Welcome to May Readers! April went by a whole lot faster than March and we’re glad everyone is still safe and joining us for another OJD Week in Review.
TIP OF THE WEEK
Secure Custody
If possible, find out if your client is being detained before the initial secure custody hearing. It’s critical to start the attorney-client relationship early and inform your client of their rights as well as what to expect at the hearing.
If you meet your client for the first time at the initial secure custody hearing, take a few minutes to introduce yourself, describe your role, and answer any questions about the hearing.
Come up with a plan for release: reasonable conditions on your client, alternative placements, or other information that will help the court support a decision for release.
If your client is shackled, argue for the removal prior to court starting. Shackling has an intense, lasting impact on your client and removal can be a good first step to developing confidence with your client.
If your client is not released, make a plan to contact or visit them in detention to discuss next steps. Make sure the parent/guardian has the contact information for the detention center as well to facilitate calls or visits.
If your client is released, make an appointment to meet before the next court date. Review any conditions of release and encourage your client to contact you with any questions.
JOB OPPORTUNITY
IDS is seeking applicants for the Contracts Administrator and the position has been posted here:
The position closes May 7 at 5pm. This is a great way to contribute to indigent defense in North Carolina for a detailed and energetic individual.
RESOURCES
Resources from Racial Justice for Youth: A Toolkit for Defenders can help you advocate for your many detained clients who are youth of color:
Sample Motion to Modify Detention Status (includes a racial justice argument)
Helpful Statistics on Race & Ethnicity in the Juvenile Justice System
Juvenile Defense Raising Race Checklist (includes guidance for incorporating racial justice arguments, including implicit racial bias, at detention hearings)
2. SAVE THE DATE: THURSDAY, MAY 14 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM
COVID-19: Implications of the Pandemic within the Criminal Justice System
NC CRED presents an interactive round-table webinar with leading experts in the North Carolina public health and criminal justice systems.
3. Rewatch Strategies for Youth Webinar: Improving Law Enforcement/Youth Interactions in Times of Crisis
HOPE THE START OF YOUR MONTH AND WEEKEND ARE GREAT!
THANKS FOR READING! JOIN US NEXT FRIDAY!
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