A New Way of Life Reentry Project - PowerPoint Presentation

Slide1

A New Way of Life Reentry ProjectCT Turney, Staff Attorneyctturney@anewwayoflife.org

Reentry Legal Clinic TrainingSlide2

Introduction & Overview Theory PracticeReading a Case D

ocket & DOJ rap sheet

Filling out FW-001Supporting Evidence: Declaration Role-playing

ScheduleSlide3

The Unauthorized practice of lawClinic overviewIntroduction & OverviewSlide4

Introduction & OverviewThe Unauthorized Practice of LawPracticing Law Without a LicenseMisdemeanor – Bus. & Prof. § 6126(a)

Problems Later Getting Your License

Problems with MY LicenseOut Yourself as a StudentDon’t Assume They Can TellLegal Info vs. Legal Advice

Describing the Law – OK

Applying the Law – NOT OK

Recommendations – NOT OKSlide5

Introduction & OverviewClinic OverviewYou Collect Info, We File Petitions

Basic Procedure

Meet ClientGet Case InfoSign FormsCR-180

Fee Waiver (if needed)

Declaration (if needed)

Scanning

Attorney Review/Consult/Sign-off

Conclude

Clinic As Starting PointSlide6

Available remediesFunctions & Limitations of “Expungement”Eligibility for remediesTheorySlide7

TheoryAvailable RemediesDismissal (aka “Expungement

”)

PC § 1203.4 When probation is grantedPC § 1203.4aWhen probation is not granted & conviction is not a felony or “traffic ticket”Reducing felony to misdemeanorPC § 17(b)

Modifying/terminating probation

PC § 1203.3

Other Remedies

Felonies With Prison – Certificate of Rehabilitation

No Conviction – Sealing of Arrest RecordSlide8

TheoryFunctions & Limitations of “Expungement”

Penal Code § 1203.4 / 1203.4a

“…the court shall set aside the verdict of guilty; and . . . shall thereupon

dismiss the accusations or information

against the

defendant and except as noted below, he or she shall

thereafter be

released from all penalties and disabilities resulting from

the offense

of which he or she has been

convicted . . .”

Slide9

TheoryFunctions & Limitations of “Expungement”

Penal Code § 1203.4 / 1203.4a

“…the court shall set aside the verdict of guilty; and . . . shall thereupon

dismiss the accusations or information

against the

defendant and

except as noted below

, he or she shall

thereafter be

released from all penalties and disabilities resulting from

the offense

of which he or she has been

convicted . . .”

Slide10

TheoryFunctions & Limitations of “Expungement”

Drawbacks:

It remains in the public recordCourt RecordsLiveScan / Fingerprinting“Dismissed pursuant to P.C. § 1203.4” = “You’re not fooling anyone”

Does not impact collateral consequences

Offender registries, gun ownership, jury service, strikes and priors, immigration consequences, gang injunctions, etc. etc. etc.

Benefits:

Private employment

Cannot show on private background check

Right to not disclose

Restrictions on asking about arrests

Policies of public agencies

Occupational licensing

Public employers: LA City & CountySlide11

TheoryEligibility for ReliefFirst – Establish Client’s Eligibility

Not currently involved with the criminal justice system

Not on probationNot on paroleNot facing new chargesNot incarceratedSecond – Establish Conviction’s Eligibility

Criteria used depends on whether probation was granted or notSlide12

TheoryEligibility for Relief – Granted ProbationProbation Was Granted

What

law applies?

1203.4

Is

conviction eligible?

Is

expungement

mandatory?

Prison sentence never executed

Imposition vs. execution

Prison vs. jail

Probation terminated early

In a good way

OR

Probation successfully completed

Not found in violation

No new crimes during probation

Fines & restitution paid

Felony vs. misdemeanor plays no role in determining mandatory vs. discretionary

If eligible but not mandatory,

expungement

is discretionary and declaration is needed.Slide13

TheoryEligibility for Relief – Not Granted ProbationProbation Was Not Granted

What

law applies?

1203.4a

Is

conviction eligible?

Is

expungement

mandatory?

