by Dahmere EppersonReaching for Justice: Two Cases, Two Journeys to the United States Supreme Court
In the realm of law and justice, few achievements are as illustrious as taking a case to the United States Supreme Court. At the Hamilton County Public Defender’s Office, we recently celebrated two remarkable journeys to the highest court in the land, reflecting our commitment to upholding constitutional rights and securing justice for those we represent.
Jessica Moss and the Triumph for D.R. (Case No. 22-864)
Jessica Moss, a dedicated advocate from our Youth Defense Division, stood resolute as she represented a minor, D.R., in opposition to the Petition for a Writ of Certiorari filed by the Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office in United States Supreme Court, Case No. 22-864.
D.R.’s story began with an adjudication that classified him as a Tier I sex offender, carrying the lowest level of classification and the least restrictive reporting requirements. However, as his sentence concluded, the Hamilton County Juvenile Court determined it lacked the discretion to remove him from mandatory sex registration obligations.
The journey of legal battles unfolded as the First District reversed the Juvenile Court’s decision, and an affirmation by the Ohio Supreme Court followed, citing constitutional clauses. Jessica Moss opposed the state’s cert petition.
The pivotal question presented was whether the Fourteenth Amendment’s Due Process Clause entitled juvenile sex offenders to hearings where courts had discretion to lift statutorily mandated sex offender registration obligations. Jessica and Professor Banner reframed the question to challenge the Ohio Supreme Court’s decision.
On June 12, 2023, the Supreme Court denied the State’s petition, refusing to review the case. Jessica and Professor Banner prevailed on
behalf of D.R., who was freed from any sex offender registration requirements.
Sarah Nelson’s Battle for Fourth Amendment Rights (Case No. 22-978)
Sarah Nelson, an exceptional attorney from our Appellate Division, alongside Professor Banner, represented Jackie Jackson in filing a Petition for a Writ of Certiorari to review the judgment of the Supreme Court of Ohio in the United States Supreme Court, Case No. 22-978.
The heart of the matter revolved around a critical question: “Where one police officer opens the door of a car, and another officer looks through the open door for contraband, have the police conducted a ‘search’ of the car within the meaning of the Fourth Amendment?”
The Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution safeguards against unreasonable searches and seizures, a cornerstone of individual rights. In this case, a seemingly routine traffic stop unfolded into a complex legal battle. As eight officers converged on Mr. Jackson’s car, suspicions of dark window tint arose, yet none of them possessed a window tint meter.
One officer opened the car door, while another looked inside and discovered a weapon, leading to charges against Mr. Jackson. His motion to suppress the evidence was denied, and the Ohio Supreme Court affirmed this decision by a vote of 5-2.
While hope lingered for the acceptance of this case by the United States Supreme Court, it was dashed when news arrived that the petition was denied.
Celebrating Dedication and Resilience
Regardless of the outcomes, these two cases underscore the unwavering commitment of our legal professionals to protect the rights and liberties of our clients. We take pride in the tireless work of our attorneys and staff, who champion justice every day.
Please join us in congratulating Jessica and Sarah. Their dedication and resilience exemplify the values we hold dear at the Hamilton County Public Defender’s Office as we continue to strive for justice for all.
by Dahmere EppersonAngela Chang: Empowering Youth Through Justice and Compassion
In the realm of justice and compassion, there are individuals whose unwavering dedication brings about transformative change. Angela Chang, a remarkable advocate and visionary leader, is one such individual. Angela’s recent achievement in partnering with the Ohio Public Defender’s Office to secure a significant juvenile grant from the U.S. Department of Justice marks a turning point in the lives of countless young individuals across the state.
A Beacon of Hope for Ohio’s Youth
In a world where the future of our youth often faces daunting challenges, Angela Chang’s relentless commitment to change is nothing short of inspiring. This recent accomplishment is a testament to her vision and passion for empowering young people who have encountered the juvenile justice system.
The grant obtained, in partnership with the Ohio Public Defender’s Office, is set to provide essential funding for services tailored to the needs of youth transitioning out of the Department of Youth Services (DYS) system. This initiative promises to profoundly impact the lives of youth statewide, offering them a chance at a brighter, more promising future as they return to their homes and communities.
Acknowledging Angela’s Outstanding Leadership
Angela Chang’s dedication to this cause cannot be overstated, and her leadership has been instrumental in driving this initiative forward. Her tireless efforts, strategic thinking, and unwavering determination led to her successfully acquiring this crucial grant. Angela’s commitment to justice and compassion shines brightly through this achievement, and it will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy for years to come.
