Many defense attorneys fail to consider the potential consequences a criminal case will have on their clients. And even where a person has committed a crime, had a momentary lapse, or made a stupid mistake, and deserves “some kind of punishment,” that individual does not deserve to be deported and — as would have been the case for Joe A. — to be separated forever from his family.
Judge & Prosecutioner at a DMV DUI Hearing
November 16, 2008 By 1 Comment
In a regular courtroom when the defense makes an objection, there is the potential for “argument” on the issue. The defense may explain the basis for his objection. The prosecutor will argue for why the objection should be overruled.
This doesn’t happen with every objection, but every objection has this potential. If there is an argument, the judge has to hear both sides. Only then can he or she dismissively wave in the direction of the defense while announcing the objection is “overruled.”
And since any argument not infrequently occurs only in a sidebar, the time incurred in allowing a fair airing of the issue is increased.
Motion for Contact Visits
November 14, 2008 By Leave a Comment
JDSupra, as I mentioned in a previous post, allows me to “showcase” some of my work. So I’ve been going back through some of my old briefs I’ve written, deleting identifying information so as not to publicize my clients’ names, and posting to JDSupra. This post is about one of those motions.
JDSupra: Give Content. Get Noticed.
November 11, 2008 By 2 Comments
JDSupra purports to allow attorneys such as myself to “Give Content. Get Noticed.” After much hemming and hawing, I finally took the plunge.
I apologize for not having posted more articles here on the blog, but I’m busily writing a federal writ for a fast-approaching deadline, plus I’ve been moving into larger digs in the Patterson Building. (Sixth Floor. From the elevator, go left, then left, then left, then all the way to the end. One of these days, the signmaker will actually follow through with putting up the signs pointing the way. He might even put one on the door for me!)
Once my major deadlines are behind me and I’m settled in, I should start writing a bit more regularly on this blog.
Until then, satisfy the craving to see some of my work by checking out my profile on JDSupra!
Don’t Be Your Own Lawyer
November 6, 2008 By Leave a Comment
I feel as though I’ve been neglectful for not writing more here. I’m busy working towards several deadlines right now, plus moving my office. In addition, I’m trying to see how Propositions 6 and 9 are going to impact current cases, if at all. (First impression: The impact will be huge.)
So, until I get some breathing room, please enjoy this example of why you should not try to defend yourself, or, at least, why Bob Marley shouldn’t.
Hat tip to the Bankruptcy Practice Pro.
