Blog 18: Third Answer

What is the best way a defense attorney can defend her client in court?

The best way a defense attorney can defend her client is to win a trial, proving her client is 'not guilty'.

• One way to do this is to disprove any of the prosecution's credibility as false.
• Challenging the believability of the witness's story
• #35 - Defense Strategies
• It is best to work with the client and do whatever he or she want.
• Some clients truly believe they are innocent and will make things worse for themselves if they are not on the same page as the attorney.
• #8 - Five Problems Facing Public Defense
• Do not get emotionally attached.
• It can lead to bad decisions and it can lead to "screwing" the client over. Whether you dislike the client or feel bad for him or her.
• Mentorship

It may seem obvious at first glance, but actually proving that your client is 'not guilty' is a complicated process.

Breaking News!

Do you remember this case?

   At my mentor's office, he has a new boss. Since he has the most experience, my mentor was made second-in-command. Because of this, my mentor was "in charge" or babysitting the case People vs. Olivia Culbreath. The reason for this is due to the family not knowing wether or not they could afford a private attorney. It was today at 3:10 when the defendant completed her arraignment, the official announcement that she will be using a public defender. An attorney will be assigned to her case by the end of this week. The reason the arraignment took a long time is because she waived it the first time to see if they could afford a private attorney. A thing that she had to be careful with in choosing a private attorney (if she so wishes to substitute in) is that the attorney might do it for free since it is a high profile case. With any lawyer, you want to make sure that they actually know what to do and not want to be in the spot light. 

   Inside the courtroom, we found out that there are over 800 documents that they need to go over, so Culbreath's next appearance will be on the May 21st at 11am. 

My mentor giving a statement on the status of the case. 

Master Shredder

Not a lot has happened this month. Less cases (which is a good thing) and so I have mostly been helping out around the office. My latest job is my shredding some very old and random miscellaneous paperwork, memos, and other things for all the associates in the office. It took me a long while because every so often the shredding machine would over heat and/or get too full to continue. Woe is me. It me a few days but I did it.  

This shredder here has been my best friend for the last couple weeks.

Paperwork

Started helping a little more around the office, and was given an assignment to retype of paperwork. It's not that difficult. The only hard part is that I have 50 page papers that I need to type up, and more than 2 boxes full of those documents. This has only taught me that patience is required for this job, also fast typing skills if one ever wants to see an end to them. 

Packet #1 of what feels like fifty thousand.

This is a great representation of what it felt like when I was typing up all those motions.

Blog 17: Fourth Interview Questions

1. What is your procedure when you first get a case?
2. What kind of questions do you ask when getting their side of the story?
3. What must someone look for to make sure a report is fair?
4. How does a plea bargain work?
5. Can you explain the different pleas?
6. What are motions?
7. What are the more typical offenses in misdemeanors?
8. How much time should an attorney spend on a case at minimum?
9. What are some of the things needed to research more on the case?
10. If your client truly believes he is innocent and would rather go to trial, what are some of the step you take to gather information?
11. Why would an attorney appeal to the jury emotionally rather than factually?
12. What do you do if a witness or the client himself says something that "screws him over"?
13. What are some strategies when at court?
14. What are some advice you give clients when going through a difficult time?
15. What are some questions clients ask when checking for experience of their attorney?
16. What do you do if you enter a trial you truly believe won't benefit your client?
17. What are some ways to improve the public image of public defenders?
18. What advice would you give to new attorneys?
19. What mindset should an attorney have when speaking with a client? At court?
20. How can a defense attorney best defend a client in court?
21. Is there anything else that you believe people should know to better understand your profession?

Blog 16: Advisory Meeting #2

What is the best way a defense attorney can defend her client in court?

Answer #2: A defense attorney must know everything pertaining the case.

• Someone was arrested for having brass knuckles, further research and evidence provided shows that it was just a four-finger ring, thus dismissing the case.
• mentor
• Double check the documents to make sure client is not being charged falsely. 
• "Defending a Criminal Case" (#25a)
• To talk regularly on their point of view on the case, it can contain vital information that can be beneficial.
• Interview 3, "Criminal Defense Strategies" (#28b)

Depending on the case, it can be possible to dimiss the case altogether and no need to go to court.

Blog 15: Independent Component 2 Approval

1. For my next 30 hours, I plan on helping out more at my mentor's office. This will allow me access to some old and new cases where I can read them and give my own opinion on what a client should do. I would then ask my mentor if I was correct, so I would be able to learn from mistakes.
2. To show for evidence, I hope to get more pictures at the office and of inside the courthouse, but it might be difficult because cameras aren't allowed inside.
3. Doing this will let me explore my topic more in depth. As I am reading cases, it would be up to me to decide on the best course of action, thus helping me answer my Essential Question.
4. Independent Component 2