An investigative report by The Davis Vanguard highlights ongoing issues in California's family courts regarding minors' counsel and parenting coordinators.…
California Judge Strikes Down Statewide ‘Parental Exclusion’ Policies in Landmark Ruling
U.S. District Judge Roger T. Benitez ruled California's parental exclusion policies unconstitutional, blocking statewide enforcement of secrecy about children's gender…
When Allegations Outlive the Case
The article examines the unresolved nature of allegations in Giselle Smiel’s case, highlighting the impact of criminal protective orders against…
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — December 14, 2025
On October 6, 2025, the Los Angeles Superior Court held a closed hearing for People v. Giselle Farias Smiel, excluding…
The Public Has a Right to Know Whether Government Agencies Followed the Law Before Taking Someone’s Freedom.
Los Angeles and San Diego officials are withholding public records related to the arrest and prosecution of Giselle Farias Smiel,…
When Protective Orders Hide Evidence, Families Pay the Price
In California, protective orders are increasingly misused, restricting parents’ access to evidence in criminal cases, thus affecting their ability to…
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – November 26, 2025
Official San Diego CAD logs for the May 1 and September 4, 2025 incidents classify them as civil assists with…
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – November 16, 2025
Newly acquired documents disclose that California's Child Abduction Units (CAUs) receive over $9.9 million in state funding to enforce custody…
Inside People v. Smiel: When Process Becomes the Story
Giselle Smiel faces five felony charges, including kidnapping, after picking up her child at a San Diego school. Her defense…