This CLE course offers an in-depth exploration of how incarcerated individuals access the court system and defend themselves against criminal charges while behind bars. Participants will gain a clear understanding of how criminal charges are applied, the function and purpose of bail, and the legal distinctions between jails and prisons.

We will examine the practical realities incarcerated defendants face, including how they attend court hearings, obtain access to legal materials, and communicate with their attorneys. Beyond the legal mechanics, the course will critically address a broader question: Is it truly justice when someone must fight their charges from a jail cell?

Taught by an experienced defense attorney who has worked within this system for over fourteen years, this course goes beyond case law to uncover the institutional barriers that define the real challenge—not the complexity of the law, but the difficulty of navigating the environment in which it operates.