Date/Time
Date(s) - 12/16/2024
4:00 pm - 5:30 pm
Description
This training covers how to get juvenile felonies reduced and resolve cases through informal supervision, without admissions or trials. You’ll learn when and how to use California’s new 700.3 reduction law and updated 654 diversion law, with practical tips on gathering evidence, writing persuasive motions, and managing timelines. We will also discuss 790 Deferred Entry of Judgement. Perfect for new attorneys and those looking to expand their juvenile defense toolkit.
- This activity is approved for California MCLE credit.
- Eligible for 1.5 Hours of General MCLE
- This training will be held on Zoom. Please register here.
Speakers
Onell Soto
Onell Soto is a Deputy Public Defender at the San Diego County Office of the Public Defender, with 12 years of experience dedicated to criminal defense. He focuses on advocating for teenagers accused of crimes, ensuring they are seen as whole individuals with the potential for growth and rehabilitation. Mr. Soto believes in looking beyond the charges to who his clients are—and who they can become. Committed to a holistic defense approach, he advises his clients on their legal options, challenges procedural missteps, and fights for just outcomes. He rigorously tests the government’s case at trial and, if a conviction occurs, works to secure a fair sentence, focusing on justice that helps his clients reach their potential. Before embarking on his legal career, Mr. Soto was an accomplished investigative journalist. His work at The San Diego Union-Tribune was pivotal in the investigation of corruption involving Rep. Randy “Duke” Cunningham, which earned him and his team the Pulitzer Prize for National Reporting. This deep dive into systemic issues sharpened his analytical skills and fueled his passion for justice, which he now brings to his legal advocacy. Mr. Soto holds a B.S. in Journalism from Boston University and a J.D. from the University of San Diego School of Law. His unique background in both journalism and law equips him with a distinctive perspective on justice, rooted in uncovering truth and advocating for fairness.
Frank Barone
Frank Barone is the Supervising Attorney of the Juvenile Justice Division of the San Diego County Primary Public Defender’s Office. He has practiced criminal defense since 1997 and became a deputy public defender in 1998. He has represented adults and children, as both a trial and appellate attorney. He supervises a team of attorneys, paralegals, investigators, licensed mental health clinicians, youth & family services coordinators, client advocates, and legal support staff who practice a holistic model of juvenile defense. He leads the team representing dual status youth and oversees the county-wide SB 395 program. He has served on the Restorative Community Conferencing Steering Committee, Alternatives to Detention Task Force, TERM Advisory Board, Crossover Youth Practice Model Guiding Coalition Workgroup, County-wide CSEC Steering Committee, and San Pasqual Academy Advisory Board. He is also a voting member of the San Diego County Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council. In 2017, he wrote the original draft of AB 529 which expanded record sealing under WIC 786 to include dismissed petitions. He is certified by the Gault Center (formerly the National Juvenile Defense Center (NJDC)) as a Juvenile Training Immersion Program (JTIP) Trainer. He served on the board of directors of the San Diego County Bar Association and the Public Defenders Association of San Diego County. He was also a co-founder, board member, and president of the San Diego County Public Defender’s Community Outreach Committee. Mr. Barone received a B.A. from the University of California, Irvine and J.D. from California Western School of Law. He shares a son with his wife, who is also an attorney.