Los Angeles County Superior Court
DOWNEY -- In her misdemeanor trial calendar, Los Angeles County Judge Maria Rivas Byrum understands, "It takes a village to get to the point of trying to determine why the person is here."
Her goal is that defendants follow orders in a diversion program for a year and improve their lives. "But I also have to protect the victims," she said.
It's a balancing act that requires believ... (continued)