Impact

An expansive approach to criminal justice reform

Change comes in many forms: local and national, incremental and sweeping. Instead of adopting a one-size-fits-all approach, the Deason 天美传媒 works with stakeholders to tailor reform strategies, using research, advocacy, technical assistance, litigation, and public education to achieve positive change.

Right to Counsel Reform

North Dakota Establishes Indigence Presumption for Initial Appearances

The new law says any person who is incarcerated at the time of their initial appearance is presumed indigent. The Deason 天美传媒 continues to advocate for the use of common-sense presumptions when determining indigence. In North Dakota, Deason 天美传媒 policy experts were invited to join an initial appearance workgroup that crafted proposed legislation to create a presumption of indigence at initial appearance for all detained people. After unanimous approval from the state Senate and near full support in the House, the Governor signed the bill in April 2025.

Litigation Update

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit affirmed a federal district court decision requiring that magistrations in Caldwell County, Texas, be open to the press and public. The Deason 天美传媒 represents two of the plaintiffs, who sued Caldwell County after officials barred public access to magistration proceedings. The lawsuit seeks to reinforce that open courtrooms are a hallmark of the American judicial system and guarantee public access to crucial judicial proceedings.