For the Defense - Volume 1, Issue 3 - 2016 - 5

Opening STATEMENT educational experience, over 350 criminal defense lawyers from across the Commonwealth joined together at the Joint Annual Conference to honor those among us who shined the brightest over this past year.4 At each of these events, PACDL placed a renewed emphasis on enhancing the educational experience through included amenities so that the attendee can remain focused on the instruction provided. Our message was simple: You are special because you are participating in a PACDL seminar. This tradition of excellence continues this fall with our Search and Seizure 2.0 Seminar on September 23, 2016, at the Hotel Monaco in Pittsburgh,5 our White Collar Practice Seminar at the Union League in Philadelphia on November 10 and 11, 2016,6 and finally our Capital Case Skills Training with Mock Jury at the Crowne Plaza Valley Forge on December 9, 2016.7 You will not want to miss any of these events. Our tradition of excellence also continued this year with our Amicus, Legislative, and Rules Committees. These programs have continued to strengthen our position as the leading voice for criminal defense attorneys throughout the Commonwealth. For example, PACDL filed amicus curiae briefs in Commonwealth v. Jerome King, involving former counsel's continuing duty regarding confidentiality and the attorney-client privilege in PCRA litigation,8 Commonwealth v. Darrin Orlando Mathis, regarding the scope of a parole officer's authority to detain or frisk private citizens during an investigation of a parolee,9 Commonwealth v. 1997 Chevrolet, etc., regarding the Forfeiture Act,10 and Commonwealth v. David Edward Ricker, regarding the use of hearsay evidence of preliminary hearing.11 Through these briefs and others which have been filed this year, dedicated member volunteers work together to make a difference in cases that have an impact upon all of our practices. Our excellence in advocacy has not been limited to amicus curiae filings. Through our concerted efforts over the course of the past year, PACDL now receives regular requests from committees of the Pennsylvania House of Representative and Senate for comment on proposed legislation. In addition to commenting on proposed legislation affecting the criminal justice system, PACDL formed a Task Force to work with members of the General Assembly to bring change to the grand jury system in the Commonwealth. We continue our work with the Coalition for Forfeiture Reform advocating for a systemic change to Pennsylvania's civil asset forfeiture laws. Our Indigent Defense Committee is also working with partners to highlight the current crisis of inadequate funding for indigent defense in the Commonwealth and advocate for desperately needed increase in funding. PACDL is part of the DUI Treatment Compliance Oversight Committee charged with reviewing DUI-related practices and procedures throughout the Commonwealth. In addition to our legislative advocacy, PACDL reviews each proposed change to the procedural and evidentiary rules that impacts the practice of criminal defense. Our Rule Committee has submitted comments to various changes proposed for adoption by the Supreme Court Rules Committee including, but not limited to, proposed changes to Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure 523 and 803.1. Through all of this and other activity, PACDL has inspired our current members to volunteer, make a difference, and continue the important work of PACDL. Since last year, our Young Lawyers Committee has become more vibrant providing a forum called "the Business of Defense" in March at the Dauphin County Bar Association12 and working together to draft an article for an upcoming issue of For the Defense. Our Lawyers Assistance Strike Force continues its important work assisting members who are facing contempt citation, motions to disqualify, or a subpoena to provide information and has begun the development of a manual to assist future Strike Force members to continue when providing this critical service to our members. Vol. 1, Issue 3 | For The Defense 5

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of For the Defense - Volume 1, Issue 3 - 2016