Justice Journal

Description: Discussion with longtime driving under the influence (DUI) prevention partner the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) about how the organization works to protect the safety of all those on our highways and roads as well as pedestrians. Show Notes: Guest Deputy Director of Marketing & Public Affairs Tim Weisberg from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) and Lead Deputy District Attorney Gregory Hayes introduce themselves – their backgrounds and current roles. Weisberg describes his past professional background and his current role managing all OTS marketing, media campaigns and outreach programs. Hayes explains his past professional background and current role related to DUI cases and the DUI/DUID prosecution and Education Outreach program. Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Weisberg provides background on OTS – its mission, history and how it’s working to keep people safe on our roads and highways. He also details what types of organizations OTS most often partners with and how they support them. One of the ways OTS supports organizations is through grants. Host, Shelly Orio, discusses how OTS has supported the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office for many years – with grants totaling nearly $8.75 million since 2010. These grants have funded the prosecution of DUI/DUID cases, training for law enforcement officers on DUI/DUID investigations, prevention programs, Crime Lab purchases of specialized equipment to test for certain drugs, many new breath alcohol testing devices and an instrument to analyze alcohol (gas) in blood samples. OTS grants have also funded Crime Lab staff overtime costs to provide on-site assistance at DUI checkpoints. Hayes shares his experience facilitating the OTS grant, how he has seen these grant dollars put into action and the impact the grant work has had on prosecutions and student education. Weisberg explains the other types of grants OTS funds and for what types of organizations as well as how organizations can apply for OTS grants. Weisberg and Hayes talk about new issues and challenges with DUI/DUID trends. They both agree driving under the influence of drugs is the most pressing challenge. Hayes adds that the legalization of marijuana also poses challenges to cases of driving under the influence of marijuana. Weisberg then explains how OTS sets mission priorities and counter measures to different issues impacting road safety. Weisberg shares what outreach OTS is currently conducting -including PSA campaigns and safety programs such as Go Safely. He also shares other resources available through OTS on driving safety information. Hayes and Weisberg close by giving their key takeaways from this discussion. RESOURCES: https://www.ots.ca.gov/ OTS on social media Facebook @CaliforniaOTS and Instagram and Twitter @ots_ca.

Description: Discussion with two longtime DUI/DUID prevention partner organizations Arrive Alive, CA and Mothers Against Drunk Driving about prevention programs, focusing on the Real DUI Court in Schools program, the importance of reaching children early and the importance of partnerships. Show Notes: Guests Arrive Alive CA CEO Angela Webb, MADD Victim Services Specialist Rhonda Campbell and Lead Deputy District Attorney (DDA) Gregory Hayes introduce themselves. Hayes explains his current role related to DUI cases and the DUI/DUID prosecution and Education Outreach program. Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Hayes states current DUI penal codes. Hayes, Webb and Campbell talk about the scope of the DUI/DUID problem with local and national stats. Webb and Campbell talk about the importance of reaching kids early – elementary and middle school – to shape their ideas and provide accurate information about DUI/DUID. They explain high school is when they act on their ideas/beliefs. Webb explains the Real DUI Court in Schools program and gives stats on the number of students reached since the start of the program. Hayes and Campbell talk about their involvement in the program. Webb, Campbell and Hayes share the feedback they have received about Real DUI Court in Schools and why they believe the program is so effective among students. Campbell talks about other MADD programs, how they work and why they are effective. Webb and Campbell talk about the challenges, changes and successes they have experienced over their time working in prevention. They give insight into the importance of partnerships and who they work with to get the message across to different audiences. They also share what keeps them motivated and energized to continue their work. Hayes, Campbell and Webb close the discussion by giving advice, resources and key takeaways. RESOURCES: https://madd.org/ https://www.arrivealiveca.com/ https://www.sacda.org/in-the-community/community-programs/ Follow us @SacCountyDA on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and find us on YouTube

