Legally Vegas

Legally Vegas

By Bighorn LawBusinessNewsNews Commentary
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Legally Vegas episodes

  • Mike Sanft: Representing The Accused, Tupac Shakur's Killer Part 2
    Welcome back to Legally Vegas! 🎙
    In Part 2 of this special two-part episode, Jacqueline Bretell (CEO & Partner at Bighorn Law @bighorn_law) continues her deep dive with criminal defense attorney Michael Sanft, who represented Duane “Keefe D” Davis in the high-profile Tupac Shakur murder trial. ⚖
    Jacquie and Mike break down the courtroom strategy of defending a client whose own public statements, interviews, and book were weaponized against him. They explore the complex legalities of the 2008 federal proffer, missing physical evidence, unverified timelines, and the alternative theories surrounding Death Row Records and Tupac’s final days. Plus, Mike explains why this verdict is far from the end—and how the "long game" is heading straight to the Nevada Supreme Court.
    Topics in this episode:
    The Ultimate Strategy: Disputing His Own Words
    Mike explains why arguing that his client's public claims were "bullshit" was the only viable strategy, and how to defend a case where a defendant writes a book and gives interviews about the crime.
    Inside the 2008 Federal Proffer & Missing Records
    A look into the federal immunity deal, why there were no written terms or recordings from the state, and how Keefe D believed he was protected from prosecution for decades.
    Where Is the Physical Evidence?
    Jacquie and Mike highlight the complete lack of DNA, fingerprints, murder weapon, surveillance footage, or phone records linking the defendant to Las Vegas on the night of the crime.
    Death Row Records, Audits & Alternative Theories
    Unpacking the financial control, missing millions, unreleased tracks, and the tension between Tupac, Suge Knight, and Death Row Records before the shooting.
    Surprise Witnesses & The Missing Lead Detective
    Why the state never called lead detective Cliff Mogg or surviving eyewitness Suge Knight to testify on the stand during the trial.
    The Fast Verdict & Preparing for the Nevada Supreme Court
    Mike shares what happened when the jury returned after less than three hours, Keefe D’s reaction to the verdict, and why the defense is taking these constitutional issues straight to appeal.
    Whether you're interested in criminal defense, high-profile trial strategy, constitutional law, or the real legal story behind the Tupac Shakur murder trial, you won't want to miss Part 2! Watch now, leave your thoughts in the comments, and subscribe to Legally Vegas for more conversations about Nevada law, trial strategy, and the legal community. 🎬✨
    Don’t forget to like & subscribe!
    📲 Follow us at: https://www.instagram.com/legallyvegas/
    Host: https://www.instagram.com/jrb.esq/
    Bighorn Law: https://bighornlaw.com
    #LegallyVegas #JacquelineBretell #MichaelSanft #SOSInjury #KeefeD #TupacShakur #2Pac #BighornLaw #CriminalDefense #TupacTrial #ClarkCounty #LasVegas #LasVegasAttorney #NevadaLaw #NevadaAttorney #TrueCrime #LegalPodcast #LasVegasPodcast #OnlyInVegas #AllIn
    1 hr 12 min
  • Mike Sanft: Representing the Accused, Tupac Shakur's Killer, Part 1
    Welcome back to Legally Vegas!
    In this episode, Jacqueline Bretell (CEO & Partner at Bighorn Law @bighorn_law) sits down with prolific criminal defense attorney Michael Sanft of @sosinjury, who stepped up to take on one of the most high-profile trials in American history—representing Duane “Keefe D” Davis pro bono in the murder of Tupac Shakur.
    Jacquie and Mike take viewers behind the scenes of a case that remained unsolved for nearly 30 years. They dive into Mike’s unique journey into the law, the high-stakes reality of preparing for a decades-old murder trial in just four months, and the critical legal red flags that surfaced along the way. From missing police reports and unverified book claims to grand jury questions and trial strategy, this episode offers an exclusive, insider look at what really happens when the state tries a legendary cold case.
