Claim OwnershipJustice Matters Podcast
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Description
Justice matters is a podcast that shines a light on the employees who work every day to keep the county running smoothly. From clerks and victim advocates to policy analysts and elected officials, each episode explores the real stories behind the job titles, revealing the passion, purpose, and impact of public service.
Hosted by a Aaron Setliff and Stephanie Valle , this podcast dives into the challenges county employees face, the critical services they provide, and why their often invisible labor is the backbone of a functioning county. Whether it’s processing cases, protecting the public , or responding to crises, Justice Matters celebrates the people who dedicate their careers to serving others—and reminds us all why their work truly matters.
Tune in for interviews, behind-the-scenes insights, and a renewed appreciation for the everyday heroes in government.
Hosted by a Aaron Setliff and Stephanie Valle , this podcast dives into the challenges county employees face, the critical services they provide, and why their often invisible labor is the backbone of a functioning county. Whether it’s processing cases, protecting the public , or responding to crises, Justice Matters celebrates the people who dedicate their careers to serving others—and reminds us all why their work truly matters.
Tune in for interviews, behind-the-scenes insights, and a renewed appreciation for the everyday heroes in government.
18 Episodes
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As law offices, both the District and County Attorney’s Offices rely on technology to function. From creating digital processes and procedures to completing special data projects to basically making the lawyers look good in court, tech really does matter. This week, hear how Functional analysts Mia Donzello (from the DA’s Office) and Desmond Galvan (from the CA’s Office) make the tech sausage.
What’s a writ of habeaus corpus? How does precedent affect the law? What’s it like to argue in fromt of the Texas Supreme Court? Heck what’s an appeal? ACA Kevin McCary and ADA Lily Stroud answer all your appeals questions this week. Ok, most of them. Many of them. And listen in for discussions on cave diving, Stranger Things, attorneys in Hawaiian shirts. You thought we only talk about the law on this pod?
Did you know that El Paso County works on state legislation in Austin? Frankly it’s a no-brainer that decisions made in Austin affect our area and we deserve to be heard when it comes to changes to the statutes that affect all of our lives. Hear from Assistant County Attorney Erica Rosales about how she helps shape policy both locally and at the state capitol. Then hear El Paso County’s Government Affairs Manager, Elisa Tamayo, describe her work.
This week, we turn to some of the most difficult and important cases: prosecution of murders. ADA Talisa Gutierrez tells us about her own humble beginnings and expresses her motivation for helping victims’ families get justice. And ACA Amanda Frizelle explains the ins and outs of juvenile prosecution when a minor is the perpetrator.
It’s time to talk about the border. As fronterizos, we love and appreciate our position as a welcoming and consequential place in our region, in Texas and in the country. Listen to how ADA Kyle Lasley leads the Border Prosecution Unit in helping to keep El Paso one of the safest cities in the US. Then ACA Bernardo Cruz unpacks what it means to practice “affirmative litigaiton” on the border.
Our much anticipated and long-awaited episode on children! Join us hearing how the County Attorney’s Office takes on child abuse by representing Child Protective Services from CPS Division Chief ACA Robynne Bramblett. And then hear about ADA Trial Team Chief Samantha Nelson’s unique and deep commitment to holding abusers accountable for hurting children. And, oh, yeah the return of the dreaded quizzes!
After a year in office as the elected District Attorney James Montoya and County Attorney Christina Sanchez, we check in on how the work is going. And our little podcast is a year old, too! Have they met their goals? How has the job changed them? Spoiler alert: one of them -- you guess who -- called it everything he could have hoped for and more. Join us for this premiere episode and for a couple laughs along the way!
What is a “First Assistant”? Hear from a couple of the best ones about their longevity in the County, the key work they do, a little about tennis and the art of flying under the radar.
How do the cases come to the District and County Attorney’s Offices? Intake! From ACA Patricia Lopez hear about her work in reviewing contracts for the county and offering legal opinions. Then from ADA Jennifer Vandenbosch, listen how the DA’s Office receives its criminal cases from law enforcement and decides whether to take on the cases for prosecution. And tune in for a switcheroo on the format.
How do you make two of the largest legal offices in El Paso County run smoothly? Turns out the best approach is to hire great administrative support. Listen in on how Lori Lopez and Amy Lechuga keep the wheels of justice moving for the District and County Attorney’s Offices.
Did you know that both District and County Attorney’s Office employ law enforcement officers as investigators? This week, take a listen for more about the functions of investigators in our offices.
Stephanie and Aaron are off this week, so in recognition of our nations 249th birthday, we decided to re-release Transitions Matter: James Montoya and Christina Sanchez. Here how two of El Paso’s most influential public servants are tackling their new roles.
What’s the recipe for a safe community? Having been ranked amongst the safest cities in the nation for decades, El Paso in large part has figured it out. But we can do better. Listen in this week to how the DA’s and CA’s Offices take on crimes like intoxication offenses, human trafficking and illegal activates at businesses using innovative practices.
Both Amy Monsivais and Ana Schumacher help in their own purview to safeguard transparency and integrity in local government. Assistant DA Amy tackles the challenging arena of Public Integrity including investigations of elected official and law enforcement; Assistant CA Ana advises the Commissioner’s Court and helps accomplish election integrity. Listen to learn more!
Did you know that if you are a victim of crime, there are professionals at the DA’s and CA’s Offices ready to help you through the criminal justice process? Victims don’t ask to be involved in this oftentimes confusing and scary process, but we are here to help. Take a listen and learn about the victim-centered and trauma-informed care that our offices’ victim advocates offer.
In this second episode, we learn about how the District Attorney’s and County Attorney’s Office address domestic violence in our community. These difficult but important cases lead to impactful advocacy for both survivors of violence and the lawyers working with them.
In this first episode, get to know the newly elected El Paso District Attorney James Montoya and El Paso County Attorney Christina Sanchez. Hear how their offices contribute to the health and safety of everyday Borderland folks, how the two offices collaborate and a little about how these two leaders came to be where they are today. Oh yes, also see how they do on a couple pop quizzes.
Let’s talk about the new Justice Matters Podcast. This project stems from a shared interest in transparency by both the elected District Attorney James Montoya and the County Attorney Christina Sanchez, both of whom are newly elected. Justice does matter and so this podcast will tell you more about how both offices function and help listeners get a sense of the different work the DA’s and CA’s Offices do.
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