Editor’s Note: If you’ve ever needed help but weren’t sure where to turn, then you know how important just one trustworthy guide can be. This blog post is part of an occasional series called “Connection, Trust, and Recovery,” by Michele Easter. Certified Peer Support Specialists (CPSS) have lived experience of the struggles they are helping […]
Tag: Durham
Wilson Center Project Takes Unprecedented Look Into Plea Negotiations
DURHAM, NC – In a unique partnership with the Wilson Center for Science and Justice at Duke Law, two district attorney’s offices are providing unprecedented access and information about the little-understood world of plea agreements in criminal cases. Durham County (NC) District Attorney Satana Deberry and Berkshire County (MA) District Attorney Andrea Harrington partnered with […]
Feature: Local DEAR Program Helping Residents Restore Licenses
By Ruthie Kesri The Durham Expunction And Restoration (DEAR) program provides free legal services to in-need Durham residents to file expunction petitions and restore suspended or revoked drivers’ licenses. DEAR’s mission centers on ensuring all people have equal access to legal relief. The program has identified that having a criminal record or a suspended driver’s […]
Durham DA Highlights 2020 Successes, Partnerships in Annual Report
By Belle Allmendinger The Durham District Attorney’s office released its 2020 Annual Report on February 18th, demonstrating the incredible work being done on several fronts. From advancing racial equity in the criminal legal system to adapting to socially distant courtrooms, this report highlights internal and external partnerships, including with the Wilson Center for Science and […]
Durham Invests in Police Alternative to Address Gun Violence
By De’Ja Wood The 2020 murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, Rayshard Brooks, and countless others catalyzed national protests against the police state and discourse about the need to reimagine public safety. Organizers across the nation, including in Durham, began to demand their local and state governments divest from the police and carceral […]
In-Depth Look at Wilson Center-Affiliated Bass Connections Projects
By: Alexi DeLara Every year, Duke University offers the opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students to participate in Bass Connections, year-long research projects spanning a variety of topics. These students work as a team alongside faculty with a common end goal, which is dependent on the project. This year, there are two projects that individuals […]
DEAR Program Extends Court Debt Relief to 11,000 Residents with Suspended Licenses
Big news this week from the city of Durham: The Durham Expunction and Restoration (DEAR) Program has extended relief from court debt to more than 11,000 people whose drivers’ licenses were suspended because of inability to pay traffic fines and fees. During 33 court sessions over the past two years, the Durham County District Attorney’s […]
Meet This Summer’s Duke CSJ Student Interns, Fellows
The COVID-19 pandemic hasn’t slowed down the six students who worked with the Duke Center for Science and Justice this summer. The summer fellowships and internships at the Center provide students an opportunity to learn new information and hone their skills in domains that are useful for the next step in their career, whether it’s […]