Lobby Day (and "Defenders for Discovery Reform"): Jan. 12, 2018

Do you believe a fair trial is impossible without access to police reports? Should persons charged with crimes know whose testimony will be used to try to convict them? If you answered “yes” to both of those questions, now is the time to make your voice heard. On January 12, 2018, in Richmond, VA, Justice Forward Virginia and the Virginia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers will be hosting a Lobby Day at the Virginia General Assembly, to talk with legislators about the need for discovery reform and other pressing changes to the justice system. 

Although the event is by no means limited to attorneys, Justice Forward chose this date specifically with public defenders and court-appointed attorneys in mind. Friday, January 12 is Lee-Jackson Day, a state holiday in Virginia. Whether you’re a public defender or court-appointed attorney -- or simply concerned about rights of poor defendants to a fair trial -- what better way to spend the Friday before Martin Luther King, Jr. Day than to join other “Defenders for Discovery Reform” in advocating for justice?

Because legislators like to leave early on Fridays, our event is tentatively scheduled to begin at 8am, location TBD. More details will be posted soon. We will start with a short briefing then proceed to the legislature to connect with Delegates and Senators. If you are interested in attending, please email us at justiceforwardva@gmail.com and provide your name, mailing address, phone number and email address (we need it to schedule member meetings). 

Thanks, and hope to see you there!