Our Stories

Our Stories

Using Dishonest Tactics to Drive Children into Confessing Something False is Wrong

Feb 3, 202304 min read
Using Dishonest Tactics to Drive Children into Confessing Something False is Wrong
HB 23- 1042, Admissibility Standards For Juvenile Statements was heard by the House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday, January 31. Below is the prepared testimony of Yaeel Duarte. Her testimony was written in Spanish and delivered by community organizer, Vallerie Bustamante. You can read both testimonies below. Learn more about HB23-1042 and why we are supporting it. Gracias […]

This Month at the DPS Board

Feb 1, 2023017 min read
photo of Denver skyline with words this month at the DPS Board
Welcome to the January edition of “This Month at the DPS Board”, a monthly newsletter sharing information about the Denver Public Schools (DPS) Board of Education.     Our goal is simple: to share what is happening at school board meetings so you can engage with the board and the district even if you cannot attend hours […]

Young People are Especially Vulnerable to Falsely Confessing Under the Pressure of Deception

Feb 1, 202303 min read
Young People are Especially Vulnerable to Falsely Confessing Under the Pressure of Deception
HB 23- 1042, Admissibility Standards For Juvenile Statements was heard by the House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday, January 31. Below is the prepared testimony of Lindsay Saunders-Velez, Senior Executive Director of the Colorado Justice Advocacy Network. Learn more about HB23-1042 and why we are supporting it. Chair and Members of the committee, My Name is Lindsay Saunders-Velez, […]

The Consequences For Untruthful Tactics During Interrogation Are Life-Altering

Feb 1, 202303 min read
The Consequences For Untruthful Tactics During Interrogation Are Life-Altering
HB 23- 1042, Admissibility Standards For Juvenile Statements was heard by the House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday, January 31. Below is the prepared testimony of Tom Pipal. Learn more about HB23-1042 and why we are supporting it. Chairperson Weissman and Members of the Committee, thank you for allowing me to speak to you today about this […]

Legislation Would Protect Children and Prevent Wrongful Convictions

Jan 31, 202303 min read
Legislation Would Protect Children and Prevent Wrongful Convictions
At the age of 14, Lawrence Montoya was coerced into a confession that cost him more than 13 years of freedom. A cognitively impaired teenager residing in Denver, Montoya was subjected to hours of law enforcement techniques including “false evidence ploy, manipulation, minimization, threats, false promises.” Finally under immense pressure Montoya succumbed to these techniques […]

Capitol Week in Review

Jan 30, 202304 min read
Capitol Week in Review
Capitol Week in Review brings you news of bills we are tracking around our priorities of advancing educational equity and racial justice in Colorado and making our schools and communities safer and more supportive. Legislative Update HB23-1001, Expanding Assistance For Educator Programs, which supports student teachers toward the goal of diversifying the teacher workforce was […]