Description: A personal story of losing a loved one to a DUI offender nearly 14 years ago, the lasting impacts of that loss, about the court process, what more can be done to prevent DUI crashes and deaths and what is being done to help victims and prevent more DUI tragedies. Show Notes: Guests Cody Spaeth and Lead Deputy District Attorney Gregory Hayes introduce themselves. Deputy DA Hayes explains his current role related to DUI cases and the DUI/DUID prosecution and Education Outreach program. Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Cody begins the discussion by sharing her personal story – starting with what her family was like prior to April 2009, who her father Stan was, what he was like and what Cody remembers most about him. She then talks through the night her father was killed by an already four-time repeat DUI offender. Cody shares how the crash happened, what happened to her father and the traumatic way she and her mother found out that her father was killed by a DUI driver. Cody explains what happened in the criminal case against the DUI offender and her experience going through the court process starting when she was just 14 years old. Deputy DA Greg Hayes then explains current DUI laws as well as available victim support services and victims’ rights advocacy. Since undergoing those very traumatic experiences, Cody now speaks to high school students and DUI offender classes to educate and prevent more victims and their families from experiencing the same tragedy. DDA Hayes and shares information about the many DUI prevention efforts being made by the DA’s Office, including a number of programs for high school students as well as programs for adults. Cody closes the discussion by talking about the lasting impact her father’s death has had on her and her family– how it led her to her current profession, helping other victims and speaking to the public about how every life matters. RESOURCES: https://madd.org/ https://www.arrivealiveca.com/ https://www.sacda.org/in-the-community/community-programs/ Follow us @SacCountyDA on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and find us on YouTube

Description: A personal story of losing a loved one to a DUI offender decades ago, the lasting impacts of that loss, how the case was handled at that time, the progress made with current DUI cases, what more can be done and how MADD and the DA’s Office is working to help victims and prevent more DUI tragedies. Show Notes: Guests Rhonda Campbell and Lead Deputy District Attorney Gregory Hayes introduce themselves and their current roles related to DUI cases, victim advocacy and prevention efforts. Rhonda begins the discussion by sharing her personal story – starting with what her family was like 40 years ago, who her sister Irene was, what she was like and what Rhonda remembers most about Irene. She then talks through the day 12-year-old Irene was killed by a four-time repeat DUI offender. Rhonda shares how the crash happened, what happened to Irene, how her parents were told and ultimately how her parents had to tell Rhonda that her little sister was gone. Rhonda explains what happened in the criminal case against the DUI offender and how the offender’s rights were put ahead of the rights of Rhonda’s family. Deputy DA Greg Hayes then explains current DUI laws and what charges/sentences the offender in Irene’s case could have faced under current DUI laws. He also explains the progress made with victim advocacy and victims’ rights. Rhonda talks about the lasting impact Irene’s death has had on her, her family and the entire community – even four decades later. Her way of honoring Irene’s memory is to dedicate her life to preventing other families from experiencing the same tragedy DDA Hayes and Rhonda close the discussion by sharing information about the many DUI prevention efforts being made by the DA’s Office and MADD, including a number of programs for high school students as well as programs for adults. Irene Ruth Harris RESOURCES: https://madd.org/ https://www.arrivealiveca.com/ https://www.sacda.org/in-the-community/community-programs/ Follow us @SacCountyDA on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and find us on YouTube

