We are once again hoping for an in-person gathering with our 2021 New Prosecutor Training.  Although the training topics are geared toward the newly elected prosecuting attorneys and even 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. Having so much experienced talent gathered in one spot, it lends itself to an unmatched networking opportunity as well!  Hope to see you there.  Please note: In order to assure attendees safety and comply with distancing requirements we will be limiting attendance.

Downloadable agenda and registration form (.pdf)

Thursday, January 28

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.
Louis Tobin, Executive Director
Ohio Prosecuting Attorneys Association
and
Daniel R. Lutz
Wayne County Prosecuting Attorney and
2021 OPAA President

10:15 – 11:45 Public Relations – Promoting Your Office and Establishing Media Relationships
How to promote your office in a positive way to the community, including dealing with the media and working hand in hand with crime victims. Newsletters, education programs, calendar contests, senior safety awareness, child support awareness, and child protection awareness. We will also explore the interaction with the media and how to develop good “media relations” and go in-depth regarding rule 3.6 (trial publicity).
Sherri Bevan Walsh
Summit County Prosecuting Attorney

11:45 – 12:45 Lunch

12:45 – 2:15 The Shield and The Sword of the Criminal Justice Process
An overview of the grand jury process including the definition of a grand jury, its 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.
David P. Fornshell
Warren County Prosecuting Attorney and
Daniel R. Lutz
Wayne County Prosecuting Attorney and
2021 OPAA President

2:15 – 2:30 Break

2:30 – 3:30 Furtherance of Justice Fund – An Overview for All Prosecuting Attorneys in Ohio
Presenter will address the rules and regulations related to Ohio Revised Code 325.12. Entitled “Additional Allowance to Prosecuting Attorneys”, this section is commonly referred to as the Prosecutor’s Furtherance of Justice (“FOJ”) Fund. This presentation will discuss the specific amount a prosecutor is entitled to by statute, and how certain circumstances allow the prosecuting attorney to obtain a limited additional amount for the purpose of investigating and prosecuting crimes. We will further examine the amount of discretion a prosecutor has in spending the funds and will analyze current Ohio law and use examples to illustrate allowable vs. problematic expenses.
Victor V. Vigluicci
Portage County Prosecuting Attorney

3:30 – 4:30 Keys to Being a Successful Prosecutor
To be a successful 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. Finally, we will review the importance of professionalism in the prosecutor’s office.
Edwin A. Pierce
Auglaize County Prosecuting Attorney

4:30 – 6:00 Reception
Hosted by Matrix Pointe Software

Friday, January 29th

8:00 – 9:00 Registration and Continental Breakfast

9:00 – 10:00 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.
Christopher R. Tunnell
Ashland County Prosecuting Attorney

10:00 – 10:15 Break

10:15 – 11:45 Representing and Dealing with Your County Elected Officials, Boards, Commissions and Others Asking You for “Guidance”
A summary of recurring problems and legal matters faced when representing county officials, 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. We will also look at other civil matters that may come in to play in your county. We’ll work the Budget Commission, Records Commission, compatibility, and other issues in as well.
Jess C. Weade
Fayette County Prosecuting Attorney and
Steven D. Barnett
Carroll County Prosecuting Attorney

11:45 – 12:45 Lunch

12:45 – 1:45 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.
Gwen Howe-Gebers
Henry County Prosecuting Attorney

1:45 - 2:00 Break

2:00 – 3:00 Ohio Public Records Law Update
In the age of the twenty-four hours news cycle, COVID-19 and miscellaneous action groups, county agencies are facing more requests from the public for records and access to information. As the methods of communicating with one another and use of social media continue to evolve, it is imperative that each office understand its obligations and responsibilities in responding to a request for public records. Similarly, each office must be aware that the shredder, delete button or use of a personal email, text or social media post may not be an appropriate method of circumventing Ohio’s Public Records Laws. Finally, county agencies must understand how virtual meetings and records can be properly utilized during a pandemic. Attendees at this training will receive a review of the obligations of a public agency required by Ohio’s Public Records laws and Open Meetings Act, gain tips for managing public records and engage in discussions regarding responding to the overly zealous requester of records in every community.
Benjamin S. Albrecht, Partner
Fishel, Hass, Kim, Albrecht, Downey LLP
New Albany

We have requested approval of 9.5 general CLE from the Supreme Court of Ohio Commission on Continuing Legal Education.

Room rates at the Sheraton are $142.00 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 at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, December 23rd. 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 prior to 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 both days, and $125.00 if attending one day only. 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, and the Thursday evening reception. Cancellations after January 6th (except for emergencies) will be assessed a fee of $150.00 if scheduled to attend both days, and $75.00 if scheduled to attend one day only. This fee is necessary to help defray the cost of food guarantees which must be made by that time. Please complete the attached registration form and return it to OPAA, by mail or fax, by December 30th. 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.