    And the fun doesn't stop here—this is only Part 1 of our deep dive! Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss Part 2 when it drops.
    Topics in this episode:
    Meet Attorney Michael Sanft
    Mike shares his journey from dancing through school in Hawaii to building a 25-year legal career in Las Vegas, mentoring under Nevada legal leaders, and finding his calm, methodical approach to courtroom defense.
    Taking On the Tupac Shakur Case Pro Bono
    How a simple phone call from a friend led Mike to step up for Duane "Keefe D" Davis just four months before trial, and his initial reaction after analyzing the state's initial batch of evidence.
    30 Years of Investigation: Becker, Long & Mogg
    Mike breaks down the timeline of detectives assigned to the case since 1996, the 2009 decision by the District Attorney’s office to decline prosecution, and how changing DA leadership impacted the decision to charge.
    The Missing Reports & The 14,000-Page "Docudump"
    Why lead detective Cliff Mogg never wrote a formal police report during his six years on the case, and how the defense team challenged the state's lack of documented investigative trail.
    Unverified Evidence & The Grand Jury Questions
    From ghostwritten book claims in Compton Street Legend to unverified timelines and missing physical evidence, Mike details the massive gaps in the prosecution's narrative.
    Jury Selection, Voir Dire & The 1996 Reality
    Finding an impartial jury for a famous cold case, why age and technology perception mattered during selection, and the challenge of evaluating a 1990s crime through a modern lens.
    Whether you're interested in criminal defense, Nevada law, high-profile trial strategy, or the real legal story behind the Tupac Shakur case, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Watch now and subscribe to Legally Vegas for more conversations about real cases, Nevada law, trial strategy, and the people shaping the Las Vegas legal community.
    Don’t forget to like & subscribe!
    Follow us at: https://www.instagram.com/legallyvegas/
    Host: https://www.instagram.com/jrb.esq/
    Bighorn Law: https://bighornlaw.com
    #LegallyVegas #JacquelineBretell #MichaelSanft #SOSInjury #KeefeD #TupacShakur #2Pac #BighornLaw #CriminalDefense #TupacTrial #ClarkCounty #LasVegas #LasVegasAttorney #NevadaLaw #NevadaAttorney #TrueCrime #LegalPodcast #LasVegasPodcast #OnlyInVegas #AllIn
    53 min
  • Liz Ortenburger: What the Legal System Gets Wrong About Domestic Violence
    ⚠️Content Warning: This episode contains in-depth discussions surrounding domestic violence, sexual assault, physical abuse, non-fatal strangulation, trauma, and homicide. Viewer discretion is advised.
    Welcome back to Legally Vegas!
    In this episode, Jacqueline Bretell (CEO & Partner at Bighorn Law @bighorn_law) sits down with Liz Ortenburger, CEO of SafeNest, Nevada’s largest domestic violence and sexual violence nonprofit. Together, they take viewers behind the scenes of one of the most critical issues facing Southern Nevada: the reality of domestic and sexual abuse, systemic law enforcement responses, and how we can truly keep victims safe. :scales:
    Jacquie and Liz discuss the heartbreaking statistics surrounding domestic violence in Clark County, the misconceptions about why victims stay, the red flags that indicate potential lethality, and why standard court interventions fall short. They also dive into the innovative programs SafeNest is leading alongside LVMPD Metro, the upcoming opening of "One Safe Place," and how the entire Las Vegas community—from lawmakers to everyday citizens—can step up to end the cycle of violence.
    Topics in this episode:
    Nevada’s Domestic Violence Crisis
    Liz breaks down the staggering statistics facing Southern Nevada, including why Clark County leads the nation in domestic violence homicides per capita and why the state sees nearly one domestic violence-related homicide every week.
