Happy Friday!  This week there are few additions, but we have two new training/networking events to share, the new weekly tip, and reminders for upcoming deadlines below. Tip of the Week – Discovery discovery rules to those followed in adult criminal court.  Though Juvenile Court is in District Court, most jurisdictions understand that discovery transfer is a practice for both misdemeanors and felonies in Juvenile Court.  Even if there’s an “automatic discovery” rule in your

Welcome back!  This week we’re bringing attention to an update on our “Materials” page, a new tip, a fellowship opportunity, and training announcements. Tip of the Week – Was Your Client’s Parent Present? Any juvenile under the age of 16 must have a parent present for any in-custody interview. Any statement made without the parent’s presence is not admissible into evidence (§7B-2101(b)). Remember – “in-custody” is an objective test and uses the “reasonable juvenile” standard!

Salutations and thank you for joining us again!  This week, in addition to the invaluable Tip of the Week and necessary reminders, we’ve got a new job posting.  Also, please note that many deadlines job applications and event dates are approaching within the next week! Tip of the Week – Calculations Matter Make sure you calculate your client’s delinquency history correctly.  It is reversible error if you do not advise your client of the most serious disposition s/he is expose

Happy first Friday and welcome to February!  Of course, this week there is a new tip, but we’ve also got another JJAC report, a new resource, and some new training announcements to share. Tip of the Week – When Should I Receive the Disposition Report? You should try to receive the disposition report prior to the dispositional hearing to review with your client.  If possible, try to get a copy of the report at least several days prior to the hearing.  While there is no statuto

Hello again and welcome to another Friday!  This week we’ve got a new tip, a new training announcement, some news from around the juvenile defense community that may be of interest, and some deadline reminders. We also released our 2018 Year in Review earlier this week.  Please take a moment to check it out here if you haven’t had a chance to read about some of our accomplishments from this past year and plans going forward into 2019. Tip of the Week – Immigration Consultatio

Happy Friday!  This week we’ve got another tip for juvenile defenders, one new job opportunity and some reminders. Tip of the Week – Contacting Your Client When contacting your client for the first time, you should use as many methods as feasible.  Send a letter to both the client and parent/guardian.   Call to set up an appointment.  And be sure to contact the intake counselor to make sure you have the correct contact information.  If you aren’t able to meet before court, as

Happy New Year!  We’re starting the year off with a great new podcast, a couple of training and job opportunity reminders, a new free resource and a new tip for you (just because we know you’ve been missing them for the last few weeks). Talk 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 s

Another Friday and only two more left in 2018!  This week we’ve got a new tip for defenders, one new training, and deadline reminders for you. Tip of the Week – Prior Record Level Matters If your client’s prior record places him/her in a position for the judge to enter a level 1 OR 2 dispositional level, ALWAYS argue for a level 1 disposition.  You can find a copy of the disposition chart here.  Make sure to check the final written order for accuracy. Training Applications fo