I know I’ve posted a lot about the Adrian Peterson case, but it continues to show the classic parts of any criminal case—and what went wrong.  As you probably know, Adrian Peterson was charged in a Texas court with a felony charge for beating his child with a stick.  He did not plead guilty, but agreed to a “No Contest” in return for a reduction to a misdemeanor and probation.  So far as I know, he has not done anything else about the case.

In the meantime, the NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, has suspended Adrian Peterson from playing football and getting paid until April, 2015.  What does this have to do with a courtroom or a criminal case?

In the defense of any client, there are certain, simple actions that can be taken to improve their defense and their chances for lenient treatment.  None of these were done by Adrian Peterson.  Here are some suggestions for him: (I’m sure he’ll listen to me!)

1.  From day one he should have expressed, in some forum, his remorse.  He got the attention, but the true victim here was not Adrian Peterson.  It was his son.

2.  From day one, he should have started a parenting evaluation.

3.  He should have gotten to work as soon as possible on any recommendations coming from the parenting assessment.  These could include: anger management, counseling, education about discipline methods, etc.

4.  If Adrian Peterson was treated that way as a child (which was his defense) he may need therapy himself.  One of the great talents he has as an athlete is that he “runs angry.”  Maybe that stems from his childhood and he could benefit from therapy himself.

5.  In the Texas court, he really didn’t admit that he was guilty.  He should have done that.  The sentence would not have changed, but it would have shown him taking responsibility for his actions.

Recently, he has expressed remorse and said he was sorry for his actions, and that were all his fault.  It’s too late.  If he had done all of the above, before his case reached Roger Goodell, it would be hard for the commissioner to continue the suspension.  But by delaying these actions, Adrian Peterson has hurt his own case.  In any criminal case, a good defense lawyer has his client complete many of the anticipated probation requirements before he gets to court.  This puts the client in the best possible position when he must face the judge.  (Or NFL Commissioner).

These are simple steps that would have helped Adrian Peterson.  For some reason, he didn’t do them.  Was it poor legal advice or was it his own decision to not act?