From A-Non Lawyer’s View: Once Upon a Time in My Black Experience
Many of you know me as the Communications and Office Manager for the Office of the Juvenile Defender and while I haven’t personally written a blog like this, I have always wanted to speak on what I have seen as a Black child and now adult working in the Juvenile Justice world. When you are of African descent, it is probably one of the first things you learn about yourself when you are old enough to recognize that you look entirely different from your schoolmates. At the same time, they are going
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
Reflecting on the 10-Year Anniversary of J.D.B. v. North Carolina, Part Three
by Cait Fenhagen, Criminal Justice Resource Director , Orange County CourthouseI had been working as a public defender for 11 years when JDB walked into my office in Carrboro with his grandmother. While I obviously had no idea that this case would ultimately work its way to the U.S. Supreme Court, I remember being incensed when I learned about the facts and the law enforcement actions that led to the juvenile petition. My experience representing juveniles frequently left me frustrated and angry,
Risk and Needs Assessment (YASI) Sessions
Afternoon Defenders! North Carolina Department of Public Safety Juvenile Justice Section will begin using a new risk and needs assessment instrument beginning January 1, 2021. This new tool is called the Youth Assessment and Screening Instrument (YASI). DJJ is offering virtual Q&A’s on the new tool to assist with the use when it launches. The virtual YASI sessions will be conducted via WebEx and all judicial officials are invited to attend one of the following virtual sessions: Thursday, Novemb
Defender Only Online CLE Training
OJD has been hard at work to schedule and organize CLE’s for you during this time. We are happy to announce our first Online CLE Webinar, Video Conference Secure Custody Hearings . This webinar is about how to prepare for and conduct custody hearings via video conferencing. The speaker will discuss best practices, confidentiality and other important issues concerning video conferencing hearings. CLE approval for one hour has been requested from the NC state bar. OJD will cover the cost of the CL
Watauga County Training
Defenders, In accordance with the health recommendations from the state and the current requests of the courts, the Watauga County Training that was going to be held on March 19, 2020 has been cancelled and rescheduled for May 28. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Training Announcements!
Below you will find 3 upcoming FREE training announcements for North Carolina Defense Attorneys. We will also be announcing a Save The Date this Friday! If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact LaTobia or call the office at 919-890-1650. Thank you. We also have an ALL DAY Juvenile Defender Enhancement training on February 26, 2020. This training requires an RSVP as space is limited here at the Judicial Center.
BIG Announcement!
The Office of the Juvenile Defender is hiring another Assistant Juvenile Defender to join our team. The position will be based in Western NC and will consult with trial and appellate counsel; perform district site evaluations; perform contract evaluations; educate defenders on changes in the law…amongst other things. Interested? Feel free to contact our office and Eric Zogry at 919-890-1650. Want to apply? Here’s the link. Posting available until December 8th.
Congratulations Ricky!
OJD wants to congratulate Ricky Watson, JR. on his new role as the Executive Director with the National Juvenile Justice Network . Not only is Ricky a graduate from NJJN’s Youth Justice Leadership Institute, but he is a former North Carolina Assistant Public Defender. OJD wishes you the best in your new role Ricky and we can’t wait to see the amazing work you do with the NJJN! You can read the news release and more about Ricky here.
Week in Review: October 7-11
Welcome back to another blog with OJD! Easy week with us, Eric & Austine took on Greensboro with an informative and necessary Raise the Age & Juvenile Basics CLE and the office is preparing vital information for our defenders as we get closer to the big day. Friday Fact: Today, October 10, is #WorldMentalHealthDay . According to The National Alliance on Mental Illness: 20% of youth ages 13-18 live w/ a #mentalhealth condition and 70% of youth in state & local juvenile justice systems have