Proyecto Common Touch

Description

The focus of Proyecto Common Touch is providing California female parolees with education about their legal rights. This knowledge is an empowering tool that will assist the parolee in asserting her rights rather than allowing her to be intimidated by an overwhelming criminal justice system. The project is designed to inform California female parolees of procedures and time limits of the hearing process, the right to consult with an attorney before the hearing and have that attorney present at the hearing, and all other rights as outlined by Morrissey v. Brewer and the Valdivia Mandate. Proyecto Common Touch has four main components: (1) Offer direct legal assistance and education to female parolees facing parole revocation (2) Offer education and assistance to the legal community in general, and the criminal defense bar concerning parolees' rights and the revocation process (3) Offer education to public officials and the public at large concerning the nature of, and shortcomings in, the current parole revocation process (4) Provide a voice for California women on parole as state policy is drafted to impact parole, parole revocation and other procedures relating to parole