Higher-Level Felony Defense

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This program is for attorneys interested in handling higher-level felony cases at the trial level. Topics will include preparing for serious felony cases, eyewitness identifications, habitual felons, self-defense, client relations and rapport, sentencing law and advocacy, and mitigation investigation. The program consists of a mix of lectures and intensive small-group workshops. Due to the program's interactive nature, participants must attend all sessions.

For information on other public defense education courses, visit our Public Defense Education site.

This course will be held on Tuesday, September 12 - Thursday, September 14.

The registration deadline is Wednesday, August 30, at 5:00pm.

Additional information

Due to the expected level of interest, the intensive nature of the training, and limits on seating capacity, the program will be capped at 36 total participants. You must take the following steps BEFORE you can register.

If you are in a public defender’s office, you must obtain the approval of your Chief Public Defender to register. Because of limited space, each office is allotted one slot.

If you are a contract attorney or private assigned counsel, you must currently represent appointed felony clients to register.

Agenda: The agenda is available here.

Format: This year’s training will be held in-person at the School of Government.

Fee: The Office of Indigent Defense Services has agreed to fund registration for all participants, including contract attorneys and private assigned counsel (although they remain responsible for the cost of their own travel, lodging, and meals other than lunches provided during the training).

CLE: We have applied for 12.25 hours of CLE credit (including 1.0 hours of ethics credit). The total final amount of attorney CLE credit is subject to change based on approval from the North Carolina State Bar.

Hotel Information: A block of rooms is available at $113/night at the Tru by Hilton Chapel Hill, (1742 Fordham Blvd Chapel Hill, NC) from Monday, September 11, through Thursday, September 14. You can make online reservations here. To contact the hotel directly, call 984-291-7200 and mention the group code "HLF" or "Higher Level Felony Defense". The rate includes complimentary breakfast, parking and free WiFi. The hotel reservation deadline is August 21, 2023.

COVID Guidelines:

UNC-Chapel Hill and the School of Government are required to follow the University’s COVID-19 Community Standards to help maintain a healthy and safe community. Masks are optional on the UNC-Chapel Hill campus (with exceptions in health care settings and Chapel Hill Transit). We will have masks available for anyone who prefers to wear one while in the building.

CLE Value: