Nearly 25 years ago, Joaquin Ramos entered the South Dakota State Penitentiary to begin a life sentence for first-degree manslaughter, angry about the circumstances that led him there even though sentencing law has changed.
Continue reading “40 years after SD changed sentencing law, dozens are serving 100 years”
From a man who was sentenced to life after stealing $150 worth of videotapes to an offender sentenced for shoplifting a jacket worth $159, new prison reform tries to overhaul the controversial “three strikes” law that led to people spending their life in prison for petty crimes. Continue reading “Reform bill to overhaul controversial ‘three strikes’ rule”
The warning comes after a sharp rise in a type of divorce settlement that is relatively easy to arrange but harbours potential drawbacks.
Continue reading “DIY Divorcees Run Into Pension Problems”
William Alstergren has been appointed the new chief justice of the Family Court, adding it to his role as Chief Judge of the Federal Circuit Court. Continue reading “Family Court Chief Justice Appointed Amid Major Shakeup”
South Dakota is one of six states that allow legal action to be taken against their spouse’s lover if they intentionally, and knowingly stole their spouse. Know in the legal system as Alienation of Affection. Continue reading “Alienation of Affection in the South Dakota Supreme Court”
You lock up your phone so other people can’t access it. But how you lock your phone is an important factor in whether law enforcement can compel you to unlock it. Apple’s year-old Face ID system is no exception. On Sunday, Forbes reported the first known example of law enforcement anywhere using a suspect’s face to unlock a phone during an investigation. Continue reading “Why Cops Can Force You to Unlock Your Phone With Your Face”
For many who get in trouble with the law, going to prison can become a revolving-door experience. Breaking that cycle, and helping people get out and stay out of prison, can go a long way toward decreasing crime, reducing corrections costs and reforming the criminal justice system.
That’s why a relatively new anti-recidivism effort in Minnesota should be supported and expanded. A recent Star Tribune news story described Minnesota’s federal re-entry court, a program that’s making significant headway in reducing recidivism. The initiative approaches typical court proceedings in a different way. Rather than the typical adversarial model, judges and other federal criminal justice officials volunteer time to sit at a table with released ex-inmates who are at high risk to re-offend.
The program is one of about 60 across the nation, but is reportedly the only one that places participants with mentors from the community. Now in its third year, the effort has reduced recidivism from 73 percent of Minnesota’s highest-risk federal inmates to 27 percent. The story featured the 12th graduate of the 18-month program, a Hudson woman the story identified only by her first name, Moneer, who has turned her life around with the help of criminal justice officials.
Keeping former offenders out of prison is a smart component of criminal justice reform on many levels. It’s good for the inmate because getting out and staying out of jail opens up opportunities to go to school, get training, find employment and help support a family.
Society benefits as well. The $30,000 per year it costs the federal government to support an inmate can be devoted to areas such as education, health care and infrastructure. Reducing prison recidivism can also decrease crime and allow more former offenders to become contributing members of their communities.
Read the full article on Star Tribune
Understanding the Appellate Process – People often represent themselves in court – criminal matters, divorce, custody, small claims, and protection order matters, are some of the few. Continue reading “Understanding the Appellate Process”
Sharpfish and Timeliness of Appeals –
The South Dakota Supreme Court’s decision in State v. Sharpfish is an important reminder of procedural defaults and the importance of not missing filing deadlines. A defendant challenged the admissibility of evidence in his case. Continue reading “Sharpfish and Timeliness of Appeals”