Defense Attorneys for Balanced Criminal Justice

“Steve burton operates as the executive director and oversees the daily operation of the organization. He is assisted by an assistant executive director. He reports regularly to the board and they have the ability to release him or override his decisions.”

“The organization does not have a committee with authority to act on behalf of the governing body.”

“The 990 is completed by a hired accountant and reviewed by the executive director. All organizational and tax documents are available to any member of the governing body upon verbal or written request.”

“UPON REQUEST”

“UPON REQUEST”

“Part iii, line 1 continued:promoting the public good by: advocating for a more balanced criminal justice system in criminal-law-related policymaking; providing education on legislative issues to defense attorneys; collaborating with stakeholders that have a similar purpose; and engaging in other lawful pursuits which are authorized by section 501(c)4 of the internal revenue code and are consistent with those powers described in the utah nonprofit corporation and cooperation association act.*** part iii, line 4a *** defense attorneys for balanced criminal justice (dabcj) worked extensively throughout the fiscal year to collaborate with legislators and other criminal justice stakeholders in the state. Dabcj responded to legislators inquiries regarding: bail reform, justice court reform, second amendment rights and restricted status legislation, repeal of unused statutes, victim rights to privacy, crime rates and trends in utah, child abuse and torture amendments, sex offender registry requirements, repeat sex offender penalties, human trafficking definitions for labor, crimmigration issues such as immigration hearings and re-entry penalties, organized crime legislation, sexual offense enhancements for those who travel more than 50 miles to commit the offense, unauthorized use of residential real property, substance use penalties dependent on location and criminal history, unlawful sexual conduct via virtual reality, affirmative consent, weather geoengineering penalties, penalties for sharing an autopsy photograph, child welfare worker protections, fentanyl and drug trafficking penalties, unlicensed driver legislation, civil commitment and patient rights, plea withdrawal amendments, adult-oriented performances, idc funding, nonjudicial adjustments, appeal procedures, student possession of controlled substances, chronic absenteeism, care provider sexual misconduct, reentry coalitions, gang and group enhancements, prohibition of polygraph testing in sexual assault cases, legislation requiring parties to pay when government witnesses are subpoenaed, legislation changing penalties for false statements about assets, debtor/creditor legislation, disruption of public meetings legislation, enhancement triggers, petition amendments, the creation of a third degree felony plea down for sex offenses, a defense to unlawful activity with a minor with deceit, criminal justice and homelessness master plan in utah, manifest injustice, simplifying dui statute, custodial interference, ritualistic abuse, 402 reductions, codification of rules related to interpreters, and a discovery portal for inmates as well as sentencing guidelines, judicial discretion, and the media. To supplement this effort, dabcj attended all general session committee meetings at the capitol pertaining to criminal justice issues. Whenever necessary and possible, dabcj provided testimony for bills related to criminal justice. Specifically, dabcj testified on house bills 17, 38, 80, 82, 83, 127, 133, 136, 148, 167, 207, 226, 353, 359, 383, 392, 399, 405, 437, 562 as well as senate bills 24, 70, 82, 110, 115, 140, 144, 155, 171, 176, 180. Dabcj testified regarding: child abuse and torture amendments, re-entry and fresh start provisions, prison terms for sexual assault against incapacitated adults, firearm recodification, polygraph testing in sexual assault cases, consumer agency reporting, summons modifications, substance abuse screenings in jails and prisons, petition timelines for removal from the sex offender registry, gang enhancements, deportation on class a misdemeanors, sexual abuse enhancements when offenders travel to commit offenses, increased penalties for sexual offense, indigent defense funding, sharing of autopsy photographs, criminal penalties associated with dog attacks, alternative incarceration programs for intermediate sentences, regular consideration of repealing or reducing penalties, the use of generative artificial intelligence in law enforcement reporting,”