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. Ethics and Professionalism in Criminal Law
3. Effective Opening Statements
4. Examination of Witnesses
5. Presentation of Defense Evidence
6. Dynamic Use of Closing Arguments
7. Concluding the Trial

Continuing Education Credits:   

* denotes specialty credits

1. GETTING STARTED
   9:00 - 9:45, Al J. Flora Jr.
   1. Preparing for Voir Dire
   2. Conducting Voir Dire
   3. Evaluating Potential Jurors
   4. Jury Selection
2. ETHICS AND PROFESSIONALISM IN CRIMINAL LAW
   9:45 - 10:45, Al J. Flora Jr.
   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
3. EFFECTIVE OPENING STATEMENTS
   11:00 - 11:50, Andrew D. Bigda
   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
4. EXAMINATION OF WITNESSES
   11:50 - 12:40, Andrew D. Bigda
   1. Direct and Cross-Examination of Lay Witnesses
   2. Direct and Cross-Examination of Expert Witnesses
   3. Handling Objections During Direct and Cross-Examination
5. PRESENTATION OF DEFENSE EVIDENCE
   1:40 - 3:00, Brett J. Riegel
   1. Consistency of Evidence With Theory of Defense
   2. Using Drama Effectively
   3. Organizing the Order of Evidence
   4. Using Demonstrative Evidence
6. DYNAMIC USE OF CLOSING ARGUMENTS
   3:15 - 4:00, Robert J. Munley
   1. Setting a Clear Goal for Closing
   2. Choosing an Appropriate Tone and Style
   3. Using Graphics to Help the Jury Understand Your Theme
   4. Structuring the Flow
   5. Effective Presentation Tactics
7. CONCLUDING THE TRIAL
   4:00 - 4:30, Brett J. Riegel
   1. Jury Instructions
   2. The Verdict

ANDREW D. BIGDA is a partner in the law firm of Rosenn, Jenkins & Greenwald, LLP, where he focuses his practice in criminal defense and personal injury litigation. Mr. Bigda was the assistant district attorney for Luzerne County from 1995-2000. He has tried more than 50 jury trials to verdict. Mr. Bigda was previously an adjunct faculty member at Luzerne County Community College. He earned his B.A. degree from St. Lawrence University and his J.D. degree from Catholic University of America. Mr. Bigda is a member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association, Wilkes-Barre Law and Library Association, Pennsylvania Association for Justice, American Association for Justice, Northeast Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

AL J. FLORA JR. maintains a private practice in Wilkes-Barre, focusing on white collar criminal defense. He also is the First Assistant Public Defender for Luzerne County and has primary responsibility for capital litigation and appeals. Since 1982, Mr. Flora has represented mass murderer George Banks at trial, on appeal and in Ford competency hearings. He has argued capital cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 3rd Circuit, and the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. Mr. Flora has tried to verdict approximately 10 capital murder cases and has had more than 100 jury trials in his career. He has represented judges on disciplinary matters before the Pennsylvania Judicial Conduct Board and the Court of Judicial Discipline. In a case which is attracting national attention, Mr. Flora currently represents former Luzerne County Judge Mark A. Ciavarella, Jr., on criminal charges in Federal Court. He earned his B.A. degree from Lycoming College and his J.D. degree from the University of Baltimore. Mr. Flora is a member of the National and Pennsylvania Associations of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and the National Legal Aid and Defenders Association.

ROBERT J. MUNLEY is principal in the law office of Attorney Robert J. Munley & Associates, where he focuses his practice in criminal defense. Mr. Munley is a Certified Trial Specialist by the National Board of Trial Advocacy and holds a Death Penalty Certification from the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. He has been focused 100% of his practice in criminal defense since 1996 and has participated in jury trials throughout most counties in northeastern Pennsylvania. Mr. Munley earned his B.A. degree from Pennsylvania State University, his M.A. degree from Marywood University and his J.D. degree from Widener University School of Law. He is a member of the Lackawanna County, Monroe County, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania and American bar associations. Mr. Munley also serves as Mock Trial Advisor for Valley View High School.

BRETT J. RIEGEL is a founding member of the Stroudsburg law firm of Amori & Riegel, LLC. Mr. Riegel has focused his practice on providing aggressive, thorough criminal defense representation, but also handles domestic litigation and other civil litigation matters, including personal injury, business litigation, real estate and appeals. He has the Death Penalty Certification under Rule 801, and has exceeded the number of necessary felony trials and continuing education credits to keep that particular certification. Mr. Riegel's education practice includes three years in the legal division of the Pennsylvania State Teachers Union, as well as extensive experience related to expulsion, discipline and students rights matters. He earned his B.S. degree from Dickinson College and his J.D. degree from Dickinson School of Law in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. After law school, Mr. Riegel had a one year clerkship with Monroe County Court of Common Pleas, Judge Peter J. O'Brien. In that role, he was introduced to most of the influential decision makers in Monroe County and received "hands on" experience on how a judge evaluates cases and what methods of advocacy are the most effective for clients charged for the crime or otherwise embroiled in a legal battle.

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