U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Louisiana’s Post

In honor of National Prosecutor Recruitment Month, we want to share with you all the reasons why our attorneys chose a career as prosecutors for the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office, and it might inspire someone to pursue a similar career. Assistant District Attorney Dwain Woodley explains how working at the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office provides unique opportunities for prosecutors, which includes being a part of the first DA’s Office in the nation to adopt and embrace prosecutor-initiated resentencing. “Since 2019, prosecutors have had the opportunity to lower an incarcerated person’s prison sentence when it no longer serves the interest of justice. These situations include 1) when the person’s original sentence is no longer equitable based on today’s sentencing laws and standards and/or 2) when the person’s rehabilitation efforts have been achieved allowing a safe return to the community. Under my leadership, our office was one of the first nationwide to adopt and embrace resentencing. Victim input and public safety are central to our careful analysis, of course. But as leaders in this developing area, we have resentenced more than 75 individuals and are participating in the nation's first Prosecutor-Initiated Resentencing Pilot program. What sets us apart is a comprehensive strategy, helping people with a safe transition back into the community by providing services to plan, coordinate, and evaluate their reentry needs such as housing and substance abuse.” – ADA Dwain Woodley Learn more about employment opportunities with the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office: https://lnkd.in/gAxxq_FF #NationalProsecutorRecruitmentMonth #NDAA #ProsecutorCareer

🗣 While well intentioned the below information is not always a realistic option as explaining a criminal record to potential employers can be a re-traumatising experience, especially for individuals whose conviction histories are deeply rooted in past abuse and trauma (which is the case hearing first hand experiences from my peers tell me and is reinforced by research). 👨⚖️ You have to explain yourself to the courts - you do your time and or conditions and then you have to continually explain yourself for the rest of your life it seems where is this ongoing discrimination and judgement factored into sentencing. It grossly hinders the ability to be able to take on meaningful, skilled roles where you can contribute in a positive way to society. All of the people that I know with living experience have a multitude of knowledge and value that cannot be taught in text books and are kind and compassionate despite the horrific treatment and trauma that they have had to overcome. 🛑 This process often forces us to relive painful memories and confront stigma and judgment, which can hinder reintegration and emotional healing. Here are key points for employers and people working within Government departments like "Blue Card Services" to consider when discussing this issue: 👩🎓 We are PEOPLE not a charge on a piece of paper, we are not the sum of our offences. 💔 Having to recount past offences can trigger painful memories and emotions, leading to re-traumatisation. Are you having these conversations with us that are framed in a psychologically safe way and offering support during this process? The fear of being judged or rejected based on their past can exacerbate feelings of shame and worthlessness, which are often prevalent among trauma survivors. The stress and anxiety associated with disclosing a criminal record can impede our efforts to rebuild their lives and achieve stability. In my experience many employers may not fully understand the complex, trauma-related factors that contributed to the individual’s criminal behaviour, leading to unfair assessments and decisions - Decisions based on judgment and personal bias as opposed to selecting the best person for the role. I want to strongly highlight the importance of trauma-informed approaches in hiring practices and the need for employers to create supportive environments that facilitate rather than hinder rehabilitation and reintegration. Many employers claim to be fully inclusive when they are not, this needs to change. We need hiring practices that consider the deep-seated challenges faced by individuals with conviction histories. Have you been discriminated against when applying for a role due to your criminal record? If you feel safe and comfortable to do so please share your thoughts below (if not please send me a DM always happy to chat). Are you an employer that wants to know how you can make your employment process trauma informed and inclusive lets have a conversation.

As the best-resourced public defense agency in the first state nationwide to adopt the new Rand/ABA recommended caseload standards for public defenders, King County DPD offers experienced advocates the chance to fight for each client without having to balance their needs against one another. Felony attorneys will be capped at carrying 47 cases once the standards are fully implemented in 2027, with attorneys representing clients facing charges with the most serious consequences carrying even fewer. Please visit governmentjobs.com: https://lnkd.in/gj3KQxbJ to see our latest job posting for lateral attorneys and apply today! #PublicDefense #LegalAdvocacy #CriminalJusticeReform #PublicDefenders #LegalJobs #LegalCareers

The proposed legislation aims to reform sentencing for juvenile offenders who commit murder in several key ways. Firstly, it seeks to eliminate mandatory life sentences for offenders who were under 18 at the time of the offence but turn 18 before sentencing. Secondly, it proposes to amend the Criminal Justice Act 1990 to modify sentencing guidelines for both murder and capital murder cases involving juvenile offenders. Lastly, the bill aims to align sentencing practices with constitutional principles, as highlighted by Mr Justice Garrett Simons' recent ruling.  This legislative proposal represents a significant shift in Ireland's approach to juvenile justice, particularly in cases of serious offences.  www.mulhollandlaw.ie #JuvenileJustice #SentencingReform #CriminalLaw #IrishLegalSystem #JuvenileOffenders #CriminalJusticeAct #LegislativeChanges #LegalReform #JuvenileSentencing #IrishLaw #CriminalJusticeReform #LawReform #CriminalDefence #Solicitor #Law

