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How we make a difference...

These are just a few examples of how our pro bono investigations bring truth to light and justice within reach for those who need it most. Each story reminds us that justice shouldn't depend on wealth, status, or access — it should be a right available to everyone. But the reality is, justice often goes unanswered for those who can’t afford to fight for it.

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With the support of people who believe in fairness and dignity for all, we can continue to change lives — one case at a time. Your contributions make it possible to give voice to the unheard, hope to the forgotten, and accountability to those who have done harm.

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Names have been changed to protect the privacy and safety of those involved.

Boy Raising Hand

Mike’s Story:

A Second Chance for a Good Kid Who Lost His Way

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Mike was the kind of teenager most parents hope for — a senior in high school with good grades, a solid reputation, and dreams of going to college. But like many young people, Mike was still figuring out who he was. And like too many teens, he got caught up with the wrong crowd.

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One night, Mike took psychedelic mushrooms with a new friend — someone he didn’t realize was also dealing drugs and abusing multiple substances. Disoriented and confused, the two wandered into what they thought was Mike’s house. It wasn’t. It was the home of an elderly man who awoke to find strangers inside.

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While Mike, in his altered state, quietly curled up in the back bedroom, believing it was his own bed, the other young man created chaos — breaking furniture, yelling, and moving things around. The terrified homeowner called the police. Mike and his companion were arrested and charged with multiple felonies, including burglary and breaking and entering. Mike suddenly found himself facing a minimum of 10 years in prison — a sentence that could destroy any hope he had for his future.

But Mike wasn’t a hardened criminal. He was a kid who made a mistake — a serious one — but not one that warranted the kind of punishment reserved for violent offenders.

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That’s when we stepped in.

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Through a pro bono investigation, we carefully gathered evidence to clarify the events of that night. We collected police reports, toxicology details, eyewitness accounts, and behavioral history. What we found made one thing clear: Mike had no intent to harm, no record of criminal behavior, and no role in the destruction that occurred. He had made a poor choice, but he was not the threat the charges suggested.

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Thanks to the investigation, the truth was brought to light. Mike’s charges were reduced from serious felonies to minor misdemeanors. Instead of spending a decade behind bars, he was placed on probation. He was given something most people in his situation never get: a second chance.

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Miranda’s Story:

Finding Compassion in the Justice System

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Miranda was only 18 when her world was shattered. Her father, walking home from work one evening, was hit by a drunk driver. The impact left him critically injured, and although doctors performed multiple reconstructive surgeries, he tragically passed away from his wounds. Miranda and her father had been incredibly close. Losing him so suddenly and violently left her devastated — emotionally lost and alone.

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In her grief, Miranda turned to alcohol to numb the pain. Still reeling from trauma, she was charged with driving under the influence — not once, but twice. By the time of her second offense, she was facing jail time. The judge assigned to her case seemed ready to impose the maximum sentence. But Miranda didn’t have the resources to explain her story in court — no attorney, no one to gather the facts that might make the court see her as a person, not just a file number.

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That’s where we came in.

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Through a pro bono investigation, we uncovered the full story — not just about Miranda’s grief, but about the man she lost, and how his death had changed her life. We gathered police records, witness statements, and accident photos to document the trauma she endured. We also provided character references and background details showing Miranda’s lack of criminal history and the efforts she was beginning to make toward recovery.

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Thanks to this work, the judge reconsidered. Instead of a jail sentence, Miranda received probation and a fine. She was given a second chance — not because the system is always fair, but because someone took the time to make sure her voice was heard.

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Beautiful Girl

Mae’s Story:

Standing Up for a Forgotten Worker

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Mae had always been a hard worker. In her late 60s and living on a modest income, she took pride in showing up each day and doing her part. But one day, through no fault of her own, everything changed. Due to poor management and unsafe conditions at her workplace, Mae was seriously injured on the job.

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At first, her employer promised to help — offering to pay her medical expenses for a couple of months. But that offer quickly dried up, despite Mae’s doctor clearly stating that her injuries would require treatment for at least a year, maybe longer. When Mae could no longer return to work, her employer refused to pay the additional workers’ compensation benefits she desperately needed.

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Mae had lost her job, her health, and her ability to support herself — all because of an accident she didn’t cause. She was hurt. She was scared. And she was being ignored.

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That’s when we got involved.

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Through a pro bono investigation, we obtained records and documentation that clearly pointed to the employer’s negligence. Internal communications, safety logs, and medical assessments built a case that couldn’t be ignored.

Because of that work, Mae’s employer was held accountable. She was awarded two full years of medical coverage and three years’ worth of lost wages — a critical lifeline that gave her not just financial relief, but dignity.

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Mae’s case is a reminder that without someone to speak up for them, too many workers — especially the elderly and underpaid — are left to suffer in silence.

Old Lady

Patty’s Story:

From Fear to Freedom

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Patty was a young woman full of life and love, planning her future with the man she adored. But in a single, unthinkable moment, everything changed.

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Her fiancé was killed in cold blood — gunned down in his own living room by an armed assailant. Patty witnessed the brutal act with her own eyes. What should have been a day like any other became a nightmare that shattered her world.

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The tragedy didn’t end there. Despite her account, the police lacked the evidence needed to convict the suspect. The man who took her fiancé’s life walked free — and he didn’t stop there. Over the following months, he stalked Patty, threatened her, and made sure she knew he was still out there. Terrified and alone, Patty withdrew from the world. She began drinking heavily and lived in constant fear, unsure if she’d survive what came next.

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With nowhere else to turn, Patty’s case was taken on in a pro bono investigation. We collected the evidence law enforcement couldn’t — phone records, surveillance footage, eyewitness testimony, and documentation of the harassment and threats. With this evidence in hand, the authorities finally acted. Criminal charges were filed, and the assailant was convicted and sent to prison.

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For the first time in a long time, Patty could breathe. Though she still lives with the scars of what she endured, she has slowly begun reclaiming her life. She's started going out again, reconnecting with friends, and taking steps toward healing — no longer held hostage by fear.

Helping people is a universal principle and we hope you will consider assisting us in our mission to help those in need. We depend on the kindness from people like yourself to continue to pay it forward.

Make a difference today!

© 2025 The Kincade Society. All Rights Reserved.

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The Kincade Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Contributions are received from individuals, foundations, and corporations and are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

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