The Andrews discuss a sensitive topic in today’s episode. Gun laws are rapidly changing the legal landscape, let alone everyday life in this country. We try to keep our personal opinions out of this and just report the facts but we’re also human (regardless of what prosecutors say) and feel deeply for the health and safety of our families and clients. With all the changes, one law in particular is in the “crosshairs” of the appeals courts: the bond conditions restricting access to firearms on assault family violence cases. Also, Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon has seen significant changes from its previous form. All good information for you Defenders out there to know.

After taking an episode off, the Andrews are back for another show filled with great information for our defenders. Today we discuss Openings and Closings and how you should be developing the theory and theme of your case. Listen in to some great pointers from Decker and, as always, feel free to contact us with topic/guest ideas.

The Andrews brave the winter storm by discussing the parole considerations of 3(g), which is now 42A.054. This can be tricky for defenders to advise their clients about, so please pay attention and adjust your advice accordingly (if needed).

The Andrews discuss one of those areas that many of the defenders out there will have dealt with, though maybe not directly. Today we cover extraditions: what are they, what code section governs them, and procedurally what do you need to know. Listen in as we go over this important criminally related hearing.

The Andrews start the new year off in earnest with Javier Martinez who will school us on effective legal writing. This won’t be like law school, we assure you. In fact, Javier’s skill in persuasive legal writing has been honed over the years with practical legal experience, he has worked with some legendary trial attorneys and has made a name for himself as an effective litigator. Defenders will particularly want to pay attention to his advice on this episode (hint: its the name of the episode).

The Andrews hope you all have a great holiday season! Today’s episode focuses not on the penal code but on the struggles we all face as attorneys. If you need help, please reach out to someone.

The National Suicide Hotline # is 988

Click Here for the Texas Lawyers Assistance Program

Need Motivation?

On this episode, The Andrews seek to dazzle you with Article 17 of the CCP. Should be a good time!

The Andrews are talking allocutions on this episode. Both of us have experienced our fair share of heart wrenching statements from victims after particularly difficult cases. In those instances, its a no-brainer that we should hear from a victim. But did you know that any case where there’s a “victim” could have an allocution (or victim impact statement). Look at CCP 42.03 and follow along with us.

The Andrews have yet again been assisted by Kasia Cristobal, reference librarian at the UT Tarleton Law Library and friend of the show. We have come up with our topic today by reading an article on Texas’ Constitutional Carry written in the New York Times. While we don’t address the specifics of the article, it did lead us to discussing the fine line (if there is one) between Deadly Conduct (a misdemeanor) and Agg Assault Deadly Weapon (a very serious felony). Listen in as we discuss these two charges as well as self defense under Chapter 9 of the penal code.

The Andrews discuss a recent research paper sent to us by friend-of-the-show Kasia Cristobal. Its an eye opening report on the effect jury selection has on the outcome of a trial. As defenders, we all know that voir dire is the most important phase of trial; often your case is won in this initial stage. This report, “Examining Bias in Jury Selection for Criminal Trials in Dallas County” provides hard data for defenders to see exactly how important this phase is. Hopefully all of us are considering the “ideal” jury for our cases as part of a defense; unfortunately, this means taking into account the racial makeup of a jury.