By Bec Young - Just Seeds Artists' Cooperative

Another update on the case that I originally mentioned last week. Following up on what I wrote in my initial update a couple of days later, the family talking circle took place last night. I was not part of the circle as I do not personally know the young man in question nor his family.

According to my friend, the circle was “incredible.” She says that everyone left feeling that they had a better understanding of the incarceration experience. My friends who shared their stories with the young man and his family offered practical tips about how he should handle himself while inside. Apparently they were honest about their own initial trepidation and fears as they were preparing to serve their time. The young man asked many questions and so did his family members. The best part is that they have invited the young man to participate in another talking circle in the next couple of weeks. They will invite other formerly incarcerated men to join the circle to continue to provide support and perspective to the young man before he is officially sentenced.

Today, the young man was back in court and there was another continuance sought and granted in the case. He must now return to court on March 18th for his eventual sentencing. So three more weeks of relative “freedom” before he has to report to prison… My friend tells me that the young man’s lawyer barely even looks at him. I can’t tell you how angry that makes me. This is a lawyer who has been on this case for two years now and he apparently has nothing but contempt for his client. He is not a public defender; the family (which is poor) has pooled its resources to pay for this person’s zealous advocacy on behalf of their child.

I want to say a couple of words about defense lawyers, particularly those who represent children in juvenile court. If you are a juvenile defense lawyer and you HATE CHILDREN, please get another job. Seriously! These young people who are in trouble with the law need the best representation possible. Their lives hang in the balance. What type of person can do this type of job and not have a missionary zeal? Look in the mirror and spare the young people more pain…

Thanks again to everyone who has reached out to ask about how things are proceeding.