Experienced Advocacy On Your Side
Clients bring me their plan. The plan to convince the Court that the situation has changed; the client is new person. The most significant hurdle for clients in this situation is themselves. “I’ll start after my case is over.” “My friend owes me money. Once they pay up, I’ll change.” Whatever the condition, it’s always tomorrow. Understand, as I’ve said…
The first time a parent in juvenile court said to me, “I brought my child to court so that court would teach my child respect. But we just keep coming back and nothing changes. The Judge, DJJ they don’t do anything.” My initial response was wonder. Really, a parent thought a government agency and/or a court could fix that type…
Clients work to persuade me that the client is ready for change. Having the right words is the first step toward convincing a judge that change is indeed on the horizon. Unfortunately, words alone will not shift a judge’s perspective. That a client can see and understand the client needs to change is groundbreaking for the client. Judges, prosecutors, CPS case managers,…
When a Court orders a parent into drug/alcohol rehabilitation, the Court means now. Does entering rehabilitation mean that child will be returned to the parent immediately? Absolutely not. Rehabilitation requires following a plan and succeeding in small steps as the plan moves forward. The best results come when the employees from the rehab facility testify about the progress and success…
Negotiation is a discussion in which two or more parties attempt to reach an agreement through bargaining. Here are a few examples of negotiation in business: Salary negotiation: Candidates for jobs can bargain with an employer about their salary and benefits. Vendor negotiation: Many businesses negotiate with vendors on the pricing and services provided in contracts. Conflict-resolution: Often, conflict-resolution in…
Clients and family members often express concern when the idea of the Grand Jury is discussed. The Grand Jury determines who is indicted and who is not indicted. In most cases, an Indictment, or “True Bill,” results from the presentation of a case to the Grand Jury. If the Grand Jury determines that a case should not go forward, then…
Why do foster parents need a book? The court system is confusing. No one clearly advises or advocates for Foster Parents within this juvenile court system. Caregiver’s Compass provides an innovative and informative guide for Foster Parents to learn the processes and keep track of necessary information. After years of watching Foster Parents struggle with their role and desperately wanting to advocate…
During jury deliberations in a criminal jury trial, a jury must reach a unanimous verdict. All the jurors- 12 for felonies or 6 for misdemeanors- must agree about whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty. If after some period of time the jury cannot decide on a verdict, the judge may declare a mistrial. The mistrial will be referred…
Frequently the State charges a client with possession with intent to distribute a drug. The client may have possessed scales, packaging equipment-sandwich bags, and some amount of an illegal or controlled drug. In other cases, the intent to distribute can stem from the weight of the drug found. Clients often recount that the drugs were just to share, “I didn’t…
A plea of guilty is a frequent outcome for criminal cases. As a part of a sentence, a defendant may be subject to a special set of rules, or conditions of probation. These rules could include a Fourth Amendment Waiver, a requirement to the defendant to take drug tests, and/or any number of other conditions that a lot of people…