Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan upcoming events

CDAM Detroit Tigers Game (16 Aug 2026)

Sun, 16 Aug 2026 15:30:00 GMT

Event starts at 11:30am - Game time 1:40pm

Click here to register: CDAM DETROIT TIGERS GAME DAY

$50 Per Ticket for CDAM Members and Their Guests

$75 Per Ticket for Non-Members

11:30am-1:00pm -- Buffet at Old Shillelagh, 349 Monroe St., Detroit

1:00pm -- Walk to Comerica Park

1:40pm -- Game Starts

Old Shillelagh Buffet: Assorted pizzas, Caesar Salad, Chicken wings with dips, cookies, and assorted Soft Drinks.

SEATS ASSIGNED BASED ON NUMBER OF TICKETS RESERVED

Section 138 Row 20 Seats 7-20

Section 138 Row 21 Seats 7-20

Section 138 Row 22 Seats 7-17

Section 138 Row 23 Seats 7-17

Trial College: Advanced Case Development (In Person) (23 Aug 2026)

Sun, 23 Aug 2026 17:00:00 GMT

August 23 - 27, 2026

What does it actually mean to “make an appearance in court”?

It once meant people gathered in person, face-to-face, oaths taken to tell the truth, the whole truth, nothing but the truth. It now can also mean pixels, faces and voices on computer screens, as well as too often the assumption that Justice is not merely blind, but bought and rigged. That to serve on a jury is not one of the great, sacred American institutions, but something one couldn’t get out of.

For our clients, and for our country, what do we do?

CDAM’s Trial College is an intensive, five day deep-dive into the mechanics of persuasion and credibility. “Courtroom Communication” must move people to take action on behalf of your client, whether live or remote; so, it is interactive, not achieved through sitting, taking notes on lectures or Power Point presentations. In-session participation will run from 9:00-9pm to provide attendees the full benefit of on-your-feet training with a faculty including Michigan’s best and most experienced criminal defense attorneys, and internationally recognized trial consultant and CLE trainer, Joshua Karton.

2026 TRIAL COLLEGE SCHEDULE COMING SOON

2026 Program Enhancements!

Increased faculty to students ratio: 1/3
Increased number of training hours
Sunday night group dinner added
Enhanced hands-on training activities!

Bay City Doubletree Hilton

1 Wenonah Park Place, Bay City, MI

Registration Fee Single Accommodations: $2,500

Registration Fee Double Accommodations: $2,250

Check with your court funding unit to see if you can register free of charge through our Direct Billing Partner program! If so, you will be given a registration code. All others pay out of pocket and seek reimbursement from your court funding unit, if applicable.

ALL SCHOLARSHIPS HAVE BEEN ISSUED

Trial College Scholarships: Ten (10) made possible

through a grant from MCOLES - the

Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards.

Open to ALL criminal defense attorneys.

Apply here: 2026 CDAM Scholarships Form

Price includes hotel room accommodations for 4 nights; breakfast and lunch for 4 days. This is a residential program.

Payment arrangements can be made by calling (517) 599-2603.

No refunds on cancellations requested after August 7, 2026, but registrations can be transferred to another attorney.

Sentencing Guidelines Part One: The Basics (Webinar) 1 Hour CLE (22 Sep 2026)

Tue, 22 Sep 2026 18:00:00 GMT

WEBINAR - Online via Zoom

Tuesday, September 22, 2026

2:00-3:00pm / 1 CLE Hour

CDAM Members $40 / Non-members $50

(Direct Billing Agreement partners register free.

Check with your funding unit.)

The following scholarships are made possible through the CDAM ‘Earl Spuhler Scholarship Fund’ and are available to CDAM MEMBERS ONLY:

Apply here: 2026 CDAM Scholarships Form 6-29-26.docx

Presented by Kristin LaVoy

Learn More About Kristin

DESCRIPTION:

This one-hour session is geared to those who are new to practice or new to criminal defense. If you have never scored the sentencing guidelines before, this session is for you! Learn what the guidelines are, why they matter, and the basics of scoring.

TAKE AWAYS:

The guidelines and why they matter
What is an offense variable, and what is considered in scoring them
How to calculate the guideline range
How to categorize the sentencing offense

You may register free of charge if your court funding unit participates in our Direct Billing Program! You can request and receive a registration code if they are participants. Check to see if free registration is available! All others pay out of pocket and seek reimbursement from your court funding unit, if applicable.