    "Why Didn't She Leave?" & Understanding Lethality
    Jacquie and Liz address the common misperception surrounding victims of abuse, exploring why the most dangerous time for a survivor is when they decide to leave and why society needs to shift its focus onto abuser accountability.
    The Danger of Strangulation & Missing Legal Red Flags
    Liz highlights the terrifying reality of non-fatal strangulation, explaining how it increases a victim's homicide risk by 750% and its deep correlation with mass shooters and other severe crimes across the country.
    We Can't "Arrest Our Way Out"
    Why mandatory arrest laws and standard court dockets aren't solving the root problem. Liz explains the need for specialized fatality reviews, holistic court structures, and treating abuser trauma through targeted behavioral intervention.
    Innovative Community Solutions: Project Safe 417 & "One Safe Place"
    From sending advocates directly to active police calls with LVMPD Metro to opening the brand-new "One Safe Place" wraparound resource center, Liz shares how SafeNest is pioneering new paths toward real safety in Las Vegas.
    Whether you're interested in public policy, Nevada law, survivor advocacy, criminal justice reform, or making a difference in the Las Vegas community, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Watch now and subscribe to Legally Vegas for more conversations about real cases, Nevada law, trial strategy, and the people shaping the Las Vegas legal community. 🎙️
    Don’t forget to like & subscribe!
    Need Help or Want to Support? 💜
    SafeNest 24/7 Crisis & Text Line: (702) 646-4981
    SafeNest Website & Donations: https://safenest.org
    #LegallyVegas #JacquelineBretell #JacquieBretell #LizOrtenburger #SafeNest #BighornLaw #DomesticViolenceAwareness #EndDomesticViolence #ClarkCounty #LasVegas #LasVegasAttorney #NevadaLaw #NevadaAttorney #PublicPolicy #ProjectSafe417 #OneSafePlace #LVMPD #PreventAbuse #CommunityAction #LegalPodcast #LasVegasPodcast
    📲 Follow us at: https://www.instagram.com/legallyvegas/
    Host: https://www.instagram.com/jrb.esq/
    Bighorn Law: https://bighornlaw.com
    54 min
  • Shana Brouwers: Defending the public
    Welcome back to Legally Vegas! ⚖️🎙️
    In this episode, Jacqueline Bretell (CEO & Partner at Bighorn Law @bighorn_law) sits down with Shana Brouwers, a practicing attorney with the Clark County Public Defender’s Office, to take viewers behind the scenes of one of the most misunderstood areas of the legal system: public defense.
    Shana and Jacquie discuss what it really means to represent people accused of crimes, the misconceptions surrounding public defenders, the importance of protecting a client's constitutional rights, and the incredible amount of courtroom experience that comes with working in one of the largest criminal defense practices in Nevada. They also get personal, talking about their shared experiences as attorneys, Shana's passion for theater, and some truly Only in Vegas stories.
    ⚖️ Topics in this episode:
    The Truth About Public Defenders
    Shana breaks down what public defenders actually do and why the idea that they are simply attorneys who “couldn’t get another job” couldn’t be further from the truth.
    Public Defender vs. Private Attorney
    Does hiring a private criminal defense attorney automatically mean you’ll get a better result? Shana explains why that common assumption isn’t necessarily true.
    What If Your Client Is Guilty?
    Criminal defense isn’t about “getting bad people off.” Shana explains the responsibility attorneys have to protect their clients’ rights and make sure the state proves its case fairly and lawfully.
    The Reality of Life in the Courtroom
    From handling cases every day to having an entire network of experienced attorneys and social workers to lean on, Shana shares what public defense really looks like behind the scenes.
    Only in Vegas 🎭🎰

