Trial Lawyer Confidential

In This Episode: I pull back the curtain on Eyewitness Identification. Often the most powerful evidence presented in a criminal trial, mistaken identification is the overwhelming cause of the majority of wrongful convictions in this country. Jurors put a great deal … Continue reading →

In This Episode: I pull back the curtain on Self Defense. The concept of self defense comes from common law and has always been a part of the American justice system. Over the years, issues have arisen over whether a person … Continue reading →

In This Episode: I pull back the curtain on False Confessions. What would possibly compel an innocent person to take responsibility for a crime he did not commit?  We will explore the psychological studies that have delved into this phenomena … Continue reading →

In This Episode: I pull back the curtain on the legal rulings that result in cases being dismissed on a technicality. When a case is dismissed on a technicality in the criminal justice system, it usually means that a court has … Continue reading →

In This Episode: I pull back the curtain on  cameras in the courtroom.   What effect do cameras have on the participants and the viewing audience in a criminal trial? While the right to a speedy and public trial is guaranteed … Continue reading →

In This Episode: I pull back the curtain on  Circumstantial Evidence.  Learn the major misconceptions about circumstantial evidence and how defendants and the general public often underestimate the power of this type of evidence in a trial.  We will explore … Continue reading →

In This Episode: I pull back the curtain on defendants testifying on their own behalf. We explore the myths surrounding why a defendant would choose to testify or choose not to testify. There are a variety of factors that lawyers … Continue reading →

In This Episode: I pull back the curtain on Plea Bargains.  Justice Kennedy of the United States Supreme Court wrote, “Criminal justice today is for the most part a system of pleas, not a system of trials.” Justice Scalia wrote, … Continue reading →

In This Episode: I pull back the curtain on Jury Nullification. Jury nullification occurs when a jury acquits a defendant even though they believe the case was proved beyond a reasonable doubt.  This can happen when they believe the law … Continue reading →

In This Episode: I pull back the curtain on the Death Penalty.  I discuss what makes a person eligible for the death penalty versus life with the possibility of parole. I also explain my multi-layered opposition to the Death Penalty … Continue reading →

In This Episode: I pull back the curtain on the legal standard of proof: Beyond a Reasonable Doubt. It is the highest burden of proof in the American justice system and reserved only for trials where life or liberty are … Continue reading →

  In This Episode: I pull back the curtain on the Presumption of Innocence. A defendant in a criminal case is presumed innocent unless and until the prosecution proves his guilt in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt. … Continue reading →

In This Episode: I pull back the curtain on Miranda warnings: You have the right to remain silent.  Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. … Continue reading →

In This Episode: I pull back the curtain on the laws relating to DUI: Driving Under the Influence, or DWI: Driving While Intoxicated (commonly called drink driving). Learn about what police officers look for when they are on patrol for … Continue reading →

In This Episode: I pull back the curtain on DRUGS and DRUG LAWS. I’ll explain how the most common street drugs are sold and discuss why the war on drugs is not working. The evil in these laws is not … Continue reading →