Criminal Law Practice Concentration
Students who participate in the Criminal Law Practice Concentration handle a wide variety of cases providing legal representation for indigent defendants charged with criminal offenses. Taking part in this practice concentration provides student interns a window into the inner workings of the criminal justice system. Cases handled include misdemeanor and felony charges pending in the Shawnee County District Court, as well as misdemeanors and ordinance violations pending in the Topeka Municipal Court. On occasion, the clinic represents an inmate who is seeking Habeas Corpus relief in Federal Court. Students also have the opportunity to represent inmates charged in prison disciplinary proceedings.
The scope of representation covers all phases of a client's case, including initial interviews, bond applications, field investigations, discovery, plea negotiations, written motions, evidentiary hearings, administrative hearings, and trials. Some select cases also provide students with an opportunity to conduct appellate argument. The Criminal Law Practice Concentration offers students the opportunity to engage in all activities of the defense attorney. Students may "first chair" a jury trial under the close guidance of an experienced criminal law practitioner.
Listed below are some of the charges and issues for which Washburn Law Clinic students have represented clients:
- Driving Under the Influence
- Battery
- Burglary
- Criminal Damage
- Leaving the Scene of an Accident
- Forgery
- Federal Habeas Corpus
- Larceny
