We envision a community that prioritizes love, compassion, and equity over judgment, shame, and division.
Matt Wait, Ellen Christie and Taylor Sayers answer the public’s questions at the Douglass Community Association
Defense and Prosecuting Attorneys take public questions at the Douglass!
Kalamazoo Chief Defender Matt Wait and felony attorney Ellen Christie were joined by Chief Client Navigator Taylor Sayers at the Douglass Community Association to answer public questions about criminal defense and the criminal justice system process generally. Also attending for the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney were Chief Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Jeffrey D. Williams and Victim Advocate Norah Yokom.
Who Is Kalamazoo Defender?
Kalamazoo Defender is a non-profit public defender office, providing our clients zealous legal representation with a holistic lens.
Racism, trauma, and other systemic barriers often contribute to our clients’ legal situations. We know that the cycle of injustice they have experienced will repeat itself within the court system if no action is taken. This cycle results in extended sentences, repeated charges, and continued individual and familial trauma.
Kalamazoo Defender works to break these cycles for our clients by reducing barriers to needed services. Our highly skilled legal team provides legal representation within the court system. Our multidisciplinary care hub, The Village, facilitates client engagement with social services.