Felony-Murder and the Case of Annie Le
January 27, 2010

A loyal reader (okay, it’s my brother-in-law George) has asked me to explain the difference between murder and felony-murder. George learned of the distinction while reading about yesterday’s not guilty plea in the Yale graduate student murder case. … Read More
The “Jury Trial Tax”: The Penalty for Insisting on a Jury Trial
January 23, 2010

It is a sad but well-known fact among criminal defense lawyers in many jurisdictions that if you insist on a jury trial and lose, you will get a stiffer penalty than if you lose the same case in… Read More
The Challenges Of Being A Solo Practitioner
January 14, 2010

I was sorry to learn this morning that one of my favorite legal bloggers – Michael McLees of Fast Texas Divorce – has decided to discontinue his blog. Writes McLees on a recent entry: “I’m just not sure… Read More
Listening to the Witness on Cross-Examination
January 6, 2010

This guy has his eye put out in an accident. He can’t afford a glass eye, so the eye doctor puts in a fake eye made of wood instead. The guy is very self-conscious about his wood eye,… Read More
The Koehler Law Logo
December 5, 2009
There are many things you need to do when setting up your own law firm, from securing business licenses, malpractice insurance and bank accounts to buying furniture, legal research materials, and computer software and equipment. Of all the… Read More
Choosing the Koehler Law Motto
November 24, 2009

During my first year in law school, I heard a Latin phrase that immediately resonated with me: Fiat Justitia Caellum, which is roughly translated into English as “Let Justice Rule, Though the Heavens May Fall.” On starting my… Read More