[Judicial Newsletter] June 2024

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[Judicial Newsletter] June 2024

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San Andreas Judicial Branch
HALF OF YEAR NEWSLETTER
"EQUAL JUSTICE UNDER LAW"
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Message from High Command

  • Attorney General Hope Kant
    Citizens of San Andreas,

    The past few months have seen the Judicial Branch experience many up and downs. From changes in leadership to internal developments, the one thing we can always be proud of is our staff. We are lucky to have the passionate people that are dedicated to the practice and application of law.

    However lately we have not been recognized for our excellence work, but commented on about our tedious processes and wait times. In the next couple of months we hope to restore the faith once given to the Judicial Branch by lowering the time between submission, activation, and trial. Efforts have already begun by both the defense and prosecution to reduce the backlog in preparation for exciting innovations and opportunities on the horizon. The Judicial Branch will never be perfect, but we have listened to your feedback and are attempting to come up with creative solutions to the current problems.

    As for the recent departure of two important members of the branch, I would like to personally thank both Colt Daniels and Shaun Harper for their work within the branch and publicly on the docket. Former Chief Public Defender and Director of Training and Hiring Shaun Harper, you were always there to complete any project suggested to you, available for cases, and willing to talk. Thank you for allowing me to vent, bounce ideas off of you, and joke around at the front desk. Associate Justice Colt Daniels, I will not continue to belabor on the work that you have done for the branch, but will let my statement below speak for itself. Thank you both for everything you have done for the Judicial Branch and you will be sorely missed.

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    SAJB High Command
Justice Daniels Retirement Memoirs
  • The departure of Associate Justice Daniels leaves an empty place in the hearts of those who worked alongside him in the permanent pursuit of Justice. Members of the Branch, current and former, have come together to express their thoughts and experiences with Justice Daniels.
    Judge Tony McFornell wrote: Colt's departure weighs heavily on me. Since the moment I joined the Branch, he welcomed me with nothing but respect, decorum and also curiosity for what I -and for that matter, all the new law students- had to bring to the Branch.

    Colt's selfless service to Los Santos is what I aspire to replicate as a public servant in the city and the State. I still recall how he went through trying times and had to face risks against his life simply for upholding the law.

    Colt: I have nothing but feelings of gratefulness for what you did not only for me, as a young student, but also for the Judicial Branch and the State of San Andreas. I can't do anything else but wish you success in whichever endeavors you decide to pursue, hoping that at some point you decide to return to the Bench.
    Retired Chief Public Defender Shaun Harper wrote: Colt, thank you for everything you did for the Judicial Branch. You've become an integral part of how JB was ran and how it worked. Coming with new ideas on, how to lessen the backlog, how to conduct reinstatements and a lot more I don't have enough space for to write.

    It was an honor to work with you and I'll never forget your funny stories and our memorable moments in and out of trial together.

    Hope whatever you decide to do next will work out for you!
    Attorney General Hope Kant wrote: Associate Justice Daniels is one of the original pioneers of the court system we know today. He put numerous amounts of hours into constructing and crafting a court system that would be viable for cases to be seen. Without his work the Judicial Branch would not be where it is today. It's important to look back and remember the achievements and products that have been released thanks to Associate Justice Daniels, since I joined the Judicial Branch. Most notably the revision and reworking of Search Warrants as well as the detailed addition of Seizure warrants. The Judicial Branch will always be thankful for the work that was input into the making of the Three Court System and the multiple formats and informational topics created. I wish him the best of luck in his retirement and am excited for what will come next.
    Associate Justice Judith Mason wrote: During the summer of 2021, the San Andreas Judicial Branch, only a fledgling at the time, had opened its doors to the first round of hiring for citizens of San Andreas to take part in the first legal proceedings in the state. With only but a small handful of employees, the branch began taking criminal cases in June of that year using a system that, while flawed, brought forth a tremendous change to the dispute process for criminal charges.

    When looking back at this time, I remain proud of our intentions but I'm also reminded of the mistakes that were overlooked early on during that first administration, like the bare-bones nature of the proceedings that took place back then, the ambiguity that blurred the lines between defense attorneys and prosecutors, and certainly keeping the doors of the courthouse locked almost 24/7.

    At the end of August, just a couple of months after the criminal court was first established, the Judicial Branch experienced one of the most consequential days in its early infancy, not just because of my own promotion to the position of Court Clerk, but more importantly, it was the same day that then-Agent Colt Daniels of the Los Santos County Sheriff's Department had submitted his application for a paralegal position at the Judicial Branch.

    From the very beginning, Mr. Daniels hit the ground running and made a name for himself, quickly displaying a strong sense of leadership and determination for the pursuit of justice that eventually brought him to be the first judge in the state to hold a public trial open for all to attend. That same day, knowing his accomplishments and capabilities, then-Commissioner Lewis Langley appointed Colt Daniels to be the second Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of San Andreas.

    This began an administration that brought forth a Judicial Golden Age, with monumental developments made for the betterment of the judicial process and countless achievements that elevated the branch from its infancy into a flourishing community of legal scholars dedicated to the pursuit of justice.

    We have come a long way since that day in August, 2021. Though recent times have brought a number of challenges for us to overcome, I have been incredibly proud to have worked alongside Mr. Daniels over the past three years and I cannot express enough gratitude for all of the work that he has put into making the Judicial Branch a success over the years.

    Mr. Daniels, thank you for your tireless dedication to the State of San Andreas. I will fondly remember our late nights of development in the upstairs offices of the old courthouse and I struggle to think what the Judicial Branch would have become if it hadn't been for your leadership. It has been an absolute honor and I wish you the best for all that you have to look forward to beyond the bench.
    Former Attorney General Cyrus Raven wrote: Colt Daniels and the Judicial Branch are one in the same, I could never imagine one existing without the other.

    One needn't look any further for validation of this notion then to the 3rd of March, 2023, having been charged with a crime, Colt went above and beyond to ensure his position would not be of influence in the outcome of his case. He remained fully cooperative during this process with the only goal being Justice.

    He who does not desire power is fit to hold it.

    At the core of the Judicial Branch lies a set of principles no other institution comes close to achieving. A set of principles which will remain with the Branch even after your departure. A set of principles which will become your legacy. You will be missed.
Concluded Cases
Furthermore, if you wish to read some of our cases that are still active, click here!
Judicial Branch Notices
  • Junior Prosecuting Attorney ► Prosecuting Attorney
    • Terence Williams
    Civilian ► Defense Attorney
    • Jay Wellberg
    Civilian ► Law Student
    • Luna McMillan
Prosecution Employee of the Month


Prosecution Employee of the Month
  • For the month of June Attorney General Hope Kant would like to recognize Terry Williams and Rowin Lawson as the Prosecution Divisions Employees of the Month.

    • Rowin Lawson
    Attorney General Hope Kant wrote: The prosecution has picked two individuals to recognize this month as they have both put in significant work into their division. Prosecution Attorney Rowin Lawson has worked tirelessly on cases to aid and ensure that the charges law enforcement officers place remain on the record of the defendant. In the event Attorney Lawson has faced challenges in or outside of court, he has risen to meet each of those challenges. From taking on his first case in person trial by himself to having a defendant found guilty on 4 out of 6 charges, Attorney Lawson has proven himself to be a formidable opponent who puts forth an admirable amount of effort to support our law enforcement agencies. As a department we are lucky to have his passion and drive as we look towards to exciting future for the branch.

    • Terry Williams
    Attorney General Hope Kant wrote: Newly promoted Attorney Terry Williams also deserves to be in this category for the month. Attorney Williams is arguably one of the most detail oriented individuals within the entire Judicial Branch. He finds hidden mistakes and is always doing his best to stay on top of each of his cases and others! He's the first to come to me with a question and looks at each law in the most technical way in order to apply it or suggest a removal from our case logs. Attorney Williams never fails to impress me with his evaluations and dedication to the position. I assumed it would be difficult to find someone who enjoyed paperwork as much as myself, but Attorney Williams is a close second. The prosecution division would not be where it is today without him.

    Seeing each of these individuals prosper in their own ways has really improved not only how I handle cases, but how the division as a whole looks at evidence and completes investigations. Both individuals have provided a set of fresh eyes on cases that have sat pending for months and breathed new life into the prosecution. I am so proud of all that has been accomplished by the people who work with me.

    As a final note, while I may have focused on only two members within the division, Terence Williams, Rowin Lawson, Mikhail Garin, and Michael Blaise, you are what make the prosecution division great. Thank you for your hard work.
Public Defense Employee of the Month


Public Defense Employee of the Month
  • For the month of June High Command would like to recognize Lynn Kilgore and Izaak Scott as the Public Defense Divisions Employees of the Month.

    • Lynn Kilgore
    High Command wrote:Senior Paralegal Lynn Kilgore has done her best to remain under the radar while at the Judicial Branch. That is largely because Senior Paralegal Kilgore is not only humble, but content with remaining in the background and letting her work shine through others. She deserves to be recognized each month, however this month in particular we would like to specially thank Mrs. Kilgore. When asked to step into a leadership position within the Defense Division, she has accepted the position and risen to the challenge. After the hole left by previous Chief Public Defender Shaun Harper, the Judicial Branch believes having someone with her leadership and legal expertise as acting head of defense will benefit the division greatly. Thank you Senior Paralegal Kilgore and we wish you good luck in your new role.

    • Izaak Scott
    High Command wrote: Another individual that has shined within the defense division, despite not being there for long, is Junior Public Defense Attorney Izaak Scott. Junior Attorney Scott has taken the initiative to reach out to clients, create formats, and seek more work whenever he had any amount of downtime. While I cannot speak to his direct work with defendants, Mr. Scott is typically one of the first people to show up to a pager with a smile on his face and a can-do attitude. We are so lucky to have such a passionate and hardworking employee within the Branch, who is not only willing to join and branch out into different divisions, but also commits a significant amount of hours to progressing his own division.

    The defense division as a whole has seen its ups and downs the past few months, but each individual within the division has been working non-stop in order to provide legal care for civilians. Despite a general lack of leadership roles within the division, employees have risen to the occasion and picked up slack when necessary. As High Command we couldn't be prouder of them, and look forward to the future of the division.
Closing Message

  • Judge Antonio McFornell
    As we close this newsletter, I am thrilled to reflect on the numerous positive changes our Branch has experienced during the first half of the year and the exciting opportunities that lie ahead for the second half. The appointment of a new Chief Justice, the expansion of the Superior Court, and celebrating three years of successful operation have made this year truly remarkable.

    In particular, this past month, San Andreas joyfully celebrated the diversity that makes our State vibrant, proactive, and respectful. The Judicial Branch remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding the rights of our citizens, and I am eagerly looking forward to the wonderful things yet to come.

    A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has contributed to the pursuit of justice, including our citizens, police, public agencies, and other branches of government. We eagerly anticipate a thrilling second semester, brimming with positive changes, new employment opportunities within the Judicial Branch, and initiatives that will further strengthen the guarantees of justice and the rule of law in our State.

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    Superior Court Judge
    San Andreas Judicial Branch
    (909) 553-8869 — [email protected]

    Public Relations Division
    San Andreas Judicial Branch
    Rockford Hills City Hall, Carcer Way,
    Metro Los Santos, SA
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