The CSE Institute Justice for Victims Fellow, Sarah Robinson, is now hosting weekly legal clinic intake hours at the Salvation Army New Day to Stop Trafficking Drop-In Center in Kensington.
Most of the women who frequent the Drop-In Center have multiple, complex legal needs. For instance, some may require assistance with public benefits applications, others may have a landlord/tenant issue, and some may have outstanding warrants that interfere with their daily lives.
One such woman, Brooke D., met with Ms. Robinson in early April. Brooke was wanted by law enforcement for absconding from parole and probation. For years she suffered from drug addiction and homelessness. Today, she is in active recovery and is recognized as a positive role model in her community.
Motivated by her great progress, Brooke decided to address her outstanding warrants. She consulted with Ms. Robinson, who advised Brooke about all of the possible outcomes and subsequently arranged a violation of probation hearing in front of Philadelphia Municipal Court Judge Shuter.
We are happy to report that after learning how well Brooke is doing in her recovery, Judge Shuter decided to terminate Brooke’s parole and probation completely. Thanks to the legal work of Ms. Robinson and Brooke’s courage to resolve her criminal matters, Brooke is no longer involved in the criminal justice system.
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