Ever wondered how federal probation works? Explore the process, from sentencing to supervised release, and what it means for those on probation. #frankwalkerlaw #criminaldefense #lawyer #personalinjury #attorney #Pittsburgh #Morgantown #WVULawyer

A great publication for criminal justice practitioners: Criminologist, Advocates, Scholars, Probation Officers, prosectors, Magistrates and Judges, Law Enforcement Officers and students of law

I'm excited to share this news: A book, coming out July 9, from me, James Forman, Jr and Maria Hawilo: https://lnkd.in/dK5sujfR. The book is an edited anthology (filled with brilliance from many contributors) entitled Dismantling Mass Incarceration: A Handbook for Change. It tackles some of the central components of the criminal legal system (police, prosecutors, public defenders, judges, prisons, aftermath) and engages each in a chapter through original introductions, book & article excerpts, court opinions, twitter threads and more. The goal of the book is to dive into ongoing conversations about how to tackle each of those components –and hopefully to showcase entry points for learning & action.  I hope you'll come say hi if there's a book talk in your town (the website linked above has a regularly-updated list). And if you are interested in putting together a talk or event around the book, please let me know! Thanks - and looking forward to seeing many of you in the coming months!

Exploring the Components of the Criminal Justice System The components of our criminal justice system work together to ensure public safety and uphold justice. Law enforcement, courts, corrections, probation and parole, and victim services all play a critical role in maintaining order and protecting individual rights. Law enforcement serves as the first line of defense, responsible for preventing crime and catching offenders. The courts ensure that justice is served fairly, protecting individual rights and ensuring due process. Corrections aim to rehabilitate offenders and assist with their reintegration into society post-conviction. Probation and parole offer support and supervision to prevent re-offending and promote successful community reentry. Finally, victim services provide crucial support and resources to address the needs of crime victims throughout the justice process. It is important to understand the key aspects of our criminal justice system, not only for those pursuing careers in law enforcement or criminology but for all members of society. We must work together to ensure that our justice system remains fair and effective. By recognizing each component's unique role, we can continue to strive toward creating a more just and equitable society. Join me in advocating for a criminal justice system that upholds public safety while protecting individual rights. #CriminalJustice #LawEnforcement #CommunityPolicing #VictimServices #Courts #Corrections #Probation 

📢 Exciting Trends in Criminal Legal Reform for 2023! 🌐 Thrilled to share insights from The Sentencing Project's latest report on the "Top Trends in Criminal Legal Reform 2023." 📚 This comprehensive analysis delves into key shifts shaping the landscape of criminal justice. 🔗 Read the full report here: https://lnkd.in/gXHXS68Y 🚀 Highlights include: 1️⃣ Sentencing Reform: Emphasis on fair and equitable sentencing practices. 2️⃣ Juvenile Justice: Progress in reforming juvenile systems for better outcomes. 3️⃣ Racial Equity: Strides towards addressing racial disparities within the legal system. 4️⃣ Prison Conditions: Advocacy for humane treatment and improved living conditions. 5️⃣ Reentry Programs: Focus on supporting successful reintegration into society. 🤝 Let's continue the dialogue and drive positive change! Share your thoughts and join the movement for a more just and compassionate criminal legal system. Together, we can make a difference. 👊💙 #CriminalJusticeReform #LegalReform #SocialJustice #ChangeMakers #SentencingProject #2023Trends Feel free to customize and share! ✨

WHAT ARE THE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR EARLY TERMINATION OF PROBATION? In the State of Florida, anyone is eligible to file for an early termination of probation. However, this does not mean a judge is required to grant or approve the request. Fortunately, there are a few factors our attorneys can assist with which should certainly help increase the chances of the judge agreeing with those requests and granting the motion. The Florida Statutes list the following factors as reasonable grounds to make the request: *Serving at least half of your probationary period before filing a petition to terminate probation; *Paying all required costs and fees associated with your probation; and *Completing all other requirements of your probation including community service requirements or attending classes and substance abuse counseling. Additionally, the probation requirements for every offender will probably be different. Those requirements will be available from two sources – when the judge initially announced them in court at the time of sentencing, and also in the Order of Probation. https://lnkd.in/eEPDAY86 #criminaldefense #criminaldefenselawyer #criminaldefenseattorney #lawyer #lawyers #attorney #attorneys #tampa #tampabay