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New Legal Pathways for Sentence Reduction, Appeals, and Prison Reform in 2025

Brandon Harper

6 hours ago4 min read

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The landscape of post-conviction relief, sentencing reform, and criminal justice advocacy continues to evolve in 2025. With new Supreme Court rulings, legislative reforms, and legal challenges reshaping the way courts handle post-conviction cases, now is a critical time to explore opportunities for sentence reductions, appeals, and prison condition challenges.

This article will break down key legal changes, major cases to watch, and new avenues that could provide relief for incarcerated individuals across the United States. Whether you're a family member advocating for a loved one or an individual seeking post-conviction relief, this guide will provide actionable information on recent developments that may impact your case.

1. Supreme Court Cases That Could Impact Post-Conviction Relief in 2025

Each year, the Supreme Court hears cases that reshape how the justice system handles post-conviction relief, appeals, and sentencing. In 2025, there are several key cases that could affect incarcerated individuals:

Challenges to Habeas Corpus Restrictions: Several cases are challenging the restrictions imposed by the Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act (AEDPA), which severely limits second or successive habeas corpus petitions. If the Court rules in favor of broadening access to habeas relief, thousands of incarcerated individuals could have new pathways to challenge their convictions.

Expansion of Ineffective Assistance of Counsel Claims: The Court is reviewing cases that may redefine what constitutes ineffective assistance of counsel, particularly regarding attorneys who failed to investigate evidence or push for plea deals that were in the best interest of the defendant.

Retroactivity of Criminal Justice Reforms: Several cases are examining whether new sentencing laws, including reductions in mandatory minimums, should be applied retroactively to those already incarcerated.

If any of these cases result in favorable rulings, they could open doors for many incarcerated individuals to seek relief.

View the Supreme Court’s Current Case List: https://www.supremecourt.gov/docket/docket.aspx

2. Second Look Laws and Sentence Modification Efforts

More states are introducing "Second Look" laws, allowing courts to reconsider long sentences for individuals who have demonstrated rehabilitation. As of 2025, these states have enacted Second Look laws:

California – Youth Offender Parole Hearings allow individuals convicted before age 18 to seek parole after 15 years.

Delaware – Sentence modifications for juveniles convicted before age 18 after serving 20 or 30 years.

District of Columbia – Incarceration Reduction Amendment Act permits individuals under 25 at the time of the offense to seek a sentence reduction after 15 years.

North Dakota – Allows juveniles to petition for resentencing after serving a significant portion of their sentence.

Oregon – Second Look Sentencing allows review halfway through a juvenile’s sentence.

Florida – Sentence reviews for juveniles after serving a specified period.

Illinois – Youthful Parole Law allows parole review after 10 or 20 years, depending on the offense.

Minnesota – Prosecutor-initiated resentencing law enables sentence reductions for rehabilitated individuals.

Washington – Second Chance Act provides sentence reduction opportunities for long-term incarcerated individuals.

Oklahoma – Domestic Violence Survivors Sentencing Act allows resentencing for individuals where domestic violence was a mitigating factor.

Nevada – Proposed legislation in 2024 aims to create Second Look laws for individuals with lengthy sentences.

Federal Level – The Second Look Act was reintroduced in 2024, allowing individuals serving over 10 years in federal prison to petition for sentence reduction.

States Considering Second Look Laws: Michigan and Virginia have pending bills to expand sentence review options.

If you're wondering whether your state has a Second Look law, check with local legal aid organizations or advocacy groups.

Find State-Specific Criminal Justice Reform Information

3. The Expanding Fight Against Unlawful Prison Conditions

In 2025, more prisoners are successfully challenging their conditions of confinement under the Eighth Amendment’s ban on cruel and unusual punishment. Recent lawsuits and legislative efforts focus on:

Solitary Confinement Lawsuits: Multiple federal courts are now questioning the constitutionality of long-term solitary confinement, with some states moving toward banning or restricting its use.

Inadequate Medical Care Claims: Class-action lawsuits against state prison systems are forcing correctional facilities to provide better healthcare for inmates with chronic illnesses, disabilities, or severe mental health issues.

42 U.S.C. § 1983 Civil Rights Lawsuits: Inmates who have suffered abuse, neglect, or unconstitutional conditions are filing federal lawsuits to seek damages and court-ordered reforms.

If you or a loved one is experiencing inhumane prison conditions, it may be possible to file a 42 U.S.C. § 1983 lawsuit to challenge these violations.

Learn More About Prisoner Civil Rights Cases:

https://www.aclu.org/issues/prisoners-rights

4. How Recent Criminal Justice Reforms Could Help Those Already Sentenced

Recent laws and sentencing reforms in 2025 include:

Biden’s Clemency and Sentencing Reform Initiatives expanding federal clemency efforts and sentence reductions.

Changes to Felony Murder Laws in Illinois, California, and Oregon that eliminate life sentences for certain accomplices.

Expansion of Compassionate Release Laws to broaden criteria for early release due to age, medical condition, or rehabilitation.

These changes may offer new legal avenues for those seeking relief from excessive or outdated sentences.

5. The Push for Expanding Habeas Corpus Rights

Habeas corpus remains one of the most powerful tools for challenging wrongful convictions. In 2025, advocates are working to:

Loosen procedural bars that prevent inmates from filing successive petitions.

Expand access to newly discovered evidence claims, even when past filing deadlines have expired.

Challenge Brady violations (where prosecutors withheld exculpatory evidence) through broader interpretations of due process rights.

Advocates are pushing for federal legislation that would allow more prisoners to bring habeas claims based on newly discovered evidence or prosecutorial misconduct.

Learn More About Habeas Corpus and Post-Conviction Relief

https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/habeas_corpus

Conclusion: How to Take Action

The legal landscape is shifting in 2025, and new opportunities for sentence reductions, appeals, and prison reform are emerging. Whether through Second Look laws, Supreme Court decisions, or prison condition lawsuits, there are ways to fight for justice.

If you or a loved one are looking for post-conviction relief options, contact us today at [email protected] or call (216) 302-0650.

Let’s keep pushing for justice in 2025 and beyond!

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lawinsiderfl · 3 months ago

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Cromey Law: Florida Juvenile Charges: Proven Defenses Every Parent Must Know to Protect Their Child

When your child faces juvenile delinquency charges, it can feel like the world is crashing down. The juvenile justice system in Florida is complex, and understanding the nuances of Florida juvenile court procedures is crucial for any parent. As a Pensacola Juvenile Lawyer, I know how daunting this process can be. But fear not, because there are effective legal defenses that can make a significant difference in the outcome of your child's case.

Let's look at the various legal defenses available for juvenile delinquency charges in Pensacola and how they can be effectively utilized to protect your child's future.

Important Tips for Juvenile Delinquency Defense

Understand the charges and potential consequences.

Consult with a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney.

Explore all available defense strategies.

Consider the benefits of rehabilitation programs.

Stay informed about the juvenile justice system.

How Can I Help You?

With years of experience in juvenile law, I am committed to defending the rights of young individuals in the juvenile court system. I understand the importance of a tailored defense strategy that considers the unique circumstances of each case. Whether it's negotiating a plea bargain or advocating for diversion programs, my goal is to achieve the best possible outcome for your child. I invite you to read my blog post on legal defenses for juvenile crime cases to learn more about how I can assist you.

What Are the Common Defenses in Juvenile Cases?

Several strategies can be employed to defend against juvenile delinquency charges. The choice of defense often depends on the specifics of the case, the evidence available, and the circumstances surrounding the alleged offense. Here are some common defenses:

Juvenile rights violations, such as improper Miranda rights advisement.

Challenging the evidence or the manner in which it was obtained.

Arguing for the child's lack of intent or understanding of the crime.

How Does the Juvenile Justice System Work in Florida?

The juvenile justice system in Florida is designed to rehabilitate rather than punish young offenders. It involves various stages, from arrest to sentencing, each with its own procedures and potential outcomes. Understanding these procedures is essential for mounting an effective defense.

Initial detention and the role of a probation officer.

Adjudicatory hearings in family court.

Sentencing options, including community service and rehabilitation programs.

What Role Do Rehabilitation Programs Play?

Rehabilitation programs are a cornerstone of the juvenile justice system, focusing on helping young offenders reintegrate into society. These programs aim to address the underlying issues that may have contributed to the delinquent behavior, offering a more constructive alternative to incarceration.

Programs tailored to address specific behavioral issues.

Opportunities for education and skill development.

Support from youth advocacy groups and mentors.

How Can Diversion Programs Benefit My Child?

Diversion programs offer an alternative to formal court proceedings, allowing juveniles to avoid a criminal record. These programs focus on accountability and personal growth, providing a second chance for young offenders to make amends and learn from their mistakes.

Participation in community service projects.

Engagement in counseling or educational workshops.

Completion of a program can lead to expungement of the record.

Hypothetical Case Study

Imagine a 15-year-old named Alex who is caught shoplifting. The police are called, and Alex is taken to a youth detention center. His parents are understandably worried about the impact this could have on his future. They contact a criminal defense attorney who specializes in juvenile law.

The attorney reviews the case and discovers that Alex was not read his Miranda rights at the time of arrest. This violation of juvenile rights becomes a key point in the defense strategy. Additionally, the attorney advocates for Alex's participation in a diversion program, emphasizing his clean record and the potential for rehabilitation. The court agrees, and Alex is given the opportunity to complete community service and attend counseling sessions, ultimately leading to the expungement of his record.

Key Takeaways

Understanding the juvenile justice system is crucial for effective defense.

Rehabilitation and diversion programs offer constructive alternatives.

Legal representation can significantly impact the outcome of a case.

Here are some Juvenile Justice resources used while researching this page!

Florida Juvenile Justice System Overview - This page provides a comprehensive overview of the Florida Juvenile Justice System, detailing the processes and policies in place for handling juvenile offenders.

Florida Juvenile Law Chapter - This chapter outlines the specific laws and regulations governing juvenile justice in Florida, including legal procedures and rights of minors.

Understanding Juvenile Delinquency - This Wikipedia page offers an in-depth look at juvenile delinquency, exploring its causes, effects, and the societal responses to youth crime.

Juvenile Justice System Overview - This entry provides a global perspective on juvenile justice systems, discussing various approaches and reforms aimed at rehabilitating young offenders.

FAQ

1. What is juvenile delinquency?

Juvenile delinquency refers to illegal or antisocial behavior by individuals under the age of 18. It encompasses a range of offenses, from minor infractions to serious crimes. Understanding Juvenile Delinquency can provide more insight into this topic.

2. How does the juvenile justice system differ from the adult system?

The juvenile justice system focuses on rehabilitation rather than punishment. It offers various programs and interventions designed to help young offenders reform and reintegrate into society. For a comprehensive overview, see Juvenile Justice System Overview.

3. What are the potential outcomes of a juvenile court case?

Outcomes can vary widely, from dismissal of charges to probation, community service, or placement in a rehabilitation program. The goal is often to avoid incarceration and provide opportunities for growth and development.

4. Can a juvenile record be expunged?

Yes, under certain conditions, a juvenile record can be expunged, meaning it is removed from public access. This process often requires the completion of specific programs or meeting certain criteria.

5. What role does a legal guardian play in juvenile cases?

A legal guardian is responsible for ensuring the juvenile's rights are protected throughout the legal process. They often work closely with the defense attorney to make informed decisions about the case.

6. How important is it to have a criminal defense attorney for a juvenile case?

Having a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney is crucial. They can navigate the complexities of the juvenile justice system, advocate for the best possible outcome, and ensure the juvenile's rights are upheld.

7. What is restorative justice in the context of juvenile law?

Restorative justice focuses on repairing the harm caused by criminal behavior through reconciliation with victims and the community. It emphasizes accountability and making amends, often involving community service or other reparative actions. Disclaimer: Cromey Law tries to ensure the accuracy of this article. However, Florida Statutes change, case law changes, and as such, errors may occur. Cromey Law assumes no responsibility for any errors or omissions in this article. Cromey Law encourages you to utilize our links to relevant Florida Statutes. Contact my office at [850.483.1689] if you have any questions or require legal assistance.

#PensacolaJuvenileLawyer

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bkdebtrelief · 1 year ago

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The concept of expungement in Florida offers a ray of hope for those seeking to erase or seal their criminal records. This comprehensive guide aims to shed light on the entire process, from understanding eligibility to the post-expungement benefits.

https://criminalrecordcleanup.com

Understanding the Florida Expungement Process

Expungement in Florida is a structured process, involving several steps. From checking eligibility criteria to obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), each step is crucial for a successful outcome. Applicants often need to prepare detailed paperwork and may have to attend a hearing, followed by a thorough follow-up to ensure the record is adequately sealed or expunged.

Cost Factors in Expungement

The costs associated with expunging a record in Florida can vary. Factors like the nature of the offense, attorney fees, and court costs play a significant role in determining the overall expenses. It's advisable to seek guidance from an attorney or the FDLE for accurate cost assessments.

Eligibility: Key to Starting the Process

Eligibility for expungement in Florida depends on various factors, including the type of offense and the individual's criminal history. Some severe offenses may be excluded from the expungement option.

Navigating DIY Expungement

For those considering a do-it-yourself approach to expungement, it's important to understand the complexities of the legal process. While it's possible, securing legal assistance is often recommended to avoid pitfalls and enhance the chances of success.

