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Protecting Bright Futures
JULY 2020
Bright Futures Bulletin
hearing, including a jury trial, is important to do in person so the fact finder has an opportunity to observe the witness, especially under cross examination. In jury selection, potential jurors must be observed in person to get a fair and impartial jury. The subtle facial expressions and body language that attorneys rely on so heavily in jury selection cannot be observed via a computer screen.
WhenWillWeHave JURYTRIALSAGAIN?
H arold Melton, Chief March suspending jury trials due to COVID–19. That order has been extended twice, and Justice Melton has indicated it is likely to continue until August, maybe later. Since every person accused of a crime has a right to a trial by jury, this suspension could be a problem. Justice of the Supreme Court of Georgia, issued an order in
The reason that jury trials cannot be conducted in person right now is that courts cannot comply with social distancing guidelines. To get a jury of 12 (or six for misdemeanors), potential jurors must be summoned to appear for the jury selection process. On an average case, you would expect to see at least 20–24 people in the jury pool. Some of the more serious cases that garner national attention could summon in excess of 350 citizens in hopes of selecting 12 jurors. Since certain groups of people are more susceptible to the coronavirus and likely to choose to stay home, can you really get a jury pool representative of the community right now? Even if you could get a fair jury, can you keep them safe via social distancing (6 feet apart)? Jurors sit shoulder to shoulder in jury boxes during trial. Many of the courtrooms can only accommodate about 15 people right now, which includes the judge, the attorneys, their support staff, bailiffs, the courtroom clerk, the court reporter, and courtroom security. If you are keeping track, you know adding a jury is too many. Jury deliberation presents many challenges. After the close of the evidence in a jury trial, the jury deliberates in a closed-door room that is usually very small. Is it possible for them to be 6 feet apart in a private, secure room? Are they really going to be willing to take their time and carefully review the evidence with the fear of contracting the coronavirus? Is it even fair to put people in that position?
Not every person accused of a crime will exercise their right to a jury trial. Most criminal cases are resolved without a trial. Plea agreements are made. Some cases are dismissed for lack of evidence. Some cases are “diverted” through rehabilitation programs. Some defendants elect to enter treatment courts referred to as “alternative to incarceration treatment courts,” like DUI court, mental health court, veterans court, and drug court. But most cases involve plea deals that are made to avoid harsher sentences that would likely to follow a jury trial. However, now that defendants know that jury trials are suspended, they may try to use that to their advantage. The threat of a looming trial is what usually compels a defendant to take a plea deal. Without that pressure, prosecutors may be forced to be more lenient in their plea offers than they ordinarily would. Otherwise, defendants could decline the plea offer and move into a “holding pattern” until jury trials resume. Cases could pile up quickly. Afterall, a prosecutor can only conduct one trial at time, and police continue to bring in new cases every day. While many court proceedings are now being conducted virtually, like first appearance hearings, arraignments, plea calendars, and status hearings, some things must be done face to face in a courtroom. Any evidentiary
All these questions will be answered in due time. Chief Justice Melton has created a committee to figure out how to resume jury trials safely. I predict that we will not see jury trials in Georgia until January 2021. Until then, I think defendants can expect to see some good plea offers.
–Phyllis Gingrey Collins
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Find Your Family’s Next Crafting Project
DIYs From Across the Entertainment Sphere
Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or brand- new to crafting, there are lots of ways to get your kids creating. For example, why buy merchandise from their favorite video game or TV show if they can make it themselves? Check out these resources for free crafting ideas to keep your kids connected to their favorite characters when they’re not looking at a screen. Disney-Themed Crafts From “Star Wars” to all things Mickey Mouse, entire fictional universes can come to life inside your home and make your family time feel a little more magical. Family.Disney.com offers projects for every difficulty level. Many require glue guns and adult supervision, but that’s what makes them fun and interactive for both you and your children. Who knows, you might just find
inspiration for other decorations in your home after a few Disney-inspired crafting sessions.
Nickelodeon-Themed Crafts Whether it’s “Blue’s Clues,” “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” or “SpongeBob SquarePants,” there’s no doubt that your little one is familiar with some of Nickelodeon's most iconic children’s shows. NickelodeonParents.com offers DIY crafts that’ll encourage your kids to get busy and creative while decorating their play areas and beyond. The site also filters crafts by categories like Big Kids, Educational, and Noggin, so you even have options if you want your child to learn something while they play. Geeky Crafts If your kids are huge gamers, GeekCrafts.com is a great website for finding DIYs that they can get invested in.
Not everything is designed for small kids, but there’s a large archive to choose from, and it’s not difficult at all to recognize what crafts will be best for your family. From Minecraft-themed building blocks to Pokemon felt hats, you’ll find lots of fun projects that’ll get your kids excited and asking, “What’s the next step?” We hope these free resources help you and your family spend a little more creative time together! Have fun!
Know to Understand
This has been a challenging time in our country with the combination of two big crises: COVID–19 and racial injustice. People are suffering, and times are hard. People are divided in a way that I have not witnessed before. For me, it has been painful to see people so hurt and upset, especially people I know. I have been trying to figure out what I can do to help. I came up with an answer, but not on my own. It came to me through Rob McDowell, lead pastor at North Metro Church. He said, “If you really want to understand someone, you must get to know them.” That really clicked with me. I think that we are too quick to disagree with people the minute they state an opposing opinion. We do not have to be “adversaries”
just because we disagree. If we knowwho they are, where they come from, their life experiences, their hopes and dreams, and their fears, then maybe we can at least understand them. Understanding can lead to acceptance. Acceptance does not mean acquiescing. It means that we can have a meaningful discussion of the issues we face without anger or contempt. I think we are more likely to find common ground when we come to the table with kindness and understanding. I have applied this principle in my personal and professional life in the last month. It has been a wonderful experience. It has brought me joy and peace. I plan to make it a daily practice, and I hope you will, too.
