(Private) Panel for NAPD – Ntl Assoc Public Defenders

Tara will be joining an insightful panel discussion exploring the critical intersection of medicine and law in criminal defense. This 60-minute session brings together three experienced professionals to share practical wisdom on how medical experts and defense attorneys can work together more effectively.

Featured Panelists:

• Tara Godoy, RN (Moderator): Forensic nurse consultant with extensive experience in criminal cases
• Dr. Tony Gerard: Career emergency physician and a medical expert for criminal defense attorneys and public defenders
• Steve Mercer, Esq: Private Criminal defense attorney, former head of the Office of the Public Defender in Baltimore, Maryland.

Key Topics Include:

• Strategies for effective preparation between attorneys and medical experts
• Navigating challenges when medical findings are inconclusive or contradictory
• Techniques for presenting complex medical concepts to juries using analogies and visual aids
• Best practices for vetting and selecting appropriate medical experts
• Communication systems that improve case development and investigation
• Recognizing red flags in medical records that require expert consultation
• Real-world case examples demonstrating successful collaboration

This panel is ideal for defense attorneys seeking to enhance their use of medical experts.

Attendees will gain practical, actionable strategies they can immediately implement to strengthen the attorney-expert relationship and improve case outcomes.