About Colin Nelson

Colin T. Nelson worked for 40 years as a prosecutor and criminal defense lawyer in Minneapolis. He tried everything from speeding tickets to first degree murder. His writing about the courtroom and the legal system give the reader a "back door" view of what goes on, what's funny, and what's a good story. He has also traveled extensively and includes those locations in his mysteries. Some are set in Southeast Asia, Ecuador,Peru, and South Africa. Readers get a suspenseful tale while learning about new places on the planet. Colin is married, has two adult children, and plays the saxophone in various bands.

In a Room With a Serial Killer

Colin photoOkay, right from the start, I’d much rather have been in a room with Eric Clapton or Anthony Bourdain,  Kristin Scott Thomas or even Julia Child!  (Think of the great food, although maybe I should update to Rachel Ray.)  Instead, in my job as a Public Defender, I get to sit in rooms with criminals and serial killers.

Is Oscar Pistorius Innocent??

In Pretoria, South Africa, the murder trial of Oscar Pistorius has started.  If you recall, he has been charged with murdering his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp.  Because of his extraordinary work as a disabled Olympic athlete and her work as a model, the case has attracted world attention.Colin photo

The facts presented by the media are straight forward.  Mr. Pistorius …

Miranda Barbour– Craigslist Killer??

Miranda Barbour has told reporters that she has killed men who she lured to their deaths through ads in Craigslist.   See article –at:http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/16/justice/craigslist-thrill-killing-confession/index.html  She claims the deaths of anywhere from 22 victims up to “less than 100.”  Ms. Barbour also says the acts were done because of her association with a satanic cult.colin.nelson.smallfile

Could this be true?…

Tax Returns—Why Think About Them

Since February 1, most of you received your tax documents in the mail.  And a few of you are actually thinking of filing your tax returns early this year—well, very few!Colin photo

It always amazes me to listen to lawyers riding the elevators between court rooms chuckle about how they’ve “beaten” the government again—by getting a tax refund after …

Philip Seymour Hoffman–There is Still Hope

The tragedy of Philip Seymour Hoffman’s death from an apparent overdose of heroin prompted me to post something positive.

Most of the countries of Europe have chosen to treat drug possession and use as a public health problem.  The U.S. has chosen to criminalize these activities.  I’m not getting into an argument about legalizing various drugs in our …

Amanda Knox—A Vacation in Italy??

Colin photoOne of my favorite countries is Italy and I’d like to go back there anytime.  Unfortunately for Amanda Knox, she may have to go back—against her will.

I’ve been a criminal lawyer for over 30 years and have followed Amanda Knox’s case.  As you may know, she was convicted in 2009 in Italy of murdering her roommate …

Was Sherlock Ahead of His Time?

male-eye-closeup-view-32868928Sherlock Holmes practiced his craft in the 19th century but the TV show, CSI, didn’t air until the 21st. century—yet they use many of the crime scene techniques Sherlock used.  How could he be so far ahead of his time?  Judging by the number of new shows about Sherlock Holmes, he still fascinates all of us—me included!

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