The general topic of unmasking crime, the criminal, and criminal profiles is often approached with a "tough-on- crime" agenda of failed results: mass in incarceration, revolving prison doors, and adverse family and community consequences. When Court decision makers are busy deciding what to do to a Justice Involved Individual, we are busy changing the narrative about the Justice Involved Individual -- changing the topic to "what can we do for" the Justice Involved Individual. Our goal is to equip our clients to speak up for themselves by taking note of factors relevant to having a meaningful 2nd Chance discussion.
Our efforts are designed to oppose knee-jerking reactions to crime. We believe there are alternatives to rushed judgements and long-term incarceration. Constructive 2nd Chance Initiatives need to be explored, entertained, and enhanced. While the journey of redemption is different for each person, the goal is to help them take the first step in the right direction. The first response to crime should be Smart Justice, not Broken Justice that involves throwing away the key.
Effective advocacy for change in the Criminal Justice System involves building a supportive profile of the Justice Involved Individuals, without labels such as inmate, prisoner, felon, offender, and other types of branding aimed at humiliating a Justice Involved Individual. Let's look beyond the mugshots. Let's be proactive and begin the conversation about 2nd Chance Initiatives. What is that going to look like in this case? To be on point and direct, it is important to gather case management information in our quest to promote successful Restorative Justice outcomes.
You may begin this questionnaire by scrolling down the list of numbered items to see what information you will need to complete this questionnaire. If you are unable to provide the information requested, or if you are uncertain of the answer, skip or type in an "X" and we will help you find the answer. We will need:
1. The Justice Involved Individual's attorney's name, address, Gmail, and telephone number on record. You can find this information by searching online at your State Bar website. Enter the attorney's name and their information will come up. Please also note if the attorney has any prior complaints or flags on their record.
2. Look up the District Clerk's telephone number in the County relating to the case or cases on record.
3. Provide the Courtroom # (for example, CC5 Court) and the name of the Judge who is/was assigned to the case.
4. The Unit name and telephone of the prison or jail Chaplain.
5. The name and telephone number of the prison or jail Classification Department.
6. The telephone number of the parole department in your area (if they are in prison) or the telephone number of the probation office (if they are in jail --or, both, if they are in jail and also on parole).
7. Also, if by regulations we must be on the individual's phone list to talk to them on the jail or prison phone system, please provide us with the website link or contact telephone number to initiate this process.
7b. In answering 8 and 9 below, we're asking you to become acquainted with your local, state, and federal government officials in our advocacy pursuits. You can skip the links in 8 and 9 if you have Facebook where you can access the needed government contact information there.
8. Please provide the name, address and telephone number of your US State Representative and your District State Representative (you can find your U.S. Representative by typing the following link in a google search with your State at the end, as follows:
https://www.govtrack.us/congress/members When the link opens, click the tab for Representatives, and then type your address in the site's search bar and you will find your U.S. Representative. To find your State Representative, go to
https://www.congress.gov/state-legislature-websites. Here you will see a map of the U.S. Click on your state and then it will take you to your State Legislatures website. Here is where it is tricky. Scroll up/down to see where you can find "members" and then click it. Easy way: "Hey google, Who is my State Representative for Tarrant County, Texas?"
9. Please provide the name, address and telephone number of your U.S. State Senator and State Senator. You can find your U.S. State Senator by typing the following link in a google search with your State at the end, as follows:
https://www.govtrack.us/congress/members. Your U.S. Senator('s) name will come up. To find your State Representative, go to
https://www.congress.gov/state-legislature-websites. Again, here you will see a map of the U.S. Click on your State and then it will take you to your State Legislature website. Again, here is where it is tricky. Scroll up/down to see where you can find "members" and then click it. Again, easy way: "Hey google, who is my State Senator for Tarrant County, Texas?" Please provide this information when asked below. If you begin this inventory and open a new window to look up the information, this inventory might not refresh, and you will have to start over (you can avoid this by opening a second window side b side on your computer). Be ready when prompted. If the question does not apply, skip it or write n/a.
If you do not have the information requested, skip the question by placing an "X" and answer the next one. The information collected is used for our advocacy efforts, for statistical and analytical purposes. If you are able to take your time and provide a much information as possible, this will help fast tract our assistance to you. All persons we assist must be 18 years or older.
