Are “Celebrity” Lawyers Better??

celebrity lawyersThe media regularly holds up “celebrity” lawyers as miracle workers—able to get people off from impossible charges against them.  Are they really better?  If you were charged with a crime, would you be better off with a celebrity lawyer?  From over 30 years of work as a lawyer in courtrooms, here are three ideas I have:

1.  Celebrity …

What Do Medical Examiners Do? Part II

Some of the most popular TV shows are about forensic crime scene investigators and the medical examiners.  They manage to work miracles every week.  Of course, they’re also sexy, smart, tough, and have exciting jobs!  But what do they really do?medical examiner

They do have interesting jobs and some are even pretty good looking.  But there are four things …

What Do Medical Examiners Do? Part I

medical examinerEveryone has watched TV shows like CSI and others that look at the forensic benefit of medical examiners and crime labs.  It looks like sexy and fascinating work.  Is it really?  What do medical examiners really do?

Because of the expense involved in setting up and running crime labs, there usually aren’t many in any state.  The same …

Adrian Peterson is Guilty–Sort Of

Adrian PetersonMaybe you’re sick of me posting about Adrian Peterson . . .again.  But his criminal case is a textbook on how the criminal justice system works.  Many people have asked me to explain what’s going on.  Now he has settled the felony case in Texas that alleged he beat his four-year old son with a stick.  See story …

Should We Allow Plea Bargains in Criminal Cases?

The media have gone wild again with the hint that Adrian Peterson may reach a plea bargain in his criminal case.  He’s accused of beating his four-year old son with a stick.  plea bargain

What is a plea bargain?  Does it lead to justice?

After more than thirty years of work as a prosecutor and a defense lawyer, I’ve participated …

Do Crime Victims Get Paid Back?

crime victimsWhat about innocent crime victims who get robbed of their purses or money?  Or their cars are stolen and trashed?  What if they lose time from their jobs?  Do they ever get paid back?  How are they compensated?  In Minnesota where I practice criminal law, here are seven things that can help crime victims.

1.  For over thirty …

Do Crime Victims Have Rights?

We always hear about the rights of accused people and all the constitutional protections every citizen has in America.  They’re all critically important rights—of course.  But what about innocent victims?  Do crime victims have any rights?crime victims

In Minnesota, where I practice criminal law, the legislature has given crime victims several rights.  Here are some:

1.  Crime victims have …