, the advanced techniques of cross that can immediately result in an advantage in trial, and how we can all become quicker at crafting the cross examinations that win cases.
Mastering the science of cross-examination is essential for the skilled litigator. Veteran trial lawyer and author Larry Pozner teaches the key elements of effective cross: how to factually dominate the trial with substance, train witnesses, shape jurors’ perceptions, put facts in the best context, derail opposition, and ultimately win cases. Focus on the power of leading questions, how to control witnesses one fact at a time, and goal-oriented questioning sequences that block escape.
Larry began his career in the Colorado Public Defender system. He later formed a criminal defense firm, and a subsequent firm handling both plaintiff and defense sides of document-intensive civil matters for businesses large and small, but if we are being blunt, mostly large. For many years, Larry defended the Denver Broncos franchise in trials including the lawsuit challenging Pat Bowlen’s purchase of the team. Larry won, which is why he could remain in Colorado.
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Larry is a Past-president of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. He is listed in Best Lawyers in America for Bet-the-Company litigation, and in Criminal Defense, both White Collar and Non-White Collar crimes.
He has lectured in 48 states throughout Canada, and strangely, Brazil. As a teacher at the University of Denver College of Law he was voted Best Professor. But that may have been due to his “nobody flunks” policy.

Emotion-First Practice: Why Emotional Intelligence Is the Missing Infrastructure in Public Defense
2026-01-22 16:00 - 17:30 | https://publicdefenders.us/event/emotion-first-practice-why-emotional-intelligence-is-the-missing-infrastructure-in-public-defense/
Public defenders operate in an emotional ecosystem shaped by scarcity, hierarchy, racism, and chronic trauma. These conditions make self-protectionism adaptive and cause even promising reforms to wither. Yet unlike other helping fields, we rarely recognize how critical emotional intelligence (EI) is in countering these dynamics and sustaining meaningful change.

Join Dr. Cherise Fanno Burdeen and Alison Bloomquist for a webinar introducing their new book, Emotion-First Theory & Practice, where they break down why EI is the missing infrastructure in public defense and how rebuilding our emotional ecosystem makes liberatory, client-centered advocacy possible.

Dr. Cherise Fanno Burdeen is a community psychology and justice systems reform expert whose career spans pretrial justice, public defense, government leadership, and applied research on equity and well-being. She has led complex organizations, shaped national reform strategies, and guided systemic transformation efforts to advance fairness, accountability, and community safety. Her experience bridges the federal government, national nonprofits, and state and local jurisdictions, where she has collaborated with policymakers, defenders, and advocates to drive justice innovation.

Alison Bloomquist, Esq. is a racial justice educator, strategic leader, and public defender with two decades of experience advancing equity in the criminal legal system. A Certified Racial Justice Trainer and faculty member at the National Criminal Defense College, she has led national initiatives on anti-racist practice and systems reform at NLADA and in Connecticut’s public defense system. She continues to serve as a Special Public Defender and a scholar on race and merit in legal practice

The Dark Tetrad: A Forensic Neuroscience and Neurocriminological Perspective
2026-02-09 13:00 - 14:00 | https://publicdefenders.us/event/the-dark-tetrad-a-forensic-neuroscience-and-neurocriminological-perspective/
The Dark Tetrad is a constellation of four interrelated personality traits: narcissism, psychopathy, Machiavellianism, and sadism. These four traits are typified by grandiosity, manipulativeness, lack of empathy, and indifference to the well-being of others. The Dark Tetrad is linked to a diverse array of negative outcomes, including poor social relationships, career instability, and problematic or criminal behaviors. Research suggests that these traits are influenced, at least in part, by prenatal and postnatal neurobiopsychosocial factors. As such, neurocriminology provides a critical pathway for understanding the role of brain structure, brain function, and biochemical and genetic factors in the etiology of the Dark Tetrad. Further, forensic neuroscience can apply these neurocriminological findings to evaluate key psycholegal concepts and processes. Designed for criminal justice, forensic mental health, and legal professionals, this training explores the characteristics and causes of each Dark Tetrad trait through the lenses of forensic neuroscience and neurocriminology. Attendees will learn how these approaches can help enhance understanding, prevention, screening and assessment, interventions, and management of these traits. Cutting-edge research findings and compelling case studies will be presented throughout to illustrate key topics.

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 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 ErvWeinkauf. 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.

