| MCLE Credit: | 6.0 (Ethics: 1.0) |
| Live-Interactive Credit: | 0.0 |
| GAL for Incapacitated Persons CE Credit: |
6.0 (GAL Information) |
| VIDC Re-Certification Credit: | 1.0 Misdemeanor/Felony (VIDC Information) |
| Price: | $309 (Includes a downloadable audio version.) |
| Viewable Through: | 02/29/2028 |
$309.00 (or 6 Bundle Credits)
A pre-recorded streaming VIDEO replay from the January live seminar, 56th Annual Criminal Law 2026.
Sponsored by Virginia CLE® in Cooperation with the Section on Criminal Law of the Virginia State Bar
Now in its 56th year, this highly acclaimed annual event begins with a comprehensive review of developments in substantive and procedural criminal law in the past year. You will also receive tips straight from the Bench and an in-depth discussion on timely topics of critical interest to criminal law practitioners in 2026. Whether you’re an experienced criminal defense attorney or exploring the field, this seminar delivers actionable insights to strengthen your practice.
Topics covered this year include:
Recent Developments and Criminal Law Update
Professor Julie McConnell, University of Richmond School of Law / Richmond
This session discusses the latest decisions in criminal law and procedure from the Supreme Court of Virginia, Virginia Court of Appeals (reported only), U.S. Supreme Court, and Fourth Circuit, providing a recap of cases decided since the 2025 Annual Criminal Law Seminar.
Crimmigration 101: Navigating the Intersection of Criminal and Immigration Law
Ashley Warmeling, Senior Immigration Resource Attorney, VIDC / Richmond
Tanishka Cruz, Founding Attorney, Cruz Law, PLLC / Charlottesville
This session provides a clear, practical overview of how criminal charges, pleas, and sentences affect a noncitizen’s immigration status. Designed for Virginia criminal and immigration practitioners, it covers core concepts such as aggravated felonies, crimes involving moral turpitude (CIMTs), SIJ considerations, and the categorical approach, along with strategies for identifying immigration-safer dispositions and mitigating consequences. The training also reviews recent immigration policy updates effective since January 1, 2025, and addresses ethical obligations and best practices under Padilla v. Kentucky for representing noncitizen clients in the criminal justice system.
New Law, New Beginnings: Virginia’s New Records Sealing Legislation
Lauren McGarry Young, Expungement and Sealing Resource Attorney, VIDC / Richmond
Mackenzie Babichenko, Hanover County Commonwealth’s Attorney / Hanover County
This session provides a comprehensive, practitioner-focused overview of Virginia’s new records sealing legislation set to take effect on July 1, 2026. Designed for criminal law attorneys, judges, and justice system stakeholders, the course covers the nuts and bolts of the new statutory framework, including eligibility criteria, procedural requirements, timelines, and the respective roles of courts and counsel. Attendees will gain practical guidance on advising clients, litigating sealing petitions, navigating implementation challenges, and understanding the broader policy goals underlying the legislation. The session also addresses anticipated questions and unresolved issues as Virginia transitions to this significant change in criminal record relief.
Elder and Vulnerable Adult Abuse: Coordinated Civil and Criminal Responses
Alison G. Martin, County of Henrico Commonwealth Attorney’s Office / Henrico
Anne Heishman, County of Fairfax Commissioner of Accounts Office / Fairfax
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines elder abuse as “an intentional act or failure to act that causes or creates a risk of harm to an older adult” (age 60 or older). Elder abuse includes physical abuse, emotional/psychological abuse, sexual abuse, financial exploitation, neglect, and abandonment. Perpetrators include children, other family members, and spouses—as well as staff at nursing homes, assisted living, and other facilities. While pre-pandemic sources estimated approximately 1 in 10 Americans age 60+ have experienced some form of elder abuse, a more recent study found that 1 in 5 older adults reported elder abuse during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Another study estimated that only 1 in 24 cases of abuse are reported to authorities. As elder abuse becomes more commonly recognized and more prevalent, prosecutors’ offices across the Commonwealth are augmenting their responses to these crimes. In this hourlong overview of elder abuse, the presenters use a case study involving both elements of financial exploitation and physical abuse to outline common claims and defenses to elder abuse cases and will drill down on the documents, including powers of attorney, guardianships, and conservatorships, that are frequently at the center of these cases.
GenAI and the Legal Profession
Justice D. Arthur Kelsey, Supreme Court of Virginia / Richmond
This session reviews the current GenAI technology, its impact on legal profession, and ethical considerations to give attendees the knowledge and confidence to employ GenAI in their legal practice.
Hon. D. Arthur Kelsey, Supreme Court of Virginia / Richmond
Mackenzie Babichenko, Hanover County Commonwealth’s Attorney / Hanover
Tanishka Cruz, Cruz Law, PLLC / Charlottesville
Anne Heishman, County of Fairfax Commissioner of Accounts Office / Fairfax
Professor Corinna Lain, University of Richmond School of Law / Richmond
Alison G. Martin, County of Henrico Commonwealth Attorney’s Office / Henrico
Ashley Warmeling, Senior Immigration Resource Attorney, VIDC / Richmond
Lauren McGarry Young, Expungement and Sealing Resource Attorney, VIDC / Richmond
Chuck Slemp, Troutman Pepper Locke / Richmond
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