Justice Matters Podcast

The Family Justice and Wellness Conference Matters

 In this Season Finale, guest co-host Sandra Garcia, the ED of the Center Against Sexual and Family Violence and Aaron bring you four of the most important components of response to domestic violence in our community – the DA, the CA, the Sheriff and an EPPD Asst. Chief. Last fall, they came together in a panel at the 3rd Annual Family Justice and Wellness Conference. Hear about challenges and opportunities related to holding offenders accountable and helping victims get safe. And listen in for who likes hiking, ATV’ing, and dancing in their off-time wellness.

Mental Health Matters: Dana Carmona and Jed Untereker

How does our community address challenges in the criminal and civil justice system related to people with mental health challenges? This week hear from ADA Dana Carmona about innovative programs aimed at diverting defendants experiencing crises to mental health services rather than the jail system. And learn from ACA Jed Untereker about how civil commitments can also be an important, yet imperfect, tool for positive interventions. 

Tech Matters: Vanessa "Mia" Donzello and Desmond Galvan

As law offices, both the District and County Attorney’s Offices rely on technology to function. From creating digital processes and procedures to completing special data projects to basically making the lawyers look good in court, tech really does matter. This week, hear how Functional analysts Mia Donzello (from the DA’s Office) and Desmond Galvan (from the CA’s Office) make the tech sausage.  

Appeals Matter: Kevin McCary and Lily Stroud

What’s a writ of habeaus corpus? How does precedent affect the law? What’s it like to argue in fromt of the Texas Supreme Court? Heck what’s an appeal? ACA Kevin McCary and ADA Lily Stroud answer all your appeals questions this week. Ok, most of them. Many of them. And listen in for discussions on cave diving, Stranger Things, attorneys in Hawaiian shirts. You thought we only talk about the law on this pod?

Legislative Advocacy Matters: Erica Rosales and Elisa Tamayo

Did you know that El Paso County works on state legislation in Austin? Frankly it’s a no-brainer that decisions made in Austin affect our area and we deserve to be heard when it comes to changes to the statutes that affect all of our lives. Hear from Assistant County Attorney Erica Rosales about how she helps shape policy both locally and at the state capitol. Then hear El Paso County’s Government Affairs Manager, Elisa Tamayo, describe her work.   

Prosecution of Murder Matters: Talisa Gutierrez and Amanda Frizelle

This week, we turn to some of the most difficult and important cases: prosecution of murders. ADA Talisa Gutierrez tells us about her own humble beginnings and expresses her motivation for helping victims’ families get justice. And ACA Amanda Frizelle explains the ins and outs of juvenile prosecution when a minor is the perpetrator.

The Border Matters: Kyle Lasley and Bernardo Cruz

It’s time to talk about the border. As fronterizos, we love and appreciate our position as a welcoming and consequential place in our region, in Texas and in the country. Listen to how ADA Kyle Lasley leads the Border Prosecution Unit in helping to keep El Paso one of the safest cities in the US. Then ACA Bernardo Cruz unpacks what it means to practice “affirmative litigaiton” on the border.

Children Matter: Robynne Bramblett and Samantha Nelson

Our much anticipated and long-awaited episode on children! Join us hearing how the County Attorney’s Office takes on child abuse by representing Child Protective Services  from CPS Division Chief ACA Robynne Bramblett. And then hear about ADA Trial Team Chief Samantha Nelson’s unique and deep commitment to holding abusers accountable for hurting children. And, oh, yeah the return of the dreaded quizzes!   
 

The First Year Matters: DA James Montoya & CA Christina Sanchez

After a year in office as the elected District Attorney James Montoya and County Attorney Christina Sanchez, we check in on how the work is going. And our little podcast is a year old, too! Have they met their goals? How has the job changed them? Spoiler alert: one of them -- you guess who -- called it everything he could have hoped for and more. Join us for this premiere episode and for a couple laughs along the way!  

First Assistants Matter: Rebecca Tarango and Eddie Sosa

What is a “First Assistant”? Hear from a couple of the best ones about their longevity in the County, the key work they do, a little about tennis and the art of flying under the radar.