If you have any questions about this webinar or any of CDAM's other educational offerings, please contact us at (517) 579-0533.

Evidence Boot Camp: CSC (Basic - Advanced Skills or Annual Hours) (25 Sep 2026)

Fri, 25 Sep 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Evidence from Charge to Trial ~ DNA, Daubert, Other Acts, Confrontation, Impeachment, and Trial Foundations

Small-group, interactive Skills Training

class for attorneys with 5+ years' experience

Treetops Resort - 3962 Wilkinson Rd, Gaylord, MI

Friday, September 25, 2026 ~ 9:00am-5:00pm

Check-in opens at 8:30am

Register Here: https://cdam.wildapricot.org/event-6701251

~ Breakfast and lunch, snack, and materials included ~

HOTEL ROOMS: Booking information will be sent at the time of registration.

CLE Skills or Annual Training Hours (8)

Limited to 16 registrants. Minimum 6 required.

Last date to register - September 18 @ 5:00pm

(Call (517) 579-0533 after September 18th for availability)

$320 for CDAM Members/$400 Non-Members

(Direct Billing partners can register free of charge!

See more information below)

This training is made possible, in part, by a grant from the

"Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards" with 4 scholarships available to ALL Michigan criminal defense attorneys

Apply here: 2026 CDAM Scholarships Form 6-19-26a

FACULTY


Patrick Cherry	Harry Mihas	Nicole Smith

You do NOT have to take prior Boot Camps to attend this Boot Camp.

NO refunds on cancellations after September 18, 2026, at 5:00pm. Paid registrations can be transferred to another attorney by calling (517) 579-0533.

Sentencing Guidelines Part Two: Beyond the Basics (Webinar) 1 Hour CLE (07 Oct 2026)

Wed, 07 Oct 2026 18:00:00 GMT

Registration is now open!!

Sentencing Guidelines Part Two: Beyond the Basics

WEBINAR

Wednesday, October 7, 2026

2:00-3:00pm / 1 CLE Hours

REGISTER HERE: https://cdam.wildapricot.org/event-6679323

CDAM Members $40 / Non-members $50

(Direct Billing Agreement partners register free. Check with your funding unit.)

The following scholarships are made possible through the CDAM ‘Earl Spuhler Scholarship Fund’ and are available to CDAM MEMBERS ONLY:

Apply here: 2026 CDAM Scholarships Form 6-29-26.docx

Presented by Kristin LaVoy

DESCRIPTION:

This one-hour session is for those who have been practicing for a few years but could use a refresher on guidelines, tips on common errors, and information beyond the basics. This session will cover more complex scoring issues. Prior understanding of the guidelines or attendance at part one is recommended.

TAKE AWAYS:

Learn how to categorize offenses when there are multiple charges
Learn information about the ten-year gap, unconstitutional convictions, and other reasons that prior records variables would not be scored
McGraw variables and how to determine if conduct outside the scoring offense is scorable
Sentencing options for different guideline ranges

If you have any questions about this video replay or any of CDAM's other educational offerings, please contact us at (517) 579-0533.

Evidence Boot Camp C: Foundations (Basic - Advanced Skills or Annual Hours) (16 Oct 2026)

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Small-group, interactive Skills Training class

for attorneys under 5 years' experience

Macatawa Room - Ottawa County DHS Building

12185 James St., Holland, MI

Friday, October 16, 2026 9:00am-5:00pm

Check-in opens at 8:30am

Continental breakfast, lunch, snack, and beverages provided.

Materials included.

8 CLE Skills or Annual Training Hours

Limited to 16 registrants. Minimum 6 required.

Last date to register - October 9th @ 5:00pm

Call (517) 579-0533 after October 9th for availability

$320 for CDAM Members/$400 Non-Members

(Direct Billing partners can register free of charge!

See below for more information.)

This training is made possible, in part, by a grant from the

"Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards" with 4 scholarships available to ANY Michigan criminal defense attorneys

(CDAM membership is not required)

Apply here: 2026 CDAM Scholarships Form 6-19-26

FACULTY

TBA

You do NOT have to take prior Boot Camps to attend this Boot Camp.

NO refunds on cancellations after October 9, 2026, at 5:00pm. Paid registrations can be transferred to another attorney by calling (517) 579-0533.

