APDA Conference 2026: Full Schedule

You will be able to validate your attendance (Check-In to sessions) using your personal schedule.

8:15am MST

You call that a crime? (Spoiler Alert: Yes!)

Wednesday June 17, 2026 8:15am - 9:45am MST

We will provide an overview of the School to Prison Pipeline, focusing on cases generated from schools, including Terrorist Threat cases, and how to defend them. We will also discuss the collateral consequences of involvement in the juvenile justice system including services and placements and the impact on youth and their families.

Speakers

Sherri Colson

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Public Advocate

Mary McGary

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Public Advocate

Wednesday June 17, 2026 8:15am - 9:45am MST
TBA

Delinquency

CLE Hours 1.5

1:30pm MST

ETHICS: The Do's and Don'ts of Juvenile Delinquency Trial Preparation

Thursday June 18, 2026 1:30pm - 3:00pm MST

TBA

In a delinquency case, a child is accused of committing a criminal act. This Couse will discuss preparation for Delinquency Trials including Interviews; cross examination and investigation. We'll provide examples from trials in Juvenile Court to help you to develop your Juvenile Delinquency Practice.

Speakers

Colleen Engineer

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Public Advocate

Terri Zimmerman

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Public Advocate

I belong to the Psychic Entertainers Association.

Mary McGary

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Public Advocate

Thursday June 18, 2026 1:30pm - 3:00pm MST
TBA

Delinquency

CLE Hours 1.5
Ethics hours 1.5

8:15am MST

Issues and Challenges in Juvenile Competency Reports

Friday June 19, 2026 8:15am - 9:45am MST

TBA

Juvenile competency in delinquency law determines if a youth has the cognitive maturity and mental capacity to understand proceedings and assist counsel and is a large component of an attorney’s delinquency law practice. This course is a review of the competency process and a consideration of the current issues a defense attorney should be familiar with when defending children in Arizona. It will also explore how to challenge expert reports and conclusions in a contested evidentiary hearing.

Speakers

Jason Max

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Public Advocate

Jackie Conley

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Public Advocate

Friday June 19, 2026 8:15am - 9:45am MST
TBA

Delinquency

CLE Hours 1.5

10:00am MST

Navigating the Educational System for Delinquent and Dependent Youth

Friday June 19, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am MST

TBA

Education for delinquent youth focuses on rehabilitation through specialized academic, vocational, and behavioral programs to reduce recidivism and foster successful reintegration We'll provide a review of educational options within the Department of Child Safety (DCS) and Delinquency realms; including alternative school options, trade programs, GED programs, and benefits for delinquent/dependent youth.

Speakers

Ektaa Prasher

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Legal Advocate

Ektaa Prasher, Children’s Attorney with the Office of the Legal Advocate since 2019. Ektaa started off at the AGO with Andrea in 2017 then went on to work at OPA Mental Health in 2019. While in law school, Ektaa worked with two OPDS attorneys and did social work for them for a few... Read More →

Andrea Anderson

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Public Advocate

Andrea started her legal career at the Attorney General’s Office in the Protective Services Division with Ektaa in 2017. While there, Andrea had the opportunity to handle dual ward matters for dependent and delinquent youth, which prompted her interest in delinquency defense. Prior... Read More →

Friday June 19, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am MST
TBA

Delinquency