Description: Discussion on DUI involving prescription and mixed drugs, and how to avoid driving while having an unintentional or intentional adverse reaction to prescription medicines and/or other drugs. Show Notes: Lead Deputy District Attorney Greg Hayes, Supervising Criminalist Craig Triebold and CHP Officer Travis Herbert participate in a discussion on DUIs involving prescription medicines and mixed drugs. Officer Herbert talks about the challenge of identifying DUIs as a result of prescription and/or other drugs. They are general impairment arrests, with cause of impairment to be determined by the Crime Lab. Supervising Criminalist Triebold explains what the Crime Lab is seeing when analyzing DUI cases, specifically with prescription drugs and mixed drugs. He gives the top 10 most prevalent drugs found and identified some of the brand name prescription drugs often found in DUI cases. Lead Deputy DA Hayes explains the penal codes and different charges for DUI. He also talks about the difference between charging for DUI involving alcohol, marijuana, prescription drugs and/or mixed drug use. He goes on to talk about potential sentences for the different charges. He then talks about some types of DUI cases the District Attorney’s Office is currently prosecuting, including those involving prescription medicines. The group shares their advice on how to avoid adverse reactions to prescription medicines, the effects of medicines and knowing when it’s not safe to drive. The three share the common messages of talk to your doctor about medicines they prescribe and ask questions about their side effects and adverse reactions. Also, talk to your pharmacist and take advantage of the consultations they provide. Finally, the lasting advice is if you don’t feel right, don’t drive. Those who intentionally misuse prescription medications should know there are significant changes to the effects on the brain and body then when used properly. These changes can significantly impact the ability to drive. Those who intentionally abuse prescription meds and drives impaired will be arrested and prosecuted. RESOURCES: US Food & Drug Administration – Taking Medicine as Prescribed National Institute on Drug Abuse – Prescription Medicines Follow us @SacCountyDA on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and find us on YouTube Tags – Justice Journal Podcast, DUI, DUID, Prescription Medicines, Drugs, Drug Mix Use

Description: Discussion on problem of driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) and/or drugs (DUID) and the education and prevention efforts among youth – focusing mostly on teenagers. Show Notes: Judge Curtis Fiorini, Deputy District Attorney Stefanie Mahaffey, CEO Angela Webb of Arrive Alive, California and CHP Officer Travis Herbert discuss the issue of DUI/DUID and efforts to educate and prevent teenagers from becoming offenders or victims. They start by talking about the problem of DUI/DUID in the Sacramento community. In 2020, the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office filed 263 felony and 3,954 misdemeanor DUI/DUID cases. Stefanie states the case rates are tracking the same in 2021 and so far in 2022. The group then shares the specific challenges of DUI/DUID among youth. Officer Herbert details what he and other CHP officers observe with youth who are under the influence and how it affects them more profoundly than adults. The discussion turns to the importance of reaching teenagers, and younger kids, early on to educate them about DUI issues. Angela then explains what the “Real DUI Court in Schools” program. Judge Fiorini and Stefanie talk about how they are involved in the program? The group shares the feedback they receive and their thoughts/insights into the program. Officer Herbert talks about additional youth DUI/DUID programs the CHP holds, including “Every 15 Minutes.” All participants close the discussion by giving parents/guardians advice and resources to help prevent their teenagers from driving under the influence or getting into a vehicle with an impaired driver. RESOURCES: Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) at MADD.org Follow us @SacCountyDA on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and find us on YouTube Tags – Justice Journal Podcast, DUI, DUID, Youth Offenders, Arrive Alive, California Highway Patrol, CHP, Office of Traffic Safety, OTS, MADD, Mothers Against Drunk Driving

Description: Discussion on what mass victimization trauma is and how the Mass Victimization Crisis Response Team works together to provide support services for those directly and indirectly impacted by a large-scale, multi-victim criminal incident. Show Notes: District Attorney Victim Witness Assistance Program Manager Nina Acosta provides a general overview of the District Attorney’s Victim Witness Assistance Program and what services they provide to victims of crime. Nina and District Attorney Victim Advocate Michelle Husbands define and discuss mass victimization trauma and the difference between services provided to direct victims who were physically injured and indirect victims who were not injured but witnessed the incident. Michelle explains what the Mass Victimization Response Team is, what organizations are typically involved, how they work together and our office’s role on team. Nina and Michelle discuss the Family Assistance Center that was recently setup in Sacramento and that services are still available for those impacted now, and months from now if needed. Some may take longer to process a traumatic event, so resources can be found on the Sacramento County District Attorney’s website when they are ready to seek assistance. Nina and Michelle close by sharing their closing thoughts on mass victimization trauma, signs of trauma and the importance of those who might need assistance to contact one of the many available resources. RESOURCES: https://www.sacda.org/victim-services/victim-witness-assistance-program/ Follow us @SacCountyDA on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and find us on YouTube. Tags – Mass Victimization Trauma, Sacramento County District Attorney Victim Witness Assistance Program, Victim Advocates, Mass Victimization Crisis Response Team, Justice Journal Podcast

