2024-11-22 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Zoom
Originally presented on November 22, 2024, by Jessica Collins from the U.S. Sentencing Commission, course number 8798 is approved by The Florida Bar until approximately May 22, 2026, for 1 General CLE credit and 1 certification credit each in Criminal Trial Law, Criminal Appellate Law, and Juvenile Law. Criminal Law Section members may log in to the website to watch the recorded video at no charge.
Free CLE is a benefit of membership in the Criminal Law Section of The Florida Bar. This webinar will inform federal criminal law practitioners about the 2024 amendments to the United States Sentencing Guidelines, which went into effect on November 1, 2024. Collins will provide an overview of the amendment process and the 2024 Promulgated Amendments. Attendees will learn how key changes from the 2024 guidelines amendments affect acquitted conduct, rules for calculating loss, and youthful offenders.

2024-12-13 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
The Criminal Law Section’s popular Ufferman Files series is back and better than ever. Michael Ufferman hosted “A Conversation with Three of the Best: Brian Cavanagh, John Frusciante, and Jeff Harris.” Criminal Law Section members may log in to the website to watch the recorded video at no charge.
Originally presented on December 13, 2024, course number 8791 is approved by The Florida Bar until approximately June 13, 2026, for 1 CLE and 1 certification credit each in Criminal Appellate and Criminal Trial.
View the presenter bios here.
During “A Conversation with Three of the Best,” host Michael Ufferman moderates a panel discussion with distinguished guests Brian Cavanagh, retired Chief of the Homicide Trial Unit of the Broward State Attorney’s Office; The Honorable John Frusciante, former Circuit Judge for Florida’s Seventeenth Judicial Circuit; and criminal defense lawyer Jeff Harris; past president of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and Florida Bar board certified in Criminal Trial since 1987. The panel discusses how practicing criminal law in Florida has changed in the last 40 years. These three pillars of the criminal law community will provide their wisdom and insights for other lawyers—both young and old. This 60-minute presentation is provocative and educational for prosecutors, defenders, and judges alike.

2025-02-12 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
Live Zoom webinar by Alexander J. Gilewicz, Assistant State Attorney, 7th Judicial Circuit. Hosted by Alexa Cline, Assistant Statewide Prosecutor, Florida Office of the Attorney General, and Sarah Morris, Director of Operations, First DCA Office of Criminal Conflict and Civil Regional Counsel. Course number 8891 is approved for 1 CLE, 1 Criminal Appellate, and 1 Criminal Trial. FREE CLE for Criminal Law Section members; non-section members register for only $30, which includes section membership. REGISTER
Are you up to speed on the ins and outs of criminal code scoresheets? If you’re new to handling felony cases in Circuit Court, don’t miss “Guidelines About Guidelines,” useful information and tips for prosecutors and defense attorneys. Seventh Circuit Assistant State Attorney Alexander J. Gilewicz will share insights and best practices.
A criminal code scoresheet is required for all felonies subject to the Criminal Punishment Code. The scoresheet forms are the primary source of key data for the Florida Department of Corrections and the Criminal Justice Estimating Conference—necessitating consistent, unambiguous definitions and uniform accurate scoring procedures.

Alexander J. Gilewicz is an Assistant State Attorney with the 7th Judicial Circuit working in Putnam County. His caseload includes a wide range of felony charges including those punishable by life in prison. Alexander spent eight years in the United States Marine Corps before moving to Florida to attend law school. He graduated from Florida Coastal School of Law in 2015 and began his legal career as a criminal defense attorney before moving across the aisle. Alexander is an Associate member of the St. Augustine Inns of Court and a member of the Putnam County Bar Association.

2025-02-24 08:45 - 17:00 | Orange County Bar Association, Orlando, FL, United States
Originally presented on February 24, 2025, live (in person) at the Orange County Bar Association in Orlando. Course number 8788 is approved for: 8 CLE, 2 Technology, and 8 board certification credits each in Appellate Practice, Civil Trial, Criminal Appellate, Criminal Trial, and Juvenile Law. Hosted by The Florida Bar Criminal Law and Trial Lawyers Sections.
This one-day seminar has been designed to appeal to civil, criminal, and appellate practitioners. Those in attendance will benefit from a thorough discussion of the latest developments in Florida evidence law, and an exploration of difficult, recurring evidentiary issues.
Course Level: Advanced. This course’s on-demand, podcast, audio CD, and video DVD products will be available to purchase the week following the in-person seminar.