Misdemeanor or Non-Vehicle-Code Infraction

Not a traffic ticket

Not a felony

AND

Defendant served sentence

Paid fine

Served jail time

AND

At least one year has passed since conviction

One Year Rule

No new crimes in first year after conviction

If eligible but not mandatory,

expungement

is discretionary and declaration is needed.Slide14

TheoryEligibility for Relief – Court Discretion for DismissalCourt Discretion

“In the Interests of Justice”

State’s InterestsPunishment/DeterrencePublic SafetyVictim RestitutionRehabilitationDefendant’s Interests

Rehabilitation

Burdens on Survival – Employment, Housing, Family

Factors – NOT a Balancing Test

State’s & defendant’s interests often align

Keep these factors in mind when writing declarationsSlide15

TheoryEligibility for Relief – Reduction to MisdemeanorReduction to Misdemeanor (17(b))

Conviction must be a “wobbler”

Chargeable as either felony or misdemeanorDefined by sentencing options – look in the statutePunishable by jail or prisonORPunishable by jail or pursuant to 1170(h)

Imposition of sentence must be suspended

Imposition vs. Execution

Always at the discretion of the court

Declaration requiredSlide16

Analyzing recordsInitial QuestionsReading an LA Case DocketReading a RAP SheetCompleting FW-001declarations

PracticeSlide17

PracticeAnalyzing Records – Initial QuestionsInitial Questions

Top of Criminal History Worksheet

Currently on Probation/Parole/Charged?Client eligibility for dismissalU.S. Citizen?Making sure aware of potential immigration impactsOther Convictions?

Do we have a full picture?Slide18

PracticeAnalyzing RecordsWe need to know:Case Information

Case number

Arresting agencyArresting dateProsecuting attorney’s office (CA/DA)Conviction & Sentence InformationType (misdemeanor/felony)Offenses found guilty

Date

Court

Sentence / Probation

Post-Sentencing

Violations

Fines & fees

RevocationsSlide19

PracticeAnalyzing Records – Reading a Case DocketReading an LA Case DocketTop of First Page – General Case Info

Rest of

Docket–

Record of

ProceedingsSlide20

PracticeAnalyzing Records – Reading a Case DocketReading an LA Case DocketTop of First Page – General Case InfoCase Number

Defendant Information

Arresting AgencyAccusation (Date & Charges)Slide21

PracticeAnalyzing Records – Reading a Case Docket

Reading an LA Case Docket

Top of First Page – General Case Info

Rest of

Docket–

Record of

Proceedings

Tells the story of the

case

Starts with Date & Location Line

Then “Cast of Characters”

Then Description of Events

Then Nature of Proceeding

Then Next Scheduled ProceedingSlide22

CASE DOCKET: 94R09291 – Case Information

9

4R09291

6/17/94

LAPDSlide23
Slide24

94R09291

6/17/94

LAPD

PC 647(b)

MSlide25

CASE DOCKET: 94R09291 – Conviction Information

94R09291

6/17/94

LAPD

PC 647(b)

M

Central Arraign

12/7/94

CASlide26

CASE DOCKET: 94R09291 – Sentencing Information

94R09291

6/17/94

LAPD

PC 647(b)

M

Central Arraign

12/7/94

CA

150 D J

HIV TestSlide27

CASE DOCKET: 94R09291 – Post Sentencing Information

94R09291

6/17/94

LAPD

PC 647(b)

M

Central Arraign

12/7/94

CA

150 D J

HIV TestSlide28

CASE DOCKET: 9CR27243 – Case Information

9CR27243

7/6/99

LAPDSlide29
Slide30

CASE DOCKET:

9CR27243

– Conviction Information

9CR27243

7/6/99

LAPD

PC

242-243(e)

M

7/8/99

Central Arraign

CASlide31

CASE DOCKET:

9CR27243

– Sentencing Information

9CR27243

7/6/99

LAPD

PC

242-243(e)

M

7/8/99

Central Arraign

CASlide32

CASE DOCKET:

9CR27243

– Post-Sentencing Information

9CR27243

7/6/99

LAPD

PC

242-243(e)

