Dealing with Stuart Schuman of the Defender Association
November 4, 2019
The file has been returned to me with a note from Stuart Schuman, the misdemeanor supervisor. Uh oh, I think, this can’t be good. I go down to see him.
I like Mr. Williams
October 25, 2019
There are tons of criminal defense lawyers eager to tell their war stories. But how many people have been acquitted of a felony criminal offense?
Police officers should not be advocates
October 16, 2019
Police officers have an instinctual unwillingness to agree with a defense attorney. Call me old-fashioned but I think it should be “just the facts, ma’m.”
“Imani is my best friend”
September 27, 2019
The best strategy, I have found, is to begin the conversation with an expression of concern about whatever grievance it was that launched the criminal proceedings to begin with.
Defining “possession, custody, or control” for Rule 16 purposes
September 18, 2019
In Weems v. United States, 191 A.3d 296 (D.C. 2018), the D.C. Court of Appeals defines “possession, custody, or control” for purposes of Rule 16.
Presenting your best self when soliciting business
September 17, 2019
When marketing your writing services through mass emails, it is a good idea to make sure there are no typos, misspellings or grammatical errors in your message.
Not guilty of destroying property
September 16, 2019
The evidence was consistent with an intent to open the car door, not to damage the door handle. The prosecution was therefore unable to prove criminal intent.
Good writing has a look
September 13, 2019
I have a new font: Century Schoolbook. My writing has improved already.
Hearsay through the eyes of our law student
When it comes to hearsay, there is only one phrase you need to keep in mind: Hearsay is an out-of-court assertion offered for the truth. If it doesn’t satisfy that definition, it is not hearsay.
The definition of “stuporous” and other dumb police-isms.
September 12, 2019
Imagine my delight upon seeing the term “stuporous” used in the police report. Sometimes officers try to do too much. They should stay in their lane.
