California Did This First: What Colorado’s New Custody Ruling Reveals About a Longstanding Legal Trend
The Colorado Court of Appeals' recent ruling allows for felony charges per child for violating custody orders, aligning with California's established laws that treat each child as a separate victim in custody cases. This raises concerns about increased…
When Access Exists on Paper but Not in Practice
The article discusses how modern court systems create invisible barriers to access and due process, particularly affecting parents and self-represented litigants. Despite digital access promises, structural invisibility and complicated systems hinder…
When Allegations Outlive the Case
The article examines the unresolved nature of allegations in Giselle Smiel’s case, highlighting the impact of criminal protective orders against Jeff Smiel. While these orders reflect judicial assessments of risk, they don't confirm guilt. The failure to…
LA District Attorney Records Show Investigators Authorized to Wear “POLICE” Uniforms — With No Training or Oversight on Public Confusion
Public records show Los Angeles County District Attorney investigators are authorized to wear uniforms labeled “POLICE,” even as the agency confirms it has no written training, audits, or oversight addressing whether such attire could mislead the public.…
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – December 14, 2025
The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department (LASD) has acknowledged it lacks written policies for criminal affidavits and District Attorney Investigator authority. This gap raises concerns about procedural compliance, training, and oversight, potentially…
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — December 14, 2025
On October 6, 2025, the Los Angeles Superior Court held a closed hearing for People v. Giselle Farias Smiel, excluding the public and ADA support. The hearing was moved without notice from Department 34 to Department 127, raising significant concerns…
The Public Has a Right to Know Whether Government Agencies Followed the Law Before Taking Someone’s Freedom.
Los Angeles and San Diego officials are withholding public records related to the arrest and prosecution of Giselle Farias Smiel, raising concerns about transparency and due process. This refusal undermines public trust in law enforcement and the justice…
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – December 5, 2025
Investigative journalist Michael Phillips is questioning the Los Angeles Superior Court about a discrepancy in the public docket for People v. Giselle Farias Smiel. The record displayed a Not Guilty plea for November 19, 2025, despite no plea being…
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – November 26, 2025
Official San Diego CAD logs for the May 1 and September 4, 2025 incidents classify them as civil assists with no criminal implications. Despite Los Angeles County filing kidnapping charges against Giselle Smiel, San Diego's records confirm no crime…
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – November 21, 2025
The San Diego Sheriff's Office's handling of a May 1, 2025 alleged child-abduction incident involving Giselle Smiel raises concerns. Despite the later filing of felony charges, deputies did not treat the situation as a kidnapping. This has led to…