IDS and the Mecklenburg Public Defender’s Office provide regular continuing education to dozens of NC criminal defense and parent attorneys, investigators, and mitigation specialists who attend the IDS Forensic Science Education Series. In 2026, we will offer monthly 90-minute webinars on various aspects of forensic evidence. These webinars will take place typically at 12:30 pm on …
Testimony about shaken baby syndrome excluded by NJ Supreme Court
On Nov. 20, 2025, the New Jersey Supreme Court barred testimony concerning shaken baby syndrome, finding that the State failed to meet its burden of showing reliability under the Frye standard. The opinion discusses the history of this diagnosis and lack of consensus around the so-called “triad” of symptoms in shaken baby cases. The opinion demonstrates …
Testimony about shaken baby syndrome excluded by NJ Supreme CourtRead More
Decoding Toxicology Lab Reports from the Union County Sheriff’s Office and Other Crime Labs
Live webinar presented by Rohan Parekh, MS, PhDNov. 6, 2025, 12:30pm90 min of CLE credit anticipated With the recent opening of the Union County Sheriff’s Office Crime Laboratory, attorneys need additional information about the lab reports produced by this lab. The Union County Public Defender’s Office, the Union County Bar, and NC Indigent Defense Services …
Decoding Toxicology Lab Reports from the Union County Sheriff’s Office and Other Crime LabsRead More
Inside the State Crime Lab: Forensic Biology Testing Explained
Live webinar presented by Wendell IvoryOct. 2, 2025, 12:30pm90 min of CLE credit anticipated In this virtual webinar, attendees will learn about the services provided by the Forensic Biology Section at the NC State Crime Lab. The presentation will cover evidence submission criteria and reporting results. A brief overview of CODIS and STIMS will also …
Inside the State Crime Lab: Forensic Biology Testing ExplainedRead More
Forensic Book Club
The Forensic Book Club is starting its next reading. It is a short story that is just 26 pages! To get into the fall/Halloween spirit, we’ll be reading Edgar Allen Poe’s “The Murders in the Rue Morgue.” We’ll meet virtually to discuss on Oct. 13 at 6 pm. If you have been thinking about joining us, …
Inside the State Crime Lab: Digital Evidence Testing Explained
Live webinar presented by Sterling HuntSept. 18, 2025, 12:30pm90 min of CLE credit anticipated In this webinar, attendees will review submission requirements for mobile devices, identify types of devices and removable media, discuss the two states of mobile devices and encryption, review the examination process, and discuss the results of examination. Attendees will be provided …
Inside the State Crime Lab: Digital Evidence Testing ExplainedRead More
Inside the State Crime Lab: Forensic Testing Explained Webinars
For the second half of the year, the IDS Forensic Science Education Series will take a deeper look into the testing performed at the State Crime Lab. In each session, an analyst from the State Crime Lab will present about the testing performed in their section of the lab. We hope that the sessions will …
Inside the State Crime Lab: Forensic Testing Explained WebinarsRead More
Expert assistance in toxicology and pharmacology available starting July 1, 2025 through Expert Services Project
Access to qualified expert services is essential to public defense. To better equip defenders with the resources they need to achieve fair and just outcomes for clients, Indigent Defense Services launched the pilot Expert Services Project in 2021 and is expanding it to include toxicology and pharmacology experts on July 1, 2025. This Project provides …
Managing Digital Discovery Webinar
Live webinar presented by Devshi Mehrotra and Derek HarrisJune 5, 2025, 12:30pm90 min of CLE credit anticipated In today’s criminal cases, defenders are increasingly confronted with massive volumes of data, including cell phone dumps, surveillance footage, social media records, and forensic reports. This program is designed to equip criminal defense attorneys and team members with …
State Crime Lab Tour Offered
Would you like to see where evidence is tested at the State Crime Lab and learn more about the methods used at the Lab? The NC State Crime Laboratory is offering a tour of the Lab in Raleigh for criminal defense attorneys and investigators. The tour will take place on June 19, 2025 at 9:30 …
AI, Due Process, and Scientific Evidence
NACDL invites you to join us for a discussion exploring Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the criminal legal system featuring Duke Law Professor Brandon Garrett, author of Defending Due Process: Why Fairness Matters in a Polarized World. The presentation will be followed by a Q&A session led by NACDL President-Elect, Andrew Birrell. AI is increasingly used to make important decisions …
Open House at the State Crime Lab
The North Carolina State Crime Lab is offering open house opportunities for the public. Scientists from the various disciplines will be available to provide demonstrations and answer questions. The open houses will take place at the following times: Raleigh Lab – April 8, 2025: 4-8 pm and April 10, 2025: 4-8 pm Western Lab – …
Maximizing the Digital Tools We Already Have
Live webinar presented by Jamie Blackwell and Anthony MonaghanApr 3, 2025, 12:30pm90 min of Tech CLE credit anticipated This program will prepare attorneys and defense teams to utilize technology tools that many offices already have access to in order to maximize effectiveness in representing their clients in cases involving large amounts of digital discovery. Speakers …
Defending Death by Distribution Cases in NC
Join us in Durham March 27 & 28, 2025 for a FREE, in-person training on Defending Death by Distribution Cases. Topics will include: Co-sponsored by IDS, NACDL, NCAJ, and Vital Strategies, this program is open to all North Carolina criminal defense lawyers, investigators, and mitigation specialists. Make plans to join us in RTP for this …
Western Regional State Crime Lab tour offered
Would you like to see where evidence is tested at the State Crime Lab and learn more about the methods used at the Lab? The NC State Crime Laboratory is offering a tour of the Western Regional Lab in Edneyville for criminal defense attorneys and investigators. The tour will take place on Apr. 4, 2025 …