Years ago, I worked as a prosecutor of serious crimes in the largest county in Minnesota. I had constant contact with police officers. People 
mistakenly think that police officers can charge serious crimes. They investigate, gather evidence, and interview potential witnesses. Then they bring that evidence to a prosecutor who makes the charging decision. From my experience, here …
The media have gone wild again with the hint that Adrian Peterson may reach a plea bargain in his criminal case. He’s accused of beating his four-year old son with a stick.
What is a plea bargain? Does it lead to justice?
After more than thirty years of work as a prosecutor and a defense lawyer, I’ve participated …
Most crime, unfortunately, is violent. But there is a growing number of criminals who are “white collar”—that is they commit financial crimes. And between white collar criminals and violent street thugs, they can both do a lot of damage to innocent victims.
I’ve represented white collar criminals in my years as a criminal defense lawyer Here are five …
I know this subject has been written and argued about in many other forums by people much wiser than I am. I don’t intend to re-hash all of the pros and cons about the death penalty. But after years of working with criminal personalities as a Public Defender, I have a few “inside” comments.
I practice in a …
As a criminal defense lawyer, I get asked one question more than any other: How can you defend a guilty person?
If you know the client did the crime, how can you represent a guilty person? There are three answers to that:
1. Very few clients ever fully admit they’re guilty! Most lie and deny everything. Even though …
Do you like to read crime fiction? Are you anxious to meet new characters and new crime writers?
Most of want to discover new writers. Thanks to book store employees and friends, we find some. But we don’t have time time to “try out” each writer by reading a novel from each of them. Besides, it could get …
Ever wonder how the judges selection process works?
In Minnesota, as in many states, the state court judges are elected. The constitution of the state requires this. However, if a judge retires before his term is finished the governor may appoint a new judge to fill the spot. The federal courts are different. Under the U.S. Constitution, all …
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