As you know, the criminal justice system was set up to ensure a fair trial for the defendant in a criminal action. However, to truly provide fair representation, you need an in-depth understanding of the issues and procedures involved. Don’t miss this opportunity to sharpen your defense skills and knowledge of trial proceedings from start to finish.

Our experienced practitioners will take you, step by step, through the criminal trial. Learn how to conduct voir dire and evaluate potential jurors. Get the strategies the pros use to prepare and deliver electrifying opening statements and closing arguments. Come away with insight into handling the examination of lay and expert witnesses at trial. Discover how to present evidence for the best results. You’ll also find out how jury instructions can impact the final verdict.

1. Getting Started
2. Effective Opening Statements
3. Examination of Witnesses
4. Ethics and Professionalism in Criminal Law
5. Dynamic Use of Closing Arguments
6. Concluding the Trial

1. GETTING STARTED
   9:00 - 10:00, Mark F. Hampton
   1. Preparing for Voir Dire
   2. Conducting Voir Dire
   3. Evaluating Potential Jurors
   4. Jury Selection
2. EFFECTIVE OPENING STATEMENTS
   10:15 - 11:15, Mark F. Hampton
   1. Developing Your Defense Theory and Case Theme
   2. Simplifying the Theme to Enhance Juror Understanding
   3. Structure - How to Use the Opening Statement as a Road Map for the Jury
   4. Presentation Pointers
      1. Clarity
      2. The Danger in Overstating Your Case
      3. How to Personalize the Client
   5. Use of Exhibits
3. EXAMINATION OF WITNESSES
   11:15 - 12:15, Mark F. Hampton
   1. Direct and Cross-Examination of Lay Witnesses
   2. Direct and Cross-Examination of Expert Witnesses
   3. Handling Objections During Direct and Cross-Examination
4. ETHICS AND PROFESSIONALISM IN CRIMINAL LAW
   1:15 - 2:15, Bonnie Robertson
   1. Avoiding Conflicts in Representation
   2. When You Suspect the Client May be Lying
   3. Duty to the Client vs. Duty to the Court
   4. Witness Contact
5. DYNAMIC USE OF CLOSING ARGUMENTS
   2:30 - 3:30, Gina H. Reynolds
   1. Setting a Clear Goal for Closing
   2. Choosing an Appropriate Tone and Style
   3. Using Graphics or Demonstrative Evidence to Help the Jury Understand Your Theme
   4. Structuring the Flow
   5. Effective Presentation Tactics
6. CONCLUDING THE TRIAL
   3:30 - 4:30, Gina H. Reynolds
   1. Jury Instructions
   2. The Verdict
   3. Sentencing

MARK F. HAMPTON is sole practitioner at his law office of Mark F. Hampton, Attorney at Law. His main area of practice is criminal defense. Mr. Hampton earned his B.S. degree from the University of Central Arkansas and his J.D. degree from University of Kansas at Little Rock. He is a member of the Arkansas Criminal Defense Association.

GINA H. REYNOLDS is in the private practice of law in Bryant with the Reynolds Law Firm. Ms. Reynolds was formerly an attorney in the Pulaski County Public Defenders' Office and before that, she was a contracts and staff attorney with the Department of Human Services. Additionally, she had experience as a prosecutor with the Coordinator's Office where she was a drug and DWI attorney. Ms. Reynolds earned her B.S.B.A. degree from the University of Arkansas, her M.B.A. degree from Henderson State and her J.D. degree from the University of Arkansas-Little Rock School of Law. She is the 2006 president of the Saline County Bar Association. Additionally, Ms. Reynolds is a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the Arkansas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

BONNIE ROBERTSON opened her family law practice in 2001. Since that time, she has expanded to include associate attorneys and to add a criminal law focus, in addition to domestic relations. She has two offices, one in North Little Rock and one in Benton. Ms. Robertson diligently and aggressively represents all of her clients, but her passion has been fathers' rights as they relate to child custody and visitation. She has written an article for the Young Lawyer's Section newsletter; she has presented at the Arkansas Bar Association's annual convention and the "Best of CLE" series; and she is a contributor to the "Legal Handbook for Young Arkansans," published by the Young Lawyers Section of the Arkansas Bar Association.

Please refer to Continuing Education Credit FAQ for general information about seeking credit for your participation in one of our continuing education programs.

Additionally, our team of credit specialists are here to answer your specific credit-related questions weekdays 7am - 5pm Central:

Phone: 866-240-1890

Email: credit@nbi-sems.com