Defending the Accused in a Changing World: Making Forensic Science Your Superpower

Description: Most fields of forensic science were created specifically for law enforcement and designed to increase convictions, rather than presenting real, validated and reliable science to courts. Attorney Buting helped co-found the non-profit “Center for Integrity in Forensic Sciences” (CIFS) to increase the use of reliable science and decrease junk science in court. Defense attorneys are sometimes intimidated by apparently damning forensic evidence the government creates, but counsel can learn how to find the flaws and turn it into a powerful defense tool – your “superpower” to support reasonable doubt.

Take-aways:

• Attendees will learn how to find resources for self-education, and gain the confidence to confront or present forensic evidence in court

• How to evaluate whether to challenge the admissibility or credibility of forensic evidence

• What records to demand that are rarely provided in standard discovery

• How to find the flaws in the State’s evidence, and 

• How to present the “science” in ways lay jurors can understand

Jerome F. Buting

Staying Safe: ICE, CBP, and Attorney Rights

Description: Criminal defense attorneys will be equipped with critical knowledge to protect themselves and their clients amid escalating enforcement tactics. Learn how CBP handles border stops and cell phone searches—especially when attorneys are involved—what your rights are, and how to respond. We’ll also cover ICE courthouse arrests and CBP traffic stops, with practical guidance for safeguarding privileged information and preventing unlawful interference.

Take-aways:

• Know your rights during border cell phone searches

• Protect attorney-client privilege across borders

• Navigate ICE courthouse tactics

• Identify unlawful CBP traffic stops

• Prepare proactive legal responses to enforcement overreach

Amy V. Doukoure

Canton, MI

Option 1

Digital Forensics In Child Exploitation Cases

Jake Green

Concord, NC

Kevin Witwer

Columbus, Ohio

Option 2

Identifying and Preserving Trial Case Issues for Interlocutory Appeal

Description: This Session is aimed at Trial Attorneys. Goals: identifying cases and issues that might require an Interlocutory Appeal.

Take-Aways:

• What kind of Issues? Motions to Quash? Motions to Suppress? Other Pretrial Issues and Issues that might arise during Trial

•  The Window of Opportunity-Deadlines

• Client Considerations: Bond? Incarcerated? Delays

• Electronic Filing

• Stays

• How to get help Writing/Filing/ Arguing

Kristina Dunne

Detroit

Option 3

Mastering GenAI - Think More Deeply Win More Consistently

Description: GenAI has the power to sharpen your advocacy, helping you think more deeply, work more quickly, and win more consistently, elevating every part of your practice, from case analysis to courtroom strategy. But with that power comes real risk: breaches of confidentiality, GenAI “hallucinations,” and the growing threat of being replaced by someone who knows how to use it better. Therefore, mastering prompt engineering isn’t optional. This seminar delivers practical strategies to harness GenAI’s strengths, avoid its dangers, and sharpen your edge, so you stay effective, stay ethical, and stay indispensable.

Take-aways:

•  How to craft effective prompts that unlock GenAI’s full potential for criminal defense work.

• Ways to enhance legal analysis, strategy, and advocacy using GenAI without cutting ethical corners.

•  Practical techniques for spotting and avoiding GenAI pitfalls like hallucinations and confidentiality breaches.

•  Why prompt mastery, not blind trust, is the key to staying relevant and indispensable in the GenAI era.

• A clear framework for integrating GenAI into daily practice with confidence, competence, and control.

Patrick T. Barone

Birmingham, MI

Option 4

Misdemeanor Sentencing: Beyond Jail and Probation

Description: Join us for an overview of non-custodial, unsupervised misdemeanor sentences focused on the guidance provided by MCL 769.5(3). The difference between serious and non-serious misdemeanors will be covered to ensure an understanding of when 769.5(3) applies. The proposed presentation will also include an explanation of valid deviations from the statute and how non-probation sentences are enforced.  

