As Georgia ranks as one of the top states for Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrests, immigrants, families, and advocates on the front lines share their fears and the fight for freedom in a series of interviews. January marked one year since Mildred Danis-Taylor had seen her husband, Rodney Taylor. “We speak every day if he […]
Courts
Posted inCourts, Criminal Justice, Incarceration
Slow Courts and Not Enough Public Defenders. What is Fulton County Doing?
For two years, during the height of the pandemic, Nikita Thomas sat in a Fulton County jail cell in Union City trying to stay hopeful that she wouldn’t spend the rest of her life in prison. “You tend to lose hope regardless of how much you pray,” Thomas told Capital B Atlanta. “You start to […]
Posted inCourts, Health
Hair Relaxers and Fibroids: Black Woman’s Lawsuit Revived by Georgia Supreme Court
For decades, hair relaxers promoted the creation of sleek styles, but the chemicals may have resulted in long-term health consequences. Now, the Georgia Supreme Court has given at least one woman a shot at holding manufacturers of chemical straighteners accountable. But the legal window for justice is narrow and closing fast. On Oct. 15, the […]
Posted inCourts, Criminal Justice
After 22 Years Behind Bars, a Georgia Man’s Fight for a New Trial Isn’t Over
After spending over 20 years incarcerated for a crime he says he didn’t commit, Danyel Smith had hoped to celebrate his first Thanksgiving at home this November. However, despite a recent victory at the Supreme Court of Georgia, it is likely he will remain incarcerated for the rest of the year. “I jokingly told him […]
Posted inCourts, Criminal Justice, Incarceration
How The Bail Project Is Working to Get Low-Income People Out of Jail
In Fulton County, bail fund organizers are on the front lines in the fight to prevent the further expansion of pretrial detention in the face of federal and state intervention. The Bail Project, a national organization that currently works in 11 jurisdictions across the country, posts bail for 20 to 40 people in Fulton County […]
Posted inCourts, Criminal Justice
How To Find Out If Your Driver’s License Has Been Suspended in Atlanta
Hundreds of people in Atlanta and Fulton County are arrested for driving while their license is suspended or revoked every year. Despite a first offense being considered a misdemeanor, a conviction can lead to hundreds of dollars in fines and between two days and 12 months in jail. “As always and you see this historically, […]
Posted inCourts
Fani Willis Responds to Being Removed From Trump RICO Case
When Capital B Atlanta spoke with Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis in August, she strongly objected to the criticism that her case against President Donald Trump for alleged election interference was expensive and unsuccessful. “That’s incorrect, that they didn’t yield the results. The case against President Trump is ongoing, and it’s in the [Georgia] […]
Posted inCourts, Criminal Justice, Policing
Fani Willis Defends Her Record on Police Brutality Cases
Last week, as we conducted our interview with District Attorney Fani Willis, three grieving families were awaiting news from her office related to their loved ones’ deaths at the hands of Atlanta police officers. This week, the family of Deacon Johnny Hollman finally got their answer: A Fulton County grand jury has declined to bring […]
Posted inCourts, Criminal Justice, Incarceration
Fani Willis Calls Commissioners ‘Liars’ in Jail Funds Fight
As you walk into District Attorney Fani Willis’ office, housed on the third floor of Fulton County Courthouse, you’re greeted by a Malcolm X quote posted along the hallway. “I’m for truth no matter who tells it. I’m for justice, no matter who it’s for or against.” But she’s faced several tests on her ability […]
Posted inCourts, Policing, Public Safety
DA Doesn’t Appeal Judge’s Decision to Drop Charges Against Cop Who Killed Jimmy Atchison
An Atlanta father isn’t giving up after Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis did not appeal a federal judge’s ruling to dismiss the charges against the police officer who killed his son. Jimmy Hill said he is disappointed, but not surprised by the decision. On Jan. 22, 2019, Hill’s 21-year-old son, Jimmy Atchison, was shot […]