Attorney Training Overview Guidelines
Life Parole Consideration Hearings
Mentally Disordered Offender Hearings
Sexually Violent Predator Hearings
Expectations Regarding Attorney Conduct:
All attorneys hired by BPT
to represent I/Ps must be a member in good standing of the California
State Bar and should have a current Bar card at all times.
There is an expectation that assigned attorneys will have meet with
the I/P in advance of the hearing and reviewed all available documents in
preparation for the hearing. It is also expected that assigned attorneys
will show proper respect for the process by wearing professional business
attire at hearings.
During the hearing, it is
expected that assigned attorneys will advocate their client’s position
and raise objections when appropriate.
Although BPT hearings are less formal than criminal proceedings, it
is expected that assigned attorneys will show respect for all
participants. It is also
important to respect all security arrangements and any orders given to you
by peace officers.
It also is the
responsibility of the assigned attorney to bring any issues that would
prevent the I/P or any witnesses from participating in the hearing to the
attention of the BPT official chairing the hearing.
Examination of witnesses can normally be done without detailed
foundational questioning. The
questioning of witnesses should be to the point and done in a respectful
tone.
Assigned Attorneys are
allowed to make closing statements, but are encouraged to make them brief
and to the point. Hearings
are scheduled by estimating the length of the hearing.
Therefore, it is important to be aware of potential time
constraints.