Contract Defender Training October 17-18, 2024
It is time to RSVP for Contract Defender Training. All the details are below, but here is what we need from you right now to reserve your spot:
- Do you need hotel lodging on Wednesday, October 16 and/or Thursday October 17?
- Do you have dietary restrictions, and if so, what are they (vegetarian, gluten free, etc.)?
Please send your RSVP email with the above information to:
Attorneys who attended Spring Training in March 2024 will be put on a “wait list” and admitted to this training as space permits after September 6; preference will be given to those who did not attend Spring Training.
LODGING: For those with a commute of 60 miles or more (from office/home whichever is closer), lodging will be provided on the evenings of October 16-17 at the Drury Plaza Hotel Columbia East. The hotel’s address is: 3100 Interstate 70 Dr. SE, which has free parking, a hot breakfast and free 5:30 Kickback. MSPD’s training department will register you at the hotel and your lodging will be direct billed to MSPD Training. You should not pay for lodging out of pocket. MSPD will not reimburse your mileage to attend training. For more details about amenities at the hotel, see: https://www.druryhotels.com/locations/columbia-mo/drury-plaza-hotel-columbia-east
LOCATION: The training will be at MSPD’s Training Center located at:
Woodrail Centre
1000 West Nifong
Building 7, Suite 210
Columbia, MO 65203
Training will be on Thursday, October 17 from 9:00 a.m. – 5:15 p.m; and Friday, October 18 from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. ( Some of you may be interested to know that Mizzou Homecoming is October 19)
MEALS: For those staying at the hotel, breakfast will be provided on Thursday and Friday mornings. Lunch will be provided on Thursday, October 27, 2024 and Friday, October 18, 2024 as part of the training. Other meals are not reimbursed by MSPD.
DRESS: Attire for the program is casual. Please come comfortable, ready to learn, work hard and have some fun.
Program Description: MSPD Contract Defender Training
Introduction: MSPD’s case contract defenders have taken on a greater role in indigent defense, advocating for nearly 15 % of MSPD’s clients. Last year 23% of case assignments were for drug cases. 21% were for probation violations. A substantial number of DWIs made their way to contract counsel. Many of these clients have mental health issues to navigate. Accordingly, based on case assignments and your pre-conference survey, we have developed a training program tailored to meet your most pressing needs. MSPD’s 2-day training program aims to equip legal professionals with the necessary knowledge, skills, and strategies to effectively defend their clients in their cases, especially in the critical areas of drug offenses, DWIs, probation violations, and issues related to mental health.
Program Objectives:
- Enhance Understanding of Drug Cases: Delve into the intricacies of drug laws, including possession and other related offenses. Explore defenses such as illegal search and seizure, lack of probable cause, and violations of constitutional and statutory rights.
- Mastering DWI Defense: Develop expertise in defending clients accused of DWIs, with a focus on field sobriety tests.
- Navigating Probation Violations: Analyze the nuances of probation violations, including technical violations versus substantive violations. Learn strategies for preparing for and conducting hearings, mitigating factors, and advocating for alternatives to revocations.
- Litigating Mental Health Issues: Understand how mental health intersects with criminal defense, including client counseling, competency evaluations, various mental health defenses, and advocating for treatment rather than incarceration. Sessions will address ethical considerations in client counseling and when litigating these issues.
Key Topics Covered:
- Drug Cases Defense Strategies:
- Constitutional rights protections (Fourth Amendment)
- Establishing lack of knowledge or control
- Statutory Updates and Helpful Caselaw
- Defense Instructions
- DWI Defense Techniques:
- Field sobriety tests and their reliability
- Breathalyzer and blood test challenges
- Alternative explanations and theories for a successful defense
- Probation Violations Defense:
- Understanding probation terms and conditions
- Procedural rights during probation violation hearings
- Mitigating factors and presenting compelling arguments
- Mental Health in Criminal Defense:
- Dealing with Clients Who Challenge Us
- Competency evaluations and implications
- Mental Health defenses
- Diversion programs and treatment options
- Trending Topics
- Artificial Intelligence – Ethical Pitfalls and Potential Benefits
- Case Law Update
- Holistic Defense Services Available to Case Contracting
Training Methodology:
- Interactive Learning: Engage in sessions with interactive discussions, brainstorming opportunities and collaboration with other contract defenders.
- Expert-Led Sessions: Learn from seasoned legal professionals and subject matter experts who provide practical insights and case examples.
- Legal Updates: Stay informed about recent case law, legislative changes, and emerging trends affecting criminal defense strategies.
Target Audience: This program is for MSPD’s case contract defenders seeking to enhance their expertise in handling drug cases, DWIs, probation violations, mental health issues and other legal developments.
Benefits for Participants:
- Acquire practical skills and strategies to navigate complex legal challenges.
- Expand professional networks and collaborate with peers.
- Earn continuing legal education (CLE) credits (we anticipate a minimum of 15 hours of CLE; 3 hours will be Ethics and 1 hour will be Anti-Bias CLE).