Pro Bono and Low-Cost Expungement Services

In Florida, certain organizations and legal clinics offer free or low-cost expungement services for eligible individuals. It's worth exploring these options, especially for those who cannot afford standard legal fees.

Removing Criminal Records: Sealing vs. Expunging

Understanding the difference between sealing and expunging records is crucial. While sealing makes a record private, expungement essentially erases it. Both processes have distinct eligibility criteria and effects.

https://expungement-lawyer.s3.amazonaws.com/Seal-Criminal-Record-in-Florida/index.html

Juvenile Record Expunction

Juvenile offenses in Florida are treated differently, with specific rules and procedures for expunging these records. Understanding these unique requirements is essential for young individuals seeking to clear their records.

https://youtu.be/6uKzAY-TabE

Impact on Driving Privileges

Expunging a criminal record in Florida may not directly affect one's driver's license, but certain offenses can independently impact driving privileges.

Success Stories and Testimonials

Learning from the experiences of others who have successfully navigated the expungement process can be both inspiring and informative.

The Benefits of a Clean Slate

Expungement offers numerous benefits, including the removal of the stigma associated with a criminal record. This can open doors to better employment and housing opportunities, among others.

Detailed Look at Florida Expungement Statutes

For those seeking in-depth knowledge, diving into specific Florida statutes related to expungement can provide clarity on legal requirements and procedures.

The Path to Clearing Your Criminal Record

The journey to expunging or sealing a criminal record in Florida may be challenging, but understanding the process and seeking the right help can lead to a successful outcome.

In Conclusion

Expungement in Florida offers a valuable opportunity for individuals to move forward in life without the burden of a criminal record. While the process can be complex, understanding the steps, costs, and benefits can make the journey more navigable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the first step in starting the expungement process in Florida? Can I expunge a felony record in Florida? How long does the expungement process typically take in Florida? Are there any offenses that cannot be expunged in Florida? Can expungement in Florida impact my employment opportunities?

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leroylawpa · 2 years ago

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Organized Crime Laws in West Palm Beach

Quick Highlights

Organized crime refers to a structure of highly centralized enterprises set up to engage in illegal activities.

It's a serious criminal offense, attracting severe penalties under Florida law.

In a hypothetical case, the ramifications of this crime are demonstrated, driving home the complexity of dealing with such offenses.

The State of Florida has stringent penalties and provides a set of defenses for the crime.

The importance of hiring a competent criminal attorney like those at LeRoy Law cannot be overstated.

Breaking Down the Concept of Organized Crime

Organized crime, a term that might instantly make one think of old gangster movies and smoke-filled backrooms, actually denotes a severe crime that continues to afflict many parts of the world, including our own West Palm Beach. Organized crime is the name given to enterprises that are highly centralized and systematically set up to engage in illegal activities. Often, these criminal organizations engage in various criminal behaviors, such as extortion, racketeering, and drug trafficking, to name a few.

A Glimpse into a Hypothetical Case of Organized Crime

Let's delve into a hypothetical case to understand this crime's gravity better. Consider a situation where an organized group based in West Palm Beach has been operating a clandestine drug trafficking ring. The group is well-structured, with a clear hierarchy of command and control. They use a network of local businesses as fronts to launder their ill-gotten proceeds. After an extensive investigation, local law enforcement agents succeeded in exposing the operation and arrested several individuals connected with the group.

Penalties for Organized Crime in Florida

In Florida, the consequences of participating in organized crime can be very severe. The penalties depend on the extent of the crime and the perpetrator's role in the organization. Here is a snapshot of some of the penalties as provided under the Florida Statutes:

Imprisonment: The crime may attract a prison sentence of up to 30 years or life, depending on the severity and nature of the crime.

Fines: Monetary penalties could be as high as $15,000 or even more in certain circumstances.

Probation: A person convicted could be placed on probation for a specified period.

Forfeiture: Assets obtained through the organization's criminal activities may be seized or forfeited.

Florida Statute 895.03 provides a comprehensive outline of these penalties.

Potential Criminal Defenses in Florida

Just as there are penalties for engaging in organized crime, Florida law also provides a set of defenses to be used when accused of such a crime. These defenses can be complex and require the experience and knowledge of a seasoned attorney. They may include:

Lack of knowledge: The defendant wasn't aware of the organization's illegal activities.

No participation: The defendant didn't participate in the organization's illegal activities.

Wrongful identification: The defendant was incorrectly identified as a participant in the crime.

Insufficient evidence: The evidence presented by the prosecution does not meet the required standard to establish guilt.

LeRoy Law: Your Ally in Trying Times

If you are accused of being involved in an organized crime, remember you don't have to face it alone. At LeRoy Law, we understand the complexities of these charges and stand ready to advocate for you. With a deep understanding of the Florida legal landscape and a commitment to protect your rights, we will tirelessly work towards the best possible outcome for your case. Don't hesitate to contact us at LeRoy Law for help with your organized crime charge.

FAQs

1. Can a minor be charged with organized crime in Florida?

Yes, minors can be charged with organized crime if they are involved in the group's illegal activities. However, the juvenile justice system, which often focuses more on rehabilitation than punishment, typically handles their cases.

2. Can I be charged if I didn't know the group I was involved with was engaging in criminal activities?

Yes, you can be charged. However, lack of knowledge can be a viable defense under Florida law, but proving this in court will require skilled legal representation.

3. How does the RICO Act relate to organized crime?

The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act is a federal law designed to combat organized crime nationwide. It allows the leaders of a syndicate to be tried for the crimes they ordered others to do or assisted them in doing.

4. Can I be charged with organized crime if forced into it?

Coercion could be used as a potential defense, but it will require substantial evidence to support it. If you were forced or threatened into participating, discussing this with your attorney is crucial.

5. What role does a grand jury play in organized crime cases?

A grand jury often plays a significant role in organized crime cases. They are typically responsible for deciding whether there is enough evidence to charge someone with a crime.

Closing Thoughts

Remember, being charged with a crime doesn't mean you're guilty. With the help of experienced legal counsel like those at LeRoy Law, you can fight for your rights and future. Don't face this battle alone. Reach out to LeRoy Law today.

Disclaimer: LeRoy Law tries to ensure the accuracy of this article. However, Florida Statutes change, caselaw changes, and as such, errors may occur. LeRoy Law assumes no responsibility for any errors or omissions in this article. LeRoy Law encourages you to utilize the links we provide to relevant Florida Statutes. Contact my office directly at [561.290.2730] if you have any questions or require legal assistance.

#West Palm Beach Criminal Attorney #Josh LeRoy #LeRoy Law #Organized Crime #Criminal Defense #Florida law #legal assistance #Know Your Rights #Fight For Justice #Criminal Charges

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beardedmrbean · 3 years ago

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Nicole Jackson-Maldonado, the teen accused of breaking into a house and shooting at deputies, told a friend that prosecutors have offered her a plea deal that would send her to state prison for 20 years.

That would be a starkly different outcome for her than that of the now 13-year-old boy who ran away with her on June 1, 2021, from the Florida United Methodist Children's Home in Enterprise and faced the same charges. The boy could be free from a juvenile facility in less than three years.

"They're trying to force her into a plea bargain of 20 years in prison. All that is going to do is ruin that child's life," said Jean Bailey, a DeLand woman who has befriended the teen and often talks to her by telephone.

Bailey said that Jackson-Maldonado, who was 14 at the time of her arrest, told her of the 20-year prison offer during one of those talks. The teen would be placed on probation following her release.

Jackson-Maldonado's public defender Larry Avallone declined comment after a hearing.

7th Circuit State Attorney R.J. Larizza's spokesman Assistant State Attorney Bryan Shorstein declined to comment on the plea offer as well.

"It isn't appropriate for our offices to discuss plea offers on open cases," he said. "We will save our comments for the courtroom."

Jackson-Maldonado, who turned 15 in jail, was charged in adult court with attempted first-degree murder of a law enforcement officer (firearm), burglary of a dwelling while armed, and criminal mischief causing damage of $1,000 or more. Those were the same charges the boy plead to. Since he was charged as a juvenile, The News-Journal is not naming him.

The first two charges are punishable by up to life in prison, but since Jackson-Maldonado is a juvenile her sentence would be reviewed and she could be released after serving 25 years.

The boy was adjudicated guilty in March in juvenile court and was sent to a maximum-risk commitment program, where youths generally spend 18 to 36 months in a facility depending on their behavior and response to treatment. When the boy leaves the facility he will be on conditional release, a juvenile version of probation.

Jackson-Maldonado has been held without bond at the Volusia County Branch Jail since her release from a hospital several days after the incident in which she was shot by deputies after she walked out of the house with a firearm and pointed it at them, according to reports. No deputies were shot in the incident.

She appeared in adult court on Thursday before Circuit Judge Elizabeth Blackburn for a case management hearing.

Avallone told the judge that they were still taking depositions in the case. Assistant State Attorney Sarah Thomas agreed that they needed more time.

Blackburn set a hearing for June 8 at which time the judge said they would have a better idea of whether the case was headed for a trial.

That's where the teen should take the case: to trial, said Bailey. She said that she spoke to Jackson-Maldonado seven times on Wednesday, because the girl was nervous about Thursday's court hearing.

#nunyas news

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orbemnews · 4 years ago

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These are the people at the center of the Derek Chauvin trial His death sparked protests across the United States, with demonstrators calling for justice in the death of the 46-year-old Black man. Chauvin is on trial on charges of second-degree unintentional murder and second-degree manslaughter. Here are some people at the center of Chauvin’s trial. In Houston, where Floyd grew up, people called him by his last name. He worked security at a restaurant, and had a reputation for being dependable — there for people when they were down. “He’s a gentle giant, he don’t hurt anybody,” his brother, Philonise Floyd, told CNN last year. Floyd grew up in Houston’s Third Ward where he played basketball and football growing up. He played basketball at South Florida State College between 1993 and 1995. He moved to Minnesota for work and to drive trucks, according to friend and former NBA player Stephen Jackson. Floyd has two daughters, the youngest of whom is 6, according to Jackson. Since his death, Floyd has become a symbol for a global movement demanding change in policing and the treatment of Black and Brown people. Pictures of him, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and Rashard Brooks circulated on social media last year, with their faces becoming associated with the Black Lives Matter movement. They were also immortalized on murals across the country. Derek Chauvin An 18-year veteran of the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD), Chauvin was held at a maximum security prison for about five months until he posted bail in October 2020. He is facing charges of second-degree unintentional murder and second-degree manslaughter. Days after he knelt on Floyd’s neck, it was found that Chauvin had 18 prior complaints filed against him with the Minneapolis Police Department’s Internal Affairs Division, according to the department. The heavily redacted personnel files released by police detail a 2007 complaint from a woman alleging that Chauvin pulled her from her car, searched her and placed her in the back of a squad car for going 10 miles an hour over the speed limit. Chauvin’s personnel file also shows when he applied for a job with the department, he said he served in the US Army as a member of the military police and had worked as a custom protection officer for a security services company. The files note Chauvin worked for McDonald’s and another restaurant in the mid-1990’s. Chauvin was initially hired by the police department as a community service officer in January 2001, and served for about eight months before he was promoted to police officer, the personnel files show. The former officer has kept a low profile since Floyd’s death. Not too much is known about his personal life — but a former club owner told CNN last summer that Chauvin worked as an off-duty police officer for El Nuevo Rodeo club for nearly 17 years. Floyd also worked at the club, but it is unclear whether the two ever worked together or even knew each other. An attorney for Chauvin’s wife filed for a dissolution of marriage the day after he was arrested. The other three officers on the scene Thomas Lane Lane, one of the officers who helped restrain Floyd, had been on the police force for four days when Floyd died, according to Lane’s attorney Earl Gray. Lane joined MPD as a cadet in February 2019. He does not have a history of complaints. Lane earned a bachelor’s degree in criminology from the University of Minnesota in 2016 and then worked as a juvenile corrections officer for Hennepin County and as an assistant probation officer. Lane’s police application states he previously worked as a server and bartender at various restaurants and was a sales associate at Home Depot. Under volunteer experience, Lane listed that he helps Somali youth in the Cedar Riverside neighborhood with their homework and tutors them in science and math activities. He was fired from MPD in the aftermath of Floyd’s death. J. Alexander Kueng One of the officers who helped restrain Floyd, Kueng was working his third shift when Floyd died, Chauvin was his training officer, according to Kueng’s attorney, Thomas Plunkett. Kueng was hired by MPD in December 2019 and joined the department as a cadet in February 2019. He had no prior complaints and earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Minnesota, according to his personnel file. In his job application, Kueng said he worked as an asset protection detective for Macy’s from 2014 to 2017 and in a temporary job with Target. He listed that he can speak, read and write Russian. He was fired from MPD in the aftermath of Floyd’s death. Tou Thao Thao stood near the other officers as they restrained Floyd. He had been with MPD since 2012 before being fired in the aftermath of Floyd’s death. MPD documents show he had six complaints filed with internal affairs, five of which were closed without discipline as of last year. Thao worked as a security guard, a stocker at a grocery store and trainer at McDonald’s before becoming a police officer. He attended the North Hennepin Community College and was working toward an associate degree in law enforcement, but he did not graduate, his personnel file shows. Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill Cahill, the judge presiding over the Chauvin case, was appointed to the Fourth Judicial Circuit in 2007 and has won reelection three times. His current term expires in 2027, according to his profile on the Minnesota Judicial Branch website. Cahill has more than 30 years of experience practicing law in Minnesota and has taught at the University of Minnesota Law School, Mitchell Hamline School of Law and the University of St. Thomas Law School, according to his profile. Eric Nelson, defense attorney According to CNN affiliate WCCO-TV, Nelson has blasted prosecutors, saying the way in which they have presented evidence has been unorganized and delayed. Because of this, Nelson asked Cahill in December to push back the start of the trial. In January, Cahill set the date for the trial and ruled Chauvin would be tried separately. Chauvin’s defense attorney has not made comments to CNN about the trial. Keith Ellison, lead prosecutor Gov. Tim Walz decided last June to hand the Floyd investigation and case to Ellison, who is a former US congressman. Ellison will serve as the lead for the prosecution team, according to a release from his office. The presenting attorneys for the case include Assistant Attorney General Matthew Frank, Jerry Blackwell and Steve Schleicher. In 2006, Ellison became the first Muslim American elected to Congress. His tenure ended in 2019, when he was sworn in as Minnesota’s attorney general, according to the attorney general’s website. When he was tapped to lead the prosecution in the Floyd case, Ellison admitted police officers are difficult for prosecutors to convict even in what the public might view as the most clear-cut cases. “Trying this case will not be an easy thing,” Ellison said last June. “Winning a conviction will be hard.” Since then, Ellison’s team has worked to reinstate the third-degree murder charge that was dropped in October and move the trial to June because of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Minnesota Appeals Court ruled March 5 that a lower court should reconsider the motion to reinstate the charge. It is not clear what impact, if any, the ruling could have on the trial’s start date. Matthew Frank, presenting prosecutor Frank is the assistant attorney general of Minnesota. Ellison appointed Frank as the lead presenting prosecutor of Chauvin’s case in June 2020. He has served in the attorney general’s office for 21 years, spending the past 14 as the manager of the criminal division, according to a news release from the attorney general’s office. Before he was a member of the attorney general’s office, he was a public defender in Anoka and Sherburne counties and an assistant county attorney in Wright County, according to the news release. He obtained his law degree from Hamline University School of Law, now Mitchell Hamline School of Law. Source link Orbem News #Center #Chauvin #Derek #DerekChauvin:Thesearethepeopleatthecenterofthetrial-CNN #People #trial #us

