Defense Attorney Struggles with Low Trial Wages, Considers Withdrawing from YSL Case

Atlanta, Georgia – A year-long trial has left attorneys appointed to the case struggling financially and considering withdrawal. The trial involves Rodalius Ryan, who is already serving a life sentence for an unrelated murder case. Defense attorney, D’Williams, expressed frustration, saying, “Nobody wants to hire an attorney who’s been in trial for a year.” The trial is currently on a break until Tuesday. Last year, the appointed attorneys sought additional pay from the Georgia Public Defender Council (GPDC) due to the low wages they were receiving, which amounted to $15,000 for the duration of the … Read more

Maryland Considers Judicial Security Act to Safeguard Judges’ Personal Information

HAGERSTOWN, Maryland – In the aftermath of a tragic incident where a judge was killed in his own driveway, the Maryland General Assembly is considering legislation to safeguard judges’ personal information. Circuit Court Judge Andrew Wilkinson was shot and killed by Pedro Argote, a man who was furious about losing custody of his children. Argote had stalked Judge Wilkinson, finding his address online, and carried out the crime shortly after a court hearing. In support of the proposed Judge Andrew F. Wilkinson Judicial Security Act, Wilkinson’s widow testified to protect the personal information of judges … Read more

Richmond Judge Considers Release of Investigative Report on Huguenot High School Graduation Shooting

Richmond, Virginia- A Richmond judge presided over arguments today in a case that will determine whether the public will have access to the full investigative report on last year’s shooting at Huguenot High School’s graduation. The shooting, which occurred on June 6, 2023, at the Altria Theater, resulted in seven injuries and the deaths of graduate Shawn Jackson and his stepfather, Lorenzo Smith. The school system conducted an internal investigation that led to changes in the district’s policies. However, the school board commissioned an external investigation by a third-party. Richmond Public Schools (RPS) is now … Read more

Florida Legislature Considers Allowing New Moms to Skip Jury Duty

Tallahassee, Florida – A new proposal in the Florida legislature may offer a way for new mothers to be excused from jury duty. The bill, which has garnered unanimous votes in legislative committees, is aimed at supporting and prioritizing the needs of new mothers. If passed, the new law would allow women who have given birth within the six months prior to the reporting date to be excused from jury duty upon request, with a copy of the newborn’s birth certificate. The bill, filed in November, gained support from the state House’s Civil Justice Subcommittee … Read more