Download - Reentry Legal Clinic Training
• INTRODUCTION & OVERVIEW• THEORY• PRACTICE• Reading a Case Docket & DOJ rap sheet• Filling out FW-001• Supporting Evidence: Declaration
• ROLE-PLAYING
Schedule
THE UNAUTHORIZED PRACTICE OF LAW
CLINIC OVERVIEW
Introduction & Overview
Introduction & OverviewThe Unauthorized Practice of Law
Practicing Law Without a License Misdemeanor – Bus. & Prof. § 6126(a) Problems Later Getting Your License Problems with MY License
Out Yourself as a Student Don’t Assume They Can Tell
Legal Info vs. Legal Advice Describing the Law – OK Applying the Law – NOT OK Recommendations – NOT OK
Introduction & OverviewClinic Overview
You Collect Info, We File Petitions
Basic Procedure1. Meet Client2. Get Case Info3. Sign Forms
CR-180 Fee Waiver (if needed)
4. Declaration (if needed)5. Scanning6. Attorney Review/Consult/Sign-off7. Conclude
Clinic As Starting Point
AVAILABLE REMEDIES
FUNCTIONS & LIMITATIONS OF “EXPUNGEMENT”
ELIGIBILITY FOR REMEDIES
Theory
TheoryAvailable Remedies
Dismissal (aka “Expungement”) PC § 1203.4
When probation is granted PC § 1203.4a
When probation is not granted & conviction is not a felony or “traffic ticket”
Reducing felony to misdemeanor PC § 17(b)
Modifying/terminating probation PC § 1203.3
Other Remedies Felonies With Prison – Certificate of
Rehabilitation No Conviction – Sealing of Arrest Record
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 . . .”
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 . . .”
TheoryFunctions & Limitations of “Expungement”
Drawbacks: It remains in the public record
Court Records LiveScan / 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 & County
TheoryEligibility for Relief
First – Establish Client’s Eligibility Not currently involved with the
criminal justice system Not on probation Not on parole Not facing new charges Not incarcerated
Second – Establish Conviction’s Eligibility Criteria used depends on whether
probation was granted or not
TheoryEligibility for Relief – Granted Probation
Probation Was GrantedWhat law applies?
1203.4
Is conviction eligible?
Is expungement mandatory?
Prison sentence never executed• Imposition vs. execution• Prison vs. jailProbation terminated early• In a good wayORProbation successfully completed• Not found in violation• No new crimes during
probation• Fines & restitution paidFelony vs. misdemeanor plays no role in
determining mandatory vs. discretionaryIf eligible but not mandatory, expungement is
discretionary and declaration is needed.
TheoryEligibility for Relief – Not Granted Probation
Probation Was Not GrantedWhat law applies?
1203.4a
Is conviction eligible?
Is expungement mandatory?
Misdemeanor or Non-Vehicle-Code Infraction• Not a traffic ticket• Not a felonyANDDefendant served sentence• Paid fine• Served jail timeANDAt least one year has passed since convictionOne Year Rule• No new crimes in first
year after convictionIf eligible but not mandatory, expungement is
discretionary and declaration is needed.
TheoryEligibility for Relief – Court Discretion for Dismissal
Court Discretion “In the Interests of Justice”
State’s Interests Punishment/Deterrence Public Safety Victim Restitution Rehabilitation
Defendant’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 declarations
TheoryEligibility for Relief – Reduction to Misdemeanor
Reduction to Misdemeanor (17(b)) Conviction must be a “wobbler”
Chargeable as either felony or misdemeanor
Defined by sentencing options – look in the statute Punishable by jail or prisonOR Punishable by jail or pursuant to 1170(h)
Imposition of sentence must be suspended Imposition vs. Execution
Always at the discretion of the court Declaration required
ANALYZING RECORDSInitial Questions
Reading an LA Case DocketReading a RAP Sheet
COMPLETING FW-001
DECLARATIONS
Practice
PracticeAnalyzing Records – Initial Questions
Initial Questions
Top of Criminal History Worksheet Currently on
Probation/Parole/Charged? Client eligibility for dismissal
U.S. Citizen? Making sure aware of potential
immigration impacts Other Convictions?
Do we have a full picture?
