APDA Conference 2026

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

8:15am MST

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

Jurors will provide firsthand experience about what it is really like to sit on a jury. They will help attorneys understand what happens during deliberations, discuss how jury instructions are interpreted, provide insight into common juror misunderstandings and bias, and offer tips for successful courtroom presentations.

Speakers

John Champagne

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Public Defender

Christine Ortega

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Public Defender

Christine is an attorney at the Maricopa County Public Defender's Office. She has worked for the Office for approximately twelve years, handling all felony cases.

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

Jury

CLE Hours 1.5

8:15am MST

ETHICS: Juror Investigations by MCAO

Thursday June 18, 2026 8:15am - 9:45am MST

TBA

In a homicide case, MCAO asked the court to strike for some potential jurors for cause, but the court did denied their request and did not strike them. MCAO then used their access to law enforcement databases to investigate those jurors solely for the purpose of gaining private information to be used in another attempt to have them removed for cause. We will discuss the litigation, the pleadings, the outcomes, and what it means for jury selection in the future.

Speakers

Victoria Washington

Attorney, Masada Law

Started with the Maricopa County Public Defender's Office in 1997, hung out there for a LONG time and wore a few hats. Went itno the Capital Litigation Unit in 2003. Left the Office, started her own firm where she is contract counsel with a Capital Defense and Major Felony Contract... Read More →

Kellie Sanford

Attorney, Kellie Sanford Law

Kellie also started out with the Maricopa County Public Defender's Office. She also has her own firm, has a Major Felony Contract and has recently completed a death penalty trial in Maricopa County.

Thursday June 18, 2026 8:15am - 9:45am MST
TBA

Jury