Capital Punishment in Memphis

Gary Cone's murder case traveled from the trial courts of Memphis all the way to the halls of the U.S. Supreme Court.The case hinges on whether the Shelby County District Attorney's Office withheld evidence from a an attorney in a capital murder case. The Memphis Commerical Appeal has written an editorial advocating a policy of recording all custodial interrogations with murder suspects , creating protocols for case selection criteria of death penalty cases , and ensuring that all lawyers who represent those accused of capital murder cases have adequate legal counsel and that they are compensated fairly. My father had a saying that "Those that have the capital don't get the punishment." I guess my Dad is still right about that one.

Why You Hire A Good DUI Lawyer

There are a lot of lawyers out there who hold themselves out as DUI lawyers. Some are even rated as the best by local news media without any real experience except by gathering votes on line. Baloney. You must seek out a lawyer who knows the ins and outs of DUI law. This week I was reminded of this fact when I was hired by a client to represent her in a DUI case. After several lawyers told her there was nothing she could do but plead guilty They charged her $500.00 to walk her to the courthouse. She decided to meet with me instead. We meet and went over her case. A breath test of .144 was a little problem , but she did not want to plead guilty. After an investigation, the case was plea bargained on a non-dui charge , kept her driver's license and avoided jail. I charged her more , but do you think she wished she would have paid the $500.00 bucks and had a DUI conviction. Disclaimer , all cases are different and no guarantees , but e-mail me At Rob@RobMckinneylaw.com for a free evaluation. You can also call my paralegal Julie at 615-259-9009 to make an appointment.

Why Waive A Preliminary Hearing

Yesterday, I posted about the jail docket here in Nashville. I have never waived a preliminary hearing in a case with one exception. Once , I waived a preliminary hearing in a aggravated statutory rape charge as to not inflame the family. I was afraid if the person's family heard some of the evidence they might push for jail time.Fortunately, the strategy worked. I read about a case in Murfreesboro,Tn in which the lawyer waived a hearing in a serious case. It appears from the article that nothing was gained by waiving the hearing. Criminal defense rule number one never waive the preliminary hearing unless you get something ion return. Test the state's case early and often.

Nashville's Jail Docket

If someone is arrested in Nashville, Tennessee , a person accused of a crime is entitled to a bond with the exception of a capital murder charge. Suppose someone cannot make a bond. What happens next? Shortly after your arrest , you are placed on a review docket. The review docket is a chance to settle some types of misdemeanor cases. Most of the time the case is placed on the "jail docket". Felonies and misdemeanors alike are placed on the jail docket. Several things can happen to one's case.First a preliminary hearing might be held. The Rules of Criminal Procedure requires a hearing to be held within 10 days from the date of arrest. Secondly, the case could be settled.More on that tomorrow. Finally, you can waive your right to a hearing in exchange for a reduction in your bail bond. I will write more about this topic this week. remember , you can make a post and I will try to answer your questions.