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dipulb3 · 4 years ago

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These are the people at the center of the Derek Chauvin trial

New Post has been published on https://appradab.com/these-are-the-people-at-the-center-of-the-derek-chauvin-trial/

These are the people at the center of the Derek Chauvin trial

His death sparked protests across the United States, with demonstrators calling for justice in the death of the 46-year-old Black man. Chauvin is on trial on charges of second-degree unintentional murder and second-degree manslaughter.

Here are some people at the center of Chauvin’s trial.

In Houston, where Floyd grew up, people called him by his last name. He worked security at a restaurant, and had a reputation for being dependable — there for people when they were down.

“He’s a gentle giant, he don’t hurt anybody,” his brother, Philonise Floyd, told Appradab last year.

Floyd grew up in Houston’s Third Ward where he played basketball and football growing up. He played basketball at South Florida State College between 1993 and 1995.

He moved to Minnesota for work and to drive trucks, according to friend and former NBA player Stephen Jackson. Floyd has two daughters, the youngest of whom is 6, according to Jackson.

Since his death, Floyd has become a symbol for a global movement demanding change in policing and the treatment of Black and Brown people. Pictures of him, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and Rashard Brooks circulated on social media last year, with their faces becoming associated with the Black Lives Matter movement. They were also immortalized on murals across the country.

Derek Chauvin

An 18-year veteran of the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD), Chauvin was held at a maximum security prison for about five months until he posted bail in October 2020.

He is facing charges of second-degree unintentional murder and second-degree manslaughter.

Days after he knelt on Floyd’s neck, it was found that Chauvin had 18 prior complaints filed against him with the Minneapolis Police Department’s Internal Affairs Division, according to the department.

The heavily redacted personnel files released by police detail a 2007 complaint from a woman alleging that Chauvin pulled her from her car, searched her and placed her in the back of a squad car for going 10 miles an hour over the speed limit.

Chauvin’s personnel file also shows when he applied for a job with the department, he said he served in the US Army as a member of the military police and had worked as a custom protection officer for a security services company. The files note Chauvin worked for McDonald’s and another restaurant in the mid-1990’s.

Chauvin was initially hired by the police department as a community service officer in January 2001, and served for about eight months before he was promoted to police officer, the personnel files show.

The former officer has kept a low profile since Floyd’s death. Not too much is known about his personal life — but a former club owner told Appradab last summer that Chauvin worked as an off-duty police officer for El Nuevo Rodeo club for nearly 17 years.

Floyd also worked at the club, but it is unclear whether the two ever worked together or even knew each other.

An attorney for Chauvin’s wife filed for a dissolution of marriage the day after he was arrested.

The other three officers on the scene

Thomas Lane

Lane, one of the officers who helped restrain Floyd, had been on the police force for four days when Floyd died, according to Lane’s attorney Earl Gray.

Lane joined MPD as a cadet in February 2019. He does not have a history of complaints.

Lane earned a bachelor’s degree in criminology from the University of Minnesota in 2016 and then worked as a juvenile corrections officer for Hennepin County and as an assistant probation officer.

Lane’s police application states he previously worked as a server and bartender at various restaurants and was a sales associate at Home Depot. Under volunteer experience, Lane listed that he helps Somali youth in the Cedar Riverside neighborhood with their homework and tutors them in science and math activities.

He was fired from MPD in the aftermath of Floyd’s death.

J. Alexander Kueng

One of the officers who helped restrain Floyd, Kueng was working his third shift when Floyd died, Chauvin was his training officer, according to Kueng’s attorney, Thomas Plunkett.

Kueng was hired by MPD in December 2019 and joined the department as a cadet in February 2019.

He had no prior complaints and earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Minnesota, according to his personnel file.

In his job application, Kueng said he worked as an asset protection detective for Macy’s from 2014 to 2017 and in a temporary job with Target. He listed that he can speak, read and write Russian.

He was fired from MPD in the aftermath of Floyd’s death.

Tou Thao

Thao stood near the other officers as they restrained Floyd. He had been with MPD since 2012 before being fired in the aftermath of Floyd’s death.

MPD documents show he had six complaints filed with internal affairs, five of which were closed without discipline as of last year.

Thao worked as a security guard, a stocker at a grocery store and trainer at McDonald’s before becoming a police officer. He attended the North Hennepin Community College and was working toward an associate degree in law enforcement, but he did not graduate, his personnel file shows.

Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill

Cahill, the judge presiding over the Chauvin case, was appointed to the Fourth Judicial Circuit in 2007 and has won reelection three times. His current term expires in 2027, according to his profile on the Minnesota Judicial Branch website.

Cahill has more than 30 years of experience practicing law in Minnesota and has taught at the University of Minnesota Law School, Mitchell Hamline School of Law and the University of St. Thomas Law School, according to his profile.

Eric Nelson, defense attorney

According to Appradab affiliate WCCO-TV, Nelson has blasted prosecutors, saying the way in which they have presented evidence has been unorganized and delayed.

Because of this, Nelson asked Cahill in December to push back the start of the trial. In January, Cahill set the date for the trial and ruled Chauvin would be tried separately.

Chauvin’s defense attorney has not made comments to Appradab about the trial.

Keith Ellison, lead prosecutor

Gov. Tim Walz decided last June to hand the Floyd investigation and case to Ellison, who is a former US congressman.

Ellison will serve as the lead for the prosecution team, according to a release from his office. The presenting attorneys for the case include Assistant Attorney General Matthew Frank, Jerry Blackwell and Steve Schleicher.

In 2006, Ellison became the first Muslim American elected to Congress. His tenure ended in 2019, when he was sworn in as Minnesota’s attorney general, according to the attorney general’s website.

When he was tapped to lead the prosecution in the Floyd case, Ellison admitted police officers are difficult for prosecutors to convict even in what the public might view as the most clear-cut cases.

“Trying this case will not be an easy thing,” Ellison said last June. “Winning a conviction will be hard.”

Since then, Ellison’s team has worked to reinstate the third-degree murder charge that was dropped in October and move the trial to June because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Minnesota Appeals Court ruled March 5 that a lower court should reconsider the motion to reinstate the charge. It is not clear what impact, if any, the ruling could have on the trial’s start date.

Matthew Frank, presenting prosecutor

Frank is the assistant attorney general of Minnesota. Ellison appointed Frank as the lead presenting prosecutor of Chauvin’s case in June 2020.

He has served in the attorney general’s office for 21 years, spending the past 14 as the manager of the criminal division, according to a news release from the attorney general’s office.

Before he was a member of the attorney general’s office, he was a public defender in Anoka and Sherburne counties and an assistant county attorney in Wright County, according to the news release. He obtained his law degree from Hamline University School of Law, now Mitchell Hamline School of Law.

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blog-researchblog · 5 years ago

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Policing with dogs

by Ali Stein

Summary of 7 questions:

With family in the field fueling my interests, I want a profession in the K-9 unit on the federal level. Using the "Seven Powerful Questions To Help You Figure Out What You Want To Do With Your Life" article on lifehack.com helped me narrow down which professions in the field I would want to end up in. I am not sure specifically what job within this area but I know for sure that my goal is to be in the K-9 unit. The profession of my choice ties into what I value most. I love working with animals, I have always wanted to work with and be around animals my whole life. During high school I volunteered at an animal hospital and from that I am educated on how to care for and treat animals. Another factor my desired profession ties with is the fact that I am a criminal justice major and enjoy learning more about policing, the history and how the criminal justice system works. Each class I become more passionate about having a career in law enforcement.

Occupational outlook handbook entry summary:

In order to learn the latest information of this field, I consulted the Occupational Outlook Handbook. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook entry entitled "Police and Detectives", the employment of police and detectives is projected to grow 5% from the years 2018- 2028. Depending on location, local and state budgets the demand for employment varies. Although, crimes rates have fallen in recent years the demand for police services is still expected to continue improving and maintaining public safety. The education requirements vary from a high school diploma or equivalent. Most federal agencies and some police departments do require some college coursework or a college degree. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, (the FBI), will require a bachelor’s degree for prospective detectives and investigators. The training is usually to attend an academy. For the FBI, special agents will go through more extensive training than local or state police officers. To become a detective, you will typically have to begin your career as a police officer. To have a better opportunity to get these jobs applicants should have a bachelor’s degree and law enforcement or military experience, investigative experience and well as being able to speak more than one language. The number of job opportunities can vary from place to place as well as year to year because the level of government spending determines the level of employment for police and detectives. With the detective and criminal investigators profession, the industry with the highest level of employment is Local Government, excluding schools and hospitals (OES Designation). The number of employment in May 2018 was 42,360. The hourly mean wage was $34.78 with the annual mean wage of $72,340. The top paying industry is the Federal Executive Branch (OES Designation). The hourly mean wage was $52.29 and annual mean wage was $108,770. The state with the highest employment for detectives and criminal investigators is Texas with 15,930 employees in May 2018. The top paying area for this occupation is the District of Columbia paying employees $58.87 and an annual wage of $122,460. For the occupation of police and sheriff’s patrol officers, the state with the highest employment level is California with 72,680 employees. Their average hourly wage was $48.74 in May of 2018. Their annual mean wage was $101,380. California is the top paying state for this occupation. The San Jose, Sunnyvale and Santa Clara area is the top paying metropolitan areas, which are in the state of California. The metropolitan area with the highest employment level is the New York, Newark, and Jersey city area in the states of New York and New Jersey. The median annual wage for police and detectives in May 2018 was $81,920. The occupation of police and sheriff’s patrol officers was $61,380.

Current events summary:

In the past, the New York Police Department has taken DNA profiles from people who have been arrested and interrogated, but not charged for a crime. The New York Times article, “N.Y.P.D. To Remove DNA Profiles of Non-Criminals From Database”, tells us that the police say they will go through all of the DNA samples in the database and remove all that have not been linked to a crime in a law enforcement investigation or ongoing prosecution or they have not been convicted. There are about 82,000 people in the database and the police are going to start expunging some of those people who have never been convicted of a crime. In this article, an example is provided of how keeping DNA samples from people who were acquitted of the crimes they were suspects of, a minor to be exact. The police took a sample from a 12-year-old boy two years ago by offering him a McDonald’s soda and putting his DNA on the straw into the system when the boy left. The boy’s parents petitioned a court to get it removed. The new rule of DNA collection will curb any collection of DNA from children and teenagers. Although, if a juvenile is connected to a more serious crime for example, a felony, sex crime, firearms crime or a hate crime, investigators will be allowed to collect a DNA sample with consent from the parents aswell as the minor, both can object. This is new because in the past investigators were not required to have permission from a minor or minor’s parent or guardian before taking a sample from the minor. The state laws of New York say there must be a conviction before a sample of DNA can be collected and put into the state-operated DNA data bank. The debate that started this change is how it could be seen to infringe people’s privacy. People feel uncomfortable with the fact law enforcement investigators were taking samples of their DNA without consent. This topic interests me because I want to learn more about the investigation side of law enforcement. I chose this article because I did not know how law enforcement investigators obtained the DNA evidence from suspects. The subject of this current event article relates directly to my possible choice of career path because my ideal career path is in law enforcement. I want to work with police officers and partake in criminal investigations. From this current event article I have learned that the rules of obtaining a sample of DNA from a suspect have changed. Police officers are no longer allowed to “trick” suspects into giving them a sample of their DNA, they must get permission if the suspect is a minor from them and their guardians. Also, there has to be a conviction before obtaining the evidence. I would still need to know more about how the database works and how the lab testing works.

