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 Education and Mental Health Series
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.
The Science of Breath Alcohol Testing
The Mecklenburg County Public Defender’s Office is hosting a free to attend presentation on The Science of Breath Alcohol Testing. This CLE is approved for 1 other hour. If you need CLE credit, you must either sign in when you arrive or complete the post-CLE survey after you leave the webinar or complete the google form that will be emailed to everyone who registered by Friday October 2nd. All online attendance is confirmed by what Webex provides. Please register below:
Click here to Register for September 29th
When: September 29, 2026 at 12:30pm.
Where: Anyplace you have internet.
What: This presentation will cover the fundamentals of forensic breath alcohol testing. We will discuss critical defense issues surrounding accuracy, such as the proper 15-minute Observation Period, the effects of mouth alcohol and GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), and the impact of biological variables that can affect a breath alcohol test. The session will also examine physiological limitations that may lead to alleged refusals (such as those affecting older adults and smokers), interfering substances (e.g., from ketogenic diets and chemical exposures), and issues of measurement uncertainty and bias. Finally, we will review documented instrument maintenance and calibration errors, including improper dry gas and software issues.
Who: Aaron Olson is a forensic toxicology consultant and experienced expert witness with over 19 years of experience in both public and private laboratories. He holds a B.S. in Biology. His career includes key positions at the Minnesota State Crime Lab (Bureau of Criminal Apprehension), where he certified breath alcohol analyzers, trained officers, maintained breath alcohol analyzers, and provided expert testimony. He consults nationally and internationally on forensic toxicology cases, focusing on analytical reliability, scientific interpretation, and transparency in laboratory testing.
Please email [email protected] with any questions.
