Los Angeles, CA— We’ve seen time and again how a media-created narrative can have a decisive impact on a jury’s verdict. If the media sows doubt, you have a chance. If they condemn you, you’re likely finished. But wait! Jurors are instructed to avoid media coverage, right? In reality, judicial admonishments are often ignored, and jurors regularly turn to Google to dig up information. The percentage of jurors violating these rules is alarmingly close to 100%. Some defense attorneys seek media attention not necessarily to help their clients but to elevate their own careers. Take the Scott Peterson case, for example. What could have been a routine murder trial in Modesto, California, turned into an international sensation, largely because Peterson’s defense lawyer courted publicity. Scott Peterson wasn’t convicted by the evidence alone but by the loud commentary of media personalities like Nancy Grace. Grace capitalized on Peterson’s deceptive behavior and infidelity to paint him as a ...

Van Nuys, CA—In every trial jurors are strongly admonished by the Judge to avoid press reports either broadcast, print or Internet.     I learned a long time ago that nearly 100% of the jurors ignore that admonishment doing what they damn well please.     With the Internet it’s so much easier for them to stray.   It’s not normally a crime per se, but you can be held in contempt for any violation of that kind.    Contempt of court is usually not a big deal, but anyone covering it up or lying about it under oath is looking at a likely felony prison term.   Investigating that activity was formerly very difficult but because of changes it is not. Such investigations are now doable, but time-consuming.   ISP data shows what websites and the length of the visits.   For any Grossman jurors caught in the dragnet it’s going to be a very nasty.   I suggest that every Juror on the Grossman case contact the court and come clean while on th...

Phoenix, AZ —The second attempt to get a verdict in the penalty phase of the Jodi Arias murder trial is about be get underway before Judge Sherry Stephens . Will it be death, life without parole or a 25 calendar year sentence?    Arias would get full credit for her years in pretrial custody.   Arias is understandably and desperately seeking some control over her defense and public relations matters.   The problem is that she’s woefully unqualified to make any of those decisions. The lawyers assigned to defend Arias are not exactly heavy hitters.   They are lightweights with limited skills and resources.   Arias has been widely criticized for her missteps at every turn.   This young woman is fighting for her life while dealing with complicated issues few of us will ever have to face.  For her there are no right answers.  Whatever she does turns out wrong.  The only thing I know about Arias for sure is she has given...

Los Angeles, CA —When an American jury is empaneled they are admonished to avoid all print, broadcast or Internet related materials involving the case they are deciding.  Do they follow the rules when the juicy gossip is only a few mouse clicks away?  The answer is NO!  Before I indict all jurors let me suggest that a small percentage do obey the instructions.  Perhaps it is only because they are not computer literate.  The rest are a bunch of undisciplined folks that do what they damn well please. It is apparent that our jurors allow themselves to become influenced by illicit outside information.  My blog gave me a real window into a jury in action on a Hollywood Attempted Murder case that began in December of 2005.   Alexander Terminassian shot and wounded an assailant, Marco C . Fuentes .  I remain convinced that the charges should have never been filed!  It was a clear act of self-defense. I was outraged by the e...