A confidential informant is typically an arrested suspect who cooperates with police for money or a reduced/dismissed charge. In San Bernardino County, these deals can affect searches, probable cause, and credibility at trial. This article explains how snitches are used, what they receive, and common defenses to challenge them. By Kirk Tarman, Criminal Defense Attorney […]
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THE GAME PLAN – For A Successful Criminal Defense
A successful criminal defense starts with 1 game plan: hard work through investigation, motion practice, and trial-ready preparation. In Palm Springs, California, Board Certified attorney Mark Sullivan emphasizes disciplined strategy and client communication to drive outcomes. This article outlines the defense workflow from case intake to resolution. by the late Mark Sullivan, Board Certified Criminal […]
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Criminal Law 101: How To Defend Your Future
A preliminary hearing in California typically occurs within 10 court days of arraignment if the defendant is in custody (or within 60 days if out of custody). It lets a judge decide whether probable cause supports the charges and what evidence can proceed. This article explains what to expect and your rights up to the […]
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Secure Your Freedom: The Ultimate Probation Interview Guide
A probation interview typically lasts 30–60 minutes and directly affects your presentence report and sentencing recommendation. Answer truthfully but briefly, and consult your lawyer before discussing the offense or sensitive details. This article explains how to speak for yourself, what probation asks, and how to prepare for the interview. SPEAK FOR YOURSELF AND HELP YOURSELF: […]
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Representing Informants
Stuart Kirchick has defended clients in Santa Clara County, California since 1989, including cooperating defendants. Informant cases often hinge on disclosure rules, discovery strategy, and protecting the client while addressing cooperation. This article explains why representing informants isn’t a betrayal and outlines key considerations for defense counsel. By Stuart Kirchick – Criminal Defense Attorney in […]
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The History Of Habeas Corpus
Habeas corpus traces back to Magna Carta in 1215 as a legal protection against unlawful imprisonment. It evolved through English common law into a core safeguard in American courts for challenging detention. This article outlines key historical milestones and explains the writ’s role in Anglo-American jurisprudence. by the late Wally Farrell, Certified Criminal Law Spcialist, […]
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HUMOR – Part 3
Humor – Part 3 is a 2002 reprinted humorous story that begins with a driver getting a parking ticket from a motorcycle cop after a 5-minute store stop. It recounts the narrator’s escalating attempts to talk the officer out of the citation and the cop’s response. The article is a short comedy anecdote originally published […]
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DNA Goes To Court
DNA evidence is now used in thousands of court cases each year, often providing strong identification when collected and analyzed correctly. But its power depends on lawful collection, reliable lab methods, and clear presentation that avoids overstating matches. This article explains how DNA enters a case, common challenges to admissibility and interpretation, and what judges […]
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PRESUMED GUILTY:
“Presumed Guilty” argues the jury missed key evidence in Scott Peterson’s trial and contends he should not face a death sentence. It features a 2007 interview with author Matt Dalton by journalist Bill Bickel, exploring disputed facts and legal issues. This article reviews the book and summarizes the interview’s central claims about the Laci Peterson […]
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HUMOR – Part 1
This article compiles 12 courtroom humor snippets presented as “absolutely-true” testimony from guaranteed-actual transcripts (tongue-in-cheek). Reposted with permission from Crime, Justice and America magazine, it highlights judge-and-defendant exchanges and a self-represented defendant’s remarks. It’s Part 1 of a series focused on light, transcript-style legal humor. Originally printed in 2002 in Crime, Justice and America magazine […]
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