Published Work

Publications

A body of published legal writing by the co-founders of Sparman & Small — grounded in practice, written for understanding.

13 Publications  ·  1 Series
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About this Series

Understanding the Criminal Justice Process is a thirteen-part series authored by the co-founders of SSVAS and published in the Village Voice News. Written to demystify the criminal justice system for the layperson, the series covers the process from first appearance through to sentencing — including bail, remand, adjournment, prosecutorial conduct, and the treatment of juvenile defendants.

Series · Criminal Law
Understanding the Criminal Justice Process
A plain-language guide to how the criminal courts work — from the moment of arrest through to the final sentence.
Part 01
Arrest, Questioning and Police Custody
What to do on arrest: stay calm, don't resist, ask the reason, and decline self-incriminating questions.
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Part 02
Your Rights and Who's Who in the Process
Defendants' rights and the roles of key people in Guyana's process, plus Legal Aid and how to complain about treatment in custody.
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Part 03
Appearance Before a Judicial Officer
The first court appearance: courtroom etiquette, how charges are read, and the right to counsel and to plead freely.
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Part 04
Understanding Pleas
The pleas open to a defendant, and why a guilty plea must be certain and freely made.
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Part 05
What is Bail?
Bail releases a defendant on conditions while awaiting trial. Guyanese courts have granted it even in murder cases.
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Part 06
Factors That May Impact the Granting of Bail
What judges weigh: the seriousness of the allegations, personal circumstances, prior convictions and prosecution objections.
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Part 07
Remand
Remand means being held in custody until trial instead of being released on bail.
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Part 08
Adjournment
How adjournments and dismissals work, and why both usually happen before guilt is decided.
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Part 09
Prosecutorial Misconduct
Improper conduct by prosecutors that prejudices a fair trial, such as coercing confessions or hiding exculpatory evidence.
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Part 10
Conviction and the Plea in Mitigation
What a conviction means, that it can be appealed, and how a plea in mitigation can support a lighter sentence.
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Part 11
Mitigating Circumstances
Factors that can lessen or worsen a sentence: minor role, cooperation, remorse, restitution and rehabilitation prospects.
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Part 12
Sentencing
A judge's decision on a fitting penalty after conviction, guided by retribution, deterrence, prevention and rehabilitation.
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Part 13
The Juvenile Defendant and Sentencing
Under Guyana's 2018 Juvenile Justice Act, juveniles (14 to under 18) found guilty can't be imprisoned; alternatives include probation and community service.
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