AGENDA AND PRESENTERS

TIME
SESSION DESCRIPTION

8:45-9:00
Welcome Remarks

9:00-9:50
Application of the Daubert Standard in Florida
Aaron Kelley, Esq. & Patrick Montoya, Esq.
This one-hour session will focus on how Florida criminal and civil courts have applied the Daubert analysis in determining the reliability and relevance of expert witness testimony. The session will be led by seasoned practitioners in civil and criminal courts and will discuss the five “reliability” prongs of the Daubert standard along with strategic approaches for (1) challenging the admissibility of an opposing party’s proposed expert evidence and (2) ensuring your expert’s testimony holds up against a Daubert challenge.

10:00-10:50
Hearsay You Say? On Keeping the Present Sense Impression and Excited Utterance Exceptions
Speaker to be confirmed
This session will delve into exceptions to hearsay— present sense impressions and excited utterances—and the differences between the two exceptions.

11:00-11:50
Unregulated Character Evidence
Speaker to be confirmed
When can character evidence of the defendant can be introduced? When can character evidence of the plaintiff can be introduced? This presentation will dive into pertinent traits of character as defined by section 90.404, Florida Statutes. How does “Williams Rule” evidence come into play?

12:00-1:00
LUNCH PROVIDED ONSITE

12:20-1:00
Admissibility of Remote Testimony and Digital Signatures
Speaker to be confirmed
COVID impacted the legal profession in many ways, but one of the most significant changes is the ability to testify remotely. Requiring courts to permit court proceedings to occur through electronic means allows witnesses to testify without coming to the courthouse. What are the best practices for exchanging exhibits, for ensuring witnesses who are laying the predicate for evidence have a copy of the evidence, ensuring your witness has the necessary technology to be able to participate? Wet ink versus audit trails: this presentation will detail the case law that established the binding nature of digital signatures. Haire v. Fl. Dept. of Agric. and Consumer Servs., 870 So.2d 774 (Fla. 2004); IO Moonwalkers, Inc. v. Banc of Am. Merch. Servs., LLC, 814 S.E.2d 583 (N.C. Ct. App. 2018); Newton v. Am. Debt Servs., 854 F.Supp.2d 712 (N.D. Cal. 2012).

1:00-1:50
Preservation of Evidentiary Errors for Appellate Review
Mihaela Cabulea, Esq. & Michael Ufferman, Esq.
The first thing an appellate court will review is whether the error in question was properly preserved at the trial court level, and unfortunately numerous cases each year are rejected on preservation grounds before the appellate court even reaches the merits of the case. This presentation will provide tips on how to properly preserve claims for appeal. Mihaela Cabulea will discuss what must be done to preserve particular types of claims in civil cases, and Michael Ufferman will discuss what must be done to preserve particular types of claims in criminal cases.

2:00-2:50
Generative AI in Legal Practice
Philip Asher Gold, Esq. & Carlos J. Martinez, Esq.
Presentation will answer the questions “what is generative artificial intelligence” and how does it impact the court system? Lawyers use AI to assist with legal research and contract review. Doctors use AI when creating clinical patient summaries. This presentation will address ethics opinions from the bar, Federal law, evidentiary concerns, and ways in which AI can be helpful to lawyers and the court system.

3:00-3:50
Expert Witness Fees
Speaker to be confirmed
Speaker will discuss the interplay between Rule Regulating The Florida Bar 4-3.4, section 92.231, Florida Statutes, as well as pertinent case law regarding fees for expert witnesses. Can an expert witness be reimbursed for travel time? How about the time needed to prepare to testify?

