Manch Law Firm

02/05/2019

It’s time to make PACER, the federal docket system and de facto pay wall for the nation’s court filings, free for all.

The federal judiciary charges 10 cents a page to see electronic court records. Retired judges and civil rights groups say access should be free.

02/01/2019

Parole, as it's traditionally understood, doesn't exist in Arizona. But for the first time in decades with HB2270, Arizona stands to implement real sentencing reform and make parole a reality for thousands of violent and non-violent offenders.

As Arizona lawmakers prepare to consider legislation that could reduce the amount of prison time inmates must serve to complete their sentences — an effort that would save taxpayer money,

01/22/2018

I’d like to say that police corruption on this level is unheard of in Arizona. But in truth, we simply don’t see it practiced this brazenly. Selling “get out of jail free” cards?

The city’s police-officers union is cracking down on the number of “get out of jail free” courtesy cards distributed to cops to give to family and friends. Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association boss P…

01/21/2018

"The idea behind Appolition, which combines “abolition” and “app,” is straightforward. The app links to a user’s bank account. Whenever the person uses a debit card, credit card or PayPal, the purchase price is rounded up to the nearest dollar. The difference is donated to National Bail Out, a network of grassroots groups that post bail for people who would otherwise languish behind bars while awaiting their day in court."

The creators of Appolition want to help free people who are jailed because they can't afford bail amounts as low as $100.

04/20/2016

The Manch Law Firm is expanding! I'm looking to hire an intelligent, driven, curious legal assistant who is passionate about criminal defense on a part-to-full-time basis. Please contact me if you are interested.

09/12/2015

Should we fundamentally rethink the way we allow people to serve on juries? Everything from cookie breaks to more stark limitations on lawyers' presentation on evidence might make jury service more attractive.

A federal judge proposes a set of reforms that would make serving on a jury more attractive.

08/16/2015

Time to eliminate peremptory challenges altogether, perhaps?

A study in Louisiana has found that prosecutors used peremptory challenges three times as often to strike black potential jurors as others during the last decade.

07/27/2015

Ninth Circuit says a defendant can't be denied bail just because he's likely to be taken into immigration custody. Great case for defendants and forcing judges to consider release in cases involving immigration consequences.

08/26/2014

Investigators working for the sheriff following up on indigent defense appointments? Haven't seen this around Tucson...yet.

You're poor. You've been arrested. You go to court and you can't afford to hire a private attorney, so the court tells you to apply for a public defender. You go to their office and fill out a form...