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In This Episode: I pull back the curtain on the the plea of Not Guilty By Reason of Insanity.  How does it differ from Diminished Capacity and Competency to Stand Trial? Contrary to what the media often portrays, the insanity defense is pled  … Continue reading →

In This Episode: I pull back the curtain on the Collateral Consequences of a Criminal Conviction. What rights and privileges are affected beyond the punishment imposed under the law. We explore gun ownership issues, denial of government benefits, licensing issues as well … Continue reading →

In This Episode: I pull back the curtain on the difference between public defenders, appointed counsel and private lawyers. So often the injustices involved in the system are blamed on the performance of a lawyer rather than an inherent bias in … Continue reading →

In This Episode: I pull back the curtain on BAIL, BONDS and BOUNTY HUNTERS. What is the difference between bail and bonds? What do Bounty Hunters do and how are they regulated and paid? Why does a monetary issue like Bail have … Continue reading →

In This Episode: I discuss the Attorney Client Relationship. I will leave attorney client privilege for another episode. Here we delve into how do we, as lawyers, and especially as public defenders, establish a relationship with our clients so that they … Continue reading →

In This Episode:I pull back the curtain on PROBATION. What is it and how does it differ from parole? Probation is granted by the court on the condition that the defendant fulfill certain obligations and promises over a certain period of … Continue reading →

In This Episode:I pull back the curtain on Designer Drugs and Media Panic. In the wake of the tragic death of actor, Philip Seymour Hoffman, the media latched on to speculation that designer drugs were likely to blame for the … Continue reading →

In This Episode: I pull back the curtain on the laws relating to the LAW OF MANSLAUGHTER. There are 3 types of manslaughter: Voluntary, Involuntary and Vehicular.  Within these categories we find issues of reckless disregard for human life and acts committed … Continue reading →

In This Episode: I pull back the curtain on the laws relating to the LAW OF MURDER. First degree murder is the unlawful killing of a human being with malice aforethought carried out in a willful, premeditated and deliberate manner. 2nd … Continue reading →

In This Episode: I pull back the curtain on the laws relating to OBJECTIONS and SIDEBAR CONFERENCES.  The law allows both sides in a criminal or civil case to object to certain questions or answers that are being asked or elicited … Continue reading →

In This Episode: I pull back the curtain on the laws relating to Domestic Violence. We explore how and why it is treated differently than other types of assault. We also discuss why these cases are difficult for all participants in … Continue reading →

In This Episode: I pull back the curtain on the concepts of Duress and Necessity. In Duress, the law recognizes that there are times are free will may be so compromised by threat of bodily harm or death that we … Continue reading →

In This Episode: I pull back the curtain on Prosecutorial Misconduct.  Recently a Texas Judge was disbarred, sentenced to 10 days in jail and 500 hours of community service for criminal contempt.  He was accused of lying to a judge in … Continue reading →

In This Episode: I pull back the curtain on Who’s Who in a criminal courtroom. What are the various roles and responsibilities of all the players. Most of us know the basic functions but you might be surprised to learn lesser … Continue reading →

In This Episode: I pull back the curtain on Entrapment. How far can a government agent go to induce an ordinary citizen to commit a crime.  Some states focus on the predisposition of the defendant, while other focus solely on the … Continue reading →

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 →