The legal landscape changed after Edward Snowden leaked information on the NSA's major bulk collections and misuses of data. This course, designed to assist practitioners in criminal defense, offers insight into a concept known as "parallel construction," in which law enforcement receives information from warrantless or undisclosed surveillance and then reconstructs the investigation making it appear as though the investigation's source originated elsewhere. This technique, which can be used to hide questionable or unlawful surveillance, significantly undermines Fourth Amendment protections. Understanding how it works, learning to identify signs indicating its use, and contemplating ways to challenge the origination in court can lead to better results for clients and a broader goal of achieving greater transparency in the criminal legal system.

Jessica Carmichael 
Partner
Carmichael Ellis & Brock

Jessica Carmichael is a criminal defense attorney with a focus on national security and cybercrime cases.  Jessica has argued before the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, and has been named one of the DC area's top lawyers by Washingtonian Magazine and Northern Virginia Magazine. Prior to founding Carmichael Ellis & Brock, PLLC she represented clients at the Federal Public Defender's Office in Alexandria, Virginia. Jessica clerked for two Magistrate Judges in Federal Court in Norfolk, Virginia where her husband, a Naval Officer, was stationed. She earned her Bachelors of Arts in communications from the University of Cincinnati, and her Juris Doctor from Boston College Law School. She is a member of the Federal Bar Association and on the executive board of the Northern Virginia Chapter of the Federal Bar Association. Jessica is an active member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers where she is on the Women in Criminal Defense committee and vice-chair of the National Security committee.