FCC Votes to Cap Incarcerated Calling Rates, Ban Unnecessary Corporate Fees
NORTHAMPTON, MA – The Federal Communications Commission voted this week to impose new improvements and statutes on…
Helen Shamamyan
Articles by Helen
President Signs Federal Prison Oversight Act to Protect Rights of Incarcerated
WASHINGTON, DC – President Joe Biden this week signed U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff’s “Federal Prison Oversight Act”…
COURT WATCH: Woman Pursuing Position of Drug & Alcohol Counselor Faces Multiple Rescinded Job Offers – Judge Grants Petition to Toss Guilty Pleas
MODESTO, CA – In Stanislaus County Superior Court this week, Judge Shawn Bessey presided over a hearing…
University of Vermont Fires 10 Center of Health and Wellbeing Staff Members; Union Criticizes Move
By Elena Fasullo and Helen Shamamyan BURLINGTON, VT – University of Vermont (UVM, for University of the…
COURT WATCH: Deputy District Attorney Pushes for More Jail Time than ‘Typical’ for Accused’s First Violation
MODESTO, CA — In one of Thursday’s case management conferences at Stanislaus Superior Court, a woman accused…
ACLU Letter Implores House of Representatives to Vote No on ‘Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act’
By Helen Shamamyan WASHINGTON, DC – The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) sent a letter to the…
COURT WATCH: Woman with Long ‘Rap Sheet’ Denied Release on Shoplifting Arrest
By Helen Shamamyan MODESTO, CA – A woman with what the judge said was a long “rap…
California Assembly Approves Ting’s Prison Reduction Legislation; Could Save CA ‘Billions’
By Helen Shamamyan SACRAMENTO, CA – California Assemblymember Phil Ting’s AB 2178—calling for consolidating and closing state…
COURT WATCH: Judge Denies Dismissal of Any of Accused’s ‘Old’ Misdemeanor Cases
By Helen Shamamyan WOODLAND, CA – Deputy Public Defender Peter Borruso appeared in front of Judge Stephen…
Medical Professionals: California New Laws Fail to Address K-9 Incidents with Civilians
By Helen Shamamyan BENICIA, CA – Gary Gregory suffered from a torn jugular vein, facial scars, and…
COURT WATCH: Judge Concerned with Prosecution Plan in Gang-Related Case Demurrer – One DPD Calls Plan ‘Thought Police’
By Helen Shamamyan MODESTO, CA – Judge Dawna F. Reeves expressed concern with the prosecution’s intent here…
COURT WATCH: Judge Assumes $50,000 Bail Affordable for Mother, Acknowledging Charges Might Cost Accused Her Job
By Maeve Haggerty and Sarah Chayet MODESTO, CA – Judge Linda A. McFadden set bail at $50,000…
COURT WATCH: Man Denied Bail Reduction – Judge Charges ‘Enough’ Evidence of Risk if Released
By Helen Shamamyan MODESTO, CA – A man was denied reduction of his $350,000 bail because of…
New Report Highlights Increasing Use of Youth Diversion Programs Across the States
By Helen Shamamyan WASHINGTON, DC – Across 23 states and eight community districts, initiatives have been taken…
Sexual Abuse Response and Prevention Working Group Addresses Reforms Necessary for California Women’s Prisons
By Helen Shamamyan SACRAMENTO, CA – With the release of their latest report, the Sexual Abuse Response…
Local ACLU Outraged at School’s Handling of 16-Year-Old’s Assault, Death
By Helen Shamamyan OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – The American Civil Liberties Union released a statement last week…
COURT WATCH: Man’s Confusion over Violation of Probation Results in Jail Time, Court Frustrations
By Helen Shamamyan and Karime Montano LOS BANOS, CA – This week here in Stanislaus County Superior…
REPORT: Incarcerated People, Families Suffer under the Strain of Prison Fines
By Helen Shamamyan & Sarah Chayet BOSTON, MA – Incarcerated people and their support systems are facing…
COURT WATCH: Petition for Resentencing – Man Denied Reduced Sentence Gets Another Chance after Lack of Victim Input
OAKLAND, CA – A man who spent 18 years in prison for a conviction of eight counts…
University of California at Davis Begins Program to Support Formerly-Incarcerated Students, Making ‘Commitment to Equity’
By Helen Shamamyan DAVIS, CA – The University of California, Davis, this week introduced a new program…
