Sacramento County’s Criminal Justice System Successfully Continues Jury Trials During COVID-19 - Justice Journal Episode 43
Release Date: 02/03/2021
A Preventable Tragedy: The Reality of DUI Cases
Off the Record
Episode Title: A Preventable Tragedy: The Reality of DUI Cases Description: In this special episode of Off the Record, Sacramento County Deputy District Attorney Courtney Martin walks listeners through the tragic reality of DUI-related incidents. This episode includes real body worn camera footage from an investigation involving a driver whose choices led to devastating consequences. We are sharing this material to raise awareness about the real-life impact of impaired driving. A life was lost from a single decision that also...
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Click with Caution: Keeping Kids Safe from Online Exploitation (Part One)
Off the Record
Show Notes In this powerful two-part special, Deputy DA Catrina Ranum spoke with ICAC detectives and prosecutors on Safer Internet Day to shed light on the dark reality of online predators. This discussion reveals the critical work being done to protect children from internet crimes and the dangers lurking in digital spaces. Viewer discretion is advised. Part One: Covers the case background, including how these investigations start and the strategies law enforcement uses to track down online predators. Part Two: Features an in-depth conversation with an...
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Did You Know? How to Spot & Stop Hate Crimes
Off the Record
Episode Title: Did You Know? How to Spot & Stop Hate Crimes Description: In this episode, we explore the legal distinctions between hate crimes and non-hate crimes, and the complexities involved in proving a hate crime. Our expert guests explain how hate crimes are defined, how intent and motivation play a role, and the impact that a hate crime enhancement can have on sentencing. Additionally, they offer important advice for the public on how to report crimes, stay vigilant, and access support throughout the investigative and legal processes. Key Highlights: ...
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Inside the Case: Sarah's Story
Off the Record
Podcast Description: Welcome to the first-ever episode of Off the Record, the official podcast from the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office! Hosted by Deputy District Attorney Catrina Ranum, this brand new podcast dives into the inner workings of our justice system and showcases the dedicated professionals working to keep Sacramento safe. In this premiere episode, Catrina is joined by Deputy District Attorney Courtney Martin and Sacramento City Police Department Detective Jason Collins to discuss how prosecutors and law enforcement collaborate to pursue justice and protect the...
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Driving Under the Influence: Surviving Family & MADD Candlelight Vigil – Justice Journal Episode 61
Off the Record
Video available on Description: Discussion with parents who lost their young daughter to a repeat DUI offender and her sister, who is now a MADD victim advocate. The family shares how their loss has impacted their lives and how MADD has helped them through the years. Show Notes: Larry and Kathy Harris talk about their 12-year-old daughter, Irene, who was killed by a repeat DUI offender in 1981. They recount the day Irene was killed, the circumstances of what happened, how they found out and how the loss of Irene forever changed their family and lives. They also talk about the...
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Episode 60: Driving Under the Influence: California Highway Patrol’s Drug Recognition Experts & Field Sobriety Tests
Off the Record
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Driving Under the Influence-Spotlight: Department of Motor Vehicles Consequences and Accountability - Justice Journal Episode 59
Off the Record
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Driving Under the Influence-Spotlight: DUI Offender Program - Justice Journal Episode 58
Off the Record
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Driving Under the Influence-Spotlight: Misdemeanor DUI Deputy District Attorneys - Justice Journal Episode 57
Off the Record
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Driving Under the Influence: Spotlight: California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS)- Justice Journal Episode 56
Off the Record
Description: Discussion with longtime driving under the influence (DUI) prevention partner the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) about how the organization works to protect the safety of all those on our highways and roads as well as pedestrians. Show Notes: Guest Deputy Director of Marketing & Public Affairs Tim Weisberg from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) and Lead Deputy District Attorney Gregory Hayes introduce themselves – their backgrounds and current roles. Weisberg describes his past professional background and his current role managing...
info_outlineDescription: Discussion on the success the local criminal justice system has had in holding jury trials in the age of the pandemic. Guests are Sacramento Superior Court Presiding Judge Russell Hom, Sacramento County District Attorney Anne Marie Schubert, Chief Assistant Public Defender Amanda Benson.
Show Notes: A brief timeline/explanation of the COVID-19 Emergency Court Orders was provided.
March 19, 2020 – Sacramento County Issues Public Health Order
March 20, 2020 – Sacramento Superior Court orders temporary court closures
March 23, 2020 – Sacramento California Supreme Court Justice Cantil-Sakauye issues a statewide court order suspending all jury trials for 60 days
May 26, 2020 - Sacramento Superior Court resumed two criminal jury trials that were suspended due to court closure
June 15, 2020 - Sacramento Superior Court resumes jury trials
Guests share what their organizations were doing behind the scenes - both individually and working together – to prepare to operate under the first Court Order on March 20, 2020 and second Court Order on March 23, 2020. This includes what to do about bail, in-custody defendants time rights, filing news cases, collaboration involved in developing process, etc.
They then discuss the current state of court operations and how they are successfully resuming jury trials while following COVID-19 safety precautions at the courthouse. The group shares how their offices worked individually and together to plan and implement necessary changes.
They address some of the challenges of holding jury trials during COVID-19, and some positive aspects that came about with this new way of operating.
They reflect on why they think Sacramento County has been able to conduct so many trials under these unprecedented circumstances as well as some ideas of how to improve the COVID-19 justice system even further.
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