Monthly Attorney Orientation
For Lawyers who are New to Indigent Defense
Beginning August 1, IDS staff will provide orientation for new attorneys on the first Friday of each month from 1-2 p.m.
Topics will include a guided tour of the IDS website, information on training and CLE opportunities, access to wellness resources and more. You will also be able to connect with other defense attorneys for future collaboration!
2026 IDS Forensic Science Education Series
IDS and the Mecklenburg Public Defender’s Office provide regular continuing education to dozens of NC criminal defense and parent attorneys, investigators, and mitigation specialists who attend the IDS Forensic Science Education Series.
In 2026, we will offer monthly 90-minute webinars on various aspects of forensic evidence. These webinars will take place typically at 12:30 pm on the first Thursday of each month. Click here to view the 2026 Schedule.
The first six sessions of 2026 will focus on understanding and advocating for neurodivergent clients.
- This event has passed.
Forensic Video and Audio Enhancement
The Mecklenburg County Public Defender’s Office is hosting a free-to-attend, live webcast presentation on Forensic Video and Audio Enhancement.
Pending approval by the NC State Bar, this presentation is for 1 hour of technology CLE credit. If you need CLE credit, you must either complete the post-CLE survey or email [email protected] your name, NC State Bar # and how long you attended by Wednesday October 22nd. Everyone who registers, will receive an email on Thursday October 16th with instructions to join. Please register below:
When: October 17, 2025 at 12:30pm. You may log on by 12:15.
Where: Anyplace you have internet.
What: As video and audio become more prevalent in the discovery and investigation of criminal case defense, there are times when a video or audio file needs to be enhanced or clarified. So the criminal defense attorney can decide whether to reach out to an expert in the field, the speaker will discuss: the types of enhancements that are possible; clarifying visual details with examples; audio enhancement capabilities; and finally why these details are helpful in a client’s defense.
Who: Jason Stepanek is a seasoned media professional with 25 years of experience in the industry, specializing in directing, producing, shooting, and editing across both coasts. With a particular focus on forensic video and audio enhancement, he has spent the past five years working closely with legal teams to uncover critical, often hidden, details within video and audio evidence. His expertise in forensic enhancement has proven invaluable in numerous high-profile investigations, where his meticulous attention to detail has played a key role in revealing pivotal facts.
In addition to his forensic work, Jason currently serves as a video producer for a prominent healthcare marketing firm. Under his leadership, the firm has consistently earned national and international recognition, including accolades such as Telly Awards, Videographer Awards, Healthcare Advertising Awards, and Aster Awards. Jason’s combination of technical expertise and creative vision has made him a trusted professional in both the legal and healthcare sectors.
Please email [email protected] with any questions.
