FEDERAL PUBLIC DEFENDER
Southern District of Texas
When Google Searches for You: Challenging Geofence Warrants
CJA Panel Training
Tuesday June 6, 2022

The Criminal Justice Act (“CJA”) provides for the appointment of counsel in criminal cases to persons who are financially unable to obtain adequate representation. 18 U.S.C. § 3006A(a). In the Southern District of Texas, in cases where the Federal Public Defender has not been appointed to represent a defendant who is entitled to the assistance of appointed counsel, individual defense attorneys are chosen from a federal panel. The Federal Public Defender is charged with assuring that members of the CJA panel are familiar with federal criminal practice.

In 2020, Google received over 11,000 geofence requests from law enforcement agencies across the country, a dramatic increase from just 941 requests in 2018. Geofence searches create a virtual perimeter around an area, allowing law enforcement officers to access critical location information of individuals in that area. They are digital dragnets involving the location data of millions, raising deep concerns over Fourth Amendment and privacy protections. This training will cover the mechanics of geofence warrants and present strategies for defense lawyers to challenge their constitutionality

AGENDA

The State Bar of Texas MCLE Department has approved this seminar for 1.0 hrs. of CLE credit (Course No. 174160411). There is no cost for participants or for those attorneys wishing to apply for the CLE credit. If you have any questions, contact Dora Madrigal at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Click Here to Register

This seminar is for attorneys eligible or seeking to become eligible to take CJA appointments.