Defending clients facing criminal charges is tough enough in the best of circumstances. Throw in a global pandemic and it feels like we are not just underwater, we are swimming at the bottom of the ocean. Tune in this Friday, April 3 from 12:00-1:15pm (2:00 PM – 3:15 PM for later registrants) for a WDA webinar presented by Cindy Arends Elsberry, WDA’s Felony Resource Attorney, that will cover the latest news and practices from the courts and the jails in the era of COVID 19.

Part I of this CLE will cover how recent Proclamations from the Washington Governor and recommendations from public health officials are impacting criminal defense practice, and how to best advocate for clients while protecting against increased risk of exposure and illness.  Cindy Arends Elsberry will discuss the recent Washington Supreme Court orders shutting down courts for all but essential and emergency matters and ordering courts to  expedite hearings that may result in the release of an individual from custody.  She will discuss strategies for bail and sentencing hearings to get people out of custody (if possible) in order to reduce the public health risk to both incarcerated individuals and the greater community.

Part II of this CLE will cover strategies for defenders who are working in these times of increased pressure and with heightened fear and anxiety due to the COVID 19 crisis.  Jails and prisons across the country are reporting cases of COVID 19 in their populations. We know jails and prisons are at high risk for large outbreaks infectious diseases due to the close quarters and inadequate access to supplies for handwashing and other personal hygiene.  Public defenders are at greater risk of exposure, going into jails and court rooms to provide counsel to their clients, often without maintaining a six foot distance. Maintaining healthy habits for heart, body and mind is more important now than ever.

0.75 Law and Legal and 0.5 Ethics credits have been requested from the WSBA for this program.

To register, email wda@defensenet.org with “COVID 19 Webinar” in the subject line.