A Look Into a Florida Detective’s life:

Would you ever think you could get a whole second family from a job? That is what it’s like if you go into the field of policing. A whole team willing to die for each other to keep the public safe. Curious to learn more about my preferred profession going into law enforcement, I contacted my cousin who is a detective in Broward County, Florida. Growing up in a family with a wide range of jobs in the law enforcement field, and listening to their stories, I felt a call to become a law enforcement officer of some sort. I was not sure what specific profession at first but I did know I want to be just like my family members in the field. During our conversation, my cousins explained how he joined the field for the same reasons I want to.

Thinking about his future, my cousin followed in the footsteps of older family members into the police academy for a stable job with health benefits, a pension and the ability to move up throughout his career. He started out as a police officer doing road patrol, like everyone has to start out as when entering the field, and is now a detective of three years. He does not regret it at all. He says “This is a great job. You really become a family with your shift. Civilians don’t think about it but we would run into gun fire for each other. We would literally fight and die for each other and we all know that. It really is a brotherhood and I love that.”. How many other employees can say that about their job?

Being a detective, your day on the job is very busy. Especially if you live in a large city like Broward County. My cousin gave a step by step run down of his work day. Usually his caseload is between 20-40 cases at a time! When he gets into the office he checks to see if there are any new cases that came overnight. After he makes any calls that are necessary. It seems like a normal day in any office so far, until he has to talk to either victims, suspects, witnesses or criminals. While carrying out the detective work aspect, if there is probable cause for a suspect’s arrest, my cousin and his team will go out and locate the suspect for their arrest. If the suspect is convicted of crimes after being informed of their Miranda rights, they are interviewed by the detectives, then, the detectives will provide the State Attorney's Office with the evidence and possible recordings or the interview with them. Much different than any other profession. These are the people that take the bad guys off the streets for the good of the public. Everyday my cousin and every other law enforcement officer are keeping civilians safe.

A day in the life of a detective or anyone in this field is not as easy as some people perceive. First responders are the people we call whenever something bad happens, they see the worst. Their job is rewarding, however it gets depressing at times. So much exposure can really take a toll on someone. Talking about the environment of the job, my cousin says this, “The environment can be great. Like I said we are a family. There are also times where it can be sad or depressing. We see the worst in people. We see dead bodies. Major car wrecks where people are severely injured. It can also be rewarding. You can save someone’s life by giving them CPR. You can catch a burglar and get someone their prized possession back. We work in the heat, in the rain, we get dirty, we get bloody and then we have to pretend it never happened. We have to go to the next call and handle it professionally no matter if the whole time we’re talking to the caller we see the face of the dead baby from the last call in our head. The car is our office. We work long nights. Sometimes we can’t go home. But there is no other job like it and there is no other family I would rather be a part of.”. There really is no better way to describe what could possibly happen in a day on this sort of job.

There is always something going on in this field in relation to current events. My cousin said there are many issues arising around the law enforcement field. Nowadays police officers are being made out to be the bad guys when they put their lives on the line to protect the rest of the public. This is putting a negative connotation around police officers making less people want to go into this field. This is eventually going to cause crime levels to rise if they have not already.

My cousin and all of my family members in this field have made my desire to enter this field even bigger. From hearing their stories, seeing how proud and honorable they look in uniform and the respect they get and very much so deserve seems so rewarding and worth all of the hard work and dedication.

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minkakcllyrps · 8 years ago

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LAW SCHOOL 101

I am basing the following off of my experience as a law student at a Florida school. Keep in mind that schools within the same state may run differently and, especially, schools throughout the country may run differently.

Firstly, law school is in a building (or a cluster of buildings) separate from the undergrad campus, so you’ll have zero interaction with undergrad.

Law school is 3 years. The “freshmen” equivalent is 1L; “sophomore” is 2L; “junior” is 3L. The entire 1L class is split up into three sections. Your section will have every single class together (these are required courses) and by the end of the year, you will know every single person in your section. Law school is a lot like high school in this sense (we actually refer to my school as Levin High rather than Levin College of Law).

Required courses for 1L:

Civil Procedure

Basically, the rules of litigation

Torts

Honestly, it’s really hard to define a tort but Googling could be helpful!

Legal Writing

You’ll learn how to write a legal brief

Legal Research (this is the only class that lasts the whole year, but it is only 7 weeks of each semester)

You’ll learn how to effectively utilize legal research websites to find cases related to your research question

Appellate Advocacy

You’ll learn how to conduct an oral argument

Property

Pretty much what it says... rules of property law

Contracts

Once again, pretty much what it says

Introduction to Lawyering

I think it’s rare for a school to have this class, but we basically had an brief intro to the legal field. The only thing I took away from this course is that attorneys are #1 alcoholics. Seriously.

Criminal Law

Again, rules of criminal law

Required courses for 2L:

Professional Responsibility

You’ll learn the Model Rules of Professional Conduct, which is a large part of the Bar exam

Legal Drafting

You’ll learn how to draft a pleading, contract, and responses

Other than the above two, every other class will be electives.

3L: All electives! Students typically have secured post-grad jobs the summer before their 3L year and will therefore choose light classes to take during 3L. Students will especially choose light classes if they are on Law Review, Trial Team, or Moot Court (discussed below).

Outlines:

At the end of the semester, students outline their entire course using the book and their class notes because most exams will be open book and professors will allow you to bring in your outline. These outlines vary in page length from 15 pages to 100 depending on how detailed the student wants to be.

There are also commercial outlines you can purchase, but these are usually used as a study aid rather than in place of your own outline since they’ll never be detailed to your specific course.

Social Life:

Our school has something known as JMBA, which is basically a part organization. They plan events like Woodser (drinking in the woods, Google it), Barrister’s Ball (pretty much every law school does this, Google it), Thirsty Thursdays, Halloween Party, etc.

Once again, everyone knows everyone. It’s like high school, which isn’t always a good thing. SO MANY CLIQUES! Also, depending on the school, students can be REALLY competitive. Fortunately, this was not the case at my school.

Student Orgs:

You name it, there’s a student org for it. Each organization is run by an executive board and each e-board is elected at the end of the spring semester each year.

Student orgs will also hold socials (sometimes combining with other student orgs) to help garner attention of new students.

Co-Curriculars:

Law Review

This is a big fucking deal in the legal world. Practitioners LOVE to hire students who were on Law Review.

To join Law Review, you have to participate in a competition that takes place the summer after your 1L year. This competition includes a writing portion (usually, writing a court opinion based on the facts they give you, using the case law they give you) and a portion in which you edit citations). If you make it onto Law Review, you remain on it until you graduate, so for two years (2L and 3L).

Basically, you spend an entire two years editing journal articles. Specifically, you edit the citations of an author’s article to make sure that they conform with the rules in the Bluebook (like MLA, Chicago, etc. for lawyers).

Law Review also has an e-board, as it is an entirely student run journal.

Other Journals

These function the same as Law Review, but are not as big of a fucking deal as the Law Review. Employers still like seeing these journals on resumes.

Moot Court

I was on Law Review and not Moot Court or Trial Team, so credit goes to hunterrps for the following descriptions of these co-curriculars.

So starting out, Moot Court can be a whole lot of fun, but they are also a ton of work. First year students are not allowed to be part of the Moot Court teams usually due to time restraints and general allocation of time and energy needed. There are tons of different subjects for Moot Courts so you can have some fun with that. The ones I have seen deal with animal law, LGBT law, civil rights, and environmental law, but there are many more out there. Problems are distributed based on that particular Moot Court’s time so teams could be working on their brief during the school year, during the summer break, or even during winter break. You will also receive a team number as everything is supposed to be anonymous regarding where each brief is from and what school the team members are from. The important thing to remember about Moot Court is that it is appellate style arguing. What that means is that it is not the kind of trial where you call up witnesses or submit evidence to the court. Moot Court will receive a problem at the designated time and then they are expected to write a brief as if they were writing it to the Supreme Court of the United States. This brief is due on a certain day where it will be tagged with your team number and then after that it’s all about practicing for oral arguments. When you get to the oral arguments section, that’s where things can get really fun. Most Moot Courts will let you argue off-brief meaning that you do not have to stick to every argument that you put in your brief. This allows you to read other team’s submissions (anonymously, of course) and evolve your legal argument as you see fit to win the case. Most Moot Courts operate in two rounds, one on-brief argument and one off-brief argument, so your team will have to have practiced arguing both sides of the case. Usually, off-brief is the hardest just because it is the side that is newest for the team to argue. While giving your oral argument, the judges will stop you and ask questions usually to elaborate the argument or provide challenges for your argument. Each team member receives fifteen minutes to argue and Petitioners are allowed to reserve usually up to three minutes from either teammate’s time for rebuttal.

Trial Team

Trial Team is run similarly to Moot Court as far as tryouts go and the whole team preparation, but this is where it is an actual trial rather than appellate level. The type of case often rotates between criminal and civil each year. During the Trial Team competition, students will be given the fact scenario and spend a lot of time working through how they will question witnesses, present evidence, and prepare to object to anything the opposition tries to bring in that is inappropriate. Trial Team is a great way to really put the rules of evidence to work and see a practical use for them. Witnesses and jury members are usually provided at the school that is hosting the competition which is why it is important for each team member to know how to direct their questioning and be prepared for everything. Students will also be expected to perform a voir dire on the prospective jury members as well as before the trial begins. A voir dire is when attorneys ask questions to the jury to figure out if that particular jury member will be favorable or unfavorable to the client in an attempt to construct either a balanced or slightly beneficial jury for their side. From there, it goes on as a regular trial with members calling up their witnesses and paying close attention to each question asked or piece of evidence introduced.

Note: you shouldn’t try to join more than one co-curricular unless you have a death wish because they are very time consuming.

Clinics:

There are different types of clinics you can apply to join. Some examples of clinics we have at my school include the Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Clinic, the Criminal Defense Clinic, the Juvenile Clinic, and the Family Advocacy Clinic. Basically, if you're accepted to join a clinic, it acts as a class for one semester and it's worth up to six hours. You have office hours during which you meet with clients and you will also be going to court to represent this clients under the supervision of whichever professor heads your specific clinic. In order to join a clinic, you first need to apply for CLI Clearance from the Bar, which means that you are cleared for the Character & Fitness portion of the Bar (which helps you out later on when you're applying to take the Bar).

Jobs:

The most stressful part of law school, no doubt.

During your second year, you will be interviewing non-stop for a summer job. Summer jobs are the key to success, whether it’s with a non-profit, the State Attorney’s office, Public Defender, a firm, or as a clerk for a judge.

Most of these interviews with take place on campus in a process known as OCI (on campus interviews). Basically, employers post on a school-affiliated website that they’re interested in hiring from your school, you go on and “bid” on the employer by submitting whatever they ask of you (usually, a resume, cover letter, writing sample, sometimes references), and the employer decides whether or not they want to accept your bid and interview you.

An interview does not equal a job. I repeat, an interview does not equal a job. During my 2L year, I had probably 27 interviews, got 2 callbacks (the firm wants you to come to them and meet the rest of the office to see if you’d make a good fit), and wound up with 1 offer (the firm I’ll be working for after graduation, which is why a summer job is so important!).

There is so much competition and not enough jobs in the legal field, so your character should not automatically get a job unless they have some really good connections in the legal field.

Usually, if you impress your summer employer, they’ll give you an offer to work there postgrad and you can spend your 3L year knowing that grades no longer matter! Otherwise, it’s back to the drawing board and OCI, plus websites like Monster.com, will be your new best friend.

The Bar:

The Bar exam is administered in July and February, though most graduates will take it in July.

You do not need to stress out about the Bar until May, usually after you graduate, at which point you should be treating studying for the Bar like a full time job. Bar prep courses are highly recommended.

The Bar exam is two days, with one day dedicated to the multi-state laws (federal) and the second day dedicated to your specific state.

This is really all that I can think of at the moment, but if you have any specific comments/questions, if you’re interested in hearing about my experience at law school, or if you’re actually interested in attending law school and want an unbiased, honest opinion on what it’s like, feel free to message me!

#guide #rph #rph guide #law school #law school guide #mine

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fspgrad · 6 years ago

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I wrote the following essay for my business internship final. I did my internship with Kohl’s. However, rather than write about Kohl’s, the instructor instead consented in allowing me to write about what I planned to do with my business degree. It was while writing this essay that my vision for an ex-offender reentry facility/program began to form. While some of the details have changed, the overall plan remains the same. It is to be my life’s work.

