You Never Have to Practice Alone
IDS offers free services for attorneys who practice indigent defense:
IDS Chief Regional Defender Tucker Charns works with attorneys on criminal cases, from misdemeanors to homicide cases that have been declared non-capital. She can assist with trial preparation as well as when you or the client are just stuck. With consultations, mock cross or a mock trial, brainstorming and listening, Tucker is ready to help you prepare your best defense.
- Email: Tucker.Charns@
nccourts.org - 919-354-7263
IDS Chief Regional Defender Sharif Deveaux works with attorneys on criminal cases, from misdemeanors to homicide cases that have been declared non-capital. He can assist with trial preparation as well as facilitating effective client communication. Through consultations, case staffing, brainstorming and practice sessions, Sharif will work with you to achieve zealous, holistic and client centered advocacy.
- Email: [email protected]
- 919-354-7263
IDS has contracted with Board-Certified Immigration Specialist Tom Fulghum to be “on call” to answer North Carolina indigent defense attorneys’ questions about the immigration consequences of their clients’ criminal charges. Since 2021, Tom has assisted IDS attorneys with hundreds of cases every year. IDS’s contractual relationship with Tom allows his services and advice to be offered at no charge to public defenders and private attorneys who do court appointed work.
- Web: www.tomfulghumlaw.com
- To request a meeting with Tom, fill out this form.
Assistant Capital Defender Terrie Trim of the Robeson County Capital Defender’s Office is helping with mitigation needs.
You may also reach out to Stephanie Bouis or
Zach Rowles at the Center for Death Penalty Litigation.
- Please use the following email addresses:
[email protected] –
[email protected] –
[email protected] - Please contact the Mitigation Team via email.
Want to do better at understanding and challenging unreliable forensic evidence? IDS Forensic Resource Counsel Sarah Olson offers access to monthly webinars on trending topics in the forensic disciplines. She can also help you understand complex forensic evidence in your case, select the expert(s) who will be the right fit for your case, and offer extra insights through her regular blog. Sarah also has extensive knowledge of laboratory procedures for every crime lab in the state. And the best part of her day is helping individual attorneys with their cases.
- Web: www.forensicresources.org
- Email: [email protected]
- 919-354-7217
High-Level Felonies
(D and up)
Having spent a considerable amount of time in her career taking on sex crimes and other sensitive and challenging cases—Retired Chief Public Defender and Case Consultant Susan Seahorn is a true expert in this discipline.
- Email: [email protected]
- There is no need for a court order to request Susan’s help. Fill out this form through the IDS website. (Virtual/remote meetings only). **Or you may also email her directly.
IDS Recruitment and Training Coordinator Carla Huff provides training in the areas of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), secondary trauma/vicarious traumatization and trauma-focused lawyering. She is available for training suggestions, stress management ideas and connection to collateral resources to support overall health and wellbeing.
- Email: [email protected]
- 919-354-7207