ADHD and the Criminal Justice System: A Forensic Neuroscience and Neurocriminological Perspective
2026-03-16 13:00 - 14:00 | https://publicdefenders.us/event/adhd-and-the-criminal-justice-system/
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a psychiatric disorder distinguished by impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention. Typically emerging during childhood, these symptoms can persist into adulthood and contribute to social, occupational, and behavioral problems. These behavioral problems can include criminal justice-involvement, as ADHD is disproportionately likely in this context relative to the general population. Further, the symptoms of ADHD make it difficult to navigate the rules and procedures of the criminal justice system, from courtroom settings to community supervision. Without accurate assessment and effective treatment, individuals with ADHD may be at risk for reoffending and long-term criminal justice-involvement. Designed for legal and mental health professionals, this innovative training introduces the symptoms, etiology (including prenatal and postnatal neurobiopsychosocial risk factors), co-occurring conditions, and consequences of ADHD. Attendees will learn how to apply key learning objectives during interviews, screening and assessment, and interventions. Increased awareness of ADHD’s role in offending has the potential to reduce recidivism, ensure fairness, and promote public safety. Cutting-edge research from forensic neuroscience and neurocriminology will be highlighted throughout the 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), confabulation, suggestibility, 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 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 ErvWeinkauf. 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.

NAPD Rise. Resist. Represent. Conference
2026-03-19 - 2026-03-20 | Virtual, Virtual Conference
SAVE THE DATE
This multi-day virtual conference brings together 100+ presenters to put on 100+ sessions, ranging from practical skills-based content to content that explores innovations, inspirations, relevant research, and more. With numerous tracks to mix and match your experience, and with most sessions recorded for later viewing, this action packed conference has something for everyone.
Check out some of the past conference schedules:
R3 Conference 2024 Schedule
R3 Conference 2023 Schedule
R3 Conference 2022 Schedule
R3 Conference 2021 Schedule

Kluver–Bucy Syndrome (KBS) and the Criminal Justice System: A Forensic Neuroscience and Neurocriminological Perspective
2026-04-13 13:00 - 14:00 | https://publicdefenders.us/event/kluver-bucy-syndrome-kbs-and-the-criminal-justice-system/
Klüver-Bucy syndrome (KBS) is a neuropsychiatric disorder precipitated by bilateral brain damage in the temporal lobes, including the hippocampus and amygdala. Common causes of this type of brain damage include traumatic brain injuries, strokes, herpes simplex encephalitis, tuberculosis, and other neurological conditions (e.g., Alzheimer’s and Huntington’s diseases). Typical consequences of KBS include visual agnosia, memory difficulties, placidity, and behavioral disturbances (e.g., disinhibition and hypersexuality). These behavioral symptoms can contribute to the onset of criminal justice involvement, which is not uncommon among some individuals with KBS or other neurological disorders. Developed for criminal justice, forensic mental health, and legal professionals, this innovative training provides an overview of the etiology, symptoms, and developmental trajectories of KBS. Cutting-edge research from forensic neuroscience and neurocriminology will be highlighted throughout the 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), confabulation, suggestibility, 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 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 ErvWeinkauf. 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.

NAPD Changemakers Forum
2026-04-20 - 2026-04-23 | Atlanta, Georgia, Atlanta, GA, United States
SAVE THE DATE
This multi-day forum will provide a platform to discuss and address the most pressing challenges facing the field of public defense today, through interactive and collaborative Spark Presentations and Open Space Sessions. Challenges to be addressed include workloads, retention, independence and more.

Check out schedules of past conferences:
Changemakers 2024 Schedule

NAPD Leadership Institute 2026
2026-05-18 08:00 - 2026-05-21 17:00 | Detroit, Michigan, Detroit, MI
SAVE THE DATE: May 18-21st, 2026
NAPD’s Leadership Institute will occur May 18-21, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. Registration details will be provided closer to the event.
Check out some of the past event schedules:
Leadership Institute 2025 Schedule
Leadership Institute 2023 Schedule
Leadership Institute 2022 Schedule
Leadership Institute 2021 Schedule

What to Expect:
At the Institute, leaders will work on both a Case Problem designed to tackle common challenges faced in public defense offices and have the opportunity to discuss their unique issues outside of the case problem.
Small Group, Intensive Coaching:
Participants will work in small groups with expert facilitators and participants from across the nation, Facilitators will guide you through leadership models to explore the Institute Case Problem and address personal leadership challenges. This personalized, intensive coaching will help you develop solutions to both shared and individual issues.
Who Should Attend:
This training is ideal for both new and experienced leaders from all sectors of public defense—federal, state, county, contract, and assigned counsel systems. Leaders of investigators, social workers, administrators, and other public defense professionals are encouraged to attend. NAPD’s leadership trainings provide the practical tools you need to bring transformative change to your office, justice system, and community.
Leave the Institute with strategies to apply what you’ve learned, making an immediate impact when you return to your organization.
Room Block at Courtyard Indianapolis Downtown and SpringHill Indianapolis Downtown for $127 per night plus tax and fees. We have a limited number of rooms, book early to make sure you get the rate. Deadline March 24, 2025
Meals not provided. There will be beverage and snacks at the breaks.
Please review NAPD Event Policies regarding attendance and cancellations
Comments from past participants
“I thought the conference was great. The topics and presentations were relevant to my work and everyone who presented was a pro. They knew how to relay information in a dynamic way; they taught without being pedantic. They were funny! It’s also nice to be in a space where people are grappling with similar issues. I’ve been to trainings for managers that are meant to be helpful, but are designed for corporate offices or non-legal settings. This training was completely tailored to PD offices and NOT to corporate America.”
“This conference was very well tailored to our work and the experience I had this year compared to an earlier version of the conference was much improved! Instead of war stories, the faculty were poignant, appropriately vulnerable about their own pitfalls, and gave good practical advice for moving forward.”
“NAPD puts on a great conference. All of the plenary sessions were engaging and motivational. The addition of the small groups made the discussions at the plenary sessions come to life.”

