JD Journal » law enforcement

Orange County Offers to Dimiss Misdemeanors for DNA

joshua — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 16:36:07 +0000

Orange County, California, has implemented a new program, offering to drop misdemeanor charges in exchange for a sample of your DNA and a $75 processing fee. Anyone accepting the deal walks out the same day without having to enter a plea. Obviously this is a one time offer – once the county has your DNA on file, its safe to assume future arrests will be subject to prosecution. The program has been running quietly since late last year and so far the county has collected DNA samples from over 4000 people.

Not surprising, the idea has come under attack both from civil libertarians, concerned about privacy rights, and law enforcement advocates worried about diminishing the ability of the police to enforce the laws. The LA Times has the full story here.

AG Holder Announces Recovery Act Grants to Create Justice Jobs

Erik Even — Tue, 12 May 2009 18:52:38 +0000

US Attorney General Eric Holder today announced that more than $424 million in Recovery Act funds will go to 20 states, territories and the District of Columbia, to create and retain jobs within the law enforcement and judicial communities.

The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program funds are part of more than $4 billion in Justice Department Recovery Act funds available to assist state, local and tribal law enforcement and criminal justice.

Some funds will be targeted to the retention and creation of criminal justice-related jobs, in areas such as criminal courts, and crime victim and witness programs.

Those regions getting money were chosen by population and crime statistics.

Dreier Holiday Party Cancelled After Name Partner Arrested

admin — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 01:36:04 +0000

Look’s like the staff of Dreier LLP will have to cancel their Towncars to the Waldorf Astoria tonight: the office holiday party is off. Why? Mark Dreier, the firm’s founder and managing partner, was reportedly arrested by Canadian authorities on financially related charges. Sources brought up Fortress Investment Group as having possible involvement and say that Dreier live the lifestyle of a billionaire tycoon.

Partners convened Wednesday and today in emergency meetings to discuss the firm’s uncertain future. Sources say law enforcement authorities have frozen some firm escrow accounts, leading people to question the Dreier Stein’s financial health. An inside source tells us that since 1996 the growth of Dreier Stein has been somewhat shaky and reckless after acquiring 250 associates with offices across 6 cities.