Adrian Peterson—A New Judge for His Case?

Adrian PetersonViking’s running back, Adrian Peterson, has been charged with assaulting his four-year old son.  In a Texas courtroom, the prosecutors of his case want the judge removed.  See the Star Tribune article at:  http://www.startribune.com/local/280108652.html  Usually, this is pretty difficult.  What’s really going on?

1.  Most jurisdictions allow either the prosecutor or the defense to get rid of a …

Is Adrian Peterson Really Not Guilty?

Adrian PetersonIn a courtroom in Texas, Vikings running back Adrian Peterson has pled Not Guilty to criminal charges of beating his four-year old son.  But Adrian Peterson admitted he hit the child with some kind of a stick.  How can he say he’s Not Guilty?  Here’s what might really be going on—

1.  It’s common for accused people to …

Adrian Peterson and Child Protection

child protection caseHere in Minnesota, start running back for the Vikings Adrian Peterson, admitted beating his 4-year old child.  Criminal charges were filed in Texas.  In Minnesota, the government opened a child protection case against Mr. Peterson, and presumably, the mother also.

What does that mean?  What happens now?

1.  The government may open a child protection case whenever there’s …

What Do Judges Wear Under Their Robes?

what judges wear under their robesJudges wear robes.  What a lot of people really want to know is what do judges wear underneath them??  Before we get to that, let’s look at the trappings of a modern courtroom.

If you’ve ever been in one, you’ll remember they’re usually big.  The design is formal, barren, and plain.  The judge always sits on a raised …

What Judges Do Behind Closed Doors

judgesOver the many years I have practiced before the judges of Minnesota, I have found them to be hard-working, honest, and fair for the most part.  But there are some funny stories about what judges do behind closed doors and behind the courtrooms.

1.  One day I came into a judge’s chambers while his clerk rushed out.  He …

Three Reasons to Defend a Guilty Person

 defend a guilty personAs a criminal defense lawyer, I get asked one question more than any other:  How can you defend a guilty person?

If you know the client did the crime, how can you represent a guilty person?  There are three answers to that:

1.  Very few clients ever fully admit they’re guilty!  Most lie and deny everything.  Even though …

Trial Lawyers Boot Camp

trial lawyersHow do a lawyers become a good trial lawyers?

It’s tough to try a jury trial.  Even in law school, most students don’t get courtroom experience.  And the majority of practicing lawyers never go into a courtroom their entire lives.

As a criminal lawyer, I’ve tried over 100 cases before a jury.  How did I learn?

I …