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https://n2v.almanacnews.com/square/print/2015/07/08/we-enjoy-the-scrutiny-chief-private-defender-john-digiacinto

Town Square

“We enjoy the scrutiny.” —Chief Private Defender John Digiacinto

Original post made by Michael G. Stogner, another community, on Jul 8, 2015

San Mateo County Private Defender Program

This explains why John Digiacinto enjoyed this Grand Jury Report so much there was no scrutiny.

The Grand Jury decided to study this issue because the County’s approach to indigent defense is unusual. The Grand Jury has not received any citizens’ complaints, nor is it aware of recent program criticism.
The Grand Jury interviewed County officials, a judge, officials of the County Bar Association, a retired district attorney, retired public defenders (from another county), a court officer, and a law professor in criminal justice. The interviewees also included members of the PDP’s 2012 Evaluation Committee. The interviews were the primary source for determining the County’s rationale for utilizing this approach to indigent defense.

They did not interview 1 indigent defendant.

Web Link

Comments

Posted by Michael G. Stogner
a resident of another community
on Jul 8, 2015 at 11:14 am

I remember having a conversation with DDA Peter Lynch where he refused to meet with myself and a victim who wanted to report FRAUD of the Private Defender Program.

One attorney placing a friend of his on the PDP payroll, about $11,000 if I remember right.

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Posted by Michael G. Stogner
a resident of another community
on Jul 8, 2015 at 11:19 am

Errol Chang case would be a good one to review. Was he offered any Mental Health Services before he accepted a plea. Did the PDP even try to get his charges dismissed because of his mental health issues.

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Posted by Clarification
a resident of Portola Valley: other
on Mar 23, 2016 at 6:23 am

While the Grand Jury did not receive any citizen's complaints BEFORE their investigation into the Privste Defenders while they were investigating they received at least two extensive written complaints from two men who were incarcerated. One inmate in particular had had serious documented problems with his private defender. Private defender had agreed to a sentence in a plea that was not correct. They had given him too many years for his crime. The inmate discovered through legal research the sentencing mistake. Then a judge ruled that the private defender and DA's office had been in error and ordered a new sentencing. Only trouble was, the inmate's private defender wouldn't respond to the inmate's letters. So he sent them to the grand jury. You can bet that the Private defender snapped into action after the inmate complained to the grand jury.

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Posted by Clarification
a resident of Portola Valley: other
on Apr 1, 2016 at 7:08 am

San Mateo Daily Journal today: Private Defender program under fire: Web Link

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Posted by Clarification
a resident of Portola Valley: other
on Apr 1, 2016 at 7:11 am

Judge Haning, who evaluated the program was a judge in San Mateo from 1981-82. Surprised he recommended that the status quo be overturned:Web Link

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Posted by Michael G. Stogner
a resident of another community
on Apr 1, 2016 at 7:56 pm
Michael G. Stogner is a registered user.

San Mateo County Family Law Courts should be closed until we can assure the residents that the Organized Crime Element has been eliminated. Here is just one well known example case number F030896 3/10/2000 Hearing, 3/28/2000 Findings Order after Hearing is filed, PC115(A) Felony. The Private Denfender Program is involved. Court Watcher/Witness to the 3/10/00 Hearing Karen Anderson files a delcaration of the fraud committed. The records have also been tampered with on this file, for example if you go to SMC Open Access and search the file you will not find the 3/28/00 OAH document.

The good news is that I have the document, and Karen Anderson's Affidavit was a response to it.
This is Organized Crime.

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