YOU, YOUR DOG, AND THE COURT, OH MY!

Instructor: Angelyn Gates 1 hour Class -Tent

This classroom discussion will examine current court rulings pertaining to odor detection dogs - including training methodologies and expert testimony offered to support and attack the dog's reliability. Is your methodology vulnerable? We will discuss what every dog handler should know and what to expect if you are subpoenaed to court. This class will also consider volunteer dog handlers and evidence collection in criminal cases. Instructor: Angelyn Gates, Esq

BIO

Angelyn Gates is a resident of Washington State and the Team Leader of the Skagit County K9 SAR Unit. She is a member of the Board of Directors of the Skagit County SAR Council which oversees all volunteer SAR unit operations for the county. Ms. Gates has ten years experience as a K9 handler focusing on trailing, but has also certified in HRD, and Water. She has been an active member of multiple K9 SAR teams in California and Washington, including CARDA and is the Chair of the CARDA Bylaws Committee. Ms. Gates has trained under international, national, and court certified experts in the field of SAR and odor detection dogs throughout the country, including Jonni Joyce, Jeff Schettler, Chris Weeks, and Denise Alvord. Ms. Gates has logged thousands of hours searching and training SAR dogs.

Ms. Gates has been an attorney licensed to practice in the States of California and Washington for over 25 years and carries a certification by the California State Bar as a Criminal Law Specialist. Ms. Gates has been both a prosecutor and defense attorney and has conducted well over 100 jury trials. Ms. Gates has also had a busy appellate practice, held positions with the California Supreme Court and U.S. Attorney's Office, and brought cases to the United States Supreme Court. As both an experienced criminal and appellate attorney and SAR dog handler, Ms. Gates has a unique perspective on laws and court cases that are shaping the K9 odor detection law in this country.