Criminal Law Section – Wrongful Convictions
Friday, May 6, 2022
12:00-1:00 p.m.
Via Zoom

Join the Criminal Law Section on Friday, May 6, 2022 for a noon webinar presentation by Attorney Aaron Aguas-Rao of the Northern California Innocence Project. This presentation will provide a general and introductory overview of what attorneys should know about wrongful convictions.  It will include an overview of the important work the Northern California Innocence Project does. Ms. Aguas-Rao will explain why wrongful convictions occur, and how California Penal Code 1473, Brady v. Maryland, 373 U.S. 83 (1963) and Schulp v. Delo 513 U.S. 298 (1995) apply.

Attorney Aaron Aguas-Rao got her BA at the University of California at Los Angeles and her J.D. at George Washington University.

Brady v. Maryland, 373 U.S. 83 (1963) was a case where a Maryland jury found both John Brady and Charles Boblit guilty of first degree murder. Brady said he only participated in the robbery, but not the killing. Both men got the death penalty. After the trial, Brady found out that Boblit had confessed to the murder, but the prosecution suppressed the evidence during Brady’s trial. The Maryland Court of Appeals held that the suppression of the confession denied Brady due process and they remanded the case to be considered of punishment only.

Schulp v. Delo 513 U.S. 298 (1995) was a case where a Missouri prisoner was convicted in participating in the murder of another inmate. The prisoner alleged constitutional error at his trial that deprived the jury of evidence that would have proved his innocence. The court said that Schulp could not satisfy the threshold showing of “actual innocence” required by Sawyer v. Whitley, 505 U.S. 333.

Cost: Free for section members and $10 for nonsection members. You will also receive 1 hour of MCLE credit!

Consistent with our prior virtual presentations that have qualified for MCLE credit, all attendees must register online prior to the event. Online registration will close on the morning of the event.

Registration: Please log in on the SMCBA website to register for this event.

Logistics: Your Zoom credentials will automatically be emailed to you shortly after you register online, as well as the day and hour before the event. The written materials for the webinar will be emailed to attendees the morning of the event. 

Cancellations must be received at least 48 hours prior to the event for a full refund of the registration fee. If you do not cancel within 48 hours or do not show up to the event, you will be charged the full amount. You will receive 1 hour of General Law MCLE credit for attending this event. The MCLE certificates will be made available in the week following the event.