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SUDOKU BREAK Solution on Pg. 4
We Love Clark’s Consumer Tips
I subscribe to consumer advisor Clark Howard’s newsletter, and it is always full of great content that I use in my own personal life and pass on to my clients. Part of our mission is to broker second chances for those in financial crisis, and Clark is a tremendous resource. His recent article, “5 Reasons Your Credit Score Can Drop Unexpectantly,” was very insightful. No. 5 was a little surprising. Here is the list:
Pulled ‘Pork’ Sandwiches
Inspired by Tasty.co
1.
You applied for new credit.
2. You ran up a larger than normal balance on your credit cards.
3. You or your bank closed an old credit card.
4. There is a mistake on your credit report.
5. You paid off a loan.
Ingredients
I panicked a little when I saw No. 1. I bought a new car in December, and while the dealership shopped for the best financing options, my credit was checked about six times. Fortunately, Clark says that if you are buying a car and multiple lenders check your credit on the same day, it only counts as one inquiry. No. 2 is obvious. The more debt you have relative to your available credit, the lower your credit score. When you make a large purchase with credit it, is important to check the date that the creditor reports to the credit bureaus and get the balance paid down before that date. Simply paying before the due date is not necessarily going to protect you. I think No. 3 is a little weird. Punishing you for closing an old account you no longer use or need does not seem right. Nevertheless, I know Clark knows what he is talking about. So, do not close old accounts unless necessary. Regarding No. 4, Clark recommends you check your credit score once a year to check for errors. I use the Credit Karma app at least once a week to check my credit. It will also send out alerts when something changes. If you find an error, first contact the business that reported it. If that does not work, dispute the error with the credit bureaus. No. 5 is a head scratcher. Who would have thought it would be bad to pay off a loan? It effects your “credit mix,” which accounts for 10% of your credit score. Clark says you should not let that keep you from paying off loans unless you are about to apply for a large sum of credit like a home loan.
• •
2 tbsp olive oil ● 1 medium onion, sliced ● 3 cloves garlic, minced ● 3 cups canned jackfruit, drained
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● 1 tsp paprika
● 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
•
•
● 1 tsp vegan Worcestershire sauce
•
• •
● 1 tsp liquid smoke ● 2 cups vegetable stock ● 1/2 cup vegan barbecue sauce
• • • •
● 2 tsp salt
● 1 tsp pepper ● 1 tsp cumin
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● 1 tsp chili powder
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● Vegan buns
Directions
1. 2.
Heat oven to 350 F.
In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add onions and garlic, cooking until the onions are translucent. 4. Add jackfruit, salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, Worcestershire, and liquid smoke, stirring to coat evenly. 5. Add vegetable stock and bring the mixture to a simmer for 45 minutes. 6. Spread the jackfruit on a baking sheet and bake for 75 minutes. 7. Pour vegan barbecue sauce on the jackfruit and bake for another 15 minutes. 8. Serve on vegan buns.
Follow these tips to maintain a healthy credit score. If you are struggling with debt, we can design a plan for you to reach your financial goals and find financial peace.
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www.PhyllisLaw.com | 404.514.3397 531 Roselane Street Ste 200 | Marietta, GA 30060
Solution From Pg. 3
Inside This Issue
WhenWill We Have Jury Trials Again? 1
Find Your Family’s Next Crafting Project
Know to Understand 2
We Love Clark’s Consumer Tips
Pulled ‘Pork’ Sandwiches 3
HowMeals onWheels Atlanta Stepped Up for Its Community 4
AMeal for Every Member of the Family
Meals on Wheels Goes the Extra Mile
Meals on Wheels doesn’t often get the credit it deserves. The international nonprofit ensures those who are unable to buy or make their own meals get the food they need to survive. Of course, for many recipients, the efforts of the organization go far beyond “survival.” For those who receive food daily or weekly, those deliveries may be their only source of social interaction. And during times of social distancing, the program became more important than ever. Meals on Wheels doesn’t just serve meals to the elderly and people with disabilities — it also serves those people’s pets. In 2019, Meals on Wheels Atlanta realized there was a huge need in their community to feed the pets of senior
citizens. It stands to reason that if an elderly individual is unable to shop or cook for themselves, their pets may be in a similar predicament. And when someone’s pet is their entire world, making sure the animal is fed and healthy means everything. In response to this need, Meals on Wheels Atlanta began stocking up on cat and dog food, creating its own pantry to serve the local pet community. When volunteers made their rounds delivering meals to seniors, they made sure to bring cat and dog food along, too. One volunteer with Meals on Wheels Atlanta, Larry Auberbach, had a unique experience delivering meals to Jeffery Jones and his dog, Grizzly. The volunteer told 11Alive News in Atlanta that Jeffery and Grizzly “have their own special relationship.” Larry loved Grizzly long before Meals on Wheels Atlanta started the pet pantry because he saw how much Grizzly’s companionship meant to Jeffery. Now, Larry enjoys his service that much more since he gets to provide for Jeffery’s beloved pet as well. On top of delivering food to seniors and their pets, Meals on Wheels Atlanta also delivers pet toys and pet beds, and they are happy to take in any pet-related food or items for donation. The organization says this endeavor was done out of love, not only for the people they serve but also for the whole family — wagging tails, fuzzy whiskers, and all.
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