Trial Advocacy | Koehler Law

Cross-examining a pro se petitioner in a CPO case

Jamison Koehler May 20, 2021 Domestic Violence, Trial Advocacy

Trying a case — in this case, a CPO hearing — against an unrepresented party is always an experience.

Call me Mr. Reasonable

Jamison Koehler September 26, 2020 Covid-19 pandemic, Trial Advocacy

I suspect that my remote-hearing persona may be more adversarial than my in-person one. And this concerns me: What does this say about me?

A “chance encounter” at the airport

Jamison Koehler June 16, 2020 Trial Advocacy

Q: Well, let me spell it out for you. At the airport, you showed up out of the blue, uninvited. Just like in the song. A: I had no idea she and her boyfriend would be there.

A “no-lose” question at a CPO hearing

Jamison Koehler May 22, 2020 Domestic Violence, Trial Advocacy

You have to love the “no-lose” questions on cross-examination. Yes or no. You win no matter how the witness responds.

The stupefied police officer

Jamison Koehler February 15, 2020 Trial Advocacy

Police officers have all the answers on direct examination. The clarity and animation disappear when it comes time to answer questions from the defense.

Truth=good. Lie=bad.

Jamison Koehler January 21, 2020 Domestic Violence, Trial Advocacy

Complaining witnesses lie on the stand. This never ceases to amaze me. They could be telling the absolute truth about events that led to the criminal prosecution. But when they get on the stand and they are challenged on details during cross-examination, they abandon the truth.