4:00-4:50
Case Law Update Post-HB 837
Andrew A. Harris, Esq. & Grace Streicher, Esq.
This presentation will discuss the changes that have occurred with the implementation of HB 827, including changes to what medical expenses can be presented to the jury, how letters of protection are now treated, the impact of “unbundling” of CTP codes. The presenters will highlight the changes to the legal practice caused by HB 837.

4:50-5:00
Closing Remarks

2025-03-06 09:00 - 2025-03-07 15:45 | Renaissance Tampa International Plaza Hotel, 4200 Jim Walter Blvd., Tampa, FL, 33607, United States
Originally presented on March 6 and 7, 2025, in person at the Renaissance Tampa International Plaza. Our all-new “Experts on DUI: Becoming the ‘Go-To’ DUI Guru” is now available to buy online 24/7 as an online seminar (on-demand), downloadable audio, and in CD and DVD formats. Course number 8590 is approved by the Florida Bar until September 30, 2026, for 14.5 CLE, 1 Ethics, 1 Technology, and 14.5 certification credits each in Criminal Appellate and Criminal Trial Law.
This two-day program is designed for basic, intermediate, and experienced practitioners. Topics include a DUI case law update, Florida’s administrative suspension process, implicit bias, case preparation, jury selection, the judicial perspective, ethical considerations, pretrial motions, field sobriety, the human factor in lab results, and more. Our prestigious faculty members are some of the best legal and scientific DUI minds in the nation. Each segment is intended to boost your knowledge and improve your skills in this highly specialized practice area to improve the quality of your DUI advocacy.

2025-03-19 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
FREE CLE for Criminal Law Section members: Live Zoom webinar by James Skuthan, Federal Defender’s Office, Middle District Florida. Hosted by Hosted by Alexa Cline, Assistant Statewide Prosecutor, Florida Office of the Attorney General, and Lizzie Vallejo, Assistant Federal Public Defender, Northern District of Florida. Course number 8942 is approved for 1 CLE and 1 certification credit each in Criminal Appellate and Criminal Trial. Non-section members only $30 with section membership. REGISTER
This presentation will provide a basic overview of federal sentencing practice and procedure. The presentation will cover the three aspects of federal sentencing: 1. The statutory maximum and mandatory/minimum sentencing penalties; the federal sentencing guidelines; and the sentencing factors contained in Title 18 U.S.C. s. 3553(a)(1)-(7), otherwise known as the “Booker factors.” We will also walk through a basic sentencing hypothetical, which will incorporate all of the aspects of federal sentencing.

2025-06-26 08:00 - 17:00 | The Boca Raton, 501 E. Camino Real, Boca Raton, 33432
Register through the Annual Florida Bar Convention. Live (in person) only, this essential Criminal Law Update is your key to staying ahead. Gain critical insights on new case law, DUI developments, and the evolving landscape of crimmigration. Be inspired by powerful visions from Supreme Court Justice John Couriel, retired Justice Peggy Quince, and the Honorable Carey Haughwout, retired Palm Beach County Public Defender. Attain new perspectives from our thought-provoking panel discussion on a lawyer’s place in contemporary America. Don’t miss this vital program! Course number 8592 is approved for 8 CLE credits, 2 Ethics; 8 Appellate Practice, 8 Criminal Appellate, and 8 Criminal Trial.

2025-06-27 08:00 - 11:30 | The Boca Raton, 501 E. Camino Real, Boca Raton, 33432
June 27, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. (in person at The Boca Raton, 501 East Camino Real, Boca Raton, in Estate Ballroom II). Breakfast starts at 8:00 a.m.
Criminal Law Section members and anyone interested in getting involved in the section are welcome to attend our EC meetings. We encourage you to join us in person during the Annual Florida Bar Convention to learn more about the section, its mission, ways to participate on committees, present CLEs, and become part of the Executive Council.

