Good morning readers! It’s the last week in July, can you believe it? Is time flying by or is it just us? Let’s start your weekend off with a new OJD blog.
Raise the Age Tip of the Week
How Do I Know the State Will be Seeking the Gang Enhancement Against My Juvenile?
Under current law, there is no process for notice to the juvenile and the juvenile’s attorney that the state is seeking the gang enhancement. As the juvenile’s attorney, you should consider the following:
Get a copy of the gang assessment from DJJ prior to adjudication
Argue that the notice of gang enhancement be presented pre-adjudication
Develop a theory of defense against client’s involvement in gang activity
Prepare for a hearing on the issue
Request a hearing, similar to an adjudicatory hearing
Request the court make findings on the record and appeal where appropriate
A Bit of Housekeeping!
OJD is working from home for now and if you need to reach us for a case consultation, upcoming training, or have a question about court? Don’t forget you can email us for a faster response! Click here for links to our email addresses.
Upcoming Events
August 7, 2020 from 3:00-4:00 PM. Jen Story, Tessa Hale, Mary Stansell are presenting a new CLE: Making the Connection- Education Advocacy and Juvenile Defense. Come to this session to learn the basics of special education laws and school-based intervention plans; how to issue-spot when students’ unaddressed needs in schools are exacerbating their behaviors; and how to incorporate this knowledge into your advocacy in a way that sets juveniles up for long-term success. You can register for this CLE here and will be sent the meeting link information afterwards.
Thursday, August 13, 6:00-7:30 please join us for COVID-19: The State of Our Mental Health Part II. This session will focus on the mental health and issues younger adults and youth are facing due to this pandemic. Featuring Nikki Croteau-Johnson, MA, LPA, Clinical Program Director at NC Child Treatment Program and Dorothy Hairston-Mitchell, Clinical Associate Professor and Supervising Attorney for the Juvenile Law Clinic at NCCU. Please click here to register for the event. You will receive the Zoom link afterward registering.
Opportunity!
LaTobia is looking for guest bloggers to contribute to our Week in Review. Defenders and those in juvenile justice are welcome to write in on topics of their expertise: secure custody, mental health in juveniles, etc! We want to hear from you! There’s plenty more weeks left in the year! Reach out to LaTobia here for more information.
THAT’S ALL FOR JULY! HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!