Join us for a fascinating dive into forensic linguistics with CALI member Katy Van Sant! Her session, Linguistic Analysis of a Traffic Stop – Expert Witness Case Study, runs from 9:30–11:00 am. Stick around afterward for our CALI Member Meeting, where we’ll cover bargaining updates and other current events.
Location
The venue is at 125 12th Street, Suite 400, Oakland, CA 94607.
From the south (I-880 / Oakland Airport):
Take I-880 North to the Oak Street exit and turn right onto Oak Street, then from Oak Street turn left onto 12th Street.
From the Bay Bridge / north (I-80, I-580, I-980):
Take I-80 West toward San Francisco, then I-580 East toward downtown Oakland, then exit onto I-980 West toward Downtown Oakland. Take the Jackson Street exit (this puts you on 5th Street), go two blocks to Oak Street, turn left on Oak Street, and proceed to 12th Street — turn left onto 12th Street.
From the east (I-580 West): Take I-580 West into Oakland to the Lakeshore Avenue turnoff, turn left onto Lakeshore, and veer to the far left around Lake Merritt onto 12th Street.
From Lake Merritt BART:The Lake Merritt BART station is about a 2.5 block walk north along Oak Street to the building.
Parking
Alco Parking — 12th & Jackson St, $7.00 all day, open 7:00am–7:00pm
OMCA Parking Garage — 1000 Oak St, entrance between 10th/11th on Oak Street (pricey but close)
Agenda
Mix and mingle
9:00 – 9:30 am
CIMCE class
9:30 – 11:00 am
Brunch
11:00 – 11:30 am
Member meeting
11:30 am – 1:00 pm
Class Description
This course examines several DUI cases where Mayan indigenous language speakers interacted with the police in Spanish, and where I was engaged by the defense as an expert in forensic linguistics. I will walk participants through my report-writing process, testimony, and outcomes.
I will take participants through one case’s journey from arraignment, expert report, expert testimony at motion to suppress, argument and findings by the judge, appeal of the motion to suppress, decision on appeal, Racial Justice Act (RJA) motion, written argument, oral argument on RJA motion, and judge’s finding at the prima facie phase. I will explain the Racial Justice Act (California Penal Code 745) and its potential to shed light on implicit bias with regard to LEP individuals, language discrimination, and issues of equal access to justice for LEP court users.
Presenter
Cost
Early-bird Pricing
-
- Early-bird Union Member/Freelance Member – Free (Register before September 18, 2026, login required)
- Early Bird Non-union Member – $30 (Register before September 18, 2026 using the button below)
Regular Pricing
-
- Union Member/Freelance Member – $30 (After Sept/18, login required)
- Non-union Member – $45 (Register using the button below)
Member Meeting
Following the class and light refreshments, our Member Meeting will run from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm. We’ll cover the latest on bargaining status, updates on the work our Board members and volunteers have been doing, and other issues affecting the region.