That trial

We had a sentencing hearing today from my trial earlier this week. He got 36 months with 12 to serve, credit for the 63 days he's already been in jail. If he finishes a drug program before his time elapses, he can get released if he's been good.


The trial itself was a great learning experience. It was the first time I have taken a case "all the way" on my own. I've been a right-hand attorney, but never 'the man' on a case. I picked the jury, opened, closed, and everything in between. I got a directed verdict on two counts of family violence battery and I got the jury to acquit on two more counts. Unfortunately, they found him guilty of the six remaining counts. The good news was that he was no longer facing 10 counts, or 120 months in jail, and only 6 counts, or 60 months. Some counts merged, so he ended up with a 36 month sentence. Overall, not a bad experience. He was happy with my representation, so I feel like I served him well.

I am a Trial Attorney

I just finished my first trial.


My client started the day facing two accusations and ten charges. After directed verdict I got them down to eight charges. After deliberating for an hour and 15 minutes they returned a verdict..... acquittal on two charges and convictions on the remaining six.


I'm counting it as a win, but it still stings. I'll have to recap more later. I just got home and need a nap.

I'm not really new here.... but I kinda am

I've been mixing work with pleasure for the past few years. Being a public defender, I decided to cut out the pleasure and continue with the work.

Here's my PD Blog with details of my life left out. This will be my work life, my work social life, my trials, my .... me, as a PD.

I came from the Big City to the just-as-big-but-less-city neighboring county. I had to start over somewhat, but I am now in a trial courtroom on my own. I've got a state court courtroom to cover, which means (in decreasing severity): DUI cases, Domestic violence, minor possesion, traffic, trespass etc.

I work with another PD blogger: http://indigentdefense.blogspot.com/ there's his link on the right. He's in felonies, I've got Misdemeanors covered.

Post me a comment, I'd like to know if anyone notices me.

My First Trial

I thought I was going to have my first solo trial last week. I was prepared... perhaps over prepped. I had a client charged with sexual battery by a scorned woman. It would have been a bad case if you had believed her, but she was a little crazy (or a lot) and we had some good impeachment evidence. I was at work all weekend, and Monday was a holiday, so that was a full day at the office by myself.



Tuesday morning rolled around and I was sitting at the defense table with all my stuff spread out (I was first to the courtroom to settle into my war room cockpit). The prosecutor rolled in and said, "You ready to throw in the towel yet?" I responded in kind, and we had a good fake laugh together. He circled his table for a total of four or five seconds and said, "How about 24 hours on Disorderly Conduct?" I guess all my prep work paid off or something. Maybe I looked pretty confident and he didn't want to put up his witness. Maybe he got as newvious as I felt, but cracked first. I didn't know at the time. He told the judge that he didn't think the witness would hold up under cross exam and she said, "You mean the scathing cross that 'PD-Jay' was going to effect on her?" I'll take that little joke of a compliment thank you.



So, this coming Monday I have yet another sexual battery to try! This time the victim is missing though, so I doubt that it will go anywhere.