I was recently made aware of interesting TED Talk by Adam Foss, a prosecutor with the Suffolk County District Attorney. In it, Mr. Foss speaks about our society’s idea of justice and the prosecutor’s role in seeing that justice comes to pass.
Interestingly enough, Mr. Foss touched on many points I myself have made during my legal career. First, and most importantly, the meaning of justice. Almost all of us leave law school knowing we want to “do justice” in our careers. In fact, when I ask new prosecutors why they chose prosecution as a career, the “to do justice” is the number one answer I get. Unfortunately, no one teaches us what justice really means. Does it mean racking up as many convictions as possible? Does it mean having judges impose lengthy sentences? If you ask a prosecutor and a defense attorney you will probably get different answers, and that is one of many problems in today’s criminal justice system.
So, what if we answered that question? That’s what Mr. Foss did, and in doing so, he found that compassion is a key component of justice. Instead of rushing to to punish an individual, Mr. Foss and his office sought to understand why that person was in front of them in the first place. Instead of seeing a criminal, they saw a person who needed help.
Why is that important? In America, we spend millions of dollars to prosecute individuals. We are the most incarcerated nation on the planet. That money, however, is better spent on the front end. As Mr. Foss saw firsthand, using State resources to keep people out of the criminal justice system was more beneficial to everyone involved. I am sure many of my colleagues remember clients who we knew did not deserve a felony but found no sympathy from the State. As a result, a one time mistake prevented our clients from receiving financial aid, from renting an apartment, from voting, and myriad other consequences that stem from a conviction.
I encourage everyone to listen to this TED Talk (it’s only 15 minutes) and think about the role we want our prosecutors to play in the criminal justice system. Conveniently, the Maricopa County Attorney position is up for election in just a few weeks. Before you cast your vote, see how the candidates answer the questions posed by Mr. Foss. In addition, ask yourself how you would want to be treated if you found yourself being prosecuted. I find most people cannot imagine themselves ever being prosecuted for a crime. When they are, they almost always want the same compassion and understanding Mr. Foss espouses. Listen to his talk and tell me what you think!
Woman was charged with her second DUI within 7 years after being involved in a collision in Scottsdale. Through our investigation, we found multiple mistakes made by the arresting officer. These errors were used to get the prosecution to reduce the alleged offense to a charge with no jail time.
A black man was pulled over by Salt River Police Department while visiting from out of town. Despite showing no signs of impairment, the officers arrested him and charged him with DUI Drugs. We investigated the case heavily and interviewed every officer involved. Ultimately, a motion to suppress was filed and granted after an evidentiary hearing before a Judge.
A man was charged with attacking a family with a knife. After reviewing the evidence, it was determined that the instrument used was not a knife at all. The Grand Jury had been misled, so we filed a motion challenging the grand jury presentation. The prosecutor, confronted with the truth, agreed to reduce the charge to a misdemeanor with no jail time.
Woman was charged with her second DUI within 7 years after being involved in a collision in Scottsdale. Through our investigation, we found multiple mistakes made by the arresting officer. These errors were used to get the prosecution to reduce the alleged offense to a charge with no jail time.
A man was out on a walk and was stopped by police because he was in the area of an attempted vehicle theft. The man maintained his innocence, but the owner of the truck identified him as the man he saw attempt to steal it. We worked tirelessly to prepare a defense and get the prosecution to see reason. The State wouldn’t budge, so the case went to trial. After a 4 day trial, the jury took approximately 10 minutes to return a Not Guilty verdict.
Woman was charged with her second DUI within 7 years after being involved in a collision in Scottsdale. Through our investigation, we found multiple mistakes made by the arresting officer. These errors were used to get the prosecution to reduce the alleged offense to a charge with no jail time.
A client was charged with resist arrest after being targeted by police during the protests of Summer 2020. Our firm developed a strategy with activists and members of the media that led to a dismissal of our client’s case and, eventually, all cases connected to the political prosecution of the protesters.
Woman was charged with her second DUI within 7 years after being involved in a collision in Scottsdale. Through our investigation, we found multiple mistakes made by the arresting officer. These errors were used to get the prosecution to reduce the alleged offense to a charge with no jail time.
A woman and her boyfriend were arguing over the cleaning of their apartment. The police were called after things escalated and the woman was arrested. The Mesa City Prosecutors originally wanted the woman to do jail time. After working the case and providing background information, we were able to get the prosecutor to allow the woman to complete classes in exchange for a dismissal.
Woman was charged with her second DUI within 7 years after being involved in a collision in Scottsdale. Through our investigation, we found multiple mistakes made by the arresting officer. These errors were used to get the prosecution to reduce the alleged offense to a charge with no jail time.
We have experience managing violent cases that fall under the categories of murder and manslaughter. Out of respect for all Nava Law Firm clients that fall under this case type, we are not providing any information on our website. If you or a loved one have been charged with one of these serious charges, do not speak to police officers and please contact our firm immediately to get a free consultation.
Woman was charged with her second DUI within 7 years after being involved in a collision in Scottsdale. Through our investigation, we found multiple mistakes made by the arresting officer. These errors were used to get the prosecution to reduce the alleged offense to a charge with no jail time.
