APDA Conference 2026: Full Schedule

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

10:00am MST

Die or DUI: Challenging Arizona's Arbitrary Limit on Justifications

Wednesday June 17, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am MST

For over two decades, Arizona courts have prevented defendants from asserting defense and necessity justifications if they are charged with offenses outside Title 13, meaning that defendants fleeing domestic violence cannot claim necessity for a DUI, and someone acting under duress has no defense for hunting violations or prison contraband. The restriction is based on a misreading of Arizona's justification statutes in State v. Fell, and this course will provide a roadmap and legal argument for challenging it.

Speakers

Eddie Zakreski

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Public Defender

Attorney, Maricopa County Office of the Public Defender- Justice Courts (12/2024-3/2026)- EDC (3/2026- )

Wednesday June 17, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am MST
TBA

Vehicular

CLE Hours 1.5

3:15pm MST

First Impact: A Crash Course in Vehicular Homicides and Aggravated Assaults

Wednesday June 17, 2026 3:15pm - 4:45pm MST

TBA

Apresentation focusing on a general introduction to vehicular homicide and aggravated assault cases for attorneys who haven't handled such cases in the past

Speakers

Alfonso Castillo

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Public Defender

I have been an attorney for 26 years and a public defender for 25 years. I am cradle Catholic but a practicing Catholic for 37 years. I have always been interested in the confluence of Catholic faith and the law. This interest in the interplay between the law and belief led to my... Read More →

Aurelie Couturier

Attorney, Maricopa Co. Public Defender

Wednesday June 17, 2026 3:15pm - 4:45pm MST
TBA

Vehicular

CLE Hours 1.5

1:30pm MST

The DUI Trial: Taking Names and Delivering Results

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

TBA

Learn how to attack the state's case and win a DUI trial.

Speakers

James Nesci

Attorney, Nesci and St. Louis

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

Vehicular

10:00am MST

Catching the Snakes: Using COBRA Data to Defend DUIs

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

TBA

Learn what COBRA data is, where to find such data, and why it could be applicable to cases. The class is intended to provide practical solutions including pre-trial practice to build reasonable doubt in Intoxilyzer 8000 and 9000 cases.

Speakers