    The conversation takes a turn into some truly unforgettable Las Vegas stories, including “trick rolls,” mistaken identities, and the unexpected situations attorneys encounter outside the courtroom.
    Whether you're interested in criminal defense, Nevada law, the public defender system, trial strategy, or the real stories behind Las Vegas' legal community, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Watch now and subscribe to Legally Vegas for more conversations about real cases, Nevada law, trial strategy, and the people shaping the Las Vegas legal community.
    Don’t forget to like & subscribe!
    #LegallyVegas #JacquelineBretell #JacquieBretell #ShanaBrouwers #BighornLaw #PublicDefender #ClarkCounty #CriminalDefense #CriminalDefenseAttorney #LasVegas #LasVegasAttorney #NevadaLaw #NevadaAttorney #CriminalJustice #TrialLawyer #LegalPodcast #LasVegasPodcast #PublicDefense #OnlyInVegas #AllIn
    📲 Follow us at: https://www.instagram.com/legallyvegas/
    Host: https://www.instagram.com/jrb.esq/
    Guest: https://www.instagram.com/shananigans44/
    58 min
  • Kimball Jones: Pricing the Priceless
    Welcome back to Legally Vegas! ⚖️🎙️
    In this episode, Jacqueline Bretell (@jrb.esq, CEO & Partner at Bighorn Law @bighorn_law) sits down with her law partner, Kimball Jones, to take viewers behind the scenes of one of the most significant cases Bighorn Law has tried: the $56.5 million jury verdict awarded on behalf of Omar Alrabadi. After Omar, an active-duty Navy servicemember, was brutally attacked outside Chayo at the LINQ Promenade in Las Vegas and left unconscious in the doorway of the Flamingo Hotel and Casino, his case became a fight over more than just compensation. It became a case about premises liability, negligent security, corporate responsibility, evidence preservation, and access to justice.
    ⚖️ Topics in this episode:
    The $56.5 Million Verdict
    Kimball walks Jacquie through the Omar Alrabadi case, the devastating injuries Omar suffered, and how the jury ultimately reached a $56.5 million.
    What Happened at Chayo?
    A look at what happened the night Omar was attacked, including the allegations surrounding the security staff, the attackers, and the events that ultimately left Omar with a fractured skull and a traumatic brain injury.
    The Missing Evidence & Video
    Kimball discusses the discovery of multiple sets of witness statements, delayed incident reports, missing surveillance footage, and more than 1,000 additional videos that were ultimately produced after years of litigation.
    The Importance of Traumatic Brain Injury Experts
    Omar's injuries weren't always visible from the outside. Jacquie and Kimball discuss the challenges of presenting a traumatic brain injury case to a jury and the role of medical experts, including renowned neuropathologist Dr. Bennet Omalu.
    Building the Case & Picking the Jury
    What goes into preparing a high-stakes catastrophic injury case? Kimball shares insight into jury selection, addressing potential juror bias, presenting damages, and asking a jury to consider a verdict in the tens of millions of dollars.
    Why This Verdict Matters for Las Vegas
    The conversation goes beyond one case to examine security, corporate accountability, evidence preservation, and what these issues mean for visitors and residents who expect to be safe while enjoying Las Vegas.
    The Bighorn Law Trial Team
    Jacquie and Kimball also recognize the attorneys, experts, paralegals, staff, and co-counsel attorneys who helped bring Omar's case to trial—and discuss Bighorn Law's evolution into a trial-focused firm committed to going ALL IN for its clients.
    Whether you're interested in Las Vegas tourism, law, personal injury litigation, premises liability, negligent security, traumatic brain injuries, or what really happens behind a major jury verdict, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Watch now and subscribe to Legally Vegas for more conversations about real cases, Nevada law, trial strategy, and the stories shaping the Las Vegas legal community.
    Don’t forget to like & subscribe!
    #LegallyVegas #JacquelineBretell #JacquieBretell #KimballJones #BighornLaw #OmarAlRabadi #LasVegas #NevadaLaw #NevadaAttorney #PersonalInjury #PremisesLiability #NegligentSecurity #TraumaticBrainInjury #JuryTrial #TrialLawyer #LegalPodcast #LasVegasPodcast #NevadaTrialLawyer #AccessToJustice #AllIn
    📲 Follow us at: https://www.instagram.com/legallyvegas/
    Host: https://www.instagram.com/jrb.esq/
    59 min
  • David Copperfield, UNR OnlyFans & Brunner v. Sterling Updates | Mini Episode
    Welcome to Legally Vegas! ⚖️🎙️
    While we're in the middle of back-to-back jury trials at Bighorn Law, Jacqueline Bretell (CEO @jrb.esq & Partner at Bighorn Law @bighorn_law) is dropping in with a special Legally Vegas Mini Episode to bring you the latest developments on some of the biggest Nevada cases we've been following.
    ⚖️ Topics in this episode:
    David Copperfield's Las Vegas future
    Has the legendary illusionist disappeared from the Las Vegas Strip for good? Jacquie shares the latest update on his residency and what's changed since our previous episode.
    The UNR OnlyFans case
    The criminal case involving former University of Nevada, Reno student Anthony Bassi continues to move through the courts. Jacquie breaks down the latest court filings, upcoming hearings, and where the case stands today.
    Brunner v. Sterling update
    One of our favorite cases to follow is back with major developments. Jacquie covers the Rule 16 conference, the surprising list of more than 40 potential witnesses, Nevada's deposition limits, and the newly uncovered University of Alabama connection that adds another layer to this fascinating lawsuit.
    If you've been following our coverage of these stories, be sure to check out our earlier episodes for the full background before diving into these latest developments.
    Don't forget to like, subscribe, and follow so you never miss a new episode. We'll be back soon with our next full-length conversation.
    #LegallyVegas #JacquelineBretell #NevadaLaw #LasVegas #DavidCopperfield #UNR #UniversityOfNevadaReno #OnlyFans #BrunnerVsSterling #LegalNews #NevadaCourts #CourtCases #LegalPodcast #LasVegasPodcast #BighornLaw #allin
    📲Follow us at: https://www.instagram.com/legallyvegas/
    Host: https://www.instagram.com/jrb.esq/
    6 min
  • Arlette Newvine: Brothels, Box Wine, and Wild West Justice

