Defense Attorneys

Rap-Crimination

Rappers, write what you're going to write, but be aware -- the police are watching.

How To Counter-Protest Safely And What To Do If You’re Arrested

If you are unfortunate enough to be arrested bear these points in mind...

Flying Solo As A Woman Attorney

Toni Messina's message to women attorneys thinking of going solo out there is -- let's stick together. 

Who Needs The Presumption Of Innocence, Anyway?

When you're the one in the back seat of the police car, you'll be begging for that presumption of innocence.

The Secrets Of Cross-Examination

The toughest part of being a trial attorney, whether criminal or civil, is pulling off an excellent cross.

O.J. Beats The Race Card Again

One-in-four white inmates are released following their first parole hearing, while fewer than one-in-six black inmates are.

With Campus Rape, The Rules Are Different

There's no doubt this issue is trickier than it seems.

Never Show Your Hand, Or Why Not To Testify In The Grand Jury

But when a client testifies in the grand jury and it works, there's no quicker way to end a prosecution. 

Some Thoughts On What Might Happen If The Bill Cosby Case Is Retried

Will the prosecution be able to do any better the next time around?

Why Bill Cosby Didn’t Testify

Putting any defendant on the stand, even one as well-seasoned in front of an audience as Bill Cosby, is a risk.

Best Secrets Of Voir Dire (Or Why You Didn’t Get Picked As A Juror)

How do you know which people are right for your case?

Morning Docket: 05.17.17

* "I hope you can let this go." Former FBI director James Comey was writing memos detailing his conversations with Donald Trump to document what he believed were the president's improper attempts to influence the Michael Flynn investigation. Comey, a damn good lawyer, likely knew that an FBI agent's notes are admissible in court as credible evidence. [New York Times] * The Securities and Exchange Commission just got a Biglaw-style facelift: SEC Chairman Jay Clayton, formerly of Sullivan & Cromwell, has asked Willkie Farr partner Robert Stebbins to serve as his general counsel and SullCrom associate Sean Memon to serve as his deputy chief of staff. [Big Law Business] * Rolling your eyes and calling a federal judge's ruling on an objection "f*cking bullsh*t" will certainly do you absolutely no favors in Judge Amy St. Eve's courtroom. In fact, it just might get you suspended from practice for three months and barred from being a lead trial attorney for a year. [Chicago Tribune] * "I'm an attorney in a capital case!" In videos introduced into evidence during Dylann Roof's mental competency hearings, the convicted killer said his attorneys were "evil," "the spawn of hell," and "liars," and only wanted to keep them while representing himself "so I can abuse them." [Post and Courier] * Drake Law School has entered into an agreement with three historically black colleges and universities to increase its diversity. Entering students will be guaranteed a scholarship to cover at least half of their tuition. Drake's first-time bar pass rate in Iowa was 82 percent in July 2016. [Iowa Public Radio]

The Ultimate Stupidity Of Mandatory Sentencing

The only industry that will benefit from this cookie-cutter, throw-back approach is the prison industry.

When You’re Accused Of Killing Your Parents…

How do police get innocent people to confess to crimes they haven't committed?

When So-Called Real Science Becomes Junk

Say no to science, but yes to punishment?  Criminal justice has just taken a step backward.