Description: A discussion with survivors of the East Area Rapist turned advocates in recognition of Victim Rights month moderated by Assistant Chief Deputy District Attorney Thien Ho. Guests are Kris Pedretti and Gay Hardwick. Show Notes: Assistant Chief Deputy District Attorney, Thien Ho moderates a discussion about two survivors who faced the East Area rapist and lived to talk about it. They are now advocates that help other survivors find their voice. Kris Pedretti talks about her encounter with the East Area Rapist when she was just 15 years old. She describes her experience with law enforcement after the crime and how she was forced to silence herself. Kris talks about her current advocacy work in forming the group “Sexual Assault Survivors: it’s time to tell your story.” Gay Hardwick discusses the night the East Area Rapist terrorized her and her husband in their new home. She talks about the law enforcement response and how she was made to feel like a stranger in her own home. Gay also explains why she is advocating for assault survivors and helping to teach law enforcement about the victim’s perspective. The group then discusses how only twenty-five percent of assault victims report the attack, and how to change that number. They talk about victim needs and how the public and law enforcement can help in the healing process. They also discuss how the community can help in these advocacy efforts by having more conversations about the trauma to help de-stigmatize the role of the victim. Follow us @SacCountyDA on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and find us on YouTube. Tags – District Attorney, Justice Journal Podcast, Sexual Assault Survivors: it’s time to tell your story, Voices for Victims.

Description: A discussion with affected family members who lost loved ones too soon to Fentanyl poisoning moderated by Assistant Chief Deputy District Attorney Thien Ho. Guests are Chris and Laura Didier, Allyssia Funicello and Fire Chief Walt White. Show Notes: Assistant Chief Deputy District Attorney, Thien Ho moderates a discussion with an experiences first responder and family members of victims lost to fentanyl poisoning. Laura and Chris Didier talk about their son Zachary, forever 17. Zachary was a star student with a bright future ahead of him until he took a pill he mistakenly believed to be Percocet – it was fentanyl. His father found him unresponsive in his bedroom a couple days after Christmas. The Didiers have now dedicated their life to warning others of this danger. They discuss their work with several non-profit organizations including Song for Charlie. Allyssia Funicello talks about her brother Mikael, forever 23. Mikael was her baby brother and the favorite uncle to her children. Mikael also took a pill not knowing it was a lethal dose of fentanyl. Allyssia describes her efforts to curtail this epidemic though her work to educate the public about fentanyl poisoning. Chief Walt White talks about his experience as a first responder. He also shares the story of his brother Vincent who he also lost to fentanyl poisoning. Chief White explains how to use Naloxone and the Good Samaritan laws. The group then discusses current trends and red flags that parents and other community members should look out for. They also discuss how they collaborate with many organizations to provide support for family members who have lost their loved ones to fentanyl poisoning. The group ends by discussing next steps and how the community can help curtail this epidemic. For more information please visit www.1pillcankillsac.com. Follow us @SacCountyDA on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and find us on YouTube. Tags – District Attorney, Justice Journal Podcast, all Fentanyl partners

