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DPD and partners achieved historic victories in 2023 legislative session, though more work remains

Key bills passed by lawmakers advance systemic change in both criminal and dependency law, helping to build a more compassionate response to trauma, poverty, and racial inequity.

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DPD News

A man reclaims his life after five years in jail and a 14-week trial

Dre Glaspy sat in jail for more than five years for the death of a child he loved. A defense team, with the help of top medical experts, showed what really happened. Now Dre can begin the hard but meaningful work of rebuilding his life, while grieving for the boy he lost.

DPD News

Family defense attorneys say Indian Child Welfare Act helps maintain family ties and tribal sovereignty

DPD filed an amicus brief in Brackeen, pending before the U.S. Supreme Court, to provide a realistic view of ICWA’s careful ‘case-by-case decision-making.’ The law, our brief says, ‘results in better judicial decisions.’

DPD News

A summer of substantive work: DPD’s interns learn what it means to stand with clients

DPD’s 19 interns just wrapped up a 10-week program. Four of them talked to us about what made it meaningful — from arguing motions, to challenging search warrants, to going to trial. Most meaningful, they said, was working with clients, fighting on behalf of people ensnared in a harmful system.

DPD News

Colleagues recall Don Madsen, a beloved leader in public defense

Many at DPD are mourning Don Madsen, a public defense leader who loved the work and the people who were drawn to it.

‘I’m home.’ Client is freed thanks to Blake decision and public defense

Nate Sanders had lost hope of an early release. Then the State Supreme Court invalidated the state’s felony drug law, and a DPD attorney sent him a letter. He’s now a free man.

August 26, 2021 in DPD News.

The role of ‘unregulated evidence’ should concern us all, leading law professor says

Unregulated evidence, from the way a person dresses to the color of their skin, profoundly influences jurors. And yet it often goes unchallenged and unchecked, says Bennett Capers.

June 28, 2021 in DPD News.

Public defenders help people convicted under unconstitutional drug possession law

Thousands of people are in prison due to a law the State Supreme Court found unconstitutional. Now, attorneys are trying to address the harms of these wrongful convictions.

May 10, 2021 in Other.

At DPD, a new unit helps people reclaim their lives

DPD started its post-conviction unit earlier this year. Already, its three part-time attorneys have seen 200 people, helping many of them extinguish thousands of dollars in crippling LFOs and wipe old convictions from their records.

October 16, 2019 in DPD News.

Anita Khandelwal responds to working group focused on “high-barrier” individuals

DPD Director Anita Khandelwal voices concerns about the proposals put forward by a regional working group seeking to address the issues that cause people to cycle through the criminal legal system.

September 16, 2019 in Uncategorized.

A new library program helps incarcerated parents stay connected to their children

Seattle Public Library started its new “Read to Me!” program after librarians realized how many parents were incarcerated in the King County jail, just a few blocks away from the downtown branch.

September 5, 2019 in Uncategorized.

‘Friends for life’: Hard-fought victory builds bond between client and defense team

DPD’s defense team fought aggressively for their client, arguing that the state had charged an innocent man. They were successful; in March, he was acquitted. The team and the client continue to stay in touch, sharing a bond forged from that experience

August 21, 2019 in Uncategorized.

Video provides hope, guidance to parents whose children are removed by CPS

A new video spotlights the resilience and strength of parents who were reunited with their children after CPS intervened. One mother says her message to others is “a message of hope — that no matter what your situation, you’re just as eligible as anyone else to get your child back.”

August 20, 2019 in Other.

DPD interns: A summer of epic victories, hard-fought losses and many hours in the courtroom

DPD’s 20 interns wrap up a robust 10-week program, where they got a chance to learn, grow, and find their voice in the fight for justice.

August 16, 2019 in Other.

Fighting for justice: Two public defenders worked for years to get their client acquitted

Emanuel Fair sat in jail for nearly nine years before he was acquitted of a murder charge in June. Ben Goldsmith and Katharine Edwards fought hard to make it happen.

July 22, 2019 in DPD News.

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Recent Posts

  • DPD and partners achieved historic victories in 2023 legislative session, though more work remains
  • A man reclaims his life after five years in jail and a 14-week trial
  • Family defense attorneys say Indian Child Welfare Act helps maintain family ties and tribal sovereignty
  • A summer of substantive work: DPD’s interns learn what it means to stand with clients
  • Colleagues recall Don Madsen, a beloved leader in public defense

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