Date: October 6, 2025
Prepared by: Michael Phillips, Editor, The Thunder Report
Contact: mike@thunderreport.org
Website: thunderreport.org/freegiselle
Who Is Giselle Smiel
Giselle Smiel is a California mother of two, a survivor of severe domestic violence, and an advocate for her children’s safety. She has no prior criminal record. For five years, she raised her children on her own in San Diego County, working cooperatively with schools, healthcare providers, and local faith communities.
In early September 2025, Giselle was arrested at her home and transported to Los Angeles County, where she remains incarcerated on $500,000 bail.
What Happened
Case ID: 25CJCF03564 — People v. Giselle Smiel
Location: Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center, Dept. 34, Judge De Witt
Next Hearing: October 6, 2025 – 8:30 a.m.
Giselle faces six felony counts, including kidnapping, child abduction, and custodial interference—charges arising from a family-court dispute, not from violence or crime. Advocates state she was arrested after missing one custody hearing during her son’s documented medical emergency.
Her public defender has not received discovery, while the District Attorney allegedly presented misleading information about prior, dismissed protective orders.
Why Advocates Are Alarmed
- Due Process Violations: Prosecutors allegedly withheld or misrepresented exculpatory facts when opposing bail, breaching California Rules of Professional Conduct 3.3.
- ADA Non-Compliance: Giselle’s ADA advocate, Renata DeMello, reports that court and jail officials have ignored her requests for accommodations under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
- Institutional DARVO Pattern: Domestic-violence experts describe the case as “institutional DARVO”—where systems invert victim and offender roles.
Current Situation
Giselle remains in custody at the Century Regional Detention Facility, unable to afford bail or secure effective counsel. Her two children are separated from their primary caregiver.
Advocates are calling for:
- Immediate review of bail and charging decisions
- Access to discovery and ADA accommodations
- Independent oversight of the Los Angeles County DA’s handling of DV-related family cases
Statement from ADA Advocate Renata DeMello
“The court made a bail decision on an incomplete and misleading record. This is not justice — it’s institutional betrayal of a disabled survivor.”
For Media & Advocacy Inquiries
Contact: mike@thunderreport.org
Website: thunderreport.org/freegiselle
Hashtags: #GiselleSmiel #InstitutionalDARVO #JusticeForGiselle #ADAviolations #CourtWatchLA
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