Fighting Inequality in the Justice System

The word “justice” is synonymous with fairness and equality. However, the U.S. Justice System often fails to uphold its own founding principles of fair and equitable treatment. 

At the Law Offices of Garrett T. Ogata, we fight to ensure every American, regardless of their race, religion, gender, age, or sexuality is treated fairly by law enforcement and U.S. courts. We do everything within our legal power to protect your civil rights and fight to have your charges reduced or dismissed. If you have been charged with a crime in Las Vegas or elsewhere in Nevada, contact our office at (702) 553-1320 for a free, no-obligation consultation.

How Are People of Color Affected?

People of color in America often struggle with the impact of racial disparities in every aspect of their lives. From lower wages to stricter disciplinary actions on campus, black and Hispanic Americans experience first-hand the effects of our country’s racial inequality.

The U.S. Justice System is perhaps the most blatant example. The following are alarming statistics on the unjust treatment of people of color by our country’s law enforcement and criminal justice system.

• Making up only 13% of our population, Americans of color account for over 60% of those incarcerated in our country.
• Students of color make up 70% of those involved in school-initiated police calls and arrests.
• Black and Hispanic youth have higher rates of incarceration, with nearly 60% of Black juveniles sent to adult prisons.
• According to the NAACP’s Criminal Justice Fact Sheet, one in every three black males will go to prison at some point during their lifetime, compared to one in six Latino males and one in 17 white males.
• Black women are more than three times more likely to be sent to prison than white women.
• When convicted, black people receive sentences that are on average 19% longer than white offenders.
• One in 23 black Americans is currently on probation or parole compared to one in 81 white Americans.

These statistics are not only startling but incredibly disturbing. Although our nation has made some progress in closing racial gaps, this data proves far more work needs to be done – and soon.

The Importance of Black History Month

During Black History Month, we celebrate and recognize the many contributions people of color have made in our country and the world. Though in order to inspire much-needed change, we must also acknowledge the racial injustice and mistreatment people of color still endure.

In our nation’s justice system, cases of differential treatment and inequality are overwhelming. Celebrating Black History Month is an opportunity for us to honor Americans of color and to reimagine our country’s future.

Have You Been Charged With a Crime in Nevada?

At the Law Offices of Garrett T. Ogata, our criminal defense attorneys understand the challenges anyone accused of a crime will face. Still, for those of color, the struggles can be even more profound.

As strong supporters of criminal justice reform, we have a commitment to promote change within our system. On behalf of our clients, we fight hard to uphold and protect the rights afforded to them by the U.S. Constitution.

If you have been accused of a crime, know that we are on your side. We will pursue every legal avenue to prevent or reduce your charges and fight hard to ensure racial equality. Contact our office today at (702) 553-1320 to schedule a free, confidential case review to learn more about how we can help.