CJDC Welcomes New Board Member
Cobea Becker
Please join CJDC in welcoming our newest board member, Cobea Becker!  Cobea has been a force in the Colorado judicial system since 2003, coming to Colorado via Temple University Beasley School of Law, in Philadelphia, PA.  From 2003-2009 she worked in the Office of the Colorado State Public Defender, working her way up in the ranks to finishing her public defender career as the Office Head of the Trinidad Regional Office.

Entering into private practice in 2009, she has kept herself busy in the areas of Family Law, Criminal Defense, and has begun a new role in Personal Injury cases.  In her criminal defense practice, Ms. Becker has remained court appointed counsel through Alternate Defense Counsel.  She has tried numerous cases, with a high rate of success.  She has defended those faced with charges varying from DUI, traffic offenses, misdemeanors, all level felonies, including drug offenses, sexual assaults, and homicides.   Ms. Becker has tried numerous cases with a solid rate of success obtaining acquittals for a number of clients.  Ms. Becker believes that each person's constitutional rights are fundamental and deserve every protection afforded to them.  There is no criminal case that Ms. Becker won't defend, as every person deserves the very best representation when their liberty is on the line.

Ms. Becker has practiced in many jurisdictions throughout Colorado, including Jefferson, Denver, Arapahoe, El Paso, Pueblo, Alamosa, Otero, Bent, and Las Animas counties.  She is well respected by the judges and her colleagues in each of these jurisdictions and has had a high rate of success with each of her clients.
People in Interest of T.B.

On  June 20, 2019, the Colorado Court of Appeals issued an important decision affecting the constitutionality of mandatory lifetime sex offender registration for juveniles.  The Court held that requiring juveniles to register as sex offenders for life constitutes punishment and may be unconstitutional.  This decision is consistent with a growing body of caselaw and an established body of science which show that lifetime registration for juveniles is cruel. 
 
The case was originally argued in the trial court by Dafna Gozani through CJDC's Believe in Youth program.  At the trial court, Dafna Gozani, a former CJDC Equal Justice Works fellow, submitted numerous motions, highlighting the legitimate constitutional concerns that the appellate court found justified.  Her zealous advocacy on behalf of her client laid the necessary and proper legal and factual foundation for the case.  Dafna was tireless in her legal efforts.  On appeal, the case was argued pro bono by Gail Johnson and Katie Steefel from the law firm of Johnson & Klein, PLLC.  CJDC submitted an amicus in the appellate case, continuing its efforts to end lifetime sex offender registration for juveniles. 
 
CJDC will closely follow the future trial court hearing and eventual ruling.  We urge all defenders to make similar constitutional arguments in their applicable cases and continue to fight against lifetime sex offender registration in juvenile cases.
De-criminalizing Childhood, One Case at a Time

In Weld County, contract attorney Adam Graber successfully argued for and was granted a petition to discontinue sex offender registration for his very happy client.  The District Attorney objected to the request and generally, these types of cases are difficult to prevail on in this jurisdiction.  But Adam and his client persevered against these odds.  

And now, one more adult can go on with his life and obtain better employment opportunities knowing that he is no longer on the sex offender registry.

CJDC Needs Office Space

We are looking for a cost effective, practical office that would accommodate two working attorneys and include a space for client meetings.  We have a move in date of around October 1st.  If you know of any available space, please contact Jeff Cuneo at jeff@cjdc.org.
CJDC Enamel Pins NOW AVAILABLE!
 
We released our brand new JUSTICE FOR YOUTH enamel pins at this year's Celebration and Fundraiser!  Now's your chance to show your support and add a little flair to your wardrobe while you are at it!  

Order JUSTICE FOR YOUTH pins for you and all of your favorite colleagues today!  Pins feature a 3/4" hard enamel lapel pin, plated lettering, and a butterfly backing.  $8.00/pin.

It's Easy to Support CJDC All Year Long

Everyone needs groceries, right?

The King Soopers Neighborhood Reward Program is an easy way to support all the efforts of the Colorado Juvenile Defender Center. Simply use your re-loadable card at any Kings Soopers and when our total purchases reach $5,000, 5% or $250 will be donated to CJDC!   

There is no cost to you. Please call or email use to acquire your card at 303.435.7232 or admin@cjdc.org.