#WeekInJustice: Week 160
The chart I am about to share has adult language, but it needs to be shared widely. Within the criminal division, this was our trial schedule this week. Just THIS WEEK alone:
- AMLEE, JEFFREY G – Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument (x4)
CR20224211 Trial Trial-Jury-Firm 02/06/2024 10:45 am
- ASPACHER, VIRGINIA – Sexual abuse of a minor; Molestation of child/ sexual conduct with a minor under 15; Sexual abuse of a minor, a dangerous crime against children- victim under 15
CR20180928 Trial Trial-Jury-Firm SR 02/06/2024 10:30 am
- COLLINS, LACEE / NEAGLE, JENNIFER – Sexual abuse of a minor; Molestation of a child; Sexual conduct with a minor under 15; Sexual abuse of a minor, a dangerous crime against children-victim under 15
CR20220990 Trial Trial-Jury-Firm 02/06/2024 10:30 am
- GOODMAN, MARIBEL – Aggravated assault – Firefighter/EMT/Medic
CR20223336 Trial Trial-Jury-Firm 02/06/2024 1:30 pm
- LYNCH, ERICA G – Manslaughter – reckless; Criminal damage; Aggravated driving under the influence, while certified ignition interlock device is required; Aggravated driving under the influence with an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more, while certified ignition interlock device is required.
CR20202208 Trial Trial-Jury-Firm 02/06/2024 10:30 am
- MILLER, TERESA/ WARD, CHRIS – 1st Deg Murder
CR20183978 Trial Trial-Jury-Firm 02/06/2024 10:30 am
- ROACH, BRADLEY -Armed robbery; Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon or dangerous implement; Possession of a deadly weapon by prohibited possessor-possession of deadly weapon by prohibited possessor; Theft
CR20230305 Trial Trial-Jury-Firm 02/06/2024 1:30pm
- SUMMERS, TAI -Molestation of child x3; Sexual conduct with minor under 15×2; Sexual abuse of a minor; Public sexual indecency while minor present
CR20224180 Trial Trial-Jury-Firm 02/06/2024 10:30 am
- TERRACE, BRAD -Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument; Unlawful flight from law enforcement vehicle
CR20220233 Trial Trial-Jury-Firm 02/06/2024 10:45 am
I share this because nine jury trials in one week is record-breaking.
And you see that not one is a low-level case. They are all complex, heavy-duty victim cases. On the one hand, I couldn’t be more stunned or impressed or pleased with this kind of direct service to the community.
On the other hand, this is not sustainable. Not even close. The Court’s docket is booked like this for months to come, and I am doing everything possible to help the Court figure out the COVID backlog without sacrificing quality advocacy for victims or breaking our workers or crushing the TPD crime lab which is what has begun happening. This morning I dashed up to the Arizona Supreme Court to suggest some alternatives to help ease all the pain shown above.
Communication and collaboration will get us through this. In the meantime, we can all use all the good vibes the community can send.
To be continued,
Laura