Description: Discussion on the Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Treatment Court – including the goals, criteria and eligibility, program treatments and requirements, the collaborative process, successes and story of program graduate. Guest are Judge Lawrence Brown, Deputy District Attorney Judith Mummert, Assistant Public Defender Maegan Gannon and, program graduate Alberto. Show Notes: The discussion starts with Judge Brown giving background on the Driving Under the Influence Treatment Court (DUITC) and the court’s goals. Deputy DA Mummert and Assistant PD Gannon then explain the DUITC in general – when it started in Sacramento County, eligibility requirements, about the program – participating agencies/organizations, treatment services, requirements, completion. The group talks about the collaborative process of the court and how they work together behind the scenes as well as in the courtroom. They also address overcoming challenges and working through disagreements. Stats are provided on number of Sacramento County graduates as well as national stats on the success of DUITC. Deputy DA Mummert and Assistant PD Gannon describe the diverse participants accepted into the DUITC program that are reflective of the Sacramento community. The group talks about how they feel about being a part of the specialized court, why they believe it’s successful and the importance of continuing the DUITC in this county. Program graduate, Alberto, then shares his story and what led him to DUITC. Alberto talks about his experience in the program, how it helped him and how he is doing today. The episode ends with closing thoughts from the group on the importance of DUITC and Alberto’s successful completion of the program and turning his life around. RESOURCES: Sacramento County Collaborative Courts - DUI Treatment Court DUI Treatment Court Statistics Follow us @SacCountyDA on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and find us on YouTube. Tags – Justice Journal Podcast, Driving Under the Influence, Collaborative Courts, DUI Treatment Court, recidivism, repeat offenders, OTS, Office of Traffic Safety, NHTSA, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Sacramento County Superior Court

Description: A discussion on human trafficking trends and prevention efforts in recognition of Human Trafficking Awareness month moderated by Assistant Chief Deputy District Attorney Thien Ho. Guests are Ashlie Bryant, 3Strands Global Co-Founder, President and CEO, and Courtney Martin, Deputy District Attorney, who is assigned to the human trafficking unit at the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office. Show Notes: Assistant Chief Deputy District Attorney, Thien Ho moderates a discussion about human trafficking awareness. Ashlie Bryant, 3Strands Global Co-Founder, President and CEO talks about how she began her work in combatting human trafficking, and the two specific areas of prevention 3Strands focuses on: education and employment. She discusses the education component by describing their “Protect” program, which instructs teachers on how to spot victims of trafficking, as well as teach students what exploitation looks like and what it means to be safe. The program is taught at various schools nationwide from K-12 grades. Ashlie then describes achieving prevention through employment which 3Strands offers through their “Employ plus Empower” program. Deputy District Attorney Courtney Martin, discusses how she views the problem from 3 sides: demand, distribution and supply. She describes her efforts to curtail human trafficking through prosecution, working with law enforcement, and providing support to those who have been trafficked. The group then discusses current trends they have observed, which have been negatively impacted by the “stay in place” orders of the pandemic. They discuss red flags, their tips on what the community can do to help combat human trafficking, and how they collaborate with many organizations to provide a net for survivors and victims of exploitation. If someone believes they are witnessing a trafficking situation, call 911. To report a non-emergency human possible human trafficking situation or suspected victim/trafficker – call the human trafficking hotline at 888.373.7888 or text “HELP” or “INFO” to 233733. For listeners who want to learn more about 3Strands and its programs or services, Ashlie provides information on how people can reach their organization. Follow us @SacCountyDA on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and find us on YouTube. Tags – District Attorney, Justice Journal Podcast, Human Trafficking, Sex Trafficking, Labor Trafficking, Pimping, Pandering, Victim Advocate, CASH, Community Against Sexual Harm, 3Strands Global

