Criminal Justice Reform Archives

3 - Investigations / 4 - Cases / California / California Watch / California's Broken Public Defense System / Criminal / Family Court / Family Court Reform / The Reyna Files

The Criminalist and the Coerced Plea

May 27, 2026June 7, 2026 - by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Former criminalist Rhonda Reyna once testified for prosecutors in homicide cases. Years later, she says the same justice system ignored exculpatory evidence, pushed her into a no contest plea, and helped separate her from her daughter. Part one of Riptide’s investigation into California’s broken public defense system.

3 - Investigations / 4 - Cases / Child Abuse / Child Custody / Child Custody / Child Welfare / Court Corruption / Family Court / Family Court Reform / Government Corruption / Institutions / Legal Reform / New York / New York Watch / The Fishman Files

They’re Adults Now. He Still Can’t Call Them.

April 25, 2026April 25, 2026 - by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Marc Fishman’s children are no longer caught in a custody battle — they’re adults. And yet the silence remains. His case exposes a reality rarely discussed: when parental alienation succeeds, it doesn’t end. It becomes permanent.

2 - Analysis / Civil Rights / Civil Rights / Crime & Violence / Crime Violence / Criminal / Family Court / Family Values / Government / Government / Mental Health / Virginia

THE ADVOCATE’S COLLAPSE

April 16, 2026April 16, 2026 - by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Justin Fairfax built a second act exposing institutional failure. But his role in the Donovon Lynch case, a collapsing legal fight at home, and mounting personal pressure tell a more complicated story—one that ended in irreversible tragedy.

2 - Analysis / Law Enforcement / Maryland / Public Safety

When Police Kill Disabled Americans, No One Has to Count It

April 6, 2026April 7, 2026 - by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Disabled Americans are killed by police at disproportionately high rates — but no official system tracks it. The data exists only through journalists and advocates, exposing a national accountability gap hiding in plain sight.

Civil Rights / Civil Rights / Government / Law and Order / Law Enforcement / Laws / National Policy / National Security / Politics / State Lawmakers / Virginia

Virginia Moves to Undercut Qualified Immunity — and Other States Are Watching

January 17, 2026January 17, 2026 - by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Virginia’s House Bill 1314 proposes a new civil action allowing individuals to sue police officers in state courts for constitutional violations. While it doesn’t abolish qualified immunity, it significantly weakens it. This shift could reshape accountability for officers, potentially influencing similar reforms in other states amid changing political dynamics in Virginia.

Crime & Violence / Crime Violence / Criminal / Government / Illinois / Illinois / National Affairs / National News / National Policy / National Security / Politics / Public Safety / Rights and Freedoms

Illinois’ ‘Clean Slate’ Experiment Goes National — and So Do the Risks

January 16, 2026January 16, 2026 - by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Illinois has enacted the Clean Slate legislation, enabling automatic sealing of qualifying nonviolent criminal records without court petitions. While supporters see it as a means to enhance opportunity, critics argue it compromises accountability and public safety. This trend is part of a broader movement across several states, raising concerns over transparency and long-term consequences.

Ada Accommodations / Beyond Barriers and Disability Rights / California / California Watch / Civil Rights / Civil Rights / Constitutional Law / Constitutional Rights / Court Reform / Crime & Violence / Disability / Disability Rights / Disability Rights / Due Process Denied / Family Court / Legal Reform / Misconduct / San Marcos Abduction Attempt / The Smiel Series

Inside People v. Smiel: When Process Becomes the Story

October 28, 2025November 9, 2025 - by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

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.

Environmental Justice / Government / Laws / Maryland / Money and Finance / Politics / satire / Taxes and Fees

Maryland’s 430-Law October Surprise: Because Freedom Needed More Fine Print

September 24, 2025September 24, 2025 - by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Maryland enacted around 430 new laws, emphasizing compliance that often complicates citizens’ lives through increased regulations. Key areas include privacy, criminal justice, housing, work, health, and environmental policies. Despite claims of modernization and equity, these laws often lead to higher costs and bureaucratic hurdles, undermining individual freedoms and choices.

Child Custody / Crime & Violence / Domestic Violence / Family Court / Government / Public Safety

Iryna Zorutska’s Murder: The Deadly Cost of Soft-on-Crime Justice

September 21, 2025September 21, 2025 - by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

The murder of Iryna Zorutska is not just a senseless act of violence—it is the latest example of what happens when violent offenders are cycled through a justice system more concerned with ideology than safety. From bail reform to diversion programs, soft-on-crime policies leave women and families exposed, while abusers and repeat offenders learn to game the system. Until public safety comes first, tragedies like Zorutska’s will keep repeating.

Ada Accommodations / Beyond Barriers and Disability Rights / California / California Watch / Civil Rights / Disability / Disability Rights / Disability Rights / Discrimination / Domestic Violence / Family Court / Misconduct / Rights and Freedoms / San Marcos Abduction Attempt

They Locked Her Down, Then Shut Her Up: How San Diego Jails Punish Disabled Survivors

September 20, 2025September 21, 2025 - by Michael Phillips - 2 Comments.

Giselle Smiel, a survivor of domestic violence, faced significant barriers to ADA Title II accommodations during her detention. Despite multiple requests, she lacked effective communication supports and experienced retaliation. The case highlights systemic failures in recognizing invisible disabilities and ensuring compliance, ultimately underscoring the need for accountability in custody settings.