M

7/8/99

Central Arraign

CA

7/

7

/01Slide33

Please Be Back in 5 minutes!!!BreakSlide34

Try these on your own94R09291 (1203.4a)PC 647(b), M; Offense: 6/17/94; Arrest: LAPD; Conviction: 12/7/94, Cent’l Arr.; CA; No probation; 150 Days Jail & HIV Test - Served9CR27243 (1203.4)

PC 242-243(e), M

; Offense: 7/6/99; Arrest: LAPD; Conviction: 7/8/99, Cent’l Arr.; CA; Probation End 7/7/01; Restitution unpaid

VA033689 (Interlineation)

BA151334 (DEJ >> COR

)

94M05413 (Probation Revocation)Slide35

CASE DOCKET: VA033689 – Case Information

VA033689

8/4/95

LASDSlide36
Slide37
Slide38
Slide39
Slide40

CASE DOCKET: VA033689 – Conviction Information

VA033689

8/4/95

LASD

PC 459

M

7/11/96

Bellflower

DA

???Slide41

CASE DOCKET: VA033689 – Sentence Information

VA033689

8/4/95

LASD

PC 459

M

7/11/96

Bellflower

DA

7/10/99Slide42

Try these on your own94R09291 (1203.4a)PC 647(b), M; Offense: 6/17/94; Arrest: LAPD; Conviction: 12/7/94, Cent’l Arr.; CA; No probation; 150 Days Jail & HIV Test - Served9CR27243 (1203.4)

PC 242-243(e), M

; Offense: 7/6/99; Arrest: LAPD; Conviction: 7/8/99, Cent’l Arr.; CA; Probation End 7/7/01; Restitution unpaid

VA033689 (Interlineation)

PC

459,

M;

Offense:

8/4/

95; Arrest:

LASD; Conviction: 7/11/96, Bellflower; DA; Probation End 7/10/99; Restitution

Waived

BA151334 (DEJ >> COR

)

94M05413 (Probation Revocation)Slide43

CASE DOCKET: BA151334 – Case Information

BA151334

6/2/97

LAPDSlide44
Slide45
Slide46
Slide47

CASE DOCKET:

BA151334

– DiversionSlide48

CASE DOCKET:

BA151334

– DiversionSlide49

CASE DOCKET: BA151334 – Conviction InformationSlide50

CASE DOCKET: BA151334 – Sentencing InformationSlide51

CASE DOCKET: BA151334 – Conviction & Sentencing Information

BA151334

6/2/97

LAPD

HS

11350(a)

F

11/17/97

Crim

Justice

Ctr

DA

16 M

PrisonSlide52

Try these on your own94R09291 (1203.4a)PC 647(b), M; Offense: 6/17/94; Arrest: LAPD; Conviction: 12/7/94, Cent’l Arr.; CA; No probation; 150 Days Jail & HIV Test - Served9CR27243 (1203.4)

PC 242-243(e), M

; Offense: 7/6/99; Arrest: LAPD; Conviction: 7/8/99, Cent’l Arr.; CA; Probation End 7/7/01; Restitution unpaid

VA033689 (Interlineation)

PC

459,

M;

Offense:

8/4/

95; Arrest:

LASD; Conviction: 7/11/96, Bellflower; DA; Probation End 7/10/99; Restitution

Waived

BA151334 (DEJ >> COR

)

HS 11350(a

),

F;

Offense:

6/2/

97; Arrest:

LAPD; Conviction: 11/17/97,

Crim. Justice Ctr.;

DA; Failed

Diversion Program;

No

Probation;

Prison

Imposed

&

Executed

94M05413 (Probation Revocation)Slide53

CASE DOCKET: 94M05413 – Case Information

94M05413

11/12/94

Santa Monica PDSlide54
Slide55

CASE DOCKET: 94M05413 – InterlineationSlide56

CASE DOCKET: 94M05413 – Conviction Information

94M05413

11/12/94

Santa Monica PD

PC 476(a)

HS

11364(a)

M

M

''

''

''Slide57

CASE DOCKET: 94M05413 – Conviction Information

94M05413

11/12/94

Santa Monica PD

PC 476(a)

HS

11364(a)

M

M

''

''

''

11/30/94

''

Santa Monica

''

CA

''Slide58

CASE DOCKET: 94M05413 – Sentencing Information

94M05413

11/12/94

Santa Monica PD

PC 476(a)

