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Inside People v. Smiel: When Process Becomes the Story

Giselle Smiel faces five felonies, including kidnapping, for picking up her crying child at a San Diego school. Her defense argues there was no force or substantial movement, pointing to lack of evidence and jurisdictional issues. Advocates highlight constitutional violations and ADA neglect in her arrest, seeking dismissal of charges and oversight on family-court mechanisms in criminal cases.

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Two Schools. Two Kids. No Court Order. Why I’m Investigating a Disturbing Attempted Child Removal in San Marcos.

On May 1, 2025, officials from various agencies attempted to remove Giselle Smiel’s children from school without legal authorization or notification. Despite no court order and no emergencies declared, this incident highlights serious violations of parental rights and due process. An investigation has been launched to uncover the circumstances behind this alarming event.

Two Schools. Two Kids. No Court Order. Why I’m Investigating a Disturbing Attempted Child Removal in San Marcos. Read More