Upcoming Events

Litigation in NGRI post-commitment proceedings: A Training for appellate attorneys

September 11, 2026, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM - via Zoom
Approved for 1.0 Law & Legal Credits 
Presented by Jennifer Bartlett, Managing Attorney for OPD’s NGRI Program.

This presentation is designed for appellate attorneys representing clients in NGRI (not guilty by reason of insanity) post-commitment appeals. It will provide an overview of the process for an insanity acquittee to obtain conditional or unconditional release from a civil commitment following a NGRI finding.  Appellate attorneys will also learn about the current issues in the trial courts appropriate for appellate review. 

Please email appellatetraining@opd.wa.gov to request the Zoom link.  Attendees will submit their request for WSBA CLE credits via post-program survey.

Please contact Jennifer.Bartlett@opd.wa.gov for substantive questions about the training.
 

When: -

Where: Online

Criminal Defense Training Academy- Fall 2026

The Criminal Defense Training Academy (CDTA) is a five-day interactive training program designed to help you build fundamental skills for representing persons charged with crimes. For example, we will practice client interviewing, cross-examining witnesses, and making objections at trial. The training will consist of lectures by subject matter experts and interactive training activities in small groups. You will work, have fun, and build connections with other students and faculty.

*Attendance at both sessions is mandatory

WHERE: Central Washington University- 400 E University Way, Ellensburg, WA 98926

COST: 100.00 for participation in the complete 5-day program which includes lunch for each day and a training sweatshirt. *Travel arrangements and expenses will be the participant's responsibility.

Submitting this application does not guarantee you a spot in the program.

When: - ,

When: -

Advisory Committee Meeting

The Washington State Office of Public Defense (OPD) Advisory Committee will hold meetings in 2026 as follows:

  • September 17, 2026 – In Person (Location TBD)
  • December 10, 2026 – Virtual

Meeting time is from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., unless otherwise posted. Draft agendas are posted at www.opd.wa.gov no less than 1 business day prior to the meeting.

When: -

Criminal Defense Training Academy- Fall 2026

The Criminal Defense Training Academy (CDTA) is a five-day interactive training program designed to help you build fundamental skills for representing persons charged with crimes. For example, we will practice client interviewing, cross-examining witnesses, and making objections at trial. The training will consist of lectures by subject matter experts and interactive training activities in small groups. You will work, have fun, and build connections with other students and faculty.

*Attendance at both sessions is mandatory

WHERE: Central Washington University- 400 E University Way, Ellensburg, WA 98926

COST: 100.00 for participation in the complete 5-day program which includes lunch for each day and a training sweatshirt. *Travel arrangements and expenses will be the participant's responsibility.

Submitting this application does not guarantee you a spot in the program.

When: - ,

When: -

Advisory Committee Meeting

The Washington State Office of Public Defense (OPD) Advisory Committee will hold meetings in 2026 as follows:

  • December 10, 2026 – Virtual

Meeting time is from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., unless otherwise posted. Draft agendas are posted at www.opd.wa.gov no less than 1 business day prior to the meeting.

When: -

Where: Online