Angela Michelle Downs - The Jefferson County Beacon

Recovery Café, a building with turquoise siding and an orange door.

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Child Sexual Assault Cases Part Two: Treatment

A continuation from last week on child sexual assault and the local justice system.

Jefferson County Courthouse, a red brick building with a clock tower on the right side.

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Superior Criminal Court June 5, 2026: Receiving Help

The court can make room for leniency but always requires accountability.

JA black painted archway with two doors. Brown and tan tile floor, and dark wood wainscotting. Colorful flowers made from paper plates are tacked everywhere.

local-news

The Process of Prosecuting Child Sexual Abuse Crimes: Finding Justice While Protecting Victims

With several high profile child sexual assault crimes moving through superior court, reporter Angela Downs explains how those cases are processed, and why we won’t be covering them in the same way we cover other justice stories.

Superior Courtroom north wall with local art, gallery benches in the foreground.

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Superior Criminal Court May 29, 2026: Beginnings and Endings

Completed community service and the power of sticking with a program.

A two story yellow house with red trim converted into law offices, trees and greenery in the foreground.

local-news

Public Defense Caseload Requirements: Constitutional Responsibility

New state regulations mean lighter caseloads for attorneys, but that doesn’t change the number of cases that need legal representation.

A large copper colored banister with carved details at the base of a stairway.

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Superior Criminal Court, May 22, 2026 : Poor in Custody

Bail can be intentionally burdensome in consideration of public safety.

A wooden courthouse staircase, railing and wainscotting with a beige and brown patterned tile floor.

local-news

Superior Court March 15, 2026: Reappointment, Negotiations, and Warrants

Our justice system moves slowly often because the complications of life intercede.

local-news

Board of County Commissioners Allocates Opioid Settlement Funds to Services for Those Struggling With Addiction

The $200k in funding went to programs run by Public Health and Believe in Recovery.

The brown wooden benches of a courtroom, looking out large pane windows towards trees.

local-news

Criminal Court May 8, 2026: The Weight of Arraignment, and Warrants

Arraignments are the most important hearings for defendants because their freedom from custody is determined before the trial.

Looking down the courthouse staircase towards the "front" doors. Wood railing, wainscotting and doors.

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Superior Criminal Court April 24, 2026: The Cycles of Crime and Poverty, and the Role of the Courts in Prevention

Financial struggles and failures to appear in court daunt local defendants facing charges.

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Despite Defendant Challenges, Treatment Continues to Provide Pathway To Better Life

Superior Court sees benefits for those who seek help through programs.

Portraits of judges above a bookshelf of law books in front of wooden benches.

Jefferson County Superior Court

Superior Criminal Court April 10, 2026: Drug Related Offenses, Sentencing Alternatives, and Believe in Recovery

Alternative sentences and chances for change.

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