Description: Discussion on Driving Under the Influence (DUI) involving marijuana cases, the increase in these cases, detecting marijuana impaired drivers, what the District Attorney’s Crime Lab is seeing in analyzing DUI toxicology samples, prosecuting these specific types of cases and the difference in the marijuana of today versus marijuana from decades ago. Guests are California Highway Patrol Officer Travis Herbert, Sacramento County District Attorney Crime Lab Director Michael Toms, DA criminalist Sara Porter and Lead Deputy District Attorney Kelly Clark. Show Notes: The discussion starts with California Highway Patrol Officer Travis explaining what CHP is seeing on the roads and highways. Officer Travis also describes how officers can detect marijuana use by drivers during traffic stops. Crime Lab Director Michael Toms and DA Criminalist Sara Porter discuss recent statistics from analyzed DUI samples tested specifically for marijuana. Toms talks about a database project currently in the works with the Coroner’s Office to detect DUI fatalities that involved marijuana. Lead Deputy District Attorney Kelly Clark talks through the different DUI charges and charges for marijuana use. The group provides information about the vast difference in marijuana today from decades ago – including significant increase in potency, different forms (vaping, edibles, etc.). They also inform listeners they may not realize how potent marijuana is in the different forms and the dangers of increased potency and impact on driving. The group closes with key takeaways to prevent DUI and DUI involving marijuana. RESOURCES: California Office of Traffic Safety National Highway Traffic Safety Administration DUI Brochure Follow us @SacCountyDA on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and find us on YouTube. Tags – Justice Journal Podcast, Driving Under the Influence, Marijuana, THC, California Highway Patrol, CHP, Sacramento County District Attorney’s Crime Lab, OTS, Office of Traffic Safety, NHTSA, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Description: Discussion on the rise of hate crimes/hate incidents against the Asian American Pacific Islander community, the impact on victims and the community at large, and what is being done to address this type of hate in the Sacramento community. Guests are California Assemblyman Jim Cooper, Executive Director of Asian Resources Inc. and Councilwoman Stephanie Nguyen and Assistant Chief Deputy DA Thienvu Ho. Show Notes: DA Anne Marie Schubert introduces the podcast and the importance of the topic. Guests introduce themselves by providing personal/professional background information and their current roles. Assistant Chief Thien Ho explains what a hate crime is and is not under the penal code, and the difference between a hate crime and hate incident. He goes on to talk about the Hate Crimes Unit and what types of hate crimes are filed as a felony or misdemeanor. He then explains the hate crimes case numbers have not increased in Sacramento, but that is most certainly due to significant under-reporting. Assemblyman Jim Cooper and Executive Director/Councilwoman Stephanie Nguyen talk about the reported numbers not being accurate and the problem of under-reporting in the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community - especially among the immigrant/refugee population. They go on to share what they are hearing from the AAPI community. They are very fearful. They are afraid to leave their houses to go shopping or be out too late. They talk about how it’s impacting the larger community, including AAPI owned businesses. The group shares their experience with the non-AAPI community showing support and standing with the AAPI community – offering hope that something good will come out of the hate and better things are to come out of this dark time. The group agrees part of the solution to ending hate crimes is to have stronger consequences for committing these crimes. Assemblyman Cooper talks about a bill (AB 266) he is putting forth which will strengthen and increase penalties for some hate crimes. Executive Director/Councilwoman Stephanie Nguyen talks about how Asian Resources is working to protect and assist members of the AAPI community and what assistance they can provide. The discussion ends with what needs to be done to end hate crimes. They agree that hate crimes must first be reported and aggressively prosecuted with significant consequences to deter others from committing hate crimes. There also needs to be more community outreach and education on the issue to let people know how to report suspected hate crimes, the importance of reporting as well as services and resources available to them. Follow us @SacCountyDA on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and find us on YouTube. Tags – Justice Journal Podcast, District Attorney Anne Marie Schubert, Assemblyman Jim Cooper, Executive Director Asian Resources Inc. Stephanie Nguyen, Councilwoman Stephanie Nguyen, Assistant Chief Deputy District Attorney Thienvu Ho, Hate Crimes, Asian American Pacific Islander, AAPI, COVID-19, Coronavirus, Hate Incidents

