About the Misdemeanor Clinic Section
The Criminal Misdemeanor Clinic is a one or two semester clinic which focuses heavily on litigation in routine criminal legal matters. Students will handle a variety of misdemeanor cases in Municipal and Traffic courts, along with lower-grade felony cases in Criminal Court. Students can expect to spend a significant amount of time in court from the beginning of the semester. Class time will focus on the practical aspects of criminal procedure as well as professional guidance in this area of law.
Section Success
Most semesters, students in the Misdemeanor Clinic spend their time in Orleans Municipal and Traffic Court, representing indigent defendants in a variety of cases, including thefts, domestic abuse, and DWIs. At the beginning of the Fall 2021 semester, Hurricane Ida ripped the roof off that court's building on August 29, however, and the court is closed indefinitely. Showing their flexibility and willingness to help anyone in need, the Misdemeanor Clinic students began handling felony cases in Orleans Criminal Court, which was undamaged by the storm. The students were able to get bonds significantly reduced, which resulted in their clients being released from jail. They also negotiated plea deals which allowed other clients to be home for the holidays.
Supervised by Professor Judson Mitchell