Case News and Staff News
Case News:
Tacoma Research & Writing Specialist Alan Zarky and Seattle AFD Jesse Cantor, with the very able assistance of Seattle AFD Ann Wagner, Tacoma Paralegal Julie Valencia, Seattle Paralegals Janet Stanton, and Alma Coria, had a victory in the Ninth Circuit. The court affirmed the decision of Judge Pechman on our client’s habeas petition, restraining the Snohomish County Superior Court from sentencing our client. The court found that sentencing him would violate the federal Double Jeopardy Clause (even though the Washington Supreme Court has repeatedly held that sentencing in this situation was lawful). This office won the original Ninth Circuit decision years ago, setting the precedent, and we have now successfully brought habeas petitions on behalf of three different state defendants. The original Ninth Circuit case was Brazzel and was won by former Tacoma AFD Russell Leonard.
Staff News:
Federal Defender Receives Presidents Award from WACDL!
Mike Filipovic is the recipient of the ‘Presidents Award’ from WACDL and will receive the award at their annual conference the first weekend in June 2019. Mike is being recognized for his long career in public defense and his work as the current Federal Public Defender of the Western District of Washington, and his contributions to WACDL. Mike was a former WACDL board member, past president and chair of various committees. Congrats Mike- well deserved!
AFD Linda Sullivan Retires after 17 Years at the Federal Defender Office!
Tacoma AFD Linda Sullivan retired on May 3rd after 17 years in our Tacoma office. Before the FPD Linda had been a public defender in Pierce County with the Department of Assigned Counsel, and with the Whatcom County Public Defender. Linda had a state wide reputation as a tenacious lawyer who could represent clients in the most difficult cases. In our office Linda was a tireless and amazing advocate for so many clients—she took on cases in Anchorage as well as here in Washington, and was highly respected by all at the courthouse. She possessed a deep understanding of Native American tribal cultures, which greatly benefited her Native clients. In fact, Linda’s clients loved her for her legal skills and her compassion. She was generous with her time always stepping up to help other attorneys when necessary, and providing valuable advice and training in the Pierce County criminal defense community. Her generosity also included hosting wonderful holiday office parties. Linda was a mainstay in our Tacoma office, and we will miss her tremendously. Below are some photos from her retirement party!
