Case, Client & Staff News!
Case News:
Mr. S, represented by former Federal Defender Mike Filipovic, was granted compassionate release in December after serving more than 11 years in federal prison. Mr. S was originally sentenced to 70 years of imprisonment, and his first motion for compassionate release was denied. However, through diligent advocacy by Filipovic, social worker Daniel Potter-Engelskirger, and multiple AFDs and paralegals, Mr. S prevailed on a renewed motion for compassionate release, which included a thoughtful and detailed release plan. Mr. S has been a kind and respectful client, and he thanks everyone at the FPD for their continued representation and care. He looks forward to building a better life and promises to keep the office updated on his progress. Congrats to Mr. S and amazing work by our FPD team!
Client News:
Update to September 2022 news: We reported that the office was successful in contesting the forfeiture of a financially struggling client’s vehicle. Ultimately, that litigation resulted in our office being able to forward funds amounting to the full-value of the vehicle to the client, who now lives in another country. The client used those funds to fly his two children to the town where he now lives so that they could spend their first holiday together in four years. He called to thanked the office for making this possible. Feliz año nuevo!
Staff News:
After more than eight years with the Federal Public Defender, Mohammad Hamoudi has shifted to civil practice, where he will represent people injured in aviation disasters and other personal injury matters. Mo brings seemingly boundless energy and love to his work. As an Assistant Federal Defender, he fought battles that seemed hopeless, achieving outstanding results for his clients and in the process making the criminal legal system more just, with prosecutors and law enforcement held accountable for their actions. All the while, he showed true compassion for his clients, his colleagues, and the larger court community. Thank you for the battles you have fought, the ideas you have sparked, and the paths you have forged. Thank you for your friendship, the poetry lessons,the fashion lessons, and the laughs. We will miss you Mo!
Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!
Our office came together to celebrate the winter holidays, each other, and to help send Mohammad off to civil practice. We were joined by members of our CJA panel, interpreters, and FPD alumni. Thank you to all who worked to make this a wonderful event! The food, drinks, speeches, and conversations were lovely and enjoyed by all!