    Is Nevada really just the Wild West? ⚖️🤠

    When most people think of Nevada, they picture the glitz of the Las Vegas Strip, quickie weddings, and legalized brothels. But just an hour west in Nye County, the legal reality is vastly different—and much wilder—than you've been led to believe.

    Welcome to Legally Vegas with Jacqueline Bretell (CEO @jrb.esq & partner at Bighorn Law @bighorn_law) and hometown powerhouse Arlette Newvine, Esq. (owner of Newvine Law in Pahrump, Nevada @newvinelaw_). Arlette returned to her hometown to build a thriving family law and personal injury practice, and she's pulling back the curtain on what it really means to practice law where everyone knows everyone.

    #LegallyVegas #JohnSpilotro #CriminalDefenseAttorney #LasVegasLawyer #LasVegasPodcast #TrialLawyer #OscarGoodman #DavidChesnoff #NevadaLaw #TrialLawyer #JuryTrial #CriminalDefenseAttorney #LasVegasHistory #LawyerLife #TrialAdvocacy #LegalPodcast #NevadaAttorney #ConstitutionalRights #VegasHistory #BighornLaw #AllIn

    Don’t forget to like & subscribe!

    📲Follow us at: https://www.instagram.com/legallyvegas/

    Host: https://www.instagram.com/jrb.esq/

    Guest: https://www.instagram.com/newvinelaw_/

    42 min
  • John Spilotro: Criminal Defense, Vegas History & a Famous Name

    What was it really like growing up with one of the most recognizable last names in Las Vegas?⚖️🎰

    Welcome to Legally Vegas with Jacqueline Bretell (CEO @jrb.esq & partner at Bighorn Law @bighorn_law) and guest John Spilotro (longtime Las Vegas attorney and one of Nevada's most respected lawyers). This episode covers criminal defense, jury trials, Las Vegas legal history, growing up in Vegas, and what it was like building a legal career while carrying the Spilotro name.

    #LegallyVegas #JohnSpilotro #CriminalDefenseAttorney #LasVegasLawyer #LasVegasPodcast #TrialLawyer #OscarGoodman #DavidChesnoff #NevadaLaw #TrialLawyer #JuryTrial #CriminalDefenseAttorney #LasVegasHistory #LawyerLife #TrialAdvocacy #LegalPodcast #NevadaAttorney #ConstitutionalRights #VegasHistory #BighornLaw #AllIn

    Don’t forget to like & subscribe!

    📲Follow us at: https://www.instagram.com/legallyvegas/

    Host: https://www.instagram.com/jrb.esq/

    52 min
  • The Life of a Showgirl

    Step inside the glamorous, and demanding, world of the iconic Las Vegas showgirl. ✨🎭

    Welcome to Legally Vegas with Jacqueline Bretell (CEO @jrb.esq & partner at Bighorn Law @bighorn_law) and guest Mitzie Krampert (Director of Litigation at Bighorn Law). This episode covers Las Vegas showgirl history, the reality of performing in iconic Vegas productions like Jubilee!, and the trending Taylor Swift “Life of a Showgirl” trademark lawsuit.

    #LasVegas #VegasShowgirl #TaylorSwift #TaylorSwiftLawsuit #Jubilee #RadioCityRockette #LasVegasEntertainment #VegasHistory #EntertainmentLaw #TrademarkLaw #LegallyVegas #LasVegasPodcast #Swifties #Showgirl #BobMackie #CelebrityLawsuit #NevadaLaw #VegasCulture #LegalPodcast #bighornlaw #allin

    Don’t forget to like & subscribe!

    📲Follow us at: https://www.instagram.com/legallyvegas/

    Host: https://www.instagram.com/jrb.esq/

    43 min
  • I'm in love with a stripper pt.2

    In this episode, Jacqueline Bretell (CEO & partner at Bighorn Law) and guest Samantha Martin continue to cover the Brunner v. Sterling case, an OnlyFans arrest at University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) and David Copperfield's Las Vegas residency ending.

    #LasVegaslawyer #personalinjurylawyer #lasvegas #BrunervsSterling #LasVegascourtcase #bighornlaw #allin

    Don’t forget to like & subscribe!

    Documents for case

    37 min

About Legally Vegas

From the publisher's feed

Join Jacqueline Bretell and a rotating cast of guests as they hang out and talk life, culture, and whatever else comes up. Along the way, they dive into legal cases and issues happening in Las Vegas. It’s part deep dive, part group chat energy, 100% a good time.