Ex-Offenders: An Untapped Resource of Valuable Human Capital

by Larry Sutton Jr.

25 July 2017

Good help is indeed hard to find, and according to the latest predictions, it is going to be even more difficult to find in the years to come. According to a 2017 speech on monetary policy, Janet Yellen, Chair of the Federal Reserve, said there was no conclusive evidence to indicate that the economy is experiencing a labor shortage. However, she also stated, “it is true many employers report difficulties finding qualified workers in selected occupations” (Yellen). Economists for the National Association for Business Economics have been predicting since July of 2015 that post-recession labor markets will continue to tighten as small businesses report few or qualified applicants to fill vacant positions (CNBC). During the recession, when labor markets were weak, unemployment high, and jobs scarce, companies engaged in ‘opportunistic upscaling’ meaning employers could demand higher education and qualifications from applicants. That is no longer the case in a post-recession economy. The U.S. unemployment rate is at a 10-year low of 4.4% with labor markets close to full employment (Mutikani). A reversal is taking place; jobs are now aplenty while labor is becoming scarce. Labor shortages will continue to rise since aging Baby Boomers are retiring and exiting the job market at an estimated rate of 10,000 workers per day (Kessler). The United States is not just experiencing a shortage of skilled laborers, but also a lack of unskilled laborers that are less willing to work because of chronic dependencies on social welfare programs. Many companies are providing on-the-job training programs complaining that too many millennials are graduating from high schools and colleges without any useful skills (Moore). Technological advances help the United States produce more efficiently, but they do not provide the necessary supply of skilled laborers the country needs to produce. In the past, the United States could depend upon a steady influx of foreign workers to supplement the country’s labor needs. However, governmental restrictions and policies on immigration are hindering this practice with fewer work visas being issued. As a result, the United States will be forced to work with what it has to produce the human capital it will need in years to come. An emerging trend will be to fully rehabilitate ex-offenders and successfully integrate them into the nation’s workforce. I know this to be true because as an aspiring entrepreneur, I plan to use my professional knowledge, formal education, and personal experience to create the most successful offender re-entry and prisoner aftercare facilities in the nation thereby changing the way our country currently views the incarcerated.

There are more than 2.3 million people incarcerated in America’s state and federal prisons, local jails, juvenile detention facilities, Indian Country jails, military prisons, and immigration detention centers (Wagner and Rabuy). Obtaining a definitive total for the number of people imprisoned in America can be difficult and complex since all persons incarcerated have not been convicted of an offense or crime. Many are serving sentences while others are simply awaiting bail, trial, sentencing, or deportation. Furthermore, incarceration totals fail to account for the 820,000 people on parole or the 3.8 million people on probation (Wagner and Rabuy). Incarceration in America has become an epidemic. During the first presidential Democratic debate, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders accurately stated, "Today in America, we have more people in jail than any other country on Earth. It seems to me that instead of building more jails and providing more incarceration, maybe, just maybe, we should be putting money into education and jobs for our kids” (Greenberg). Expanding education and creating more jobs in areas with high rates of crime and incarceration would be a step in the right direction. However, more needs to be done to help the 636,000 individuals released from prisons every year (Wagner and Rabuy). Correctional Institutions are not adequately preparing prisoners for release. Most leave prison without any additional skills or training. Furthermore, ex-offenders are burdened with too many barriers and restrictions upon their release making it difficult for them to integrate back into society.

Unfortunately, when a prisoner’s sentence ends the punishment continues. Finding a job and securing adequate housing can be challenging and difficult due to the tens of thousands of legal restrictions and limitations imposed upon people released from prison (Laird). Ex-offenders are often disenfranchised and excluded from society because of the collateral consequences associated with having a criminal record. It is not just social bias ex-prisoners face. Many ex-offenders leave prison burdened with steep fines, court costs, and restitution owed. For example, driver’s licenses of ex-offenders are often suspended until all fines are paid; ex-offenders cannot pay the fines without a job; and they cannot obtain a job without any skills or transportation. This is particularly a problem for people on probation or parole. To avoid violating the terms and conditions of their probation or parole which require ex-felons to pay scheduled fines and complete mandatory office visits, many will choose to break the law and drive without a license; this only sets them up for more trouble (Laird). Prisons are full of people convicted for driving on a suspended license. Incarceration is a viscous cycle; without adequate financial and family support, most ex-felons fail to escape from the revolving doors that lead in and out of the American criminal justice system. Within 5 years of being released from prison, 67.8 percent of ex-offenders are re-arrested and returned to prison (National Institute of Justice). This relapse back into criminal behavior is referred to as recidivism. There has been much study in the last decade to find promising solutions that will reduce recidivism. This has resulted in federal funding for research, grants and services for prisoner re-entry programs at select institutions across the country (Task Force for Faith-based & Community Initiatives). 2017 marked the first year of a decline since 1978 in the overall prison population by more than 15,000 inmates (Pew Trusts). Compared to the whole pie, 15,000 inmates are not a dramatic decrease. While even modest gains are a step in the right direction, there is still not enough being done to reduce recidivism to an acceptable level. States are still building prisons instead of closing them, and most of the prison population is not being taught skills that will allow them to earn a livable wage upon their release. It is also worth noting that most of these gains to reduce recidivism occurred during the presidency of Barrack Obama. Criminal justice issues were a key focus of the Obama administration (Gramlich). Former Attorney General Eric Holder enacted proposals to reduce sentences and end automatic mandatory sentencing guidelines for specific types of drug and non-violent offenses (Horwitz). That said, it would be unfair to attribute the slight decline in America’s prison population based solely on the role of prisoner re-entry programs and faith-based initiatives. Based on my own personal experiences with prisoner re-entry programs and having witnessed them firsthand, I give them little credit.

I spent 16 consecutive years incarcerated in the Florida Department of Corrections. Florida hosts the third largest state prison system in the country operating 149 facilities that house almost 100,000 inmates (FLDOC). During that time, I was detained at 17 different correctional institutions that ranged from minimum and maximum-security institutions to crisis stabilization units, work camps, medical and close-management facilities, and reception centers. Unlike a majority of the inmate population, I entered prison with a high school education and some professional job skills. This allowed me to secure some of the better job assignments. I worked several years in the education department tutoring inmates in Adult Basic Education and GED classes earning a LVA (Literacy Volunteers of Greater Augusta) certification. The most valuable experience I received while incarcerated came while working outside of the prison—I had a gate pass—for a self-funded, not-for-profit organization called PRIDE Enterprises (Prison Rehabilitative Industries and Diversified Enterprises). PRIDE operates over 25 different industries throughout the state of Florida ranging from lumber mills, metal tag plants, dental and optical laboratories to furniture and garment factories. Working in the offices of PRIDE honed my administrative skills while teaching me inventory management, operations, and production. Despite the mental, physical, and sexual abuse I suffered while incarcerated, I still managed to thrive in an environment that offers little to spur personal growth or professional improvement. I was self-motivated and determined to make the most of my sentence by learning as much as I could. I did not come from a broken home or an impoverished neighborhood like so many of the men I was locked-up with. Going to prison was not some rite of passage that for decades has become second nature, even expected, among minorities and certain segments of the U.S. population. Often, new inmates would arrive on the prison compound hundreds of miles from where they were from, and they would be greeted by multitudes of people they knew from their neighborhood including family members. This is significant because it should not be this way. Not once did I encounter someone I knew prior to my incarceration. It is rare for me to walk into my neighborhood Walmart and see anyone I know. The demographic make-up of the country’s prison population further illustrates the desperate need for extensive social reform in America. Perhaps the most important thing I learned while in prison was empathy. It is heartbreaking to be surrounded by so many talented men that will never get the opportunity to make their contribution to society simply because they were never taught basic life skills. Reforming America’s prison population is in everyone’s best interest.

Prisons are expensive to run, and there are limitations to the number of budget cuts federal and state governments can impose on prison spending without eliminating the bare necessities people need to survive: food, shelter, clothing, and medical. California, home of the country’s largest inmate population, spends an annual estimated $75,560 per inmate (Associated Press). The cost of attending one year at Harvard is $64,400; this includes tuition, room and board, books, supplies, and other fees (College Simply). Whenever I meet people from abroad, they are always amazed to learn that the United States does not offer every citizen a free college education. Taxpayer dollars could be better spent on education instead of prisons. While prisoner re-entry programs are a start, they do not accomplish enough. As previously mentioned, I have seen and experienced the state-run, federally funded, government mandated programs currently being operated within the department of corrections. The programs do not go far enough to prepare prisoners for re-entry into society. One major problem is the conflict of interest that exists with state correctional institutions that are charged with facilitating the programs. Rehabilitating inmates and reducing the prison population is not in their best interests. Prisons are the main source of jobs that fuel the economy for many small towns across America. The loss of prisons means a loss of jobs. The prison programs I experienced did only enough to fulfill federal guidelines. In most instances, the civilian instructors hired to teach educational and vocational programs were neither professionals in the field nor certified to teach. Most were simply the relative of someone working at the prison who needed a job. Generally, inmate tutors with the aid of videos and textbooks taught the courses while civilian employees served as supplemental correctional staff. Their responsibilities were to take roll, write passes, unlock materials from cabinets, and enforce institutional rules and procedures. The misappropriation of funds was something I witnessed on several occasions. I recall one vocational course in particular; it was a culinary class that was supposed to prepare and certify inmates to work in the restaurant and hospitality field. A make-shift classroom was set-up and an actual chef hired to teach the course. However, instead of learning how to prepare and cook meals with actual food and ingredients, they were given only water to work with. Participants in the course were later assigned to work in the prison’s kitchen which is deemed one of the worst jobs and a form of punishment by most inmates in the Florida Department of Corrections. This deterred others from signing up for the culinary class. I lost track of the number of correctional staff that were fired or arrested for the embezzlement of state funds or other serious acts of unethical behavior during my time of incarceration. State Correctional Agencies are not the only ones set to lose by reducing the nation’s prison population.

The privatization of America’s prisons and immigration centers has become a huge and profitable industry. Corrections Corporation of America (CCA) and the Geo Group are both publicly traded companies interested in the continued growth of mass incarceration; from 1999-2010, CCA spent a yearly average of $1.4 million lobbying federal and state officials to support the expansion of prisons and detention centers while heavily donating to political campaigns that opposed a bill to outlaw the privatization of prisons (Margulies). It was initially believed that the private sector could do a better and more efficient job of operating prisons. However, because of negligent practices, private-prison companies came under heavy scrutiny during the Obama administration with the Justice Department announcing plans to end the practice (Surowiecki). The election of Donald Trump has since scrapped those plans. President Trump believes in privatizing schools and prisons. His stance on immigration is predicted to fill detention centers many of which are operated by the private sector (Surowiecki). In contrast to Attorney General Eric Holder who believes fewer people should be sent to prison for shorter periods, President Trump believes the criminal justice system should award tougher sentences to serve as a deterrent to committing crimes (Margulies). With so much opposition against prison reform, it is easy to become discouraged. While I believe that prisoner re-entry programs are not as effective as they could be, I hope the federal government will continue to fund them. To achieve real success with prison reform, more resources need to be devoted to prisoner after-care programs and services. Ex-offenders need the most help after they leave prison. I was released from prison at 12:01 a.m. on November 19, 2015. Prison officials dropped me at the bus station with no money and an outdated resource list. Most of the places listed were either homeless shelters or halfway houses. Many of the places I called were no longer around. The Department of Family Services awarded me $16 per/month in food stamps which could not be used on hygiene products or clothing. Fortunately, I had a place to live and some family support. Finding a job with a criminal record was extremely difficult. While companies may not have an official policy against hiring ex-felons, most have an unofficial policy against doing so. My faith and trust in God is all that kept me from sticking a gun in my mouth and pulling the trigger. I knew I had to do something to counter having a criminal record, so two months later, I was sitting in a college classroom enrolled in the business management degree program at Jefferson College. Even though I had worked on computers while in prison, I had never seen the Internet or used a smartphone. Necessity has forced me to blindly fumble my way through today’s technologies. Two years after my release, I will have earned an Associate’s of Applied Science degree in business management. I have maintained a 4.0 GPA earning me placement on the Dean’s List, and I have been inducted into The National Honor Society. I am unashamed to say that it was during my coursework that God gave me the inspiration and vision to start an offender after-care program. My business courses have taught me that to create a successful business, you must first identify a need and then decide how to best fulfill that need. The United States needs a supply of skilled workers. Ex-prisoners can fill that need. Furthermore, rehabilitating former prisoners and integrating them into society provides a public good.

Prisoners are not lazy; most of them never held a job until they came to prison. They are the result of single-parent households in impoverished neighborhoods with lousy school systems that failed to teach early childhood development. Authority figures and positive role-models were absent from their lives, so they never learned basic life skills. The streets were their teacher in a society the places more value on material wealth than on personal values or principles. Their climb up the pyramid of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs never surpassed beyond fulfilling their basic physiological needs; to achieve success in life, self-actualization must occur (McLeod). This is almost impossible to achieve while incarcerated. In prison, inmates are identified by a number rather than a name—a number they recite half dozen times a day for security roll calls. Everyone is dressed the same in an environment devoid of all stimuli. Everything is painted in institutional greys, whites, and blues. The only vivid colors present belong to the shiny wrappers on the products sold in the prison inmate canteen. Wildlife and vegetation are absent on most prison compounds. Seeing a bird or squirrel often provides a special thrill. Prisons are massive human warehouses offering few distractions. Incarceration wipes away all vestiges of an individual’s identity making prisoners ideal subjects for rehabilitation. Ex-offenders re-enter society as blank slates in desperate need of programming. They must relearn their likes, tastes, and desires. These things must be properly introduced and nurtured in a positive manner. The streets can no longer be their teacher. To be successful, an offender re-entry program must be immersive, aggressive and innovative.