Energy Drink Consumption and Problematic Behavior: A Clinical, Forensic Mental Health, and Neurocriminological Perspective
2026-05-18 13:00 - 14:00 | https://publicdefenders.us/event/energy-drink-consumption-and-problematic-behavior/
Energy drinks have become increasingly popular in the United States and beyond. There is a diverse selection of energy drinks found on the market. Although there is no single definition, these beverages typically contain high amounts of sugar, caffeine, and other stimulants. Excessive consumption of energy drinks can contribute to several adverse emotional, behavioral, cognitive, and physical health outcomes. This training will examine the impact energy drink consumption has on human health and behavior through a clinical, forensic mental health, and neurocriminological lens. Other relevant topics of interest discussed include prenatal energy drink exposure, metabolic syndrome, risk-taking behaviors, internalizing and externalizing behavioral problems, co-occurring substance use problems, central nervous system dysregulation, food insecurity, self-control deficits, and health risk behaviors, among others. 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), confabulation, suggestibility, 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 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.

Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome (WKS) and the Criminal Justice System: A Forensic Neuroscience and Neurocriminological Perspective
2026-06-15 13:00 - 14:00 | https://publicdefenders.us/event/wernicke-korsakoff-syndrome-wks-and-the-criminal-justice-system/
Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (WKS) is a serious brain condition due to a thiamine deficiency (i.e., vitamin B1) that is primarily caused by chronic alcohol consumption and malnutrition. WKS consists of two stages. First, the acute phase (i.e., Wernicke’s encephalopathy) is characterized by confusion, indifference, and delirium. Second, the chronic phase (i.e., Korsakoff’s syndrome) is marked by memory problems (e.g., amnesia and confabulation), executive function deficits (e.g., decision-making), and disinhibition. These symptoms increase the risk of problematic behaviors and involvement in the criminal justice system. Because these symptoms also make it difficult to navigate legal processes (e.g., waiving legal rights, participating in one’s defense, and complying with the court conditions), greater awareness of WKS among criminal justice and mental health professionals is imperative. Developed for professionals in criminal justice, legal, and forensic settings, this innovative training introduces the symptoms, causes, warning signs, co-occurring conditions, and consequences of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. Attendees will learn evidence-based practices and approaches for interviewing, screening and assessment, and intervention and management of individuals with WKS. Cutting-edge research in forensic neuroscience and neurocriminology will be highlighted throughout the training to reinforce key learning objectives.

Jerrod Brown, Ph.D., M.A., M.S., M.S., 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) and founder and co-editor-in-chief of Forensic Scholars Today. 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 firesetting. Jerrod has completed six separate master’s degree programs and holds graduate certificates in Medical Biochemistry, Exercise Prescription, Neuroscience and the Law, Neuropsychology, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Dyslexia, 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. 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. Email: Jerrod01234Brown@live.com

Lead Exposure and Criminality: A Forensic Neuroscience and Neurocriminological Perspective
2026-07-20 13:00 - 14:00 | https://publicdefenders.us/event/lead-exposure-and-criminality-a-forensic-neuroscience-and-neurocriminological-perspective/
Exposure to lead, a neurotoxin, can have devastating consequences on organ systems, including the brain and heart. For instance, lead exposure during the prenatal period and early childhood can impair the development of brain structures and functions (e.g., cerebral cortex and hippocampus). Consequences may include cognitive deficits (e.g., poor decision-making), learning disabilities, and behavioral problems (e.g., impulsivity) that can persist across the lifespan. These behavioral problems may manifest as aggression, delinquency, and other criminal behaviors. This link is supported by research findings, including (a) elevated crime rates among individuals with lead exposure and (b) associations between brain imaging data and criminal behavior. Designed for forensic mental health, criminal justice, and legal professionals, this innovative training offers an overview of the physical, cognitive, affective, and behavioral symptoms and consequences of lead exposure, particularly during prenatal development and early childhood. Participants will also gain an advanced understanding of the scientific literature pertaining to prenatal and postnatal lead exposure in relation to possible future problematic, concerning, dysregulated, and anti-social behaviors. Insights from cutting-edge forensic neuroscience and neurocriminology research will also be emphasized throughout the training to support critical learning objectives.
Jerrod Brown, Ph.D., M.A., M.S., M.S., 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) and founder and co-editor-in-chief of Forensic Scholars Today. 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 firesetting. Jerrod has completed six separate master’s degree programs and holds graduate certificates in Medical Biochemistry, Exercise Prescription, Neuroscience and the Law, Neuropsychology, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Dyslexia, 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. 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.
