Week in Review: February 7-11
Welcome to the weekend readers! It’s been a busy week in the office with some exciting announcements coming your way very soon. This week we have a Black History Month attorney spotlight, a fresh tip from Terri, and a CLE opportunity from the School of Government & IDS. Let’s get to it!Black History Month Spotlight: Candace WashingtonCandace Washington is an Assistant Appellate Defender with the Office of the Appellate Defender in Wake County, North Carolina. She is a 2017 graduate of Elon Unive
Week in Review: January 10-14
Once again, Friday is here, and how grateful we are. That doesn’t mean we aren’t going to wrap up this week with some resources, tips, and announcements. Let’s get started!Tip of the Week-Disposition Hearing and Drafting a Disposition ReportEvery stage of a juvenile proceeding is important, especially to the child and family. Often the focus can be centered on secure custody hearings and the result of adjudication but don’t forget disposition. Preparation early can lead to a dismissal or a six-
From a Lawyer’s View: Secure Custody & Documentation
Written by Starr Ward, Attorney at LawWe all get the early morning phone call to come to court for a secured custody hearing for a juvenile that got picked up overnight or over the weekend. These hearings are usually done quickly and we, as the defense attorney, are usually playing a game of catch-up to review the petitions and to figure out what happened and how we can get our client released from secured custody. Recently, I have had several cases where the paperwork on the charging petition
Week in Review: September 20-24
Welcome to Fall readers! Outside is finally cooling down and it’s time to pull out your favorite cardigans and sweaters! This week’s post will be fairly short, but that doesn’t mean we’re skipping out on some good information. TIP OF THE WEEKWhat Is the Process for Indictment? Once a petition is filed against a juvenile, the prosecutor may submit the petition to a grand jury for indictment. Unlike in adult criminal court where the prosecutor submits a bill of information prior to charges being
Week in Review: August 23-27
Happy Friday! Who else is ready to close out another week? We can’t tell you how much we are. Let’s wrap this week up and get started on making our way to the couch or enjoy the pool before summer officially ends. Tip of the Week – Before You PleaTalk to your client about the impacts of an adjudication. While not as public as adult criminal convictions, juvenile adjudications may impact the following: immigration status, educational placement, housing conditions, eligibility to play sports, pla
From a Lawyer’s View: Jones v. Mississippi
Jones v. Mississippi: The Bare Minimum is “Constitutionally Sufficient” On April 22, 2021, the Supreme Court of the United States issued its decision in Jones v. Mississippi. The opinion was a long-awaited follow-up to the Miller v. Alabama (2012) and Montgomery v. Louisiana (2016) decisions involving the constitutionality of LWOP sentences for children convicted of first-degree murder. Miller and Montgomery were important victories for children, but they left many questions unanswered. For i
Week in Review: NC Court of Appeals – Juvenile Opinions
Happy Friday Readers! Today’s Week in Review will be a bit different and longer than most. Recently the NC Courts of Appeals has released opinions that we at OJD find useful and important to share. These opinions have been summarized by OJD’s very own Kim Howes and added to the Master List of Case Summaries available on our website! Have a great & safe weekend and comment below with your thoughts on these opinions! In re D.A.H., ___ N.C. App.,___, No. COA20-212, (April 20, 2021) In re D.A.H.
Week in Review: May 3-7
Happy Friday Readers! We hope wherever you are is bright and sunny because Raleigh and rainy and gloomy but #JuvenileJustice never stops. As always, we’re bringing you a great tip and a couple resources, along with a #OJDFlashback. Tip of the Week – Building Trust Investing time is the single most important strategy for building trust and rapport with your client. You need to listen and ask questions without judgment, and explain why you need to ask certain questions. Allow your client the oppo
Week in Review: April 26-30
Hello to all our readers out there! A shorter week in review but still some great information. Let’s get you headed into the weekend with a great Week in Review. RAISE THE AGE TIP OF THE WEEK! Where Is My Client Being Held? All juveniles under the 18 shall be held in a juvenile detention center or in a facility approved by the Juvenile Justice Section of the Division of Adult Corrections and Juvenile Justice. This also includes juveniles who have been transferred to superior court. If a juven
Week in Review: April 19-23
Happy Friday Readers! Another beautiful Friday in the books but it’s a bit cold in Raleigh. Where did spring go so fast? Well, at least there’s things like tea to keep us warm while we wrap up the week for you. First! A Tip! Immigration Consultations Did you know that IDS has made immigration consultants available to all defenders who have been appointed indigent clients? That means all of your juvenile clients! This may be especially helpful to determine if your client may be eligible for som