Case, PATHWAY, Staff, and Intern News
Case News
Client Received Probationary Sentence
Judge Estudillo sentenced R. to five years of probation with one year of home confinement while facing guidelines that called for 57–61 months in custody and a government recommendation of 60 months in custody. Following R.’s arrest and a couple of months in jail, the defense team got R. released to inpatient treatment. From there, R. worked very hard, maintaining his sobriety, supporting his family, and rebuilding his life in genuine and moving ways. Tacoma Paralegal Carolyn Cohn, a Seattle Investigator, Tacoma AFD Lindsay McCaslin, and First Assistant Corey Endo worked with R. to show this evolution to the Court. Judge Estudillo recognized the changes R. had made in his life and decided that no goal would be served by putting him back in custody. We are thrilled for R. and his family, grateful for the trust he put in his defense team, and confident that he will continue on this positive path. Congrats to R.!
PATHWAY News
This month, PATHWAY excitedly welcomed their fourth participant into the Western District of Washington's comprehensive pre-adjudication diversionary court program that blends treatment, incentives, and sanction alternatives to effectively address participants’ behavior, quality of life, long-term wellness stability, incarceration costs, and the safety of the community. Learn more about this specialized therapeutic court here.
Staff News
The Defenders softball team had their best season in recent memory, finishing undefeated and securing the top seed in their division going into the playoffs. Unfortunately, their luck ran out as a depleted roster was unable to hold a lead and the team was knocked out in the playoff semifinals. Seattle AFDs Dennis Carroll and Andy Kennedy and Legal Intern Balin Hanson were key contributors to the team on its storybook run. The Defenders hope to build on this success and bring home the big prize next year. There’s still plenty of room for everyone to get on board the Defenders’ bandwagon! We’ll see you next season.
Intern News
Our interns have had a busy summer, both in the office and exploring Seattle. They were able to watch a Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals hearing and attend the annual summer Mariner’s game with AFD Andy Kennedy.
