PROGRAM OVERVIEW:
Apply now to join the first ever Advanced Criminal Defense Training Academy.

Application Deadline: October 15th, 2025
We will add late applications to a waitlist depending on space availability.

WHAT:
The Advanced Criminal Defense Training Academy is a three-day interactive training program designed to help you build the skills to represent people in serious cases. The Advanced Criminal Defense Training Academy focuses on particular skill sets for the entire program. This session will center on pre-trial motion practice. The training consists of lectures by national and Washington subject matter experts and interactive training activities in small groups. You will work, have fun, and build connections with other students and faculty.

To learn more about other training academy, check out our CDTA Graduates Pages: https://opd.wa.gov/attorneys/continuing-legal-education/criminal-defense-training-academy


WHEN:
The Advanced Criminal Defense Training Academy will take place over three days. Attendance at all three days is mandatory.
  • November 5th: Half Day
  • November 6th: All Day
  • November 7th: All Day

WHERE:
Tacoma Mountaineers Center
2302 N 30th St, Tacoma, WA 98403

COST:
$100.00 for participation in the complete 3-day program which includes lunch for each day and a training gear.
If this fee is hinderance to your participation, please contact us at training@opd.wa.gov.
Travel arrangements and expenses will be the participant's responsibility.

HOW TO APPLY:
Submitting this application does not guarantee you a spot in the program.
The Advanced Criminal Defense Training Academy has a competitive application process; only 36 applicants will be selected to participate. You will be notified of whether you have been selected soon after that. Waitlist notifications will happen on a rolling basis until space is filled. Payment is required after you receive notice of being selected.
  • The Advanced Criminal Defense Training Academy will only be available to folks who are felony certified or who have graduated from CDTA.

TRAINING:
CLE Credits Available (PENDING)

SAFETY PROTOCOLS:
We will follow all applicable federal, state and local guidelines. If it is deemed unsafe to gather in person, we will replace the in-person session with live, virtual webinars.


CONTACT:
Travis Stearns- travis.stearns@opd.wa.gov
(360) 979-6540
Cassidy Sartin- cassidy.sartin@opd.wa.gov
(564) 250-2940

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* 1. Full Name as it appears on your active (or pending) WSBA Bar license:

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* 2. WSBA Bar Number:
(enter "Pending" if applicable)

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* 3. Postal address:

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* 4. Email address:

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* 5. Are you felony certified, a CDTA graduate, or have an equivalent experience?

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* 6. I work in:

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* 7. My practice is:

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* 8. Describe your current caseload including case types, and private pay vs. public defense cases
(e.g., In a year I get approx. 200 public defense cases at Springfield Municipal Court. I also typically get 1-2 private pay felonies per month. I sometimes take family law cases):

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* 9. Court(s) in which I receive public defense appointments (please specify city or county name):

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* 10. Number of years practicing law:

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* 11. Number of years you have had public defense cases:

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* 12. Have you attended the CDTA before?

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* 13. Describe why you are interested in attending the Advanced Training Academy and what you hope to do with what you learn:

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* 14. What do you struggle with in your motion practice?

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* 15. What is your strength in motion practice?

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