By Chuck Peterson on Posted in Civil Trial Practice,Criminal Defense,Hire a Lawyer,UncategorizedImpartiality is a myth. So the idea that you will start with an impartial jury or fact finder (maybe a Judge) misses the mark. We all have inherent bias and prejudice that colors our decision making. All of us. Let’s start with a simple example involving cars. I have a bias (or preference) in favor… Continue Reading
By Chuck Peterson on Posted in Assistance of Counsel,Hire a Lawyer,TrialsI saw it again the other morning in court – a young kid whose lawyer was paying little more than lip service in protecting his right to a fair and speedy trial. The truth is most people accused of a crime are treated like criminals, regardless of the fact the law is supposed to presume… Continue Reading
By Chuck Peterson on Posted in Criminal Defense,DUI,Hire a Lawyer Today’s question: “What happens if you are arrested and charged with driving under the influence of drugs? Let’s say prescription drugs. What does the prosecutor have to prove to obtain a conviction?” This question comes to me more frequently today than ever before, probably because more and more people who are taking medications prescribed… Continue Reading
By Chuck Peterson on Posted in Criminal Defense,Hire a Lawyer,Politics,UncategorizedOK – I get it. If you are the Prez’ and you ran on a scare platform that crime is rampant in the streets and makes it more likely you will be murdered in Chicago than you will find an empty Starbucks in Seattle, you’ve got to get tough on crime! So the Donald’s new… Continue Reading
By Chuck Peterson on Posted in Assistance of Counsel,Criminal Defense,Hire a Lawyer Peterson Lawyers associate attorney Will Young tells us to "challenge that speeding ticket! Speaking from experience, getting ticketed for speeding is not a fun experience. Seeing red and blue lights in your rearview mirror is not a good feeling. I realize speeding is not even close to the worst thing you can be accused… Continue Reading
By Chuck Peterson on Posted in Hire a Lawyer In the fight of your life? Five years ago I started this blog with a post about hiring a lawyer. What should you ask before you pay? Over the years, this post has stood the test of time. Read it and you will be a better informed consumer! Forget those crazy lawyer TV advertisements,… Continue Reading
By Chuck Peterson on Posted in Assistance of Counsel,Constitutional Law,Criminal Defense,Hire a Lawyer,News,Politics,Trials The news tonight declares that Kennedy cousin Michael Skakel has won a new trial because his criminal defense lawyer did not do enough to provide an effective defense. Robert F. Kennedy was his uncle. Mr. Skakel was convicted of the murder of Martha Moxley in 1975. She was beaten to death with a golf club… Continue Reading
By Chuck Peterson on Posted in Criminal Defense,Hire a Lawyer,Trial Lawyers College,TrialsJust how do you address the court? What does your language tell the judge in that Ada County or Federal Court appearance? Whether you are a lawyer or a defendant, an expert witness or a plaintiff, the way you speak and the things you say can make a difference. Check out this video, it’s hilarious,… Continue Reading
By Chuck Peterson on Posted in Hire a Lawyer I went to get a bagel this morning after a hearing and ran into a guy with a story about "his lawyer." He had hired a friend of mine for a case in a practice area that I do not usually handle and he wanted to tell me about the great job his lawyer (and… Continue Reading
By Chuck Peterson on Posted in Hire a Lawyer We lawyers tend to think of ourselves as indispensable when it comes to protecting your rights. That is not always the case and you may be able to handle your case on your own without any lawyer. It’s true. Not every case requires that you spend money to hire a criminal defense lawyer – whether… Continue Reading
