Modern Prosecution and Defense of Sex Offenses

October 21, 2026 from 4:30 – 6:30 PM, HYBRID (In-Person and Virtual) Webinar

A Hybrid CLE Program, offered on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, from 4:30 – 6:30, Live at the Moynihan U.S. District Courthouse, Southern District of New York, 500 Pearl Street, Conference Center Room 6A, New York, NY 10007, and Virtually over Zoom to those who cannot attend the session in person.

The New York Criminal Bar Association presents another All-Star panel, uniting former federal prosecutors and experienced criminal defense attorneys for a candid, practitioner-focused discussion from both sides of the “v.” Modern sex-offense cases have changed as prosecutors have become better resourced and more willing to charge, amid an explosion of digital evidence, communications, and social media. Drawing on practical experience and war stories, the panel will address defense investigation; the strategic decision whether to bring a client in to meet with prosecutors; handling the victim/perpetrator dynamic; direct- and cross-examination technique; Rule 17(c) subpoenas; and managing press coverage. The discussion will also highlight the distinct legal, evidentiary and strategic challenges presented by these cases. Our speakers bring firsthand experience to these issues: Moira Penza’s groundbreaking prosecution of Keith Raniere and his associates at NXIVM set a playbook for later prosecutions charging RICO and sex trafficking. Maurene Comey, a superstar in the Southern District of New York, brought sex-trafficking charges against Jeffrey Epstein, convicted Ghislaine Maxwell, and led the prosecution against Sean Combs. Teny Geragos has tried a number of these prosecutions, from Keith Raniere to Sean Combs and others. Isabelle Kirshner, a former state court prosecutor, represented Matt Gaetz and Eric Schneiderman and currently represents Eric Swalwell.

The New York Criminal Bar Association has been certified by the New York State Continuing Legal Education Board as an Accredited Provider of continuing legal education. This program has been approved in accordance with the requirements of the New York State Continuing Legal Education Board for a maximum of two (2.0) credit hours, one of which can be applied toward the ’Skills’ requirement, and one which may be applied toward the ‘Areas of Professional Practice’ requirement This program is open to experienced and newly admitted attorneys alike, however, newly admitted (‘Bridge the Gap’) attorneys must attend in person to receive ’Skills’ credit.

Program Fee
This superb presentation is FREE of charge for all Current 2026 NY Criminal Bar Association members, institutional defender office attorneys and unemployed attorneys.
NOMINAL PROGRAM FEE for all others: $100.
DISCOUNTED PROGRAM FEE: $75 for 18-B and CJA Panel Members.

Financial Aid for this program is available. Please consult the ‘Guide to New York Criminal Bar Association Financial Aid‘ for further information.