public records Archives

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.

3 - Investigations / Accountability / California / California Watch / Government / Government / Public Records & Transparency

The Public Has a Right to Know Whether Government Agencies Followed the Law Before Taking Someone’s Freedom.

December 14, 2025December 14, 2025 - by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Los Angeles and San Diego officials are withholding public records related to the prosecution of Giselle Farias Smiel, raising concerns about transparency and due process. Despite legal obligations under the California Public Records Act, agencies have issued denials and delays, undermining public trust and accountability in the justice system.

Paper Crime Scene: How a County Line Turned a Custody Dispute Into a Felony Case

October 19, 2025October 19, 2025 - by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Giselle Farias Smiel faces felony charges for allegedly kidnapping her children, stemming from bureaucratic mistakes and insufficient evidence. The case highlights systemic failures, including secrecy and lack of inter-agency communication, which overshadow due process and create a troubling precedent for parental rights and disability protections within the legal system.

The Records They Wouldn’t Release — and the Mother They Jailed

October 5, 2025October 6, 2025 - by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

The case of Giselle Smiel highlights significant issues of transparency and jurisdictional failures in California’s justice system. After a May 2025 incident involving alleged child abduction, Smiel faced six felony charges despite having no criminal history. Denied access to public records and effective legal representation, she remains in jail, raising concerns over systemic accountability and due process.