WHO WE ARE
We are criminal defense attorneys, a private investigator, and juvenile advocates concerned about our community. We are appalled by the number of young people entering the criminal justice system. Watchdogs for Justice (WFJ) is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization formed for the express purpose of addressing that problem.
WHAT WE DO
We conduct interactive seminars in schools, libraries, churches, and other places where we find young people, and provide them with information regarding the inner workings of the criminal justice system. These sessions:
Offer tips on how to avoid entering the system.
Assist those who have been adversely impacted by the judicial system in the past.
Assist those who will most likely be adversely impacted by the judicial system in the future.
Educate the community about pitfalls that can land our young people in jail or prison for many years.
WHO WE HELP
Our target group is youth between the ages of 9 and 25.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE SEMINAR TOPICS?
THEFT BY SHOPLIFTING
JOY RIDING
TEEN SEX
CRIMINAL TRESPASS
ROBBERY AND ARMED ROBBERY
CRIMES AGAINST PERSONS
CRIMES AGAINST PROPERTY
OTHER SEMINARS ARE AVAILABLE BASED ON NEEDS AND GROUP CONCERNS
WATCHDOGS FOR JUSTICE MEMBERS
Clara Hunter King is the founder and president of Watchdogs For Justice (WFJ). She has served as a criminal defense attorney and advocates for juvenile justice since 1996. She, along with other members of the WFJ team, has written two books–This is not Cool, Volumes I & II— that will steer young people away from the pitfalls that can land them in jail or prison. This is not Cool, Volumes I made the Essence Magazine Best Seller’s List in April 2007. King published her third crime-prevention book, Thirty-Five Years On Death Row, in December 2012. Her most recent book, Keeping Youth out of Prison, A legal Guide For Teens and their Parents in Plain English, was published in March 2015. You may order books at www.kingdompublications.net
Lawanda J. O’Bannon, a founding member of WFJ, is currently employed as a senior trial attorney in the Fulton County Public Defender’s Office. She was in private practice as a criminal defense attorney and advocate for juvenile justice for seven years. She is a co-author of Volume I and II of the This Is Not Cool book series.
Dana Harrell has been in private practice for fifteen years. Her practice includes criminal defense, family law, and personal injury. She has also served as an advocate for juveniles.
Janine Brooks is a private investigator. She works with criminal defense attorneys as well as attorneys handling civil cases. She is a co-author of Volume II of the THIS IS NOT COOL book series.
Ella Alis Hughes is currently in private practice. Her practice includes criminal defense, family law, personal injury, and civil litigation. She also advocates for juvenile justice and parental rights.
Frank Conwell is a businessman and long-time juvenile advocate who joined WFJ in 2014. He has had extensive experience and influence with young men who have become entangled in the criminal justice system.
Daisy Graham is a juvenile advocate who joined WFJ in March 2015. She has been a Big Sister for over six years and has had many years of experience helping to steer youngsters in the right direction.
Derek Graham is a juvenile advocate who joined WFJ in July 2015. He is retired military and worked with new recruits in the service. It was his first opportunity to help youth get off to a good start and stay on the right track.
Deborah Young is a business owner and juvenile advocate who joined WFJ in August 2016.
Carolyn Jackson is a pastor and juvenile advocate who joined WFJ in August 2016.
Wallace Ward is a business owner and juvenile advocate who joined WFJ in September 2016
Willie Harrison is an author, business owner, and juvenile advocate who joined WFJ in October 2016.
Johnny Strozier is a business owner and juvenile advocate who joined WFJ in 2018
Birdie England is a minister, retired probation officer, and juvenile advocate who joined WFJ in 2019
