Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan upcoming events

When Competency Is in Question (Webinar) 1 CLE Hour (09 Oct 2026)

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 14:00:00 GMT

When Competency Is in Question

Date: October 9, 2026
Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Fee: CDAM Members $40 / Non-members $50
CLE: 1 CLE hour

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

Earl Spuhler Scholarship

Scholarships are made possible through the CDAM ‘Earl Spuhler Scholarship Fund’ and are available to CDAM MEMBERS ONLY: Apply Here

Session Overview

Presented by Sami, Farhat

Description of the event: This presentation will provide attorneys with information regarding when a competency referral is warranted, what occurs during a competency evaluation, and how to understand and evaluate the resulting opinion. The presentation will also address circumstances in which obtaining a second opinion may be appropriate and what attorneys and defendants can expect following a finding of incompetency.

Takeaways:

When to make a motion for competency
What happens during the evaluation
When to request a second opinion
What happens if your client is found not competent

Please Note!

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 video replay or any of CDAM's other educational offerings, please contact us at (517) 579-0533.

NOTE: If you register the morning of the webinar, please note that it may take 10+ minutes for the automatically generated confirmation email (which includes the Zoom link) to populate your inbox.

Evidence Boot Camp C: Foundations (Basic Skills or Annual Hours) Less Than 5 Years' Experience (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 6-19-26a.docx

FACULTY

John Stecco Donald Teichman TBA

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

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.

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

CDAM Gives Back: Community Volunteer Day (24 Oct 2026)

Sat, 24 Oct 2026 12:30:00 GMT

Register Here

CDAM Gives Back: Community Volunteer Day

Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026
Time: 8:30 AM - 2:00 PM
Location: Food Bank of Eastern Michigan
Address: 1939 Howard. Ave. Flint MI

Event Schedule

8:30 AM - 9:00 AM Volunteer check in. Donuts will be provided
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Volunteer Activities
12:00 - 1:00 PM Pizza Lunch and Commemorative CDAM Gift

Event Overview

Bring your family, invite a friend, and join us for a fun day of giving back to our community.

Please Note

Volunteers must be 12 years or older.
Closed toe shoes are required.

Evidence Boot Camp: Guns, Drugs and Objections (Basic Skills or Annual Hours) More Than 5 Years' Experience (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

Register Here

Evidence Boot Camp: Guns, Drugs and Objections

Location: Shanty Creek Resort

Address: 5780 Shanty Creek Rd., Bellaire

Date: Thursday November 5, 2026, Check-in Opens at: 8:30 am

Time: 9:30am - 5:30 pm

Fee: CDAM Members $320 / Non-members $400

CLE: 8 CLE Skills or Annual hours

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

MCOLES Scholarship

Scholarships are made possible by a grant from the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES): All Michigan criminal defense attorneys are eligible. Apply here

Session Overview

Breakfast and lunch, snacks and beverages included.
A set of materials will also be given to you when you check-in.
NO refunds on cancellations after October 23, 2026, at 5:00pm.

Presented By

Patrick Cherry Harry Mihas Nicole Smith

Hotel Info

A hotel booking link is included with your registration confirmation email.

Please Note!

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

Limited to 16 registrants. Minimum 6 required.

Last date to register - October 23 @ 5:00pm

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

NO refunds on cancellations after October 23, 2026, at 5:00pm. Paid registrations can be transferred to another attorney by calling (517) 599-2603.

Jury Selection Training (Skills: Basic or Annual) All Levels of Experience (05 Nov 2026)

Thu, 05 Nov 2026 14:30:00 GMT

Register Here

Jury Selection

Location: Shanty Creek Resort - Lakeview Conference Center

Address: 5780 Shanty Creek Road, Bellaire, MI

Date: Thursday November 5, 2026, Check-in Opens at: 8:30 am

Time: 9:30 am - 5:30 pm

Fee: CDAM Members $320 / Non-members $400

CLE: 8 MIDC Compliant Annual of Skill Training Hours

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

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

MCOLES Scholarship

Scholarships are made possible by a grant from the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES): All Michigan criminal defense attorneys are eligible. Apply here

Session Overview

Breakfast and lunch, snacks and beverages included.
A set of materials will also be given to you when you check-in.
NO refunds on cancellations after October 23, 2026 at 5:00pm.

Presented By

Lenna Belcher Mariell Lehman

Victor Mansour Takura Nyamfukudza

Hotel Info

(A hotel booking link is included with your registration confirmation email)

Please Note!

Limited to 16 registrants. Minimum 10 required.

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 23, 2026 at 5:00pm. Paid registrations can be transferred to another attorney by calling (517) 599-2603.

A is for Attorney (Basic Skills) 5 Years' or Less Experience (05 Nov 2026)

Thu, 05 Nov 2026 14:30:00 GMT

Open to all but geared toward those with 3 or less years' experience.

AIFA has been refreshed and is even better than before!