HS

11364(a)

M

M

''

''

''

11/30/94

''

Santa Monica

''

CA

''Slide59

CASE DOCKET: 94M05413 – Post Sentencing InformationSlide60

CASE DOCKET: 94M05413 – Post Sentencing Information

94M05413

11/12/94

Santa Monica PD

PC 476(a)

HS

11364(a)

M

M

''

''

''

11/30/94

''

Santa Monica

''

CA

''

6/1/95

To

4/11/97

=

~1y, 10m, 10d

11/29/95

plus

1 y, 10m, 10d

=

~10/10/97

~10/10/97

''Slide61

Try these on your own9CR27243 (1203.4)PC 242-243(e), M; Offense: 7/6/99; Arrest: LAPD; Conviction: 7/8/99, Cent’l Arr.; CA

;

Probation End 7/7/01; Restitution unpaid94R09291 (1203.4a)PC 647(b), M; Offense: 6/17/94; Arrest: LAPD; Conviction: 12/7/94, Cent’l Arr.; CA; No probation; 150 Days Jail & HIV Test - Served

VA033689 (Interlineation)

PC

459,

M;

Offense:

8/4/

95; Arrest:

LASD; Conviction: 7/11/96, Bellflower; DA; Probation End 7/10/99; Restitution

Waived

BA151334 (DEJ >> COR

)

HS 11350(a

),

F;

Offense:

6/2/

97; Arrest:

LAPD; Conviction: 11/17/97,

Crim. Justice Ctr.;

DA; Failed

Diversion Program;

No

Probation;

Prison

Imposed

&

Executed

94M05413 (Probation Revocation)

PC 476(a), M; HS 11364(a), M; Offense: 11/12/94; Arrest:

SaMo PD; Conviction: 11/30/94; CA; Probation End 10/10/97; Restitution ?Slide62

ANALYZING CRIMINAL RECORDS – END RESULT

94R09291

6/17/94

LAPD

PC 647(b)

M

Central Arraign

12/7/94

CA

150 D J

HIV Test

9CR27243

7/6/99

LAPD

PC

242-243(e)

M

7/8/99

Central Arraign

CA

7/

7

/01

VA033689

8/4/95

LASD

PC 459

M

7/11/96

Bellflower

DA

7/10/99

BA151334

6/2/97

LAPD

HS

11350(a)

F

11/17/97

Crim

Justice

Ctr

DA

16 M

Prison

94M05413

11/12/94

Santa Monica PD

PC 476(a)

HS

11364(a)

M

M

''

11/30/94

''

Santa Monica

''

CA

''

~10/10/97

''

''

''Slide63

PracticeAnalyzing Records – Reading a RAP SheetReading a RAP SheetRecord of Every Fingerprint

Will Include More Than Convictions

Arrests, License Applications, Government Job ApplicationsRecords Separated by AsterisksSlide64

PracticeAnalyzing Records – Reading a RAP SheetReading a RAP SheetRecord of Every Fingerprint

Records Separated by Asterisks

Conviction Records Contain DashesAbove Dashed Line = Arrest InfoBelow Dashed Line = Court InfoSlide65

RAP Sheet: Getting Information

31219181

2/19/82

CAPD Los Angeles

PC 484(a)

M

4/13/82

Metro

24

MosSlide66

PracticeAnalyzing Records – Reading a RAP SheetRAP Sheet Post-Sentencing TricksMultiple Dates in Court Info

Sometimes multiple dashed lines, not always

Sometimes indicate sentencing changes, which often indicate probation violationSlide67

PracticeAnalyzing Records – Reading a RAP SheetRAP Sheet Post-Sentencing TricksMultiple Dates in Court Info

Sometimes multiple dashed lines, not always

Sometimes indicate sentencing changes, which often indicate probation violationArrests on WarrantsOften warrant # is a case # (with stuff tacked on the beginning & end)Indicates likely violationIf case number is not accounted for elsewhere, bring to attention of

attySlide68

PracticeAnalyzing Records – Reading a RAP SheetRAP Sheet Post-Sentencing TricksMultiple Dates in Court Info

