NACDL will draft a pretrial release manual, tailored to the specific legal framework, defense bar needs and challenges of Wisconsin. The manual will include a discussion of fundamental bail issues and case law, practice guidelines and checklists for effective bail advocacy, a catalog of Wisconsin's laws and procedures, sample pleadings, applicable risk-assessment tools, and available resources within the jurisdiction. Throughout the manual, every effort will be made to underscore the importance of pretrial release and the vital role of the defense lawyer in advocating for the client’s liberty pending trial. The manual will be provided to on-site training attendees and made available online through NACDL’s website.
Colette Tvedt traveled to Wisconsin for a site visit in preparation for drafting of the manual.
On May 18-19, 2016, Colette Tvedt traveled to Milwaukee, WI and completed a site visit to better understand the pretrial release procedures and identify deficiencies that should be addressed in the manual and subsequent training. She met with Nick Sayner from JusticePoint, Milwaukee's pretrial services agency. She also met with public defenders, including the public defender who is in charge of intake interviews and first appearances, and was able to observe those interviews and the court appearances thereafter.
Contracted with Michelle LaVigne of the University of Wisconsin to write the manual.
NACDL had contracted with local attorney Craig Johnson to write the manual, but ultimately had to cancel that contract due to nonperformance. Professor LaVigne was selected due to her expertise and enthusiasm, and willingness to work on a short timeline.