SJP Supervising Attorney Sophie Thackray represented Aaliyah at the conclusion of her juvenile case and into a new adult criminal case. The new charge was not very serious, so Aaliyah was eligible for the court’s Mental Health diversion program. Sophie connected Aaliyah with specialized mental health services, including a therapist experienced in supporting young women with depression and anxiety. When Aaliyah became homeless, Sophie helped her transition to her school’s online program so she could remain enrolled regardless of her living situation. Aaliyah successfully completed the diversion program, resulting in dismissed charges, and has since moved into a transitional housing program and secured a job as a hotel security guard.

In September 2024, SJP began representing Darnell, an 18-year-old incarcerated at the DC Jail. Although he was on track to graduate in February 2026, Darnell was highly motivated to finish early. Staff Attorney Rebecca Desta worked with him and his school to develop a revised graduation plan targeting completion in November 2025—three months ahead of schedule. To ensure his academic progress wouldn’t be disrupted, Rebecca collaborated with Darnell’s defense attorney, who successfully requested a delayed sentencing date to allow Darnell to graduate before being transferred to the Bureau of Prisons (BOP). The judge quickly expressed that he understood the importance of education and agreed to this request. Darnell will now have the opportunity to graduate not only early, but also before he is transferred to the BOP.

Randall’s path to court involvement was paved by the combination of a traumatic childhood and a complex disability profile. He grew up in a DC neighborhood notorious for gun violence and experienced constant threats of violence in the community and at home. Randall has an Intellectual Disability (ID), which manifests as both struggles in school and in navigating everyday situations. If Randall was sentenced before finishing high school, he would be transferred to the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) where he would not have access to a high school diploma or, crucially, special education. With SJP’s support, Randall’s path to graduation was clear and close, but his sentencing hearing was also rapidly approaching. SJP filed a Motion to Continue Sentencing in order to help the Court understand Randall’s disabilities and the importance of allowing him to graduate and he was permitted to finish school before the conclusion of his criminal proceedings.