The program I envision picks ex-offenders up at the prison gates and brings them straight to the program. They are released from one controlled environment into another. The biggest difference being they are now residents rather than detainees. They can leave anytime they want. The key is to provide a safe and comfortable place; an environment they will not want to flee from. That is the problem with the current models for prisoner after-care programs; they are housed in places almost as dismal as prison. Society’s views that ex-felons must be given some resources but deserve only the minimum amount must end. The wealthy are provided with places akin to resorts while being treated for alcohol and drug addictions. Ex-offenders have repaid their debt to society. The punishment is over, and it must feel that way. Most ex-offenders already possess an instinct for business that can be capitalized upon. Paying jobs are scarce in prison, and many inmates receive little or no money from family and friends. Prisoners hustle to survive. They make beds or do laundry for other inmates; they run Fantasy Football leagues and betting pools, they operate their own canteens making loans and charging interest; they design, draw, and sell greeting cards; and they smuggle contraband of all types to fulfill the populations’ many vices. The currency for this competitive prison economy is usually canteen items in lieu of cash. Interestingly, most ex-offenders already have an entrepreneurial drive. Many were drug dealers prior to their incarceration. They have dealt with customers and suppliers while managing product and inventory. The program will enroll residents in college degree and certificate programs. The goal is to transform ex-offenders into professional business persons and entrepreneurs capable of operating law-abiding enterprises. In a world where ethics are increasingly becoming more of a concern, ex-prisoners understand the harsh consequences of unethical behavior. Former prisoners crave respect, and they know the value of honesty and integrity. Program residents will do more than achieve; they will excel.

Most importantly, the program is faith-based and Christ-centered. The practical application of Biblical principles has been proven to effectively transform lives. It is impossible to help everyone. Therefore, this program is only for those who have chosen Christian living, and it will be limited to Christian ex-offenders. Furthermore, it would not be advisable in this instance to mix believers with nonbelievers. Residents will engage in daily Bible studies and participate in discipleship programs. All residents will be provided guidance by carefully vetted Christian mentors provided by local churches. This program is a brotherhood designed to fully integrate former prisoners back into the community. Therefore, program residents will be required to participate in volunteerism. That is what actively engaged citizens do. I also believe this program needs to be self-funding rather than rely on government grants and charitable donations. In times of recession, funds are cut and pockets become shallow. To achieve this objective, the program will own and operate several small businesses such as residential and commercial landscape design services, food concessions and catering, vending machine supply, refurbishing and restoring antiques, etc. The possibilities are endless. This will give residents the opportunity to run a business while simultaneously earning an income. The program will also pay all residents’ court fines and restitution. This is very much like the model used by PRIDE Enterprises.

I have embarked on a journey with still a long way to travel. The hardships, deprivation, and isolation of prison toughened me up; it gave me unique insight and put iron in my soul. I believe this program is the God-given plan for my life, and I feel confident it will succeed. There is no one more suited or qualified to run an offender re-entry program. A business management degree is only a start. I also plan to earn a bachelor’s degree in accounting. Not only will this give me the additional skills needed, but it will also boost my credibility among the detractors I am sure to encounter along the way. Furthermore, if I am to teach others how to successfully transform their post-prison lives, then I must lead by example. I am attempting to set the bar as high as possible. The success of the program will undoubtedly be judged by the first group of men to complete it. That is why it is imperative to get it right from the start. I believe the program’s success will certify me as an authority on prison reform. My vision is not only to reform ex-offenders and create a business model for others to imitate. I hope to start a trend that will facilitate closing a third of the nation’s prisons. As I was leaving Florida State Prison, I told officials I would be the most successful inmate ever to leave the Florida Department of Corrections. Success is not measured by an individual’s wealth or material possessions. No one is ever commended for dying rich. True success is the achievement of difficult goals and the positive impact a person leaves on society. Incarceration need not be the end. Nelson Mandela spent 30 years in prison and later became president of a nation. He rightly said, “Difficulties make some men, break others”. An ancient proverb most memorably paraphrased by Anne Isabella Thackeray Ritchie says, “Give a man a fish, you feed him for a day, but teach a man to fish, and you feed him for life.” God redeemed me for this purpose. Jesus told His disciples, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men” (NKJV, Matt 4:19). As a Christian, I believe in the solemn promises of God. There is nothing more noble, satisfying and commendable than living one’s life to serve the greater good of others.

Works Cited

CNBC. SURVEY SHOWS GROWING U.S. SHORTAGE OF SKILLED LABOR. 20 July 2015. Website. 25 July 2017. <http://www.cnbc.com/2015/07/20/survey-shows-growing-us-shortage-of-skilled-labor.html>.

Florida Deparment of Corrections. About the Florida Deparment of Corrections. 2017. Website. 29 July 2017. <http://www.dc.state.fl.us/about.html>.

Gramlich, John. FEDERAL PRISON POPULATION DECLINES DURING OBAMA'S PRESIDENCY. Ed. Pew Research. 5 January 2017. 29 July 2017. <http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2017/01/05/federal-prison-population-fell-during-obamas-term-reversing-recent-trend/>.

Greenberg, Jon. Bernie Sanders: The United States Has More People in Jail Than Any Country on Earth. 13 October 2015. Website. 27 July 2017. <http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2015/oct/13/bernie-s/bernie-sanders-united-states-has-more-people-jail-/>.

Hartman, Mitchell. 15 YEARS OF LABOR SHORTAGES PREDICTED FOR THE U.S. ECONOMY. 19 April 2016. Website. 25 July 2017. <http://www.marketplace.org/2016/04/19/world/15-years-labor-shortages-predicted-us-economy>.

Horwitz, Sari. "HOLDER CALLS FOR REDUCED SENTENCES FOR LOW-LEVEL DRUG OFFENDERS." The Washington Post 13 March 2014. Website. 29 July 2017. <https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/holder-will-call-for-reduced-sentences-for-low-level-drug-offenders/2014/03/12/625ed9e6-aa12-11e3-8599-ce7295b6851c_story.html?utm_term=.f6f9ea8e1030>.

Kessler, Glenn. "Do 10,000 Baby Boomers Retire Every Day?" The Washington Post 24 July 2014. Website. 25 July 2017. <https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/fact-checker/wp/2014/07/24/do-10000-baby-boomers-retire-every-day/?utm_term=.a576afaa9adf>.

Laird, Lorelei. "EX-OFFENDERS FACE TENS OF THOUSANDS OF LEGAL RESTRICTIONS, BIAS AND LIMITS ON THEIR RIGHTS." ABA Journal (2013). Website. 25 July 2017. <http://www.abajournal.com/magazine/article/ex-offenders_face_tens_of_thousands_of_legal_restrictions>.

Margulies, Joseph. "THIS IS THE REAL REASON PRIVATE PRISONS SHOULD BE OUTLAWED." Time 24 August 2016. Website. 25 July 2017. <http://time.com/4461791/private-prisons-department-of-justice/>.

McLeod, Saul. Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. 2016. 29 July 2017. <https://www.simplypsychology.org/>.

Moore, Stephen. THE GREAT WORKER SHORTAGE. 31 March 2015. Website. 25 July 2017. <http://www.forbes.com/site/stevemoore/2015/03/31/not-hard-at-work-hardly-working/2/#183b1beb6109>.

Mutikani, Lucia. "U.S. ECONOMIC OUTLOOK BRIGHTENS AS JOB MARKET TIGHTENS." Reuters (2017). Website. 25 July 2017. <http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-economy-unemployment-idUSKCN18E1OV>.

Pew Trusts. The Pew Charitable Trusts: Research & Analysis. 17 September 2015. Website. 29 July 2017. <http://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/analysis/2015/09/17/state-federal-prison-populations-decline-simultaneously-for-first-time-in-36-years>.

Surowiecki, James. "TRUMP SETS PRIVATE PRISONS FREE." The New Yorker 5 December 2016: The Financial Page. Website. 25 July 2017. <http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2016/12/05/trump-sets-private-prisons-free>.

Task Force for Faith-based & Community Initiatives. "Federal Funding & Services for Prisoner Reentry." 25 April 2008. U.S. Deparment of Justice Office of the Deputy Attorney General. Website. 28 July 2017. <https://www.justice.gov/archive/fbci/docs/fed-prisoner-reentry-resources.pdf>.

The Holy Bible, New King James Version. Oxford University Press, 2002.

Thompson, Don. "A YEAR IN A CALIFORNIA PRISON COST MORE THAN A YEAR AT HARVARD." Associated Press. U.S. News & World Report, 5 June 2017. Website. 25 July 2017. <http://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/new-york/articles/2017-06-05/correction-california-prisons-costs-story>.

U.S. Deparment of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, National Institute of Justice. "RECIDIVISM." 2017. Website. 25 July 2017. <http://www.nij.gov/topics/corrections/recidivism/Pages/welcome.aspx>.

U.S. Department of Education National Center for Education Statistics. Harvard Tuition & Cost Guide. 2017. Website. 25 July 2017. <http://www.collegesimply.com/colleges/massachusetts/harvard-university/price>.

Wagner, Peter and Bernadette Rabuy. "MASS INCARCERATION: THE WHOLE PIE 2016." 2016. Website. 25 July 2017. <http://www.prisonpolicy.org/reports/pie2016.html>.

Yellen, Janet L. "THE ECONOMIC OUTLOOK AND THE CONDUCT OF MONETARY POLICY." Speech. Stanford University Institute for Economic Policy Research. Standford: Federal Reserve, 19 January 2017. Website. 25 July 2017. <http://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/speech/yellen20170119a.html>.

#prison reform #the pavilion #florida state prison #ex-offenders #human capital

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sarahifox · 8 years ago

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Disney/ Pixar’s ‘Cars 3’ is a Treasure Trove that Offers many Pearls of Wisdom for People of All Ages

By: Sarah Fox

I recently had the pleasure of seeing “Cars 3” in the theater with my younger sister and I have to say that it was a very enjoyable experience. My anticipation for this movie grew as the months passed by. I kept up to date with all the teasers, clips, and speculation videos, attended the Road to the Races event in May, stocked up on various Cars 3 merchandise, and even bought my tickets online before the movie came out! When the day finally arrived for me to see this spectacle, I was one satisfied customer.

While I was overjoyed at the film’s debut, many critics gave the movie mixed reviews (including a 67% on Rotten Tomatoes and a 59% on Metacritic). I personally believe that the movie contains many riches hidden behind the animated style of talking cars with eyes and mouths. Brian Fee’s “Cars 3” centers around seven time Piston Cup Champion, Lightning McQueen (voiced by Owen Wilson) and his internal struggle in facing the challenges that come with old age. The main plot summary of the movie states:

“Blindsided by a new generation of blazing-fast cars, the legendary Lightning McQueen finds himself pushed out of the sport that he loves. Hoping to get back in the game, he turns to Cruz Ramirez (voiced by Cristela Alonzo), an eager young technician who has her own plans for winning. With inspiration from the Fabulous Hudson Hornet and a few unexpected turns, No. 95 prepares to compete on Piston Cup Racing’s biggest stage.”

The Cars franchise was always considered the “black sheep” of the Pixar family. Not only did the first Cars film receive a passive response from both critics and audiences after its 2006 release, “Cars 2” also lowered the bar for Pixar films after unanimously gaining the title of the worst Pixar film to date. Even the two spin off films, “Planes” and “Planes: Fire and Rescue,” didn’t come off as a hit with audiences. The third installment of the franchise aims to redeem the Cars reputation and explore a deeper concept in learning how to deal with a person’s ever changing career.

Before I dive into the nuggets of truth that the movie presents us with, I must address the various qualms I had with the film (the following list may contain spoilers): (1) The film’s pacing felt a bit rushed. Every scene in the first act zooms past the viewers, giving them little time to immerse themselves in the protagonist’s struggle. Although the first half of the movie had a hurried pace and dull tone, it gets better in the second half with the colorful explosions in the Demolition Derby scene, reliving the Glory Days with past racing legends, and the budding relationship between Lightning McQueen and Cruz Ramirez.

(2) The humor was dry and repetitive. Many of the jokes in this movie were hit or miss. There was a “life’s a beach” reference and a scene with Cal Weather’s bad comebacks repeating itself one time too many.

(3) The final act of this movie didn’t feel like a proper send off for Lighting McQueen. With all the persistent attacks on his character during the movie, I felt Lightning deserved to demolish his opponent Jackson Storm (voiced by Armie Hammer) and prove that passion will always supersede statistics when it comes to the heart of racing. Instead of letting Lightning cross the finish line and claim the victory, it was pawned off on Cruz, making the two have a joint win. I felt like this ending downplayed Lightning’s struggle in making a comeback story for the ages.

