National Association for Public Defense

Lead Exposure and Criminality: A Forensic Neuroscience and Neurocriminological Perspective
2026-07-20 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | 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.

DEIJ/Racial Justice Meet Up
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

DEIJ/Racial Justice MeetUp featuring Guest Presenter
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.

The Defender Wellness Collective MeetUp
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 | WA
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

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.

NAPD Virtual Tech Expo 2026
2026-09-17 08:00 - 2026-09-18 17:00 | Virtual, Virtual Event
The National Association for Public Defense Virtual Tech Expo
The landscape of public defense is changing at the speed of light. From the rise of AI-driven discovery to the complexities of digital forensics and cloud-based case management, staying ahead isn’t just a professional advantage—it’s a constitutional necessity.
Join the National Association for Public Defense (NAPD) for an immersive, two-day virtual experience designed specifically for the public defense community. This isn’t just another webinar; it’s a high-octane deep dive into the tools and tactics that level the playing field.

Why Attend?
In a system where resources are often imbalanced, technology can be the great equalizer. This expo brings together the brightest minds in legal tech and the most dedicated advocates in the field to explore:

Evidence Evolution: Master the tools needed to parse through terabytes of body-cam footage and mobile data.

The AI Advocate: Learn how to ethically leverage Large Language Models for legal research, drafting, and investigative leads.

Secure Advocacy: Cybersecurity strategies to protect attorney-client privilege in an increasingly connected world.

Virtual Courtroom Mastery: Best practices for remote hearings, digital presentations, and persuasive visual storytelling.

Check out details of past events by revisiting the 2025 schedule below!

Last years lineup: NAPD Virtual Tech Expo 2025: AI Revolution in Public Defense – Innovate, Integrate, Impact

Recordings from 2025 — NAPD members can access the recordings from the 2025 Tech Expo here.
View the schedule from 2025 here.

What’s it about?
This event is designed for public defenders at all stages of AI integration—whether you’re exploring how to get started or looking to enhance your current use of technology. Public defenders and AI solution providers alike are facing a crucial moment in the integration of technology within public defense. The 2025 NAPD Virtual Tech Expo bridges this gap, offering an invaluable opportunity to learn, engage, and implement AI-driven innovations into your practice.
Featuring

Giselle Pomerleau, Federal Public Defender New Jersey
Carlos Martinez, Miami-Dade Public Defender
Brett Schandelson, Director of the Montana Office of State Public Defender
Rocky Ramirez, Concho Valley Public Defender in Texas

Racial Justice Conference 2026
2026-11-02 09:00 - 2026-11-04 17:00 | Renaissance Montgomery Hotel, 201 TALLAPOOSA STREET, MONTGOMERY, AL, 36104, United States
Save the Date: November 2-4th, 2026 in Montgomery, Alabama
Registration to open June 1, 2026.

Early Bird Price – Members
$600

Early Bird Price – nonmembers
$725.00

Standard Price – members
$725.00

Standard Price – nonmembers
$875.00

Early Bird Deadline
September 30th

Join the National Association for Public Defense (NAPD) for the seventh annual Racial Justice Conference (“RJC”), as we return to Montgomery, Alabama, one of the historic homes of the Civil Rights Movement. NAPD is proud to host this immersive and transformative conference, designed to enhance your understanding of racial justice and your ability to fight for it in your work as a public defense professional.
Featuring highly respected speakers from across the nation, RJC is an unparalleled opportunity to explore three key areas that impact our pursuit of justice for clients of color.
First, we will examine how we, as individuals, approach race and how we can work to overcome our own biases and preconceptions.
Second, we will explore how public defender offices address race in their workplaces, and how we can create policies and practices that promote racial equity and fairness.
Finally, we will delve into effective strategies for challenging racial bias and discrimination wherever we encounter it.
Through a range of educational opportunities, you will gain the tools and insights needed to be a more effective advocate for racial justice in your work as a public defense professional. You will also have opportunities to connect with colleagues from across the country who share your commitment to advancing the cause of justice for all.
Click here to view last year’s Racial Justice Conference 2025 schedule!
RJC Includes Visits to the Equal Justice Initiative’s Sites
RJC also includes visits to the Equal Justice Initiative’s The Legacy Museum, The National Memorial for Peace and Justice, and the new Freedom Monument Sculpture Park.

CONVINCE YOUR BOSS
Need some help convincing your boss? Review and use our Convince Your Boss Resources. There, we provide a sample letter and other information to assist you in convincing your office to approve your RJC attendance.