PracticeAnalyzing Records
We need to know: Case Information
Case number Arresting agency Arresting date Prosecuting attorney’s office (CA/DA)
Conviction & Sentence Information Type (misdemeanor/felony) Offenses found guilty Date Court Sentence / Probation
Post-Sentencing Violations Fines & fees Revocations
PracticeAnalyzing Records – Reading a Case Docket
Reading an LA Case Docket Top of First Page – General Case
Info Rest of Docket– Record of Proceedings
PracticeAnalyzing Records – Reading a Case Docket
Reading an LA Case Docket Top of First Page – General Case
Info Case Number Defendant Information Arresting Agency Accusation (Date & Charges)
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 Proceeding
CASE DOCKET: 94R09291 – Case Information
94R09291 6/17/94 LAPD
94R09291 6/17/94 LAPDPC 647(b) M
CASE DOCKET: 94R09291 – Conviction Information
94R09291 6/17/94 LAPDPC 647(b) MCentral Arraign12/7/94
CA
CASE DOCKET: 94R09291 – Sentencing Information
94R09291 6/17/94 LAPDPC 647(b) MCentral Arraign12/7/94
CA 150 D JHIV Test
CASE DOCKET: 94R09291 – Post Sentencing Information
94R09291 6/17/94 LAPDPC 647(b) MCentral Arraign12/7/94
CA 150 D JHIV Test
CASE DOCKET: 9CR27243 – Case Information
9CR27243 7/6/99 LAPD
CASE DOCKET: 9CR27243 – Conviction Information
9CR27243 7/6/99 LAPDPC242-243(e)M
7/8/99 Central Arraign CA
CASE DOCKET: 9CR27243 – Sentencing Information
9CR27243 7/6/99 LAPDPC242-243(e)M
7/8/99 Central Arraign CA
CASE DOCKET: 9CR27243 – Post-Sentencing Information
9CR27243 7/6/99 LAPDPC242-243(e)M
7/8/99 Central Arraign CA 7/7/01
PLEASE BE BACK IN 5 MINUTES! ! !
Break
Try these on your own
94R09291 (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)
CASE DOCKET: VA033689 – Case Information
VA033689 8/4/95 LASD
CASE DOCKET: VA033689 – Conviction Information
VA033689 8/4/95 LASDPC 459 M7/11/96 Bellflower
DA
???
CASE DOCKET: VA033689 – Sentence Information
VA033689 8/4/95 LASDPC 459 M7/11/96 Bellflower
DA 7/10/99
Try these on your own
94R09291 (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 WaivedBA151334 (DEJ >> COR)
94M05413 (Probation Revocation)
CASE DOCKET: BA151334 – Case Information
BA151334 6/2/97 LAPD
CASE DOCKET: BA151334 – Diversion
CASE DOCKET: BA151334 – Diversion
CASE DOCKET: BA151334 – Conviction Information
CASE DOCKET: BA151334 – Sentencing Information
CASE DOCKET: BA151334 – Conviction & Sentencing Information
BA151334 6/2/97 LAPDHS11350(a) F 11/17/97 Crim Justice Ctr DA 16 M
Prison
Try these on your own
94R09291 (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 WaivedBA151334 (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)
CASE DOCKET: 94M05413 – Case Information
94M05413 11/12/94 Santa Monica PD
CASE DOCKET: 94M05413 – Interlineation
CASE DOCKET: 94M05413 – Conviction Information
94M05413 11/12/94 Santa Monica PDPC 476(a)
HS11364(a)
M
M''''''
CASE DOCKET: 94M05413 – Conviction Information
94M05413 11/12/94 Santa Monica PDPC 476(a)
HS11364(a)
M
M''''''
11/30/94
''
Santa Monica
''CA
''
CASE DOCKET: 94M05413 – Sentencing Information
94M05413 11/12/94 Santa Monica PDPC 476(a)
HS11364(a)
M
M''''''
11/30/94
''
Santa Monica
''CA
''
CASE DOCKET: 94M05413 – Post Sentencing Information
CASE DOCKET: 94M05413 – Post Sentencing Information
94M05413 11/12/94 Santa Monica PDPC 476(a)
HS11364(a)
M
M''''''
11/30/94
''
Santa Monica
''CA
''
6/1/95To4/11/97=~1y, 10m, 10d
11/29/95plus 1 y, 10m, 10d=~10/10/97
~10/10/97
''
Try these on your own
9CR27243 (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 WaivedBA151334 (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 ?