Trilogy, Triads and Triumph: The Persuasive Power of Three (Basic Skills or Annual) All Levels of Experience (05 Nov 2026)

Thu, 05 Nov 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Register Here

Trilogy, Triads, and Triumph: The Pervasive Power of Three

Location: Shanty Creek Resort - Lakeview Conference Center
Address: 5780 Shanty Creek Rd., Bellaire, MI

Date: Thursday November 5, 2026

Time: 11:00am - 3:00 pm, Check-in Opens at 8:30am as other events are underway.

Fee: CDAM Members $160 / Non-members $200

CLE: 4 CLE hours - Skills or Annual

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

Earl Spuhler Scholarship

Scholarships are made possible through the CDAM ‘Earl Spuhler Scholarship Fund’ and are available to CDAM MEMBERS ONLY: Apply Here

Session Overview

Lunch, and afternoon snack and, beverages included.

NO refunds on cancellations after October 23, 2026, at 5:00pm.

Presented By

James R. Samuels Beth LaCosse

Description: Legal trilogies, or the "power of three," work! Presenting three points is persuasive, memorable, and impactful. Trilogies create a beginning, middle, and end to provide a balanced narrative that supports complex, comprehensive, and cohesive arguments whether it be opening, cross, or closing.

In this hands-on, small group training, attorneys will master the art of using trilogy to create an impactful courtroom presence using their own case.

Take-aways:

Students will understand and appreciate the power of trilogies.
Attendees will develop the skill of creating trilogies to use in their own cases.
Attendees will be empowered to deliver trilogies in the most effective manner.

Please Note!

Registration is limited to 16 attendees - Register soon!

A hotel booking link will be sent in your confirmation email.

You may register free of charge if your defender 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 defender funding unit, if applicable.

NO refunds on cancellations after October 23, 2026, at 5:00pm. Paid registrations can be transferred to another attorney by calling Alexaundria at (517) 579-0533.

CDAM 2026 Fall Conference (06 Nov 2026)

Fri, 06 Nov 2026 14:00:00 GMT

November 6th - 7th, 2026

Optional Skills Training sessions November 5th

Click here to review the line up

of classes and presenters

Contact CDAM at (517) 579-0533 or

CDAMonline@gmail.com with any questions.

Evaluating K9 Evidence: Training, Reliability, and Legal Challenges (Webinar) (13 Nov 2026)

Fri, 13 Nov 2026 18:00:00 GMT

Register Here

Evaluating K9 Evidence: Training, Reliability, and Legal Challenges

Webinar: Online Via Zoom
Date: Nov 13, 2026
Time: 1:00 - 2:30pm
Fee: CDAM Members $60 / Non-Members $75
CLE: 1.5 CLE Hours Annual

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

Session Overview

Presented by: Cheryl Carlson

Description of the event: Learn why dogs remain valuable investigative tools, why some excel at detection while others excel at tracking, and how training and reward systems shape canine behavior. Attendees will learn K9 handler terminology, how to interpret training logs and certifications, and how to evaluate a dog’s experience and reliability. The presentation will examine canine behavior, false alerts, residual odor, handler influence, standard procedures and protocols, and the records and warning signs defense attorneys should look for when evaluating a K9 search

Takeaways:

Understand terms used by K9 Handler
How to review and evaluate K9 experience and reliability
What to look for when evaluating a K9 search

Please Note!

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

NOTE: If you register the morning of the webinar, please note that it may take 10+ minutes for the automatically generated confirmation email (which include the Zoom link) to populate your inbox.)

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

Wed, 18 Nov 2026 19:00:00 GMT

Register Here

Sentencing Guidelines Part Three: Advanced Topics

Webinar: Online Via Zoom

Date: Wednesday November 18, 2026

Time: 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Fee: CDAM Members $40 / Non-members $50

CLE: 1 CLE hours

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

Earl Spuhler Scholarship

Scholarships are made possible through the CDAM ‘Earl Spuhler Scholarship Fund’ and are available to CDAM MEMBERS ONLY: Apply Here

Session Overview

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

Please Note!

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 video replay or any of CDAM's other educational offerings, please contact us at (517) 579-0533.

Evidence Boot Camp D: Focus - Hearsay (Basic Skills or Annual Hours) Less Than 5 Years' Experience (20 Nov 2026)

Fri, 20 Nov 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Small-group, interactive Skills Training class with a focus on laying a foundation.

Register Here

Evidence Boot Camp D: Focus - Hearsay

Location: Auburn Hills Marriott / 3600 Centerpoint Parkway, Pontiac

Date: Friday November 20, 2026,

Time: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, Check-in Opens at: 8:30 am

Fee: CDAM Members $320 / Non-members $400

CLE: 8 CLE or Annual Training hours

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

MCOLES Scholarship

Scholarships are made possible by a grant from the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES): All Michigan criminal defense attorneys are eligible. Apply here

Session Overview

Breakfast and lunch, and afternoon snack included.