Description: Discussion on the success the local criminal justice system has had in holding jury trials in the age of the pandemic. Guests are Sacramento Superior Court Presiding Judge Russell Hom, Sacramento County District Attorney Anne Marie Schubert, Chief Assistant Public Defender Amanda Benson. Show Notes: A brief timeline/explanation of the COVID-19 Emergency Court Orders was provided. March 19, 2020 – Sacramento County Issues Public Health Order March 20, 2020 – Sacramento Superior Court orders temporary court closures March 23, 2020 – Sacramento California Supreme Court Justice Cantil-Sakauye issues a statewide court order suspending all jury trials for 60 days May 26, 2020 - Sacramento Superior Court resumed two criminal jury trials that were suspended due to court closure June 15, 2020 - Sacramento Superior Court resumes jury trials Guests share what their organizations were doing behind the scenes - both individually and working together – to prepare to operate under the first Court Order on March 20, 2020 and second Court Order on March 23, 2020. This includes what to do about bail, in-custody defendants time rights, filing news cases, collaboration involved in developing process, etc. They then discuss the current state of court operations and how they are successfully resuming jury trials while following COVID-19 safety precautions at the courthouse. The group shares how their offices worked individually and together to plan and implement necessary changes. They address some of the challenges of holding jury trials during COVID-19, and some positive aspects that came about with this new way of operating. They reflect on why they think Sacramento County has been able to conduct so many trials under these unprecedented circumstances as well as some ideas of how to improve the COVID-19 justice system even further. Follow us @SacCountyDA on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and find us on YouTube.

Description: Discussion on the changes to the jury trial process during the COVID-19 pandemic. We discuss the impact on the entire process from confirming and conducting the trial to sentencing. Guests are Principal Deputy District Attorney Nancy Cochrane, Deputy District Attorney Kristen Andersen, and Deputy District Attorney Ryan Roebuck. Show notes: T This episode is part of a series highlighting jury trials that have been successfully conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nancy, Kristen, and Ryan introduce themselves and explain their respective units and roles in the office. They also discuss the types of cases they are assigned to prosecute. Then each attorney discusses the changes to the jury trial process by discussing trials they successfully conducted which involved child abuse, at a Sacramento County, and a residential burglary. Nancy explains the pretrial process, and how presenting victim testimony was very different during this time. Kristen describes how different the jury selection process is under COVID. Ryan discusses case presentation and how they safely handle evidence and trial exhibits. The discussion closes with silver linings, including how jurors and victims stepped up during this time to make sure the administration of justice could continue. The DA’s also touted measures the Court took to keep everyone safe. Resources: Press release: https://www.sacda.org/2020/08/04/defendant-convicted-of-sexually-assaulting-multiple-children-2/ Press release: https://www.sacda.org/2020/08/26/defendant-sentenced-for-shooting-sheriffs-deputy/ Follow us @SacCountyDA on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and find us on YouTube.

Description: Discussion on a real estate fraud case that went to jury trial in the age of the pandemic, the impact the case had on the victims and tips to avoid becoming a real estate fraud victim. Guests are DA Deputy District Attorney Sam Nong, DA Investigator Jason Halstead and fraud victims Carolyn, Maria and Eman. Show Notes: This episode is part of a series highlighting successful jury trials held in the age of the COVID-19 pandemic as well as an effort to raise awareness about fraud during International Fraud Awareness Week. Sam and Jason introduce themselves and explain their roles within the Real Estate Fraud Unit. They also provide background on what kinds of cases they investigate and prosecute as well as how these cases are reported. Sam and Jason talk through the case of People vs. Shaun Smith and Peter Halo by providing the facts in the case, including the crimes committed and the victims they targeted. Some of the victims in this case, Carolyn, Maria and Eman, then introduce themselves and share what happened to them, how they were victimized by the defendants and the impact it had on them and their families. Sam and Jason talk through the prosecution of this case – from the initial investigation and filing of charges, to jury trial and sentencing. They also discussed holding the jury trial during COVID-19 and how things were done differently to keep everyone safe through the court process. They brought up some challenges and inspirational aspects that came about from the experience. Carolyn, Maria and Eman shared how their thoughts and feelings when the defendants were convicted and sentenced as well as having the jury trial under unprecedented circumstances. The group offers tips and alerts to help others avoid becoming victims to similar fraud scams. The discussion closes with silver linings, including how the victims developed friendships with each other and the prosecution team. For updates on when programs will start again after COVID-19, visit the Invictus Youth Foundation website or Facebook page. There will also be information on upcoming fundraising events, including a potential golf tournament in October, a banquet and possible concert fundraisers. Resources: Press release: People vs. Shaun Smith and Peter Halo For more information on Real Estate Fraud and to report suspected fraud, visit: https://www.sacda.org/in-the-courtroom/real-estate-fraud/ Follow us @SacCountyDA on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and find us on YouTube.