2025-06-27 11:30 - 14:00 | The Boca Raton, 501 E. Camino Real, Boca Raton, 33432
Retired Florida Supreme Court Justice Peggy A. Quince has been selected to receive the Criminal Law Section’s 2025 Selig I. Goldin Memorial Award in recognition of her outstanding contributions to Florida’s criminal justice system and her enduring commitment to the practice of criminal law. Read the Bar News story here.
Justice Quince will accept the award at the Selig I. Goldin Memorial Award Luncheon on Friday, June 27, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. during the Annual Florida Bar Convention at The Boca Raton in Boca Raton, FL. The luncheon will be in Addison Ballroom West and registration is through the Annual Florida Bar Convention.
The section’s executive council voted unanimously to honor Justice Quince with the Criminal Law Section’s highest award.

Confronting Tomorrow Today: The Ethical and Professional Impact and Implications of AI In the Courtroom
2025-06-27 13:00 - 14:00 | The Boca Raton, 501 E. Camino Real, Boca Raton, 33432
“Confronting Tomorrow Today: The Ethical and Professional Impact and Implications of AI In and Out of the Courtroom” is a FREE CLE for guests who register to attend the Criminal Law Section’s Selig I. Goldin Memorial Award Luncheon.
Goldin Award luncheon guests may attend a complimentary CLE opportunity immediately following the presentation. Judge P. Kevin Castel of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York will address the use and misuse of AI in the courts. Judge Castel sanctioned a law firm after it submitted fabricated opinions and citations provided by ChatGPT. The Goldin Award luncheon and CLE will be in Addison Ballroom West and registration is through the Annual Florida Bar Convention.

Inside the Florida Legislature
2025-10-30 13:00 - 16:30 | jw marriott bonnet creek, 14900 Chelonia Parkway, Orlando, FL, 32821, United States
In-person ONLY, “Inside the Florida Legislature” will cover relevant changes to Florida law in 2025, standards of conduct for public officers and employees, the Florida budget process, and a preview of the 2026 legislative session. Program Chair: Joe Spataro, Tampa. Proudly sponsored by Shumaker Advisors. FREE and open to all! REGISTER

Course number 9337 is approved for 5 CLE credits, 1 of which may be applied toward Ethics, and 5 certification credits each in Criminal Appellate, Criminal Trial, and City, County, and Local Government.

The legislative update is in conjunction with The Florida Bar Fall Meeting and includes lunch and a post-event reception

12–12:50 p.m.—2025 Session Legislative Update by Aaron Wayt, Pumphrey Law, Tallahassee, President-Elect of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. This presentation will cover Florida legal updates from the 2025 Florida Legislative session that are relevant to criminal law practitioners.

1–1:50 p.m.—Ethics in Practice: Standards of Conduct for Public Officers and Employees by Amelia Naomi, Staff Attorney at the Florida Commission on Ethics, Tallahassee. This presentation will cover issues including abuse of public positions, gifts and bribery, nepotism, conflicts of interest, post-employment restrictions, financial disclosures and new legislation.

2–2:50 p.m.—The Florida Budget Process by Jason Welty, Executive Director, Florida Clerks of Court Operations Corporation, Tallahassee; and Tara Green, Clerk of Court and Comptroller for Clay County, Green Cove Springs. This presentation will discuss Florida’s budget, including the Legislature’s annual budget process and issues pertinent to criminal justice practitioners.

3–4:30 p.m.—Preview of the 2026 Legislative Session—panel discussion moderated by the Criminal Law Section’s lobbyist, election lawyer Natalie Kato, Tallahassee. During this panel discussion, the audience will get a sneak peek of what to expect during the 2026 Florida Legislative session from legislators and staff with a passion for criminal justice issues.
Panelists:

Senator Carlos Guillermo Smith (D–Orlando) represents Florida’s 17th District and serves as the Vice Chair of the Criminal Justice Committee
Representative Charles “Chuck” Brannan, III, (R–Macclenny) represents Florida’s 10th District and serves as the Chair of the Judiciary Committee
Jason Carter is an attorney and former prosecutor, and is a legislative aide in the Florida House of Representatives