Take-aways:

• What is considered a serious misdemeanor vs. non-serious misdemeanor.

• What are alternatives to jail and probation sentences.

• Learn when a is a court allowed to deviate from MCL 769.5(3);

•  Learn how a court enforces non-custodial, unsupervised sentences.

Ashley Poindexter

Kent County, MI

Description: This session presents a wide-ranging survey of the “national tradition” of firearms regulation, compiling hundreds of historical public carry laws across every state. This session will trace the origins of the “trifecta” in Michigan: (1) concealed carry, (2) possession by a prohibited person, and (3) felony firearm. It will also demystify the “historical analysis” test articulated in Bruen and provide tools for Michigan defense attorneys to successfully litigate Second Amendment challenges.

Take-aways:

• Comprehensive history of firearms regulations in Michigan.

• Compelling narrative strategies for making applied challenges in CCW/FIP/FF cases

• Guidance on how to incorporate the Heller/Bruen/Rahimi framework into motions.

• Sample historical evidence and briefing materials.

Jonathan Roberts

Detroit, MI

Option 2

Digital Forensics Uncovering Fraud in the Age of Generative AI

Jake Green

Concord, NC

Kevin Witwer

Columbus, Oh

Option 1

Federal Law Practice and Update: Eastern and Western District Of Michigan 

Elizabeth A. LaCosse

Marquette, MI

 Option 2

Motion Practice for the Novice Practitioner

Description:

Designed to equip early-career criminal defense attorneys with essential skills for navigating motion practice effectively. Participants will delve into the mechanics and strategic use of key pre-trial motions—including bond, discovery, motions to quash, and suppress—and gain insight into trial motions such as prejudicial versus prohibitive challenges, directed verdicts, and motions to produce witnesses. The session also emphasizes the importance of legal research, introducing practitioners to resources that support the drafting and argumentation of motions, ultimately strengthening their courtroom advocacy and procedural confidence.

Take-aways:

• Learn about the use and mechanics of Pre-Trial Motions including, but not limited to, Bond, Discover, Quash, and Suppress. 

• Learn about  strategies on how and why to use Trial motions such a prejudicial v prohibitive motions, Directive Verdict, Motion to Produce Witness. 

• Learn about applicable research materials to support various motions.

James F. Piazza

Saginaw

Option 4

Texting, Privilege, and Professional Boundaries

Description: Clients often rely solely on their smartphones for legal communication, making texting a critical—and ethically charged—channel for criminal defense attorneys. This presentation explores how attorneys must not only protect privileged information through secure, encrypted messaging and digital preservation, but also appreciate the larger systemic issues at play. By integrating professional responsibility with technological awareness, we’ll examine how limited internet access, especially among indigent clients, raises equity concerns. Ethics can’t be siloed—it must be viewed through the lens of access to justice, digital inclusion, and practical technology policies that both protect clients and reflect the realities of the communities we serve. 

Take-aways:

• Text messaging can be an effective way to communicate with your client

• There has to be some balancing between privilege and effective client communication.  The more critical the data, the greater the care.  By analogy, I will refer to the Government security system of confidentiality:  sensitive information, top secret, and must be preserved.

• Client messages need to be preserved.

• Special concern when taking your phones over international borders where they are subject to searches.

• Boundaries and “Penn Pals.” How to have a personal life when clients can reach you 24/7.

Stuart Friedman

Southfield, MI

Option 5

Sound Drum --

Chill Out and Relax

Description: The practice of law can be demanding, placing immense strain on both mind and body. The high stakes and constant pressures of the profession often leave even the most resilient attorneys running on empty.

Take a step back with a cozy sound bath and guided meditation hosted by Zupac Law. This restorative session is designed to help you release stress, restore balance, and settle into deep relaxation. Come as you are—dress comfortably, show up, and simply breathe.

*Bring a mat or we’ll have some for sale. CDAM will also have towels on hand to use. 

Jordan Zuppke and Marina Chupac

Royal Oak, MI