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.
DWI Knoll Motions
The Mecklenburg County Public Defender’s Office is hosting a free to attend presentation on DWI Knoll Motions. Pending approval by the NC State Bar, this presentation is for 1 other hour.
Please register here: Register for May 21st DWI Knoll Motions
When: May 21, 2025 12-1pm. You may log on or enter the 4th floor conference room by 11:45.
Where: Any place you have internet or the 4th floor conference room of the Mecklenburg County Public Defender’s Office (720 E 4th St. Take elevator to 4th floor and conference room on left). If attending in person, you are welcome to bring your lunch.
What: The North Carolina Supreme Court’s opinion in State v. Knoll ordered the dismissal of driving while impaired charges for three defendants, finding that a substantial statutory violation in setting pretrial release conditions irreparably prejudiced each defendant. Knoll and its progeny create unique avenues to seek dismissal of impaired driving charges. This session will discuss several common and uncommon statutory violations and how to establish the elusive “prejudice” that Knoll requires. This session will also discuss the difference between statutory and constitutional violations in setting conditions of release.
The Pre-Trial Integrity Act, N.C.G.S. §15A-533, requires that a judge rather than a magistrate set conditions of release in certain circumstances. This new law can result in someone charged with DWI held without bond, which may provide grounds for a motion to dismiss under Hill and Knoll. This session will discuss these opportunities.
Who: David Eil has been an Assistant Public Defender in Mecklenburg County since 2021.
Kathryn McEvoy graduated from the University of Virginia School of Law in 2023. In Virginia, she practiced as a student attorney with the Charlottesville Public Defender in both adult and juvenile defense. Kathryn has been an Assistant Public Defender in the Mecklenburg County Public Defender’s Office since October 2023.
Please email [email protected] with any questions or concerns.