A set of materials will also be given to you when you check-in.

Registrations after November 13 @ 5pm are not guaranteed a set of printed materials.

Presented By

Bernard
Jocuns

Harry
Mihas

Glenn
Simmington

Please Note!

Limited to 16 registrants. Minimum 6 required.

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

NO refunds on cancellations after November 13, 2026, at 5:00pm. Paid registrations can be transferred to another attorney by calling (517) 579-0533.

Litigating Bail from Arraignment to Appeal (Webinar) 1.5 CLE hours (02 Dec 2026)

Wed, 02 Dec 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Register Here

Litigating Bail From Arraignment to Appeal

Webinar: Online Via Zoom
Date: Dec 02, 2026
Time: 12:00-1:30 pm
Fee: CDAM Members $60 / Non-members $75
CLE: 1.5 CLE hours

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

Earl Spuhler Scholarship

Scholarships are made possible through the CDAM ‘Earl Spuhler Scholarship Fund’ and are available to CDAM MEMBERS ONLY: Apply Here

Session Overview

Presented by: Ale Clark-Ansani

Description of training: Join Civil Rights Corps for a training and conversation on bail, pretrial detention, and how to best advocate for your client's pretrial release. The training will cover federal and state law concerning bail and pretrial release, including best practices for bail advocacy from your client's first appearance to challenging an unlawful detention order on appeal. Civil Rights Corps is a national organization that specializes in combating unlawful pretrial detention and cash bail policies, with legal victories throughout the country.

Takeaways:

Understanding key constitutional principles that protect against pretrial detention and unaffordable cash bail.
Understanding Michigan state law on bail and pretrial detention.
Understanding the process of litigating a bail appeal and how to reach out to CRC for free pro bono support in doing so.
Understand how to actually use the law to effectively advocate at bail.lese Note!

Please Note!

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 - PowerPoint Primer (Basic Skills or Annual Hours) All Levels of Experience (11 Dec 2026)

Fri, 11 Dec 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Register Here

Slide to Acquit - Powerpoint Primer

Webinar: Online Via Zoom

Date: Thursday, December 2, 2026

Time: 5:00PM - 7:00 pm

In-person: Macomb Office of Public Defender, 22 Market St Mt. Clemens, MI

Date: Friday, December 11, 2026

Time: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, Check-in Starts 8:30 am

~ Attendance at both sessions is mandatory ~

Fee: CDAM Members $400 / Non-members $500

CLE: 10 CLE or Annual Training hours

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

~ Continental Breakfast, lunch, snack and materials included ~

Session Overview

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.

Presented By

Jim Amberg and Victor Mansour

Please Note!

Limited to 12 attorneys. Minimum 8 required.

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

VENDOR/SPONSOR OPPORTUNITIES: 2027 EVENTS! (01 Jan 2027)

Fri, 01 Jan 2027 05:00:00 GMT

Sponsor / Vendor Opportunities:

CONFERENCE VENDOR

PREMIER VENDOR

JUSTICE SPONSOR

DEFENDER SPONSOR

New Vendor / Sponsor levels and benefits will be announced for

the 2027 events and conferences.

PLEASE register on our waitlist!!

You will receive updates as they become available.

VENDOR TERMS and CONDITIONS

Please contact CDAM at

(517) 599-2603 if you have questions

prior to completing your registration

or waitlist entry.

Detroit Red Wings Hockey Game Day (21 Feb 2027)

Sun, 21 Feb 2027 20:30:00 GMT

HOCKEY FANS AND FRIENDS!!

Register Here

RED WINGS vs. BUFFALO SABRES

Date: Sunday, February 21, 2027

Start Time: 3:30

Location: Little Caesar's Arena - Detroit

Address: 2645 Woodward Ave., Detroit

Event Info

Available Tickets:

CDAM MEMBERS & GUESTS - $145

NON-MEMBERS & GUESTS - $175

Ticket purchase includes:

Game ticket with seating in Section 201
Access to the Labatt Blue Club
All-inclusive beer & wine
All-inclusive buffet. The featured cuisine changes each game and may include options such as Italian or Mediterranean. Hot dogs and Italian sausages are always available regardless of the featured cuisine.

Seats are assigned based on the number in your group. You must confirm or cancel tickets before Jan 19th. Tickets will be sent to purchaser electronically OR via purchaser's Ticketmaster account, after January 21th. Ticket sales are BASED ON AVAILABILITY. Please call Joie at (989) 213-2017 for information.

Game Day Schedule:

3:30 PM: The game begins.

CDAM Expert Expo – The Greatest Show in Justice (16 Apr 2027)

Fri, 16 Apr 2027 14:00:00 GMT

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

Expo Info

Expert Expo - The Greatest Show in Justice

Date: April 16, 2027

Time: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Location: Eagle Eye Golf Club

Address: 15500 Chandler Rd, Bath Township, MI 48808

Event Overview

Event 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 not 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.