by Danielle Hamilton-Slate, Capital Public Defender

Erica Andrade’s name is one that you may not have heard, even though she’s actually one of the leaders of our agency. Erica has served on the Board of Indigents’ Defense Services as the Wyandotte County public representative since 2019.  (More about the Board itself next month!)

by Danielle Hamilton-Slate, Capital Public Defender

When I was asked to write about being a mother and a public defender many thoughts crossed my mind. I could write about how grateful I am that this job provides me with enough flexibility to be there for my daughter’s Thanksgiving feasts and after-school art shows; or how fantastic my colleagues are for making an effort to talk to and play with my daughter when I’ve had to drag her into the office with me. I could write about how difficult it is to work cases with child victims, especially when the child involved is the same age as my own. All of these things are true and worthy of being written about, but I ultimately decided to get a bit more personal. The most significant thing to me about being a mother and a public defender is that my job gives me a platform to talk to my daughter about some of my deepest held values.

by Heather Cessna, BIDS Executive Director

I’m pleased to use this space this month to introduce two exciting additions to our administrative office: Ann Sagan, our new Director of Special Projects, and Jared Harsin, our new Human Resources Director.

by Corrine Gunning, Assistant Appellate Defender

It was not long after starting at the Appellate Defender Office that I heard of the legend of Sarah Sweet-McKinnon. A judge asked Sarah to reveal attorney-client confidences, and – in serious danger of being sent to jail – she refused. 

When I sat down to talk to her, I shared her legendary status in our office.  She laughed, saying, “I didn’t go to jail, but I was fined for every day I was in contempt. By the end I think I was up to a quarter of a million dollars.” She never had to pay, as she was vindicated by the Kansas Supreme Court. But her stance of standing up for what is right in defense of her clients has permeated Sarah’s career, and makes her a powerful role model for all Kansas defenders. 

by Hope Faflick Reynolds, Assistant Appellate Defender

At first glance, feminism and public defense may appear incompatible – at least in certain cases. How could a feminist defend a person accused of sex crimes? How could a feminist question a survivor’s account of abuse? How could a feminist support lower prison sentences for people convicted of sexual abuse, oppose registries, or refuse to call people convicted of sexual abuse “sex offenders?”

But feminism and public defense can be compatible. Feminist public defense requires rejecting culturally entrenched binaries and recognizing the complexities and practicalities of the real world. This article identifies and explores some features of feminist public defense.