On Wednesday, March 30, 2016, the Orange County Bar Association (OCBA) Board of Directors voted to establish the OCBA Criminal Law Section.

Originally proposed in July 2015, the new section dedicated to the practice of criminal law will provide a forum for open discussions, networking, and regular MCLE programming. It is open for both public and private attorneys—prosecutors and defense, and OCBA members practicing in State and Federal Courts are welcome to join.

The OCBA Criminal Law Section shall embrace all areas of criminal law procedure and practice before state and federal courts. The purposes of the Section shall include the following:

• Disseminating substantive knowledge and information to Section members on all facets of criminal law practice and procedure.
• Considering and making recommendations on legislation concerning criminal law practice and procedure.
• Encouraging ethical conduct in all matters pertaining to criminal law practice.
• Improving standards of practice in criminal law.
• Educating attorneys and the public on the general principles and procedure involved in criminal law.
• Encouraging the exchange of information and open dialogue among criminal law practitioners.
• Conferring with state and federal organizations dedicated to the advancement of criminal law practice.

The OCBA Criminal Section's 2016 Leadership is as follows:

Kate Corrigan, Chair
Corrigan Welbourn & Stokke, APLC
www.cwsdefense.com

Craig M. Cazares, Chair-Elect
Orange County District Attorney
www.orangecountyda.org

Diane C. Bass, Secretary/Treasurer
Law Office of Diane C. Bass
www.dbasslaw.com

If you would like to join the new Section, please contact the OCBA Membership Department at 949.440.6700 ext. 384.