Objections That Stick! How to Exclude, Preserve, and Persuade (2025)
If you’re not objecting, you might be conceding—learn how to stop giving ground.
This program delivers a comprehensive and highly practical deep dive into the art and science of making effective objections in criminal trials—especially in cases involving drug charges. You'll learn how to challenge the admission of hearsay, character evidence, improper opinion testimony, and evidence that is more prejudicial than probative. The sessions offer step-by-step guidance for dissecting hearsay and identifying improper Rule 404(b) evidence, and they show how prosecutors often misuse “course of investigation” testimony and co-conspirator statements to smuggle in damaging information. You'll gain strategies for turning these issues to your advantage—both at trial and on appeal.
Also covered are techniques for handling improper conduct during closing arguments, including burden-shifting, emotional appeals, and misstatements of evidence. You'll learn how to make timely objections, request curative instructions, and preserve these moments in the record for future review. The program also explores how to frame objections in ways that judges are more likely to sustain, and how to pivot from evidentiary issues into strong advocacy.
In addition, the program dives into evidentiary battles unique to drug prosecutions. You’ll explore how to challenge testimony from law enforcement and confidential informants, object to unreliable or improperly disclosed expert opinions, and use cross-examination and discovery to undermine the foundation of the state’s case. Practical tips are provided for real-time objection language and pretrial motions that can shape what the jury ultimately hears.
Key topics covered:
- Trial-tested objection language for immediate use
- Tools to challenge hearsay, relevance, and character evidence
- Strategies for exposing prosecutorial overreach during closings
- Guidance for preserving error for appellate review
- Real case examples showing how objections can turn the tide
Whether you’re building your skills or refining your approach, this program offers actionable insight and ready-to-use strategies for objecting effectively and persuasively in criminal trials.
Presentations Included:
- The Busy Lawyers’ Guide to Objections | Rene Valladares
- Evidence and Objections in Drug Cases | Steven Epstein & Adam Shlahet
- Objections with Out of Bounds Prosecutors and Selling the Burden of Proof in Closing | Carmen Roe
Prices
- List Price $59.00
- Member Price $49.00