Evidence Boot Camp: Guns and Drugs (Basic Advanced or Annual Hours) (05 Nov 2026)

Thu, 05 Nov 2026 14:30:00 GMT

All New Cases!

Small-group, interactive Skills Training

class for attorneys with 5+ years' experience

Shanty Creek Resort - 5780 Shanty Creek Rd., Bellaire

Thursday, November 5, 2026 ~ 9:30am-5:30pm

Check-in opens at 9:00am

~ Breakfast and lunch, snack, and materials included ~

HOTEL ROOMS: Booking information will be sent at the time of registration.

CLE Skills or Annual Training Hours (8)

Limited to 16 registrants. Minimum 6 required.

Last date to register - October 29 @ 5:00pm

(Call (517) 579-0533 after September 18th for availability)

$320 for CDAM Members/$400 Non-Members

(Direct Billing partners can register free of charge!

See more information below)

Register today!

This training is made possible, in part, by a grant from the

"Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards" with 4 scholarships available to ALL Michigan criminal defense attorneys

Apply here: 2026 CDAM Scholarships Form 4-23-26.docx

FACULTY

Patrick Cherry

Harry Mihas

Nicole Smith

You do NOT have to take prior Boot Camps to attend this Boot Camp.

NO refunds on cancellations after October 30, 2026, at 5:00pm. Paid registrations can be transferred to another attorney by calling (517) 599-2603.

Jury Selection Training (Basic, Advanced, or Annual Hours) (05 Nov 2026)

Thu, 05 Nov 2026 14:30:00 GMT

Thursday, November 5, 2026

8 MIDC Compliant Annual or Skill Training Hours

Time - 9:30am - 5:30pm/check-in starts at 8:30am

Shanty Creek Resort - Lakeview Conference Center

5780 Shanty Creek Road, Bellaire, MI

Hotel Rooms: A booking link will be provided when available.

Maximum of 16 attorneys. 10 minimum required.

$320 CDAM Members/$400 Non-Members

~ Breakfast and Lunch Buffets, snacks & beverages included ~

Please note that there may be a rate increase effective October 1, 2026. More information will be provided when available.

Direct Billing partners can register free of charge-

Contact your court funding unit for further information.

This training is made possible, in part, by a grant from the

"Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards" with 40 grants available and open to ALL Michigan criminal defense attorneys

Apply here: 2026 CDAM Scholarships Form

FACULTY

with Takura Nyamfukudza, Victor Mansour, Harry Mihas, Beth LaCosse

You may register free of charge if your court funding unit participates in our Direct Billing Program! You can request and receive a registration code if they are participants.

All others pay out of pocket and seek reimbursement from your court funding unit, if applicable.

NO refunds on cancellations after October 29, 2026 at 5:00pm. Paid registrations can be transferred to another attorney by calling (517) 599-2603.

CDAM 2026 Fall Conference (06 Nov 2026)

Fri, 06 Nov 2026 14:00:00 GMT

SAVE THE DATE!

November 6-7, 2026

Shanty Creek Resort

5780 Shanty Creek Rd., Bellaire, MI

$480 for CDAM Members

$600 For Non-Members

Those with CDAM Direct Billing Agreements Register Free!

Please note that there may be a rate increase effective October 1, 2026.

Further information will be forthcoming when available.

Registration will open soon. Look for more announcements!

SHANTY CREEK HOTEL ROOM BOOKING LINK WILL BE IN YOUR CDAM CONFERENCE REGISTRATION CONFIRMATION EMAIL

NOTE: Shanty Creek includes Lakeview Hotel in Summit Village, attached to the Conference Center; Cedar River and condos are about a five minute drive from Lakeview. Rates start at $98++ and are guaranteed through October 5, 2026 OR until our block is sold out. Click the conference tab for maps and more information.

Contact CDAM at 517-579-0533 or by emailing CDAMonline@gmail.com with any questions.

Can't attend the conference? All plenary sessions will be recorded along with the three most popular breakout sessions and will be available in CDAM's video replay center.

The deadline for cancellations is Friday, October 23, 2026 at 5:00 pm. No refunds will be given for cancellations made after that date. However, registrations can be transferred to another attorney. Contact CDAM at 517-599-2603 with any questions.

