Broadcast Library
The NJC is proud to host a multitude of engaging podcasts and webinars, with some webinars tailored to meet the specific needs of different states.
State-Specific Webinars
Access to Justice for Commercial Drivers
Course Description:
Every year, over half a million crashes on American highways involve commercial motor vehicles. These crashes result in enough fatalities to wipe out the entire population of more than any one of half of America’s towns. Many involve repeat violators, some of whom would not have been on the road if Federal and state CDLs/CMVs laws were properly and ethically enforced.
Increasingly, the modern-day Traffic and Criminal Court is experiencing higher volume and fewer resources. Despite this trend, Access to Justice remains imperative especially when balanced against the need to address cases requiring specialized attention such as CDL drivers who are prohibited from engaging in certain plea agreements. Judges who handle cases involving CDLs/CMVs are often unaware of federal regulations and state laws that require courts to treat commercial drivers differently than non-commercial drivers. This webinar will explore issues of both Access to Justice and Procedural Justice as juxtaposed against the concerns of CDL holders.
Course Objectives:
After this course, participants will be able to:
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Identify applicable Federal and state CDL/CMV laws;
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Determine what constitutes “masking”;
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Discover the unique definition of a “conviction” under CDL/CMV laws;
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Summarize the major components related to Access to Justice;
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Hone techniques designed to improve in-court caseflow management and
identify CDL cases with potential masking problems;
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Balance Procedural Fairness concerns to avoid federal masking violations; and
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Develop ethical and efficient procedures for the handling of CDL/CMV cases in
your court.
Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Maine Maryland Montana Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oregon Pennsylvania South Carolina Utah Virginia Washington Wisconsin Wyoming
Fundamentals of “Masking” and Suspensions for CDL Holders in Traffic and Criminal Courts
Course Description:
The practice of “masking” violations or the unwarranted reduction of charges for Commercial Drivers in Traffic and Criminal Courts across America is fairly common. When CDL drivers are afforded these opportunities, they often lead to less safe roads and highways for all drivers and passengers. Additionally, the likelihood of more crashes involving CDL holders is increased, which often leads to severe injury or death. To combat this challenge, it is necessary for judges, as the guardrails of the judicial system, to be aware of the basic rules which govern CDL holders by reporting convictions and imposing license suspensions where required by law. This course will provide judges the necessary information and tools to identify, address and combat and respond to “masking” when cases appear in the courtroom.
Course Objectives:
After this course, participants will be able to:
-
Identify applicable Federal and state CDL/CMV laws;
-
Determine what constitutes “masking”;
-
Discover the unique definition of a “conviction” under CDL/CMV laws;
-
Summarize the major components related to Access to Justice;
-
Hone techniques designed to improve in-court caseflow management and identify CDL cases with potential masking problems;
-
Balance Procedural Fairness concerns to avoid federal masking violations;
-
Develop ethical and efficient procedures for handling of CDL/CMV cases in their courts.
Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Illinois Indiana Kansas Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Pennsylvania Montana New Mexico Nevada New Hampshire New York North Dakota Ohio Oregon Rhode Island South Carolina Texas Utah Vermont Virginia West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming
Ethically Handling Commercial Drivers in Criminal & Traffic Courts
Course Description:
Every year, over half a million crashes on American highways involve commercial motor vehicles. These crashes result in enough fatalities to wipe out the entire population of more than any one of half of America’s towns. Many involve repeat violators, some of whom would not have been on the road if Federal and state CDL/CMV laws were properly and ethically enforced.
Judges who handle cases involving commercial driver’s licenses and commercial motor vehicles are often unaware of Federal regulations and state laws that require courts to treat commercial drivers differently than noncommercial drivers, even when a traffic violation has been committed in a personal or family vehicle.
This subject is one all judges must understand. Most misdemeanor and felony court judges don’t realize these laws may apply to cases where no traffic violation is even alleged. Many high-volume traffic courts are unaware of the need to establish special procedures for the handling of CDL/CMV cases.
Course Objectives:
After this course, participants will be able to:
• Identify applicable Federal and state CDL/CMV laws;
• Determine what constitutes “masking”;
• Discover the unique definition of a “conviction” under CDL/CMV laws;
• Recognize the legal, financial and social consequences of failures to enforce CDL/CMV laws;
• Detect the ethical implications of mishandling CDL/CMV cases;
• Apply recent expungement laws to holders of commercial driver licenses; and
• Develop ethical and efficient procedures for the handling of CDL/CMV cases in your court.
Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illiniois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Mexico North Carolina North Dakota Oklahoma Oregon South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Washington Wisconsin Wyoming
Traffic Jam: How Commercial Drivers Impact Human Trafficking
Course Description:
Judges across all dockets may encounter trafficking-related cases without recognizing them as such. These cases can appear under the guise of routine traffic violations, civil disputes, or low-level criminal charges, yet they may involve key indicators of exploitation and coercion.
This webcast provides judges with the knowledge to identify and respond to trafficking within the context of commercial transportation. It explores federal and state laws, highlights real-world scenarios, and offers practical guidance for spotting red flags, addressing misconceptions, and supporting victims through informed judicial action.
Understanding the intersection of human trafficking and CMVs is not optional—it is essential. Judicial awareness and leadership play a critical role in disrupting exploitation and advancing justice in every courtroom.
Course Objectives:
After this course, participants will be able to:
• Identify and define the forms and prevalence of human trafficking;
• Develop techniques to respond to human trafficking cases; and
• Understand the unique laws governing CDL holders facing trafficking charges.
Alabama California Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Missouri Nebraska North Carolina New Hampshire New Jersey New York Ohio Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin