HTCIA bylaws on the issue of criminal defense is as follows:

Members may not, by virtue of their employment be in a position to represent or assist the defense in a criminal prosecution, unless:

1. They are employed by an entity (military of governmental) that does not distinguish between prosecution or defense (An example of such incidences are military attorneys and/or investigators who are directed to work for the prosecution at times or the defense at other times).

2. They are a member of an International chapter whose member?s legal system does not distinguish between prosecution or defense, provided the member must reside and practice in that country and not perform defense work in any country that does make that distinction.

3. They are a member who is subpoenaed to testify by the defense in a matter they investigated for their agency or employer.

4. They are a member who is employed by a software/hardware vendor who must explain how their company?s product operates or functions as part of a service or legal agreement when sold.

5. They have received an exemption from a majority vote of their chapter membership, after a proper notice consistent with these bylaws. Such exemptions are: Limited to one per year, per member; Exemptions can only be granted by chapters in cases where the member volunteers their expertise and is paid no compensation; The International Executive Committee may revoke such an exemption within 30 days of receiving notice of the chapter?s granting of same. If no decision is made by the International Executive Committee within 30 days, the Chapter memberships vote stands. However, a revocation of an exemption by the International Committee is final.

Individuals who violate this requirement for membership are subject to abatement and/or immediate termination of their membership by the International Executive Committee.