Meave McCollum

Rhode Island Department of Corrections- Men’s Maximum Security:

At this placement, I worked in the counseling department of a men’s maximum security prison. I worked alongside a counselor and helped assist her in a group therapy setting. The class I assisted with was part of the Youthful Offender Program, which is specifically for 18-25 year old inmates with violent tendencies. This class specifically focused on self-change, which was mainly taught through lessons and roll-playing activities. The purpose of the class was to help the inmates see the fault in their behavior and help them break out of their typical reaction style and help them think before they act. Another duty of mine was to attend the Graduate group meetings, which was for inmates who had graduated from the Youthful Offender Program, but still wanted to receive weekly help to further ensure their success. In addition to attending group with the inmates, I would occasionally have to hold interviews with the inmates to see what programs would be beneficial for them while they are incarcerated, as well as recommending possible programs upon their release.

Westchester District Attorneys Office:

At this placement, I shadowed 5 prosecutors. I assisted the prosecutors before they went to court by handling any extra paperwork they had on the cases. I learned how to fill out 7.10.30 notices, Victim Contact Letters (VCL), accusatory notices, bench warrants, as well as contacting any victims to figure out the amount of restitution. Learning about these specific skills was a huge help in my prospective career as a lawyer. 7.10.30 notices are a piece of paper that is very helpful in court. It is a notice that lists any statements that the defendant stated while being arrested that could possibly build a case against them. It helps the prosecutors see at a quick glance if the defendant said anything that could incriminate themselves. Victim Contact Letters are a letter sent out to the victim in the case and allows them to know their case is being worked on, as well as asking them for more detail on their crime to further assist them (possible restitution, no contact order, etc.) Accusatory letters are sent out to the defendant and state what they allegedly did and why they are being brought to court. Bench warrants are sent out when someone fails to appear to court, if someone misses their court date from their bench warrant they get charged with Bail Jumping, so I also had to assist in sending out arrest warrants. In addition to helping out in the office, I would attend criminal court twice a week. Occasionally, I would attend jury or non-jury trials.