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.
LC/MS and its Application in Forensic Toxicology
The Mecklenburg County Public Defender’s Office is hosting a free to attend presentation on LC/MS and its Application in Forensic Toxicology. This presentation is approved for 1 general CLE hour by the NC State Bar. If you need CLE credit, you must complete the post-cle survey.
Please register below by August 29th at noon:
When: Rescheduled (from April 26) to August 30, 2024 at 12:30. You may log in or enter the conference room by 12:15.
Where: Anyplace you have internet or the 4th Floor conference room of the Mecklenburg County Public Defender’s Office [to left off elevator at 720 E 4th St Charlotte].
Everyone who registers will receive a link to join the day before.
What: LC/MS is the gold standard in forensic toxicology and the detection of elicit substances. Unlike other forms of analytical testing, LC/MS relies on the principles of chromatography and mass spectrometry coupled together to determine substances. This presentation dives into this testing method and how it offers undeniable detection of substances and can help attorneys understand why it is needed. Additionally, I will provide a connection between how forensic chemistry can be used to ultimately understand the pharmacological and toxicology of elicit substances and their impacts to the human body. These pieces of evidence can be critical for attorneys and defense attorneys in truly understanding their clients situations.
Who: Dr. Rohan Parekh is a chemist by training with a plethora of experience dealing with analytical instruments and techniques such as chromatography and mass spectrometry. He has over 5 years of experience working in industry with these analytical techniques as well as a masters in Chemistry from East Carolina University. Dr. Parekh has also completed a PhD in Pharmacology and Toxicology from the Brody School of Medicine which has provided a strong understanding of drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, which aids in his ability to serve as an expert. Dr. Parekh has been published in numerous journals including Nature, and has taught numerous seminars and courses on drug chemistry, pharmacology and toxicology. These activities validate Dr. Parekh has developed a keen understanding of translational medicine and how drugs/toxicants and their basic chemical reactions can result in direct effects in humans and can alter their states of consciousness and ensuing actions.
For those that may have toxicology evidence in their criminal case, Dr. Parekh is willing to give a free mini-consult on April 26th so you can decide whether you would like to retain him for your case. Please email [email protected] if you are interested in speaking with Dr. Parekh on April 26th about your criminal case.