Now with all my complaints aside, it is time to uncover the treasures that are present within Cars 3. As the movie unfolds its valuable life lessons, I found that there are also many biblical truths within these morals. (This list will contain spoilers).

1. Self Doubt is the biggest obstacle when it comes to pursuing your dreams. One of the many themes in Cars 3 comes from exploring the dangers of self doubt. Although Lightning suffered the effects of self doubt after his crash, Cruz Ramirez was another character who allowed her doubts to rob her of the opportunity at becoming a racer. In a heated exchange between her and McQueen, Cruz (in a moment of vulnerability) expressed her desire for becoming a racer due to seeing Lightning race on television. She explained that her family always told her to “dream small or not at all” in an attempt to protect her from shattered expectations. This caused her to persevere in achieving her dream despite her family’s doubts. When she arrived at her first race, her doubts began to strip her of her confidence as she compared herself to the other competitors. She claims that they were bigger and stronger and had better engines, and she knew that she would never measure up to their level of boldness.

I admire the connection that Cruz and Lightning shared in that moment. They each had an internal battle with self doubt and the impact that those doubts had on their future. As their relationship progressed, I found myself staring into a mirror. I too, struggle with self doubt. There are many moments in my life where I get into the habit of doubting myself and comparing myself with others: “I’ll never be able to write like her.” “I don’t look like anyone in this room. How can I make a positive impact when I’m always the odd man out?” “My waistline will never be as small as hers.” “I bet her relationship with God is way better than mine.” The doubts keep replaying in my mind. Even in the midst of my doubts, God reminds me that his perfect love casts out all my fears (1 John 4:18). If I place my trust in His strength rather than my own, the lies that Satan throws at me won’t be able to hinder me from the plan that God has for my life (Jeremiah 29:11). I can be confident that God’s grace will always be sufficient in working through my flaws (2 Corinthians 12:9).

2. You can have a profound influence in someone’s life and not even realize it. Another central theme in Cars 3 is the importance of mentorship. One of the most profound scenes in the movie was when Doc’s teacher, Smokey (voiced by Chris Cooper) took Lightning into his garage to show him the letters that Doc sent over the past few years. After the Fabulous Hudson Hornet (also known as Doc Hudson) suffered a career ending crash, he was forced to give up on his love for the sport of racing. Lightning explained to Smokey that he didn’t want to end up surrendering his career under the same circumstances as Doc did. As Lightning began to see the various newspaper clippings of his racing legacy, he began to realize (as Smokey pointed out) that racing wasn’t the only thing that mattered to Doc. Without being aware of it, Lightning had made a major impression on his mentor. The connection that he and Doc shared was a powerful bond. Smokey continued to tell Lightning that “Doc saw something in him that he didn’t see in himself.”

Sometimes I get into the habit of questioning the value that I bring to others. I often get a bit melodramatic in thinking that my worth depends on the amount of likes I receive on a post or how often my articles get read or shared. The truth is, God didn’t place me on this earth to receive validation from others. He wants my life to reflect his love. He created me to be a light that shines brightly for him so that others will see my good works and glorify my Father in Heaven (Matthew 5:14-16). I might be making a difference in someone’s life without even realizing it. Sometimes it takes an extra set of eyes to see the potential that you never knew you had.

3. In order to keep the flame going, you need to ignite that spark in someone else. Although I didn’t appreciate Lightning McQueen sharing his win, I have to say that there is yet another gem within this scene as well. During the Florida 500 race, a huge crash took place causing all the racers to go to the pits. McQueen decided to have Cruz replace him in the second half of the race. Being reluctant at first, Cruz wasn’t sure if she should ruin Lightning’s last chance at winning. He told her that “this was his last chance to give Cruz, her first chance.” This scene stood out to me because it highlights the importance of passing on the mantle to the younger generation.

Someone once told me that passing the mantle to younger generations is a biblical command. In Titus chapter 2, the Apostle Paul encouraged churches to allow the older men to teach the younger men and the older women to teach the younger women. One of the goals that I hope to achieve comes from my desire to make a difference in the lives of others, especially younger children. Since I aspire to be a Juvenile Delinquency Attorney, I pray that God would give me an opportunity to pass on wisdom and truth to underprivileged children in the criminal justice system. I appreciate Cars 3 for bringing that message to light through Lightning passing on the torch to Cruz.

While there are many other lessons to be learned from Cars 3, I wanted to highlight those specific instances which stood out to me. Although critics didn’t receive the movie in a positive light, I adored the sweet story that was presented in the film. With brilliant cinematography and lovable characters, Cars 3 is a treasure trove full of many gems for people of all ages.

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bountyofbeads · 5 years ago

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Warnings of 8-Foot Storm Surge From Hurricane Dorian https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/05/us/hurricane-dorian-updates.html

Hurricane Dorian Updates: Category 3 Storm Rakes the Carolinas

The Carolinas were being buffeted by heavy rain and strong winds from the outer bands of Hurricane Dorian. Forecasters warned of storm surge of up to eight feet in places.

By Richard Fausset | Published September 5, 2019 8:25 AM ET | New York Times | Posted September 5, 2019 8:50 AM ET |

Hurricane Dorian was about 70 miles south-southeast of Charleston, S.C., with winds of up to 115 m.p.h.

Flooding is a possibility in several coastal states.

Much of the Carolina coast was being buffeted by heavy rain and strong winds from the outer bands of Hurricane Dorian on Thursday morning, as the storm continued to creep on its parallel path north along the Eastern Seaboard of the United States, guaranteeing trouble for coastal residents even if its center stays offshore.

The storm had strengthened to Category 3 late Wednesday night, and by Thursday morning it was about 70 miles from Charleston, S.C., according to the National Hurricane Center. Its hurricane-force winds were extending as far as 60 miles from the center, with tropical-storm-force winds extending up to 195 miles. Forecasters said storm surge waters could flood up to eight feet in some areas.

Though the storm’s eye has remained offshore on its move up the East Coast, the National Hurricane Center’s models now show it could possibly make landfall on the Outer Banks of North Carolina on Friday.

On Thursday morning, Dorian’s rain bands were whipping cities from Savannah, Ga., to Wilmington, N.C., and places along the coast could receive as much as 15 inches of rain before the storm departs. The storm has already knocked out power for about 183,000 customers in South Carolina, as well as 12,800 in Georgia.

With a hurricane warning in effect from the Savannah River north to the North Carolina-Virginia border — and thousands of residents cleared out of coastal areas after mandatory evacuations — there was little to do on Wednesday night but wait for those rescue personnel and stragglers who remained in the coastal communities in Georgia and North and South Carolina.

In Charleston, there was evidence that warnings were met with both seriousness and insouciance.

At about 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, an emergency alert went out to area cellphones: “EVACUATE IMMEDIATELY. HURRICANE DORIAN BEGINNING TO AFFECT AREA.” But many tourists and residents were already gone, and the streets of the historic downtown were mostly empty as the first heavy rain bands began soaking the city.

Still, on trendy King Street, sushi and gourmet burgers could be found in a handful of open restaurants. A Tex-Mex place called Juanita Greenberg’s Nacho Royale was completely boarded up. But next door, the bartenders at Proof were slinging cocktails for those seeking other means of escape.

Four hurricanes later, the ocean’s allure stays strong.

A first-person account from Chris Dixon, an author and journalist.

I engaged in a grim ritual with my neighbors on Wednesday, sweating and cursing under a broiling Charleston sun while draping sheets of plywood across the windows on my house. For the fourth time since 2016, I was preparing for a hurricane: Matthew, Irma, Florence and now Dorian.

Depending on your point of view, I am lucky or unlucky enough to live on a tidal creek near Folly Beach, S.C. When hurricanes and tropical storms strafe our coast, their winds roar across the several miles of harbor and normally placid marsh that separate our neighborhood from the Sullivan’s Island Lighthouse. As the tides rise, these winds pile seawater into wave-driven surge and batter the homes in my neighborhood.

Yanking a splinter from my thumb, I asked myself, Why do I live here?

I should know better. When I was young, my great-aunt Ethel told frightful tales of Hurricane Hazel’s 1954 destruction of the Carolina coast. In 1989, Hurricane Hugo upended my life by destroying my home in Surfside Beach, north of Charleston. Two years ago, I gasped as the tides from Hurricane Irma casually carried a foot of marsh into my house while sweeping tons of my yard out to sea. And last year, while covering Hurricane Florence for The New York Times, I spent many tense hours among people who were in the process of losing everything.

So why do I choose to live in this slowly drowning port city? Why endure the annual stress of possibly losing everything? Why constantly check computer models before frantically hauling everything inside, boarding up, driving for safety and then waiting for interminable hours while glued to The Weather Channel?

Because the ocean is my family’s life and my livelihood. My wife grew up in Dana Point, Calif., with the Pacific in her backyard and saltwater in her veins. I grew up in Atlanta but had the great fortune of spending my summers along this Carolina coast — sailing, fishing and, eventually, having my life taken over by surfing.

It sounds cliché, but when your entire life comes to revolve around the ocean, it becomes almost impossible to imagine living any other way. You come to define life not by the hours on the clock, but by the ebb and flow of the tides and the rhythm of the winds and swells. You become deeply enmeshed in a culture of shrimpers, crabbers, divers and surfers. You watch your kids come to revere the ocean and respect its moods and its power. You manage to make a living writing about the ocean. You catch a perfect wave from a hurricane-spawned groundswell at your local break.

In the Bahamas, homes were turned to matchsticks.

The pilot was anxious to help: He had gathered generators, diapers, tuna fish and other supplies. The people living on the islands in the Bahamas devastated by Hurricane Dorian needed them, immediately.

But he wasn’t sure if there was anywhere to land.

Flying over the hardest-hit areas — the islands of Abaco and Grand Bahama — the pilot saw homes turned to matchsticks and boats piled in heaps.

Harbors, supermarkets, a public hospital, airport landing strips — all had been damaged or blown to smithereens, frustrating rescue efforts.

Hurricane Dorian, which made landfall on Sunday as a Category 5 storm and then lingered for days, not only left many residents in the most damaged islands without jobs or a place to live. It also stripped away the services required to meet their most immediate needs — like fresh water, food and medical care.

“It’s like a bomb went off, honestly,” said Julie Sands, who lives in Cherokee Sound, in the Abaco Islands.

In the Bahamas, with floodwaters receding, the trail of devastation was slowly becoming clear as residents began tallying their losses. As of Wednesday, according to Dr. Duane Sands, the minister of health, at least 20 people had been confirmed dead and the toll was expected to rise.

Florida escaped a direct hit from the storm.

Last week the storm was inviting comparisons to Hurricane Andrew, which ripped through the Miami area as a Category 5 monster in 1992, causing widespread damage.

Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida declared a state of emergency last Wednesday afternoon, and advised residents to have seven days’ worth of supplies on hand. There was a run on gasoline and bottled water, and the attorney general’s office was investigating hundreds of complaints of price gouging.

[With an altered map, President Trump insisted he was right on Dorian heading toward Alabama.]

By Friday, Hurricane Dorian had become a Category 4 storm over the Atlantic Ocean with winds of 130 m.p.h., and Mr. Trump approved an emergency declaration for Florida.

In the end Florida was largely spared its wrath.

But one Florida resident had died while preparing for the storm, The Associated Press reported. A 56-year-old man who was knocked to the ground from a tree Monday evening as he trimmed limbs with a chain saw in an Orlando suburb.

Bahamians in Miami are lending a hand.

The ties could not be stronger between Miami and the Bahamas, an archipelago less than 200 miles east. Bahamians settled in South Florida decades before Miami was born, building bridges and railroads and raising children who would become some of the region’s most prominent leaders. This week, their descendants, many veterans of devastating hurricanes, gathered across South Florida to lend a hand.

“When we were desperate, people came to our rescue,” said Charles Bethel, 68, a retired state juvenile justice administrator who lost his home in south Miami-Dade County to Hurricane Andrew, another Category 5 storm, in 1992. “The community pulled together. There was no sense of division. Now, we are doing the same.”

Miami owes its very beginnings to residents from there. Bahamian laborers worked in construction and agriculture, creating the city’s infrastructure and teaching white settlers unfamiliar with the tropics how to build with coral rock, till the soil and plant tropical fruit, said Marvin Dunn, a retired college professor who chronicled local history in his book “Black Miami in the Twentieth Century.”

Bahamians started to arrive in the 1880s, following an economic downturn on the islands, Dr. Dunn said. Many went to work in pineapple fields in Key West and then migrated north to Coconut Grove, which they called Kebo. Bahamians also settled in the Miami neighborhood of Overtown and in Carver Ranches, which is now part of the city of West Park, Fla., near Fort Lauderdale.

On Wednesday in Miami, volunteers gathered in houses of worship, dripping with sweat as they sorted through heavy boxes and bags. Stacks of water bottles. Heaps of diapers. Baby formula. A chain saw. So many donations came in that Christ Episcopal ran out of pallets.

Reporting was contributed by Patricia Mazzei, Nick Madigan, Kirk Semple, Frances Robles, Rachel Knowles and Elisabeth Malkin.

#hurricane dorian #dorian #u.s. news #extreme weather #weather

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addictionfreedom · 6 years ago

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rolandfontana · 6 years ago

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Is a Registry for Juvenile Sex Offenders a Form of ‘Child Abuse’?

