Although this training is designed for newly elected prosecuting attorneys and new assistant prosecutors, all prosecutors and assistants are invited to attend. In the past many veterans have found this to be a valuable refresher course.

Thursday, January 10

9:00 - 10:00 Registration and Continental Breakfast

10:00 – 10:15 Welcome and The Association Overview
What the association does and how we can help you.
John E. Murphy, Executive Director
Ohio Prosecuting Attorneys Association
and
Ronald J. O’Brien
Franklin County Prosecuting Attorney and
2013 OPAA President

10:15 – 11:15 Ohio Public Records Law Update
Recommendations for best practices in documenting public office compliance with the Ohio Public Records Act, and negotiating burdensome requests. Discussion of frequently asked questions regarding Law Enforcement Investigatory Records. Analysis of PRA liability calculation, and reduction, and recent developments in liability for improper records disposal. Selected electronic records issues.
Jeff Clark, Principal Attorney
Constitutional Offices Section
Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine’s Office

11:15 – 12:15 Where The Rubber Hits The Road!
The discussion will review the unique ethical duties of the prosecutor and the various roles of the prosecutor including the prosecutor’s leadership position in the criminal justice system and his/her working relationships with the judiciary, defense bar and law enforcement. We will also discuss the prosecutor’s discretion in making charging decisions, objectively evaluating cases, and recommending appropriate sentences.
Victor V. Vigluicci
Portage County Prosecuting Attorney

12:15 – 1:15 Lunch

1:15 – 2:15 From the Engine-room to the Helm: The Transition From Assistant Prosecutor to Elected Official.
This class will cover the legal, ethical and practical aspects of the transition from “assistant prosecutor” to “elected official”. Discussion will cover the interplay between your newly bestowed authority and the great responsibility you now bear. Some of the areas covered will deal with effective media relations, employee relations and day to day aspects of being in charge.
Juergen A. Waldick
Allen County Prosecuting Attorney

2:15 – 2:30 Break

2:30 – 4:00 5 Key Steps to Effective Prosecution
In order to be an effective prosecutor you must have the cooperation and respect of the law enforcement personnel in your county. This seminar will examine how to keep the peace with your law enforcement officers and different ways to assist your law enforcement agencies. Further, we will discuss how to handle problems that may arise between the prosecutor and the police. We will also review the importance of training the assistant prosecutors that represent you in the courtroom and in the community. Lastly, we will also review appellate remedies for prosecutors and how to keep current on the latest criminal laws passed by the legislature.
Philip Bogdenoff
Retired Summit County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney

4:00 – 5:30 Reception and Social Hour

Friday, January 11

8:00 - 9:00 Registration and Continental Breakfast

9:00 – 10:00 The Shield and The Sword of the Criminal Justice Process
An overview of the grand jury process including the definition of a grand jury, their function, judicial control of, and the prosecutor’s role when going before the grand jury. We will also discuss grand jury witnesses and their rights.
Dennis Watkins
Trumbull County Prosecuting Attorney

10:00 – 10:15 Break

10:15 – 11:15 Getting And Keeping The Best
The goal of this presentation is to provide practical suggestions on how to hire, retain and motivate quality attorneys and create a culture that promotes maximum job satisfaction so that the attorneys you hire choose to stay with your office.
Ramona J. Rogers
Ashland County Prosecuting Attorney

11:15 – 12:15 Public Relations
How to promote your office in a positive way to the community, dealing with the media and/or handling crime victims. Newsletters, education programs in the schools, calendar contests, senior safety awareness month, child support awareness, community prosecution, gun violence programs, and child protection awareness.
Sherri Bevan Walsh
Summit County Prosecuting Attorney

12:15 – 1:15 Lunch

1:15 – 2:00 Public Relations Part 2 . . . The Media.
Responding to the media, and how to develop good media relations.
Ron O’Brien
Franklin County Prosecuting Attorney

2:00 – 2:45 FOJ Standards
An overview of the Furtherance of Justice Fund guidelines.
David Landefeld
Retired Fairfield County Prosecuting Attorney
Of Counsel, Crabbe, Brown & James LLP, Lancaster, Ohio

2:45 - 3:00 Break

3:00 – 4:00 Representing County Commissioners and Township Trustees
A summary of recurring problems and legal matters faced when representing a county board of commissioners and boards of trustees, with the emphasis on practical ways of handling issues. Topics which will generally be covered include conflicts of interest, conduct of meetings, sunshine law requirements, contracting and bidding procedures and other controversial areas.
Paul A. Dobson
Wood County Prosecuting Attorney

OPAA has applied for 10.00 hours of CLE credits.

Room rates at the Sheraton are $131.00 single or double occupancy. Room reservations can be made by calling the Sheraton at 800-325-3535. Be sure to tell them you are with OPAA to get this rate. Our hold on the block of rooms set aside at this rate expires on Tuesday, December 18th. Our contract with the hotel specifies that all attendees at this meeting will pay the negotiated room rate. It violates the spirit of our agreement for attendees at this meeting to reserve a room at a lower government rate! Sheraton’s cancellation policy: cancellations must be made 24 hours in advance of 3:00 p.m. of the date of arrival. Anyone failing to thus cancel will be charged for one night’s room rate and tax as a no-show penalty. The Sheraton’s check-in time is 3:00 p.m., and check-out time is 12:00 noon. Early check-in, or late check-out, is based on availability.

The registration fee for the training is $250.00 per person. If attending one day only, the fee is $125.00. The fee for non-OPAA members is $500.00 for two days, and $250.00 for one day. This fee covers all handout materials, continental breakfasts, breaks, and lunches on both days. Cancellations through January 4th will be assessed a fee of $45.00 to cover the cost of handout materials, and the material will be sent to the registrant. Cancellations after January 4th (except for emergencies) will be assessed a fee of $125.00 if scheduled to attend both days, and $75.00 if scheduled to attend one day only. This fee also covers the cost of meals which will have been guaranteed at that time. When registering, be sure to include all attorneys email addresses, as that will be used to electronically send the handout materials.

If any person registering has special dietary needs,
it is important that they contact Delores at 614-221-1266,
so that advance arrangements can be made with the hotel.