Policy and Legislative Meet-Up
2026-06-03 16:00 - 17:00, 2026-06-10 16:00 - 17:00, 2026-06-17 16:00 - 17:00, 2026-06-24 16:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Virtual, Virtual Event
This 60-minute virtual gathering is designed as a practical, working session—not a webinar. Together, we will:

Workshop active campaigns involving statutes, rules, budget advocacy, and administrative reforms.
Exchange model bill language, fiscal notes, one-pagers, and testimony templates.
Coordinate strategy on messaging, media engagement, coalition building, and storytelling from impacted communities.
Navigate ethics constraints, including 501(c)(3)/(c)(4) boundaries and public-sector limitations.
Translate courtroom experience and client narratives into persuasive, data-informed advocacy.
Share tools for rapid-response efforts during moments of crisis or legislative rollback.

DEIJ/Racial Justice MeetUp featuring Guest Presenter
2026-06-09 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-07-14 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-08-11 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-09-08 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-10-13 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-11-10 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-12-08 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual, Virtual Event
Details TBA. Meetup events are exclusive to NAPD members.

Sleep: Understand and Unlock Your Superpower
2026-06-11 13:00 - 14:00 | https://publicdefenders.us/event/sleep-understand-and-unlock-your-superpower/
Description
Dr. Matthew Walker, aka the Sleep Diplomat, writes that “Human beings are the only species that deliberately deprive themselves of sleep for no apparent gain. Many people walk through their lives in an underslept state, not realizing it.” Join Lisa in an interactive session to learn about why sleep is so important, what happens to our bodies and minds when we sleep, what happens when we don’t get enough and what we can do to prioritize and improve our sleep. Also, consider a few ways that offices can promote an office culture that supports well-rested staff.

Learning Objectives

1. Teach what happens when we sleep
2. Provide space for self-reflection on participants’ sleep routines and how they are connected to energy
3. provide (and solicit) ideas to improve overall sleep routines

Presenter(s)

Lisa Lunt, BA, JD, Certified ACC Coach by the International Coaching Federation

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

DEIJ/Racial Justice Meet Up
2026-06-24 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-07-22 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-08-26 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-09-23 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-10-28 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-11-25 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-12-23 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual, Virtual Event
Details TBD

The Defender Wellness Collective MeetUp
2026-07-09 14:00 - 15:00, 2026-08-13 14:00 - 15:00, 2026-09-10 14:00 - 15:00, 2026-10-08 14:00 - 15:00, 2026-11-12 14:00 - 15:00, 2026-12-10 14:00 - 15:00
Together, We Are the Culture
As we build this community, remember that culture is not imposed; It is grown.
“You are essential. You are worth sustaining.”
You’re not alone.
Let’s walk this road together, building a culture of wellness for everyone in public defense.

Link the NAPD 10 Principles of Sustainability

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.

Reviewing Minor Records: Was it Child Maltreatment?
2026-08-25 13:00 - 14:00 | https://publicdefenders-us.zoom.us/j/84599314108?pwd=[REDACTED]
Description
Medical records can be intimidating and tedious for any criminal attorney or investigator to review, especially when it comes to possible child abuse. This session will be an overview of the various types of child maltreatment, as well as other medical conditions that mimic abuse.
Key areas on the body that are highly indicative of abuse and discrepancies to look for will be discussed, as things that you should consider when looking at the medical records. To make this presentation relevant and interesting there will be multiple case studies.
Learning Objectives

1. Be able to recognize common areas of the body that are highly suspicious for child abuse.
2. Know the different types of child maltreatment.
3. Identify children at a higher risk of abuse.
4. Recognize markings that are common with cultural healing practices.

Presenter(s)

Kahli Ellis MS, BSN, RN Forensic Nurse Expert
Kahli graduated in 2014 with a BSN from a small college in St. Louis, MO and has been a nurse since 2014. In 2017 she graduated with honors from Arkansas State University with a MS in disaster preparedness and emergency management. Kahli has clinical experience in pediatric and adult critical care, as well as public health. She is one of Godoy Medical Forensics’ child abuse experts.
