Gun Rights Restored After Denial
After an initial application was rejected, a six-member panel of the Parole Commission unanimously restored our client’s gun rights.
Author: Curtis
Another Parole Date Granted!
Nicholas L. came before the Idaho Parole Commission with a violation after only 6 weeks from release. He had failed probation or parole twice before. I worked with Nicholas and his family to develop a sold plan for treatment and housing. I worked with Nicholas before the hearing to help him communicate effectively with the[…]
Parole Commission grants open date
Our client was facing a full-term date of April 2060 after conviction on SO charges and as a persistent violator. In prison he became gang-affiliated and had disciplinary charges (DORs) for drug offenses. However, we were able to show that he was unaffiliated, had strong family support and had shown over time that he was[…]
Clients get their gun rights restored
McKenzie Law Offices helped two clients to get their gun rights restored in January. Ron S. previously applied on his own, and the Parole Commission rejected his application. Mckenzie Law Offices helped him get the necessary court records and police reports and then refile a successful gun rights application. Cody R. attended his hearing remotely[…]
Client with Class A DOR two weeks before hearing gets a parole date
MM came before the Parole Commission having been passed once before. He received a Class A DOR two weeks before his hearing. After the Commissioners questioned MM, his attorney explained the context of the DOR and the progress MM had made in custody–completing his coursework and going over 6 years DOR-free before the recent incident.[…]
Parole granted to client who had parole revoked twice before
The morning that RH coming before the Commission, they had denied the last two applicants. Commissioner McDonald conducted the hearing and expressed concerns about RH’s multiple failures on parole and his drug use while driving. However, RH was well prepared for the Commission’s questions to the point that Commissioner McDonald described him as “articulate and[…]
Parole granted to client serving life sentence
M.A. was serving a life sentence for robbery. He retained us because he was coming before the Commission for the first time. He had a gang affiliation in his past as well as DORs. We helped him emphasize his long trend of pro-social behavior and excellent parole plan. On the day of his hearing, the[…]
Parole Granted Despite Recent DOR
B.L. hired us after the Parole Commission had passed him over for a month while he appealed his Class-B DOR. He lost his appeal, so he came back before the Commission was a very recent DOR–never a good thing. However, we were able to get him an Open Date, despite the DOR. We helped B.L.[…]
Jury Dismisses Battery Charges!
In 2019, McKenzie Law Offices went to trial on behalf of a parolee client charged with battery in Ada County. The jury was out less than 40-minutes before returning a verdict of not guilty.
What is a Rule 35 Motion?
You may have heard people talking about a “Rule 35” and wondered, “what is a Rule 35?” and, “Should I apply for a Rule 35?” This article gives a brief explanation of Rule 35 and when it may apply to your case. Rule 35 refers to Idaho Criminal Rule 35, which controls a Motion for[…]
How to Challenge Your Criminal Conviction in Idaho
Direct Appeal or Action for Post-Conviction Relief. There are two ways to challenge your criminal conviction in Idaho. First, you can make a direct appeal to the Idaho Supreme Court. The second is an action for Post-Conviction Relief. They are made to different courts, address different issues, and have different timelines of when the court has[…]
Restoring Your Gun Rights
If you’ve lost your gun rights due to a felony conviction, please contact McKenzie Law Offices so we can start the process of Restoring Your Gun Rights. During the initial free consultation, we’ll review your case and determine if you qualify under Idaho Code to apply for restoration of your gun rights. That will depend[…]
Incarceration Nation: The Whole Pie 2017
Why does the United States have the highest incarceration rate in the world? Is there something inherently wrong with Americans (we’re just bad people?) or is there something wrong with the criminal justice system? A report from the Prison Policy Initiative (PPI), Mass Incarceration: The Whole Pie 2017, tries to help us answer those question[…]
McKenzie works to reform criminal defense for the poor
Curt McKenzie, as a member of the State Senate, serves on a committee to reform the public defense system in Idaho. Here is the link to the Spokesman Review article form our November 10, 2015 hearing.
State dismisses charges after our motion to dismiss
The State had charged our client with injury to child and resisting and obstructing arrest. After we reviewed the discovery we filed a motion to dismiss the charges because they police had conducted a warrantless search of our client’s home without justification and charged her with resisting and obstructing merely for refusing to speak with[…]
A client explains why preparation is key…
“I’ve had several cases over the last ten years. Some charges were dropped and some led to convictions including my last crime that occurred in prison (staff assault). A lot of the details of my history could be confusing. Darren… got my PSI and got everything sorted out to present to the Board. Another thing[…]
Client Review…
Another quote from a happy client: “McKenzie Law Office was very professional in the handling of my case. I believe they represented me to the best of their ability, as I believe I received the best possible outcome I could have received.” -Nathan M.