Ufferman Files Part 4 (Juvenile Resentencing)
2025-10-31 12:00 - 13:30 | Zoom
Originally presented on October 31, 2025, course number 8914 is approved by The Florida Bar until approximately May 1, 2027, for 1 CLE and 1 certification credit each in Criminal Appellate, Criminal Trial, and Juvenile Law. Florida Bar members may self-report credit through their member portals. Watch the recording on YouTube.
Episode 4 of The Ufferman Files is a thought-provoking CLE presentation on Juvenile Resentencing hosted by Michael Ufferman of the Michael Ufferman Law Firm, P.A. in Tallahassee.
This session dives into representing juvenile defendants eligible for resentencing or review under Miller v. Alabama, 567 U.S. 460 (2012). Our panel brings together an incredible lineup: Jennifer Marshall and Don Pumphrey, experienced defense attorneys with numerous successful Miller cases; Kate O’Shea, one of the nation’s top mitigation specialists; and Michael Rosado, a Miller defendant released in 2024 after more than 25 years in prison.
Whether you currently represent a Miller defendant—or you have an upcoming sentencing hearing where mitigation is key—this episode will be both entertaining and deeply informative. Let’s continue the conversation about justice, advocacy, and reform.
Course #8914 classification: Intermediate

CLER Program (max credit: 1.0 hours) General: 1.0 hours
Certification Program (max credit: 1.0 hours) Criminal Appellate Law: 1.0 hours, Criminal Trial Law: 1.0 hours, Juvenile Law: 1.0 hours
For more information about CLER/Certification requirements, click here.

PRESENTERS

Jennifer Marshall, Office of Regional Conflict Counsel, West Palm Beach (View Bio)

Don Pumphrey, Pumphrey Law, Tallahassee (View Bio). Jennifer Marshall and Don Pumphrey have successfully represented numerous juvenile defendants in Miller proceedings.

Kate O’Shea, Suzerain Capital Defense, Lexington, South Carolina (View Bio). Kate O’Shea is one of the leading mitigation specialists in the country.

Michael Rosado, Florida Prison Consultants LLC, Tampa (View Bio). Michael Rosado is a Miller defendant who was released from incarceration in the summer of 2024 after spending over 25 years in prison.

Michael Ufferman, Michael Ufferman Law Firm, P.A., Tallahassee (View Bio). Michael Ufferman is Florida Bar board-certified in criminal appellate law and considered an expert in criminal appeals.

FREE CLE: Ufferman Files Part 5 - Stand Your Ground
2025-12-12 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
Ufferman Files Part 5 – Stand Your Ground. Originally presented on Friday, December 12, 2025, by Michael Ufferman of the Michael Ufferman Law Firm, P.A. in Tallahassee. Course number 9368 is approved by The Florida Bar until approximately June 12, 2027, for 1 CLE and 1 certification credit each in Criminal Appellate and Criminal Trial. Florida Bar members may self-report CLE credit through their member portals. Watch the recording on YouTube.
Specifically, our panelists will discuss the current Florida Statutes and procedures that apply to pretrial Stand Your Ground immunity motions and hearings, recent Florida caselaw addressing the subject, the Florida Supreme Court’s new opinion amending Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.190 and the impact of those amendments on SYG proceedings, and appellate review of SYG proceedings—in particular the different role of prohibition petitions versus certiorari petitions.
On this episode, Michael will be joined by attorneys Patrick Canan and Dan Hilbert, who will discuss their role in representing Luis Casado in a high-profile SYG immunity case in St. Augustine. Michael will also be joined by Dr. Laurence Miller, a neuropsychologist who specializes in police psychology, who was one of the expert witnesses in Mr. Casado’s case. This episode is a must for anyone who has an upcoming SYG case—and it will surely be informative and entertaining for all of those who practice criminal law.

2026 Experts on DUI
2026-05-07 08:00 - 2026-05-08 17:00 | Renaissance Tampa International Plaza Hotel, 4200 Jim Walter Blvd., Tampa, FL, 33607, United States
Experts on DUI. Live (in person only) at the Renaissance Tampa International Plaza Hotel. Details and registration will be available soon.

2026 Criminal Law Update
2026-06-25 09:00 - 16:55
2026 Criminal Law Update. Live (in person only) during the Annual Florida Bar Convention. Details and registration will be available soon.
