Do Crime Victims Have Rights?

We always hear about the rights of accused people and all the constitutional protections every citizen has in America.  They’re all critically important rights—of course.  But what about innocent victims?  Do crime victims have any rights?crime victims

In Minnesota, where I practice criminal law, the legislature has given crime victims several rights.  Here are some:

1.  Crime victims have …

Adrian Peterson—A New Judge for His Case?

Adrian PetersonViking’s running back, Adrian Peterson, has been charged with assaulting his four-year old son.  In a Texas courtroom, the prosecutors of his case want the judge removed.  See the Star Tribune article at:  http://www.startribune.com/local/280108652.html  Usually, this is pretty difficult.  What’s really going on?

1.  Most jurisdictions allow either the prosecutor or the defense to get rid of a …

My New Book–The Amygdala Hijack

The Amygdala HijackI’m thrilled to announce the publication of my new suspense mystery book, The Amygdala Hijack!!  It’s a new series with a new hero named Ted Rohrbacher.  He’s a criminal defense lawyer who has retired from the courtroom and never wants to go back there.  When an old friend, Dan, contacts him and tells Ted he’s about to be …

Is Adrian Peterson Really Not Guilty?

Adrian PetersonIn a courtroom in Texas, Vikings running back Adrian Peterson has pled Not Guilty to criminal charges of beating his four-year old son.  But Adrian Peterson admitted he hit the child with some kind of a stick.  How can he say he’s Not Guilty?  Here’s what might really be going on—

1.  It’s common for accused people to …

Ferguson, Missouri—Some Ideas

Now that some of the tragic events that happened in Ferguson, Missouri have passed, can we learn anything from this?  I worked as a prosecutor some years ago.  In that job I had lots of contact with police as we worked on cases.  Here are some ideas from my experience.Ferguson, Missouri

1.  The level of violence on both sides—the …

New at The Author’s Studio!

the author's studioFor those of you who live in Minnesota, I’ve got a great suggestion for book lovers.  I host a program at the Edina Art Center called The Author’s Studio.  I interview local authors from a variety of genres.  Many readers are always looking for new, good authors to read—here’s the answer.  The program’s purpose is to introduce authors …

Adrian Peterson and Child Protection

child protection caseHere in Minnesota, start running back for the Vikings Adrian Peterson, admitted beating his 4-year old child.  Criminal charges were filed in Texas.  In Minnesota, the government opened a child protection case against Mr. Peterson, and presumably, the mother also.

What does that mean?  What happens now?

1.  The government may open a child protection case whenever there’s …