Description: Discussion on the Animal Cruelty Unit & Regional Task Force and the involvement of the Sacramento Society for the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals (SPCA) and a leading local veterinarian, examples of animal cruelty cases and the importance of educating the community on animal cruelty and how the public can help reduce and prevent animal cruelty. Guests are Principal Criminal Attorney Hilary Bagley- Franzoia, Sacramento SPCA CEO Kenn Altine and Dr. Cheryl Scott from the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. Show Notes: The group introduces themselves, their backgrounds and their personal passion and commitment to protecting animals. Guests talk about how they all work together on the Animal Cruelty Regional Task Force and the changes it has made to the investigation and prosecution of cases. This includes the SPCA’s role in caring for the abused animals in criminal cases and offering rewards to help lead to arrests. Dr. Scott shares what types of cruelty, or suspected cruelty, she has seen come through the veterinary clinic and how she dealt with suspected cruelty as a mandated reporter. She discusses ongoing types of animal cruelty and neglect and recent trends in trauma inflicted and the condition of animals. The group also discusses existing laws for animal cruelty cases, examples of animal cruelty cases and consequences for the offenders and the unique challenges with animal cruelty cases. They also provide insight into what they feel is key to preventing animal cruelty and neglect, including educating children and the general public about how to properly treat and care for animals and what do if they suspect or witness animal cruelty and how to report it. Guests also stress the proven and prevalent link between animal cruelty and violence against people with statistics and examples of cases – many involving domestic violence. They close with the importance of continuing the accomplishments and progress made by the Animal Cruelty Unit and Task Force. Follow us @SacCountyDA on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Google+ and find us on YouTube.

Description: Discussion on the Animal Cruelty Unit & Regional Task Force and the involvement of the Sacramento Society for the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals (SPCA) and a leading local veterinarian, examples of animal cruelty cases and the importance of educating the community on animal cruelty and how the public can help reduce and prevent animal cruelty. Guests are Principal Criminal Attorney Hilary Bagley- Franzoia, Sacramento SPCA CEO Kenn Altine and Dr. Cheryl Scott from the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. Show Notes: The group introduces themselves, their backgrounds and their personal passion and commitment to protecting animals. Guests talk about how they all work together on the Animal Cruelty Regional Task Force and the changes it has made to the investigation and prosecution of cases. This includes the SPCA’s role in caring for the abused animals in criminal cases and offering rewards to help lead to arrests. Dr. Scott shares what types of cruelty, or suspected cruelty, she has seen come through the veterinary clinic and how she dealt with suspected cruelty as a mandated reporter. She discusses ongoing types of animal cruelty and neglect and recent trends in trauma inflicted and the condition of animals. The group also discusses existing laws for animal cruelty cases, examples of animal cruelty cases and consequences for the offenders and the unique challenges with animal cruelty cases. They also provide insight into what they feel is key to preventing animal cruelty and neglect, including educating children and the general public about how to properly treat and care for animals and what do if they suspect or witness animal cruelty and how to report it. Guests also stress the proven and prevalent link between animal cruelty and violence against people with statistics and examples of cases – many involving domestic violence. They close with the importance of continuing the accomplishments and progress made by the Animal Cruelty Unit and Task Force. Follow us @SacCountyDA on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Google+ and find us on YouTube.