The Course
Step into the witness box with confidence! This intensive training is designed for law enforcement officers keen on sharpening their courtroom presence. You'll learn the ins and outs of providing clear, compelling testimony that can withstand cross-examination. We delve deep into the art of communication, teaching you to convey complex facts with simplicity and certainty. From arranging your report for maximum clarity to understanding legal jargon, this course ensures you’re not just heard in court—you’re understood and trusted.
Imagine walking out of the courtroom knowing your testimony could be the linchpin for justice. That’s the edge we give you. We combine practical exercises with insights from seasoned legal professionals to give you real-world applications of your new skills. We'll prep you for the curveballs and teach you to maintain your composure under pressure. As a result, you'll leave this course not just as a witness, but as a credible source of truth that juries and judges can rely on.
What you will learn
I started developing this course with the mindset that stepping into a courtroom can be just as daunting as patrolling the streets, especially for those of you just kicking off your careers in law enforcement. It’s designed to feel like a seasoned partner is showing you the ropes, revealing all the ins and outs of effective courtroom testimony from the original call for service to sitting on the witness stand. I've meticulously put together modules that are easy to digest and apply, using real-life scenarios, so that when the moment comes for you to take the stand, you'll handle it with the confidence and professionalism of someone who's done it a hundred times. It's a practical, guided journey that's going to arm you with the skills to present your evidence clearly, field cross-examination like a pro, and be an asset to the justice process from day one. Trust me, this course is like having a cheat sheet that other officers won't have.
Meet Your Instructor
April Sponsel is a veteran legal educator and former prosecutor with over 22 years of experience in the criminal justice system, specializing in violent crime, gang prosecution, and victims’ rights advocacy. After earning her Juris Doctorate in 2003, she served nearly two decades in one of the nation’s largest prosecutorial offices. During her career, she led major felony prosecutions—including high-profile cases involving organized crime, firearms offenses, aggravated assaults, and large-scale gang/drug-related violence. Her work earned widespread respect for her professionalism, courtroom precision, and unwavering focus on community and officer safety.
April has trained thousands of law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and legal professionals at the local, national, and international levels. Her work has been featured in legal proceedings, bar publications, and media coverage surrounding high-profile cases, particularly those involving political unrest and public safety.
April’s law license is currently under a two-year suspension following a disciplinary action related to her prosecution of ANTIFA riot-related cases. She maintained professionalism throughout the process and respectfully disagreed with the findings, continuing to challenge what she knows were politically motivated charges.
Today, through her Teachable platform, April continues to empower others by sharing her extensive knowledge of the criminal justice system, courtroom procedures, and victims’ rights advocacy. She collaborates with a diverse team of professionals—including licensed attorneys, law enforcement experts, and civilian specialists—to offer a wide range of high-quality courses for legal professionals, law enforcement, and the broader community.