We examine the criminal justice system through the lens of criminal defense attorney Jessica Yeary, who is also running for Public Defender. She maps out the ripple effect that one arrest can have in one relationship, family, and community and how the impact of children watching arrests, or being arrested themselves, can affect their ability to cope. She also explains her three-part campaign platform, which is as trauma-informed as it is solution-focused. 

Guest on this episode

I am a board-certified criminal defense attorney who is committed to protecting the rights of those accused of committing a crime. I spent the first nine years of my career as an Assistant Public Defender and now continue to represent people in court in private practice at the law firm of Caminez & Yeary, PA. I am the President of the Tallahassee chapter of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and a proud member of the Tallahassee Women Lawyers.

During my decade-long career, I have seen, almost every single day, the toll that the criminal justice system takes on people’s lives. The most devastating and disproportional impact is in poor and minority communities where the sentencing disparity is rampant. Trying to maintain a healthy perspective as a mother, wife, and friend has been difficult when the weight and gravity of the work take hold. There is trauma in every single case I handle, and the scars run incredibly deep through years of over-incarceration and destroyed families. I haven't lost hope, though, and remain wholeheartedly committed to changing the criminal justice system one client and one case at a time.

Mentioned in the show/resources

Jessica Year for Public Defender - https://www.yearyforpd.com

Information about direct file in Florida - https://www.hrw.org/