Four of Five Parole Clients Get Dates This Week
McKenzie Law Offices got dates for four of our five parole clients this week. We dealt with some complex issues such as recent DOR’s, mental health problems, and violent underlying crimes. Our success was largely due to the preparation work we were able to do with our clients to help them communicate effectively with the[…]
McKenzie Law is two for two on parole hearings this week!
McKenzie Law represented Michael N. and Robert B. before the Idaho Commission of Pardon and Parole this week. The Commission granted dates to them both. Pre-hearing preparation was crucial in both cases due to recent DORs and to help them communicate effectively with the commissioners. We are extremely happy when we can help bring freedom and liberty[…]
What is a DUI ALS Suspension in Idaho?
In Idaho, if you are arrested for DUI–driving under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicating substances–and fail an evidentiary test by having an alcohol concentration over the legal limit, the arresting officer will serve you with a “Notice of Suspension.” This notice is an Idaho Transportation Department imposed Administrative License Suspension (ALS suspension), issued in accordance[…]
What is a Rider?
A retained jurisdiction or “Rider” lets the court retain jurisdiction over an offender. Under Idaho Code 19-2601(4), a judge can suspend the execution of the judgment for up to a year or, if the prisoner is a juvenile, until the juvenile reaches twenty-one years of age. During the period of retained jurisdiction, IDOC determines the placement[…]
Parole date despite recent DORs
Last week we represented a client coming before the Idaho Commission of Pardons and Parole for the first time. He had many DORs (disciplinary write-ups) when he first entered IDOC, but our major concern was two recent DOR’s just months before his hearing. Based on our experience, we had a good idea of what questions[…]
Jury Trial in February 2015: Not Guilty
In February, McKenzie Law Offices, PLLC went to jury trial on behalf of a client accused of Felony Aggravated Assault, Felony Domestic Battery with Traumatic Injury, and Domestic Battery in the presence of a Child. The State also charged our client with attempting to influence a witness and three counts of violating a no contact order[…]
6 of 7 Parole Hearings Successful in January 2015
In January 2015, McKenzie Law Offices, PLLC represented 7 clients before the Idaho Commission of Pardons and Parole. We obtained dates for 6 of our clients. We are happy for every client we can return to their families.
McKenzie Law Offices earns $900,000 judgment
In a federal civil rights lawsuit, McKenzie Law Offices obtained a $900,000 judgment on behalf of its client. The case involved a police officer who used his position as a school resource officer to groom and then molest a teenager. The court awarded $225,000 in compensatory damages and $675,000 in punitive damages.
McKenzie Law Offices in the news
Canyon County Prosecutors dismissed aggravated battery charges after McKenzie Law Offices argued that it was too late in the process to amend to new charges. Instead, the prosecutors dismissed the case entirely and refiled as mayhem charges. http://www.idahopress.com/members/charges-to-be-refiled-against-man-suspected-of-biting-woman/article_02355c5a-5c02-11e4-95b8-c7336d6fbf07.html
Getting Gun Rights Back After a Felony
A sentence of custody to the Idaho state board of correction suspends the civil rights of the person, including the right to ship, transport, possess or receive a firearm. Upon final discharge (completion of imprisonment, probation or parole), a person convicted of any Idaho felony shall be restored the full rights of citizenship, except that a person[…]
Parole Client Given Date
On September 16, parole client Alik T. was granted probation immediately upon completion of his fixed term. Alik had a long indeterminate sentence (20+ years indeterminate) and immigration issues, because he was a refugee from the former U.S.S.R. We helped him prepare his statements to the parole commission and anticipate their questions. We also responded to specific[…]
Public Defense Reform Interim Committee
As a member of the Idaho Legislature’s Public Defense Reform Interim Committee, I am looking at ways to ensure that the State of Idaho does its constitutional duty with respect to representation of the indigent. A copy of the agenda is attached here. Meetings are open to public, and you are encouraged to attend.
Criminal Client Testimonial
“Let me start by saying thank you. I can not even begin to thank you for taking my problems and making them yours. Curt, I owe you more than just money for representing me. You have given me a second chance at life… I have you guys and God to thank for this whole outcome.[…]
Parole Testimonial (Aug. 10, 2014)
“Just thought I’d drop you a line and say THANK You for helping me out and being at my parole hearing on June 16th…. It is smart to have an attorney at these hearings… Also your coaching was great … I have told other offenders to get lawyers for their parole hearings … ” Charles[…]
The Supreme Court ruled that police need a search warrant for most cellphone searches
The Washington Post reports that a unanimous U.S. Supreme Court ruled that privacy rights are not sacrificed to Twenty-First Century technology (link here)
Jackson McKenzie sets a world record
Jackson McKenzie creates the world’s largest M&M mosaic
The high cost of the “war on drugs”
According to the National Research’s Council’s 464 page report, reported on by the Washington Post, April 30, 2014, (link here), the cost of the “war on drugs” in the United States — for families, communities, state budgets and society — has simply not been worth the benefit in deterrence and crime reduction.