ANALYZING CRIMINAL RECORDS – END RESULT
94R09291 6/17/94 LAPDPC 647(b) MCentral Arraign12/7/94
CA 150 D JHIV Test
9CR27243 7/6/99 LAPDPC242-243(e)M
7/8/99 Central Arraign CA 7/7/01
VA033689 8/4/95 LASDPC 459 M7/11/96 Bellflower
DA 7/10/99
BA151334 6/2/97 LAPDHS11350(a) F 11/17/97 Crim Justice Ctr DA 16 M
Prison
94M05413 11/12/94 Santa Monica PDPC 476(a)
HS11364(a)
M
M''
11/30/94
''
Santa Monica
''CA
''
~10/10/97
'''' ''
PracticeAnalyzing Records – Reading a RAP Sheet
Reading a RAP Sheet Record of Every Fingerprint
Will Include More Than Convictions Arrests, License Applications,
Government Job Applications Records Separated by Asterisks
PracticeAnalyzing Records – Reading a RAP Sheet
Reading a RAP Sheet Record of Every Fingerprint Records Separated by Asterisks Conviction Records Contain
Dashes Above Dashed Line = Arrest Info Below Dashed Line = Court Info
RAP Sheet: Getting Information
31219181 2/19/82 CAPD Los AngelesPC 484(a)M4/13/82 Metro 24 Mos
PracticeAnalyzing Records – Reading a RAP Sheet
RAP Sheet Post-Sentencing Tricks Multiple Dates in Court Info
Sometimes multiple dashed lines, not always
Sometimes indicate sentencing changes, which often indicate probation violation
PracticeAnalyzing Records – Reading a RAP Sheet
RAP Sheet Post-Sentencing Tricks Multiple Dates in Court Info
Sometimes multiple dashed lines, not always
Sometimes indicate sentencing changes, which often indicate probation violation
Arrests on Warrants Often warrant # is a case # (with
stuff tacked on the beginning & end) Indicates likely violation If case number is not accounted
for elsewhere, bring to attention of atty
PracticeAnalyzing Records – Reading a RAP Sheet
RAP Sheet Post-Sentencing Tricks Multiple Dates in Court Info
Sometimes multiple dashed lines, not always
Sometimes indicate sentencing changes, which often indicate probation violation
Arrests on Warrants Often warrant # is a case # (with stuff
tacked on the beginning & end) Indicates likely violation If case number is not accounted for
elsewhere, bring to attention of atty CDC Custody
Will often contain case number in record comments Prison was executed for that case
PracticeFilling Out FW-001
Filling Out FW-001 One For Each Case Make Copies Before Client Signs Make the Information Make Sense
Claiming absolutely no income and no expenses – unrealistic
Claiming expenses far in excess of income – unrealistic
Ask Prompting Questions How often do you get
groceries/gas/etc. How much do you usually spend
each time? Electric? Cell Phone? Water? Gas?
O
O
FW-001 : Filling out the form (page 1 of 2)
Step Through These Options
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.
PracticeDeclaration
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 Petitioner
PracticeDeclaration – Factors: Public Safety
Declaration – Interests of Justice Public Safety = Recidivism
Why is this person a good bet? Change of Heart
Reasons for changing life• The more concrete the better
Judge’s POV: Describable “turning point” increases credibility, decreases likelihood of going back
Changed Life Efforts and/or results Ties in closely with rehabilitation
PracticeDeclaration – Factors: Rehabilitation
Declaration – Interests of Justice Rehabilitation
Admission of Guilt This is what happened, I am sorry. Judge’s POV: Person’s ability to take
responsibility shows they’ve changed Programs
Rehab Programs, Education, Training Life Changes
Working, volunteering, education, religion
Stability of family & friends Same or different people than before?
• Judge’s POV: When people rehabilitate they leave old “bad” influences behind
PracticeDeclaration – Factors: Burdens on Petitioner
Declaration – Interests of Justice Burdens on Petitioner
Tangible Necessity for the Petition The more concrete, the better Immediate need
• E.g., ongoing barriers faced due to conviction
Preparation 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 change
PracticeDeclaration – What to Avoid
Declaration – Things to Avoid Things to Avoid
Sob Story Focus on present & change Some background for context – too
much = excuses, pinning the blame Deflecting Responsibility
They’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 reading
PracticeDeclaration – Common Problem
Declaration – Common Problems “Innocent” Client
Helpful Facts vs. The Whole Truth If necessary, leave out discussion of
crimes “Loner” Client
Focus on internal thought process Feelings about themselves & their
path Redirected energies – even if not social
Art Meditation Working
“Scatter” Client Try to find a common pattern
Relapse? Focus on why this time is different
(1) INTRODUCTION(2) PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS
(1) Eligibility(2) US Citizenship(3) Additional Cases
(3) FEE WAIVER
Role-Playing
SEE YOU AT 9 :30AMSATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15TH, 2012
CENTRO C.H.A. , INC. CENTER FOR WORKING FAMILIES
1900 ATLANTIC AVE. , 2 N D FLOORLONG BEACH, CA 90806
CT TURNEY323-592-9845
Thank you!!!