DREAM, Staff, Community, and Intern News!
DREAM News:
Two individuals graduated from DREAM in March. C. was charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering for his involvement in a drug trafficking organization. He had developed a dependency on Fentanyl after many failed attempts to manage significant nerve pain. With the encouragement of the DREAM Court program, he found pain relief in non-narcotic treatment and is living a far happier, healthier life. Had he been convicted, he would have faced a guideline range sentence of 24-30 months. A. had pled guilty to wire fraud, for her involvement in financial crimes that were used to feed her long-standing addiction. During her time in DREAM, A. maintained her sobriety, worked to address her mental health, aced her college classes, and continued to work. Had she been sentenced, she would have faced 63-78 months in custody. We wish them continued health and success.
Staff News:
Please Welcome Lidia Valencia-Faux as our New Clerical Assistant!
We are excited to welcome Lidia Valencia-Faux to our staff as a Clerical Assistant for the Seattle office. Lidia is fluent in English, Spanish, and Japanese, which will be particularly helpful in serving our clients. Below you will find a bit more about Lidia:
“Hello, my name is Lidia Valencia-Faux. I graduated from Western Washington University in 2023 with a Bachelor’s in Sociology along with minors in Japanese and International Studies. I grew up in a Spanish speaking household, which inspired me to learn about other languages and cultures. My current goal is get my Masters in Social Work and see Hadestown in person.”
Community News:
Seattle AFD Colleen Fitzharris, Tacoma case manager Maritza Pitot and Tacoma investigator Stacey Brownstein joined other members of the Federal Bar Association to host fifth-grade students from Jennie Reed Elementary School at the U.S. District Courthouse in Tacoma for Constitution Day. Originally designed as a way to recognize Constitution Day each September, the event brings local fifth grade classes to federal courthouses to participate in a mock trial; meet judges; attorneys, court staff, and other legal professionals; tour the courthouse, and learn more about the criminal legal system.
The two classes took turns touring the courthouse and learning about the building’s unique features, such as the Chihuly sculpture in the entryway and the staircase to nowhere. Each student had an opportunity to participate in a scripted mock trial in the case of People v. Pat Morton. Students performed as judges, bailiffs, defense counsel, prosecutors, witnesses, and jurors. At the end of the trial, the jurors voted to acquit or to find the defendant guilty. The students also had the opportunity to hear from Chief Judge Estudillo, Assistant U.S. Attorney Tom Woods, Assistant Federal Public Defender Colleen Fitzharris, and members from the U.S. Marshals Service about their jobs and function in the criminal legal system. It was a fun day had by all!
Intern News:
Please welcome our new undergrad intern!
Legal Intern Update:
Former Legal intern Tim Severance will soon be starting his public defender career at the Albany County Public Defender’s Office. Congrats Tim! We look forward to following your PD career!