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. Presentation of Defense Evidence
6. Dynamic Use of Closing Arguments
7. Concluding the Trial

1. GETTING STARTED
   9:00 - 9:45, David O. Schles
   1. Preparing for Voir Dire
   2. Conducting Voir Dire
   3. Evaluating Potential Jurors
   4. Jury Selection
2. EFFECTIVE OPENING STATEMENTS
   9:45 - 10:30, Paul S. Detch
   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
   10:45 - 11:15, Paul S. Detch
   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
   11:15 - 12:15, David O. Schles
   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. PRESENTATION OF DEFENSE EVIDENCE
   1:15 - 2:15, David O. Schles
   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
   2:30 - 3:30, Paul S. Detch
   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
   3:30 - 4:30, Paul S. Detch
   1. Jury Instructions
   2. The Verdict

PAUL S. DETCH is a sole practitioner concentrating in the areas of civil and criminal litigation. He is a former adjunct professor at West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine and has lectured on criminal law. Mr. Detch earned his B.A. degree from Wittenberg University and his J.D. degree from West Virginia University. He is a member of the Greenbrier County, West Virginia State and West Virginia bar associations, the American Trial Lawyers Association and the West Virginia Trial Lawyers Association. Also admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court.

DAVID O. SCHLES is an attorney in Charleston, West Virginia, where he practices primarily in the areas of criminal defense and trials, and appeals in state and federal courts. He has served as an instructor at various legal seminars and at the West Virginia State Police Academy. Mr. Schles graduated, magna cum laude, from West Virginia University with a B.A. degree in political science and history. He studied law at the West Virginia University College of Law, where he served as managing editor of the West Virginia Law Review, president of the Lugar Trial Association and was elected to the Order of the Coif and Order of Barristers. Mr. Schles is a member of the American Bar Association and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

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