BBC Documentary Addressing Racism and Brutality In Prison
The National Paralegal Center is dedicated to activism for incarcerated populations. Our work caught the attention of Peabody Award-winning journalist Hilary Harper Andersson, who reached out to us for our contributions to a BBC documentary highlighting the racism and brutality incarcerated individuals face from correctional officers. Alongside our activism, we provide affordable legal services, advocating for wrongfully convicted clients and fighting for justice on their behalf.
Pictured here is Hilary Andersson interviewing Attorney David Jarashow, with whom we have collaborated on several occasions. Together, we have successfully litigated on behalf of prisoners who were brutally beaten by correctional officers. In addition to our work with wrongfully convicted clients, we provide affordable legal services, fighting for justice for those affected by such abuse.
Overturned Conviction In Killing Of County Sheriff's Son
Attorney Durann Neil Jr. enlisted The National Paralegal Center to draft the appellate brief for Ms. Dorff, who was serving a prison sentence for selling drugs that allegedly led to the death of a county sheriff’s son—a case that attracted significant media attention. We prepared and submitted the appellate brief to the court, and it proved effective, resulting in the court overturning Ms. Dorff's conviction. Through our affordable legal services, we continue to fight for justice for wrongfully convicted clients.
Successfully Sued DOC For Its Brutality Upon Mr. Hathaway
Mr. Hathaway endured severe brutality at the hands of correctional officers who ripped patches from his beard, hurled racial slurs, stomped on him, and damaged his eyes. They then tried to cover up their actions by filing false charges against him. We first succeeded in having those false charges dismissed through an appeal, and then filed a civil suit against the DOC and the involved officers. The lawsuit was successful and settled for an undisclosed amount. Now, Mr. Hathaway is thriving, working, and raising his 1-year-old son. Through our affordable legal services, we continue to advocate for justice for wrongfully convicted clients and victims of abuse
Wrongfully Convicted Client Released After 5 Years in Prison
Pictured here (left) with his foot on top of the mountain of discovery we reviewed for his case, is client Oscar Dejesus. His mother reached out to The National Paralegal Center on his behalf after he was wrongfully convicted of a robbery he didn’t commit and sentenced to 17 years in prison. Through our legal services, we continue to fight for justice for wrongfully convicted clients like Oscar.
After Mr. Dejesus’ conviction was overturned and remanded for a second trial, we assisted him in filing pretrial motions and preparing for court. The result was a not guilty verdict, and Mr. Dejesus is now home, living with his mother and working as a construction laborer. We are currently helping him file a civil complaint for malicious prosecution. Through our affordable legal services, we continue to support wrongfully convicted clients in their fight for justice.
Client Released After We Filed A Medical/Infirm Motion
Pictured here (above) is client Mr. Vince Jackson holding the legal motion we filed on his behalf to address medical issues complicated by COVID-19. After the motion was granted, he was released on an ankle monitoring bracelet and completed the remainder of his sentence at home, where he could properly manage his medical needs. Our affordable legal services made this possible, helping clients like Mr. Jackson receive the care and justice they deserve.