The Gazette Podcast Episode 4: Get to Know ADA Jason Cohen and Judge Biju Koshy

Welcome back to The Gazette Podcast. In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, episode four features the Chief of RCDA's Alternatives to Incarceration Unit, ADA Jason Cohen and Richmond County Criminal Court's Supervising Judge, the Honorable Biju Koshy who talk about their professional relationship, the importance of attending to mental health needs within the criminal justice system, and how unique the Staten Island approach to treatment courts truly is. Our Communications Director, James Clinton, joins us from the Courtroom Corner while DA McMahon offers insight into the upcoming 4th Annual Staten Island Multicultural Food Festival, the Staten Island Hate Crimes Task Force, and some of RCDA's hate crime prosecution policies. Information about the NAMI Mental Health Court Panel Discussion on June 10 featuring Judge Koshy and ADA Cohen is included below. We hope you enjoy the show! NAMI NYC Staten Island Community Information Night, Mental Health Court Panel Discussion A panel to speak about the Criminal Mental Health Court on Staten Island for those charged with Misdemeanor and Felony offenses. Richmond County Mental Health Court is a specialized diversion Court part which offers treatment as an alternative to incarceration for individuals with mental health diagnosis who are charged with crimes in Richmond County. We will hear from Judges who preside over cases in the Felony and Misdemeanor Mental Health Courts as well as defense counsel and a prosecutor from the District Attorney's Office. Guest Speakers: The Honorable Biju Koshy, Supervising Judge of the Richmond County Criminal Court Assistant District Attorney Jason Cohen, Chief of the Alternatives to Incarceration Unit for the Richmond County District Attorney's Office Samantha Smalls, Mental Health Attorney for the Legal Aid Society Richmond County Criminal Defense Practice Wanda DeOlivera, Defense Attorney Richmond County, DeOlivera Law Firm Free to Attend. Wednesday June 10, 7pm. Richmond County University Medical Center SIPP Auditorium 355 Bard Avenue, Staten Island New York 10301