Sentencing Guidelines Part Three: Advanced Topics (Webinar) 1 Hour CLE (18 Nov 2026)

Wed, 18 Nov 2026 19:00:00 GMT

Registration is now open!!

Sentencing Guidelines Part Three: Advanced Topics

WEBINAR

Wednesday, November 18, 2026

2:00-3:00 pm / 1 CLE Hours

REGISTER HERE: https://cdam.wildapricot.org/event-6679396

CDAM Members $40 / Non-members $50

(Direct Billing Agreement partners register free. Check with your funding unit.)

The following scholarships are made possible through the CDAM ‘Earl Spuhler Scholarship Fund’ and are available to CDAM MEMBERS ONLY:

Apply here: 2026 CDAM Scholarships Form 6-29-26.docx

Presented by Kristin LaVoy

DESCRIPTION:

This one-hour session is for those who are more comfortable with guidelines scoring and are looking for training on more advanced topics. This session will cover more challenging guidelines issues such as Dupree and Beck challenges, how out of state prior convictions affect guidelines, how to score Ovs 11, 12, and 13, and more. A good understanding of the guidelines or attendance at part two is recommended.

TAKE AWAYS:

Understand how non‑scorable misdemeanors interact with the 10‑year gap
Learn how to categorize and score out of state priors
Apply People v. Dupree to OVs 1 and 2 and see how the same reasoning can be extended to other OVs.
Develop a clear approach to scoring OVs 11, 12, and 13

If you have any questions about this video replay or any of CDAM's other educational offerings, please contact us at (517) 579-0533.

Slide to Acquit - Skills Training PowerPoint Primer (11 Dec 2026)

Fri, 11 Dec 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Thursday, December 2, 5:00pm - 7:00pm (Zoom Session)

AND

Friday, December 11, 9:00am - 5:00pm (In-person)

(Check-in starts at 8:30am)

Macomb Office of Public Defender

22 Market St., Mt Clemens, MI

~ Attendance at both sessions is mandatory ~

10 CLE Skill or Annual Training Hours

REGISTRATION OPEN: https://cdam.wildapricot.org/event-6719197

Description:

In this hands-on, small group training, attorneys will master the art of using PowerPoint in trial with this hands-on full day program designed to make you a PowerPoint powerhouse. Learn how to create impactful PowerPoint presentations to enhance your opening and closing statements. This full-day session covers using PowerPoint to improve your storytelling, theme development, and techniques to maintain juror engagement. The class is taught by Jim Amberg, who has won many difficult trials using PowerPoint. Jim guarantees that this will change the way you conduct trials.

Take-Aways:

Design Compelling Openings and Closings.
Projecting Trial Themes Through PowerPoint.
Strategies for Creating Effective Slides.
Grabbing and Keeping Juror Attention

Expectations:

Students will have a basic knowledge of how to use PowerPoint as this class is geared toward creation of dynamic PowerPoint trial presentations, not an intro into the basics of PowerPoint. Attendees are required to have basic knowledge of PowerPoint, have it preinstalled on their computer or device and bring it with you. Attendees are also required to print the complete set of working materials in advance of the training.

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Limited to 10 attorneys. Minimum 6 required.

$400 for CDAM Members/$500 for Non-Members

Direct Billing partners can register free of charge!

Contact your court funding unit for further information!

~ Continental Breakfast, lunch, snack and materials included ~

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FACULTY

Jim Amberg and Victor Mansour

NO refunds on cancellations after November 24, 2026, at 5:00pm. Paid registrations can be transferred to another attorney by calling Alexundria at (517) 579-0533.

CDAM's Expert Expo (16 Apr 2027)

Fri, 16 Apr 2027 04:00:00 GMT

CDAM is excited to introduce the inaugural CDAM Expert Expo, a first-of-its-kind event designed to connect Michigan criminal defense attorneys with experts from a wide range of professional disciplines.

Eent details, registration information, and additional announcements will be shared as planning continues. Be sure to check back for updates!

Interested in Being a Vendor?
If you are an expert in your field or have experience serving as an expert witness and would like to learn more about exhibiting at the CDAM Expert Expo, We'd love to hear from you.

At this time, we are collection interest from potential vendors to help us plan the event. Completing the interest form does no commit you to exhibiting, it simply lets us know you's like to receive additional information as plans develop.

Click HERE to complete the Vendor Interest Form.