Online CLE Programs

The Pre-Arrest Federal Investigation

Faculty: Marc Agnifilo and Raymond Granger

Find out what happens in the earliest stages of a federal criminal case and how crucial this time period is to your client’s fate. Attorneys Marc Agnifilo and Raymond Granger share their experiences including discussing how federal Investigations differ from state investigations, what you can learn about the government’s case, client and attorney proffers, preserving and safeguarding electronic data, search warrants resulting in the seizure of privileged material and more.

The Arrest and Presentment in Federal Court

Faculty: James Kousouros and Ronald Rubenstein

This course will walk you through a negotiated surrender and the arrest, presentment, and detention processes of a federal criminal case. We will also evaluate the statutes, caselaw, legal presumptions and burdens at a detention hearing as well as the importance of the pretrial services report.  Should we consent to detention and live to fight another day? Know when to hold ‘em and when to fold ‘em.

Federal Pretrial Dispositions #1 – Guilty Pleas

Faculty: Cesar DeCastro and Eric Franz

Given that 97% of all federal criminal cases resolve with a plea of guilty, plea-bargaining is among the most important work of a defense lawyer.   The change of plea process in federal court is drastically different from that of New York State court. In state court, the plea of guilty with its “promised sentence” is the last critical part of the case. In federal court, the guilty plea marks a new beginning. None of the many agreed upon terms of the plea, including the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, are binding on the sentencing court. But with limited exceptions, the many serious mandatory minimum terms of incarceration are—and your clients need to be aware of them before changing their plea. “Tell me in your own words what you did that makes you guilty” is not an invitation to merely recite words in a statute. The defendant must be carefully guided through an allocution towards the end of a change of plea hearing that might last 45 minutes.  Federal court judges don’t get involved in plea discussions, and fact-bargaining is not allowed. From the written, multi-page plea agreement, including appellate waivers, to the statutory mandates of forfeiture, restitution and fines, when guiding clients through the federal plea process, you’re not in Kansas anymore.

Federal Pretrial Dispositions #2 – Cooperation

Faculty: Mark Cohen and Nicholas Kaizer

With punishing mandatory minimums and sentencing guidelines in the stratosphere staring them in the face, many federal defendants want to know what they can do to get home — even if that home is in a top secret location — even more quickly than a traditional guilty plea and sentencing may offer them.  The answer, if they understand what they are getting into and if the Government is interested in what they have to offer, is often for them to cooperate with the Government in the investigation and prosecution of others.  If completed successfully, cooperation usually does offer a greatly reduced sentence but even though you can get below the statutory minimum, that can mean different things before different judges.  Before you bring your client in for his first meeting with the Government, there is much for him and you to think about and discuss, as things do not always turn out the way you mapped it.  And your client may not truly be prepared to talk honestly about his entire criminal past — and that of his family and friends. This course will walk you through the timing, the considerations, the process, the formalities and the pitfalls of seeking a federal cooperation agreement.  What does an agreement and a plea with a cooperator look like, what are the expectations, what are the limits and what are the consequences if it fails to work out. There is much you can still do.  What is your role and how can you impact the end result?

Federal Post Conviction Motions and Appeals

Faculty: Michael Bachrach and Andrew Frisch

This course will give you everything you need to know about what happens in the event your client is convicted. The fight isn’t over yet. Learn the ins and outs of the appeals process, including exactly which motions you will want to file and the most important things you will need to focus on if you want to give your client his best chance of getting post-conviction relief. Experienced attorneys Michael Bachrach and Andrew Frisch walk you through the entire process step by step.

Spanish for Attorneys

Faculty: Marino Fernandez, Esq.

Marino Fernandez teaches you the basics of the most important Spanish words and phrases that you will need to understand when assisting Spanish-speaking clients.

Student Loans – What You Need To Know As A Practitioner

Faculty: Michelle Labayen, Esq.

Learn all the basics of the federal and state laws that apply to various types of student loans. Understand which types may be dischargeable under bankruptcy and which are not. And the best options available to handle those loans that may not be dischargeable.

Whether to assist your clients to or to better understand your own law school loan payment options, this is a surprisingly interesting and very educational watch.

Witness Preparation and Direct Examination

Faculty: Andy Eibel, Esq.

Veteran criminal defense attorney Andy Eibel explains the keys to having your witnesses well prepared and ready for an effective and flawless direct testimony. Lots of practical insider tips here and one that criminal law practitioners will not want to miss.