Thomas Arrowwood has been on Oregon’s registered sex offender list for over two decades, for an offense committed when he was 12 years old.

Now 38, Arrowwood can’t take advantage of a 2014 law that allowed judges discretion to determine whether child sex offenders should remain on the sex offenders’ registry under the supervision of Oregon State Police, or be allowed to start over.

That’s because his offense—sodomy—was adjudicated before the law took effect, with the result that he appears destined to live with the “sex offender” label for the rest of his life.

“It’s worse than being a convicted felon,” said Arrowwood. “Any job I applied to when I got out, they said, ‘Oh, I see you’ve got a record, but I can’t see what happened because it’s a juvenile case, so it’s sealed; but you are a registered sex offender so ….’

“And that was that.”

He’s not alone. Hundreds of Oregon adults who committed their offenses as children before the law was enacted are caught in the same legal limbo, with little chance of escaping.

Some juvenile justice advocates say the practice of keeping child sex offenders on the sex offender registry illustrates serious shortcomings in the nationwide approach to individuals who committed such crimes as children, and amounts to a form of “child abuse.”

According to Nicole Pittman, vice president and director of the Center on Youth Registration Reform, children adjudicated for sex crimes and required to register as sex offenders are four times more likely to commit suicide and five times more likely to be approached by an adult for sex—even though national statistics suggest they only have a 2 percent rate of re-offending.

“Placing children on the registry has to stop because it’s child abuse,” Pittman said.

Oregon has 25,000 registered sex offenders, the highest number of sex offenders per capita in the nation. About 3,400 are registered for crimes committed as juveniles, about 11 percent of the total.

Before the law was changed, sex offenders had a small window of time in which they were eligible to apply for relief, a costly effort that can include hiring a lawyer, filing paperwork in court and attending hearings.

Juvenile sex offenders could apply no less than two years before and no more than five years after their adjudication, or they’d remain on the list forever.

“It was worded pretty poorly and strangely back then,” said Tim O’Donnell, Deputy District Attorney for Oregon’s Marion County. O’Donnell, who works in the county’s juvenile division, cautioned he spoke only for himself and not on behalf of the district attorney’s office.

Arrowwood said he missed that window because he didn’t know about it until it was too late.

“I’ve been registering for 18 years,” he said. “Now, I guess, they say I can never get off the list. I’ll be on it forever. I missed my opportunity, and I won’t ever be removed.”

But not everyone feels that he, or others, should be removed from the registry.

“I think oftentimes in our culture we spend a lot of time ruminating and thinking what happens to an offender and the impact that it has on them,” said BB Beltran, executive director for Sexual Assault Support Services of Oregon’s Lane County, where an estimated 187 offenders who committed crimes as children remain on the sex offenders’ registry.

“What we don’t think about is the impact it has on not just the individual survivors, but their partners and their families. … It’s a domino effect.”

Beltran added that while there is a lot of empathy or pity for a person who made a mistake as a juvenile, “I would like to see the same consideration for both sides.”

A 22-year-old Eugene man named Robert, who The Register-Guard is only identifying by his middle name because he is eligible for relief from registering in the coming months, said he hopes he will be granted a reprieve so he can garner a fresh start.

He was adjudicated for a first-degree sodomy charge at the age of 10.

“I will be the first person to say I don’t feel like anybody who would (sexually abuse) a kid, like they should know what is right and wrong, they deserve to be on that list,” he said.

“As a kid, though, we’re supposed to be in a new millennium, and I feel like there should be some other option out there than just throwing everyone under the bus and under the same label.”

“I am pretty sure that if (my case) was taken care of before I turned 18, or if it never would have happened, I would be in a house with my family, instead of living with my wife and child in a room at my mother-in-law’s house, sharing a room with my wife’s sister. I’ve lived with this label since I was 10 years old,” Robert said.

“I’d be in my own house. My boy would have his own bedroom, and I would be, well, different.”

Federal Requirements

Sex offenders have been federally required to register with local law enforcement agencies since 1994, when the Jacob Wetterling Crimes Against Children and Sexually Violent Offender Registration Act was enacted.

The Act was named for an 11-year-old Minnesota boy who was kidnapped in 1989, molested and murdered.

Under the law, each state had discretion on what registration information was made public, but dissemination of that information was not required. Two years later, however, Congress amended the act in 1996 with the so-called Megan’s Law — which required law enforcement agencies to release information about registered sex offenders that the agencies deemed necessary in the interest of public safety.

In 2006, the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act — named for the 6-year-old boy who was abducted and murdered in Florida in 1981 — further increased federal registration requirements by categorizing sex offenders into three tiers, with Tier 3 being the most severe and with the most requirements.

Tier 3 offenders are required to update their whereabouts every three months for life. Furthermore, failing to register or update information became a felony under the law.

However, Marcy Mistrett, chief executive officer of Campaign for Youth Justice, thinks the 2006 law does not do enough to protect children who have offended.

She sees legislation that the U.S. House of Representatives recently passed with certain tweaks to the Walsh Act as flawed, in that it doesn’t exclude child offenders from proposed increased sanctions.

While some of the proposed changes benefit juvenile offenders — including a reduction in the number of years juveniles would be required to register and exempting certain adults registered as sex offenders for crimes committed as juveniles from from disclosure — the bill has been packaged with other bills that unnecessarily increase sanctions around sex offenses in general and don’t exclude juveniles, Mistrett said.

“Our concern is that teens who are sexting could get caught up in (the new proposed laws). We are working to pull Adam Walsh from the rest of the package,” Mistrett said.

Consequences of a Lifetime Label

There are real consequences for living with the label for the offender and the public.

A 22-year-old Eugene, Ore., man who asked to be identified by his middle name of James in order to keep his employment, which is a condition of his probation, was adjudicated for inappropriately touching and exposing himself to a family member at the age of 14.

“There is an outside impact of treating everyone with the ‘sex offender’ label the same,” said James, who can apply for relief in a year.

“They’re treating everyone as predatory, when I didn’t go out and attack someone. I was curious, and I broke rules that I didn’t know existed. I am deeply regretful of what I did to this day, but I can’t change that.”

Nationwide, more than 200,000 of the roughly 900,000 people currently listed on sex offender registries were added to those lists as children, some as young as 8 years old.

The registration of juveniles “fails, in any way, to improve community safety.”

Dr. Elizabeth LeTourneau, a researcher and expert on child sexual abuse, testified to the Oregon Legislature in 2013 that the registration of juveniles “fails, in any way, to improve community safety.”

Among the evidence she cited were rates of re-offense for juvenile sex offenses, as measured by arrests, charges or convictions.

Those rates are very low across the country, whether or not youth are required to register, LeTourneau said, adding that “the vast majority — 88 percent to 98 percent, depending upon the study — of registered youth do not reoffend.”

But it does happen, which is why some authorities say even the relatively small number of individuals who re-offend is an argument for continued monitoring.

“I don’t think sex offenders can be fixed, period,” said Springfield, Ore., police sgt. Dave Lewis. “It’s strictly my opinion, but having worked my entire career around this, I don’t think sex offenders can be rehabbed.

“One of the only things we can do besides incarceration is to monitor them in some way. And any time someone repeats a sex offense, from a community safety standpoint, we’ve let the people down. I come at it from the side of the victims.

“They are stigmatized forever by what has happened to them. Why shouldn’t the perpetrator be stigmatized in some way?”

Chelsea Deffenbacher, a staff reporter for the Register-Guard in Eugene, Ore., is a 2018 John Jay/Tow Juvenile Justice Reporting Fellow. This is a condensed and edited version of an article prepared as part of her fellowship project. The complete story, along with sidebars and videos, can be accessed here.

Is a Registry for Juvenile Sex Offenders a Form of ‘Child Abuse’? syndicated from https://immigrationattorneyto.wordpress.com/

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thetrumpdebacle · 7 years ago

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Long before he was called a “coward” by President Donald Trump for not confronting a mass shooter at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, former Broward County Sheriff’s Deputy Scot Peterson told a school board, “We’re all here for the same goal, to protect our kids.”

Three years after making the comment, Peterson is defending himself against accusations he did nothing to protect the staff and students from shooting suspect Nikolas Cruz during his shooting rampage at the Parkland, Florida, school, which left 17 dead.

“Mr. Peterson has had a decorated career with the Broward Sheriff’s Office, including receiving glowing annual performance reviews and being named the school resource officer of the year in 2014,” Peterson’s attorney, Joseph DiRuzzo said.

Peterson, the 54-year-old divorced father of four children, abruptly resigned and retired last week after Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel suspended him without pay. Israel said his decision was based on witness statements and video purportedly showing the deputy standing outside the building where the Parkland, Florida, school shooting was taking place but never going inside to confront the gunman, who killed 17 people.

But in a 2015 YouTube video, Peterson, whose law enforcement career spanned 33 years, boasted of rushing to confront crime anytime he was called to do so.

In an appearance before the Broward County School Board, Peterson touted the Resident On Campus Security Program, also known as ROCS. At the time, Peterson, in addition to his duties as a school resource officer for the sheriff’s office, was a ROCS officer who lived on the campus of Atlantic Technical College in Coconut Creek, Florida.

“I want to talk to you about accomplishments,” Peterson said in the YouTube video taken during his appearance before the Broward County School Board.

Peterson recalled two calls he responded to in an attempt to show the benefit of having a law enforcement officer living on the Atlantic Technical College campus.

“There was one time, it was a Sunday morning, it was about 8:30, I was out washing my car, my cell phone went off and it was a school board [member] alarm to assist people,” Peterson said. “As a matter of fact I remember his name, Dan, and he goes to me ‘Scot, the alarm’s going off in the cafeteria.’”

Peterson said he felt “the hairs on the back of his neck” rise because the cafeteria alarm had never gone off before. He said he didn’t hesitate to respond.

“So I ran into my trailer, I grabbed my firearm and my ID, and my shorts and my sneakers, and I ran over…to the cafeteria,” he said. “As I got to the cafeteria, sure enough, there were four males inside the cafeteria.”

He said the burglars saw him peeking through a window and fled.

“I’m getting older, but I chased them,” he said. “I identified who I was and, as ironic as it may seem, they ran right toward my trailer.”

He said he jumped into his car and apprehended two of them, adding that he “threw ’em in the back, kept going, grabbed the other two.”

“Four burglars and … those are the accomplishments that I want you folks to realize that are part of the ROCS program,” he said. “It’s not all that can be identified in some statistical data.”

Recalling another incident, Peterson told the board, “This one is chilling.” He said he was once in bed in his campus trailer when he heard banging on his door at about 11:30 p.m.

“I jump up, I get to the door and there’s a facilities lady … and she’s screaming,” he said. “And I go, ‘What’s going on? What’s going on?’ She goes, ‘There’s a guy all in black, with a ski mask and a gun. I say, ‘Whoa, you know obviously, holy crap, pardon my French.”

He continued, “So I ran, put some shorts on, ran out with my firearm. While I’m running, I’m contacting Coconut Creek Police. We set up a perimeter. Long story short, we caught the individual when he ran across Coconut Creek Parkway and he was hiding behind a bank.”

He said the suspected gunman turned out to be an 18-year-old with a paintball gun.

“I know I’ve probably caught a hundred trespassers at Atlantic Tech College, most of them skateboarders, most of them juveniles,” he said. “I’m almost on my way out … but I have other police officers that, you know, made homes there. They’re part of the community. We’re all here for the same goal, to protect our kids, to protect our property.”

Born in Illinois, Peterson moved to Florida with his family as a boy and graduated from Miami Beach Senior High School. He went on to graduate from Florida International University in Miami with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.

While still in college, Peterson, started working at the Broward County Sheriff’s Office in 1985 and completed multiple training programs, including a mandatory firearms training program and special tactical problems training program, according to records released by the sheriff’s office.

Peterson was named Parkland district employee of the month in May 2012 and was recognized two years later as school resource officer of the year.

Peterson “takes pride in protecting the students, faculty and staff at his school. Deputy Peterson is dependable and reliable and handles issues that arise with tact and solid judgment,” according to an evaluation released by the sheriff’s office.

An internal memo dated March 2017 said, “Peterson is a positive influence on the students and they respect and appreciate his position.” The memo also shows Peterson was nominated for Parkland deputy of the year.

On Monday, Peterson hired DiRuzzo to respond to “unfounded criticism of his actions” during the mass shooting. DiRuzzo laid out details of how Peterson responded to the shooting, saying the deputy thought the gunfire was coming from outside the building where the massacre was taking place.

DiRuzzo also said Peterson was the first officer to advise dispatch of the shooting and initiated a “Code Red” lockdown of the school. He said the deputy also got school administrators to immediately start reviewing closed-circuit cameras to locate the gunman and obtain a description, and that he gave an arriving SWAT commander handwritten diagrams of the entire campus to evacuate students.

“Let there be no mistake, Mr. Peterson wishes that he could have prevented the untimely passing of the 17 victims on that day, and his heart goes out to the families of the victims in their time of need,” DiRuzzo said in a statement. “However, the allegations that Mr. Peterson was a coward and that his performance, under the circumstances, failed to meet the standards of police officers are patently untrue.”

via The Trump Debacle

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