Justice Matters Podcast

The Family Justice and Wellness Conference Matters

In this Season Finale, guest co-host Sandra Garcia, the ED of the Center Against Sexual and Family Violence and Aaron bring you four of the most important components of response to domestic violence in our community – the DA, the CA, the Sheriff and an EPPD Asst. Chief. Last fall, they came together in a panel at the 3rd Annual Family Justice and Wellness Conference. Hear about challenges and opportunities related to holding offenders accountable and helping victims get safe. And listen in for who likes hiking, ATV’ing, and dancing in their off-time wellness.

Mental Health Matters: Dana Carmona and Jed Untereker

How does our community address challenges in the criminal and civil justice system related to people with mental health challenges? This week hear from ADA Dana Carmona about innovative programs aimed at diverting defendants experiencing crises to mental health services rather than the jail system. And learn from ACA Jed Untereker about how civil commitments can also be an important, yet imperfect, tool for positive interventions.

Tech Matters: Vanessa "Mia" Donzello and Desmond Galvan

As law offices, both the District and County Attorney’s Offices rely on technology to function. From creating digital processes and procedures to completing special data projects to basically making the lawyers look good in court, tech really does matter. This week, hear how Functional analysts Mia Donzello (from the DA’s Office) and Desmond Galvan (from the CA’s Office) make the tech sausage.

Appeals Matter: Kevin McCary and Lily Stroud

What’s a writ of habeaus corpus? How does precedent affect the law? What’s it like to argue in fromt of the Texas Supreme Court? Heck what’s an appeal? ACA Kevin McCary and ADA Lily Stroud answer all your appeals questions this week. Ok, most of them. Many of them. And listen in for discussions on cave diving, Stranger Things, attorneys in Hawaiian shirts. You thought we only talk about the law on this pod?

Legislative Advocacy Matters: Erica Rosales and Elisa Tamayo

Did you know that El Paso County works on state legislation in Austin? Frankly it’s a no-brainer that decisions made in Austin affect our area and we deserve to be heard when it comes to changes to the statutes that affect all of our lives. Hear from Assistant County Attorney Erica Rosales about how she helps shape policy both locally and at the state capitol. Then hear El Paso County’s Government Affairs Manager, Elisa Tamayo, describe her work.