Probable Cause—Rules of Evidence Don’t Apply?
There is no Constitutional right to a probable cause hearing but there are statutory rights under Chapter 7B and 15A of the North Carolina General Statutes.
Why You Should Read DJJDP’s 2022 Annual Report
If you’re not already aware, the Division of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention releases an annual report covering its activities and statistics from the past year. This year’s report contains a wealth of helpful information. In this post, I’d like to share some data and thoughts about how defenders may use this information in their practice. All graphics come from the report. Intake and Complaints The first graphic shows that 60% of all complaints are approved for court. While this m
Central Youth Defender Forum: “Defending Youth Charged with Violent Offenses’
Watch our Central Youth Defender Forum: "Defending Youth Charged with Violent Offenses" recap video! We had a great time with defenders from the central and western region of NC.
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
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.
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