1. A Day in the Life of the Assistant District Attorney
Holly Abernathy

2. Why I Chose Job Shadowing
I thought it would be the most beneficial for me.
I have always been interested in law.

3. Thesis: “In order to reduce recidivism rates among juvenile and adult offenders, state governments should better fund programs that support education, social growth, and provide ongoing support once convicts are released.”
Main point 1: Offenders need the opportunity to receive an education because it has proven to be successful in their rehabilitation.
Main Point 2: Society needs to invest in more programs to support social growth in ex-convicts.
Main Point 3: We need to give on-going support once convicts are released.
Research Paper-Reducing Recidivism in Ex-Convicts: The Truth and Reality

4. Research Paper-Best sources
My mentor, Mr. Matthew Levchuk
Bureau of Justice Statistics
Sources that changed my perspective and surprised me.
What I learned
Recidivism is a much larger problem than I imagined.
I need to become more aware of problems in the criminal justice system.

5. My Mentor Mr. Matthew Levchuk, the assistant district attorney.
I called the District Attorney’s office and asked who was available.
Mr. Levchuk volunteered to mentor me shadow him. .

6. Project Hours
Meeting with Mr. Levchuk to discuss my hours and court dates for me to attend.
Day 1: 1 Dec I spent the day with Mr. Levchuk in his office while he was performing his daily tasks. (2hrs 15min)
Day 2: 2 Dec I sat in court and watched cases. It was different from what I imagined but I was glad because it seemed like something I could handle with proper training (3hrs)

7. Project Hours
Day 3: 10 Dec Court was slow and scattered. Attorneys were appointed on the spot with about 5 minutes to prepare their argument. (3hrs 45min)
Day 4: 18 Dec A dramatic day in court and there was a strange atmosphere. The judge was short tempered and threatened to hold everyone in contempt of court. (4hrs 15min)
Day 5: 6 Jan Most of the day in court was spent issuing dismissals. Most of the defendants plead guilty. (1hr 45min)

8. Project Hours

9. Finished Product- Journal

10. Finished Product- Journal

11. Vocabulary Subpoena- A form ordering a person to attend court.
Bill of Information- Gives a detailed explanation of the charges being filed and gives brief overview of evidence and other information important to the case.
B & E- Breaking and Entering
Appeal- Request to be heard by a higher court for reversal of charges.
Prayer for Judgment Continued (PJC)- In NC allows traffic violators and those who have committed misdemeanors to plead guilty and ask for a PJC. If the court is in favor the offense is not held against the defendant.

12. Time Invested
The hours I completed for this project officially was 15, however, I spent more time making phone calls, discussing my mentor’s calendar, and organizing my paper and portfolio.

13. Lessons Learned I now know I am going to pursue a career in law
Organization: Without organization, life can be extremely stressful.
Determination: I had to follow through and finish strong.
Self-discovery: I realized I love law and I am a quick learner when it involves court procedure.
Proactivity: If you stay ahead and think of problems before they arise, you will do well.

14. Problems/Solutions
One of the largest problems I encountered was the legal jargon used.
I struggled with scheduling hours around my work and school schedule.
It was very difficult taking pictures.

15. Thank you Thank you to my facutly advisor, Mrs. Oberg
Thank you to my mentor, Mr. Matthew Levchuk
Thank you, judges, for being here to view my presentation.
Thank you, to my family and friends for continued support.

16. Works Cited
Scale. Digital image. Chicago Metropolitan Battered Women's Network. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Apr <
Smith, Ryan. Recidivism Rates Differ Among States. Digital image. The Daily Tar Heel. 2 Apr Web.

17. Questions?