Recognizing the Collaborative Spirit
Angela Chang’s humility and inclusivity are evident as she shares credit and recognition with her dedicated team. Mitigation Specialists Kyesha Dotson and Allison Todd played pivotal roles in shaping the grant proposal, from ideation to execution. Their extensive research, community engagement, and collaborative efforts were essential in making this vision a reality.
Furthermore, Angela extends her gratitude to attorneys Caitlin Ward and Elizabeth Zilberberg for their invaluable contributions to the development of the grant idea. Their legal expertise and commitment to social justice were integral to the successful application process.
A Bright Future for Ohio’s Youth
As we celebrate Angela Chang’s outstanding achievements and the collaborative efforts of her team, we also look forward to the positive changes this grant will bring to the lives of young individuals who deserve a second chance. Angela’s work is a shining example of how, through compassion and determination, we can create a brighter future for our youth and, in turn, our communities.
In Angela Chang’s pursuit of justice and compassion, Ohio’s youth have found a true champion, and her unwavering commitment continues to illuminate the path toward a more equitable and compassionate society.
by Dahmere EppersonNewsletter: October Edition 2023
Hamilton County Public Defenders Newsletter: October 2023 Edition
In this Issue:
1. Fresh Start Clinic: Every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the Month
2. Youth Justice Awareness Month
3. November 10th: Veterans Day CLE
4. December 21st: Kindness for Kids
5. Milestones of Dedication
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1. Fresh Start Clinic: Every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the Month
Looking for a fresh start? Join us at our Fresh Start Clinic, held on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month. Our dedicated team of legal experts is here to provide guidance and support on a variety of legal issues. Whether you need help with expungement, record sealing, or legal advice, we’re here for you. The last set of 5 appointments is at 3:00
When: Every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the Month
Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Where: Hamilton County Public Defender’s Office, 125 East Court Street, 9th Floor
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2. Youth Justice Awareness Month
October is Youth Justice Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about the unique challenges young people face in the justice system. Stay tuned for special events, workshops, and educational opportunities throughout the month as we work together to advocate for a fair and just juvenile justice system. Here’s a guide to Juvenile Court scan the QR Code Below:
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3. November 10th: Veterans Day CLE
In honor of Veterans Day, join us for a Continuing Legal Education (CLE) event on November 10th. This special program will focus on legal issues affecting veterans and active-duty military personnel. Earn CLE credits while gaining valuable insights into the legal needs of our veterans.
Date: Friday, November 10th
Time: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Sharonville Convention Center 11355 Chester Road Cincinnati, OH 45246
RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/veterans-day-cle-tickets-722686042407?aff=oddtdtcreator
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4. December 21st: Kindness for Kids
Spread some holiday cheer with our “Kindness for Kids” event on December 21st. Join us in making a difference in the lives of children in need during this festive season. Stay tuned for more details on how you can participate and bring smiles to children’s faces.
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Celebrating Milestones of Dedication!
It’s with immense pride and admiration that we extend our warmest congratulations to three exceptional individuals who have dedicated their hearts and souls to the cause of justice at Hamilton County’s Public Defender Office:
🌟 Robin Eisele – 30 Years of Service
🌟 Sandra Oglesby – 20 Years of Service
🌟 Niki Carroll – 15 Years of Service
Each of these remarkable individuals has exemplified unwavering commitment, compassion, and expertise in their roles, making a profound impact on our clients and our community.
Robin Eisele, with three decades of service, has been a beacon of wisdom and guidance. Her dedication to justice and her unparalleled knowledge have been invaluable assets to our team.
Sandra Oglesby, celebrating two decades of service, has shown extraordinary tenacity and resilience. Her tireless advocacy for those in need has left an indelible mark on our organization.
Niki Carroll, with 15 years of service, embodies passion and dedication. Her unwavering commitment to our mission has inspired us all to strive for excellence.
We are profoundly grateful for your years of service, commitment, and the positive change you’ve brought to countless lives.
Please join us in celebrating these incredible milestones and expressing our deepest gratitude to Robin, Sandra, and Niki for their unwavering dedication to justice and their enduring contributions to our community.
Here’s to many more years of impactful service and making a difference in the lives of those who need it most!
Stay Connected!
Don’t miss out on these upcoming events and opportunities to engage with your community. Follow us on social media and visit our website for the latest updates.
– Website: https://www.hamiltoncountypd.org/
– Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hamiltoncountypd
– Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hamcopubdef/
For inquiries or more information, please contact us at depperson@hamiltoncountypd.org or (513)-946-3732.
Hamilton County Public Defender’s Office
230 East Ninth Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202
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