Sometimes multiple dashed lines, not always

Sometimes indicate sentencing changes, which often indicate probation violationArrests on WarrantsOften warrant # is a case # (with stuff tacked on the beginning & end)Indicates likely violationIf case number is not accounted for elsewhere, bring to attention of

atty

CDC Custody

Will often contain case number in record comments

P

rison was executed for that caseSlide69

PracticeFilling Out FW-001Filling Out FW-001One For Each CaseMake Copies Before Client Signs

Make the Information Make Sense

Claiming absolutely no income and no expenses – unrealisticClaiming expenses far in excess of income – unrealisticAsk Prompting QuestionsHow often do you get groceries/gas/etc.

How much do you usually spend each time?

Electric? Cell Phone? Water? Gas?Slide70

O

OSlide71

FW-001 : Filling out the form (page 1 of 2)

Step Through These OptionsSlide72

FW-001 : Filling out the form (page 2 of 2)

5(b) & 5(c)

5(c)

NOTES:

Fill out left column if box 5(b) or 5(c) is checked on the front.

Fill out right column if box 5(c) is checked on the front.

Household Income in (9) only includes those that the client declare as his/her dependents

or

those that declare the client as their dependent.Slide73

Practice

Declaration

Declaration

Explanation of Facts to the Court

These facts are the client’s life.

Client’s chance to explain their story to the court.

Your job: Help do it in a beneficial way.

Remember: Interests of Justice Standard

Point of letter is to show judge why interests of justice favor granting petition.

Interests of Justice Factors:

Public Safety

Restitution

Punishment

Rehabilitation

Burdens on PetitionerSlide74

PracticeDeclaration – Factors: Public SafetyDeclaration – Interests of JusticePublic Safety = Recidivism

Why is this person a good bet?

Change of HeartReasons for changing lifeThe more concrete the betterJudge’s POV: Describable “t

urning point” increases credibility, decreases likelihood of going back

Changed Life

Efforts and/or results

Ties in closely with rehabilitationSlide75

PracticeDeclaration – Factors: RehabilitationDeclaration – Interests of JusticeRehabilitationAdmission of Guilt

This is what happened, I am sorry.

Judge’s POV: Person’s ability to take responsibility shows they’ve changedProgramsRehab Programs, Education, TrainingLife ChangesWorking, volunteering, education, religion

Stability of family & friends

Same or different people than before?

Judge’s POV: When people rehabilitate they leave old “bad” influences behindSlide76

PracticeDeclaration – Factors: Burdens on PetitionerDeclaration – Interests of JusticeBurdens on Petitioner

Tangible Necessity

for the PetitionThe more concrete, the betterImmediate needE.g., ongoing barriers faced due to convictionPreparation for the future

E.g., completing training, preparing to enter workforce

Also Emotional Burdens

Closing the door on past life

Gaining pride, recognition by court of their efforts to changeSlide77

PracticeDeclaration – What to AvoidDeclaration – Things to AvoidThings to Avoid

Sob Story

Focus on present & changeSome background for context – too much = excuses, pinning the blameDeflecting ResponsibilityThey’re already convicted – in the eyes of the court they are fully responsible.

The whole truth vs. helpful facts

Long Paragraphs

Short & sweet – keep judge’s attention

Conflicting Facts & Inconsistencies

Pay attention to the complete picture

Half hour chat vs. 30-second readingSlide78

PracticeDeclaration – Common ProblemDeclaration – Common Problems“Innocent” Client

Helpful Facts vs. The Whole Truth

If necessary, leave out discussion of crimes“Loner” ClientFocus on internal thought processFeelings about themselves & their pathRedirected energies – even if not social

Art

Meditation

Working

“Scatter” Client

Try to find a common pattern

Relapse?

Focus on why this time is differentSlide79

IntroductionPreliminary questionsEligibilityUS CitizenshipAdditional Cases

Fee Waiver

Role-PlayingSlide80

See you at 9:30amSaturday, September 15th, 2012Centro C.h.a., inc. center for working families1900 Atlantic Ave., 2nd

Floor

Long beach, CA 90806Ct turney323-592-9845ctturney@anewwayoflife.org

Thank you!!!