Questions and Answers Regarding Introduction of Scientific Evidence in New York Family Court

August 20, 2009

The significant and well-documented public misunderstanding, stigma, and cultural myth surrounding drug use and addiction, particularly in the context of pregnancy and parenting, strongly suggests the need for expert testimony to clarify these issues to the court and to ensure diligent representation and zealous advocacy on behalf of the parties involved.

Victory in Maine re-sentencing

A U.S. District Court Judge in Maine held a sentencing hearing for an HIV positive, pregnant woman from Cameroon and released her on time served. You may recall that earlier this summer Judge Woodcock sentenced her to 238 days, stating this sentence was calculated specifically to ensure that she remained incarcerated for the duration of her pregnancy, rather than time served as recommend by Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the U.S. Attorney and the defense attorney.