The Experiences of Latinas With Family Involved in the Criminal Legal System

• In Event: Lightning Talk: The Criminalization, Marginalization, and Experiences of Racial/Ethnic Groups in the Criminal Justice System

Abstract

With increasing rates of Hispanic/Latinx criminal legal involvement, research must focus on understanding the experiences of Latinxs at all levels of contact with the legal system. This means not only focusing on those who have direct contact through arrests or incarceration but also those who undergo these experiences alongside loved ones. Focusing specifically on the experiences of individuals with family members involved with the criminal legal system will allow us to better understand the extraneous factors that may challenge a formerly incarcerated person’s reintegration or desistance. While understanding the experiences of all family members is important, focusing on the experiences of Latinas is valuable due to the central role they play in families. Latinas are also specially situated in their interactions across different levels/forms of the legal system due to their intersectional identities as women of color. Thus, this talk will highlight the need for a better understanding of the challenges and needs Latinas with legally involved loved ones experience, and the role this may play in addressing community and system-wide issues impacting legally involved Latinxs and their surrounding communities, while also equipping Latinas to better support their loved ones during their reintegration or distance paths.

Authors

• Maria Fernanda Torres, Arizona State University

• Vera Lopez, Arizona State University