In this gripping episode of The Dirty Verdict Podcast, hosts Peter Taaffe and Kyle Herbert take a deep dive into one of Houston’s most shocking criminal cases—the trial of Ryan Smith, accused and convicted of murdering his father. Joining the discussion are seasoned criminal defense attorneys Todd DuPont and Gianpaolo “GP” Macerola, who served as Smith’s defense team.

Together, they unpack the twists and turns of the case—from Ryan’s sudden mental breakdown and bizarre behavior, to the role of Zoloft, conflicting psychiatric evaluations, and the legal battle over whether Smith was insane at the time of the killing. The conversation sheds light on the complexities of mental health in criminal law, the strategies behind defending high-stakes cases, and the challenges of presenting insanity defenses in Texas courts.

With candid insight, Todd and GP reveal how they built their case, the uphill battle they faced against the prosecution, and what this trial says about the justice system. Whether you’re fascinated by true crime, mental health issues, or the inner workings of criminal defense, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

In this episode of The Dirty Verdict, host Peter Taaffe sits down with attorney Steeves Hopson, founder of Hopson Injury Attorneys, to talk about his bold move from working at top firms to launching his own law practice. Steeves shares his path from growing up in a family full of lawyers, to prosecuting serious cases in Webb County, to landing multiple impressive verdicts just before and after starting his firm.

They cover the realities of going solo—from financial preparation and building a personal brand, to grassroots marketing, mentorship, and standing out in a crowded personal injury market. Steeves also walks us through three recent trials, including a tough Texas Tort Claims Act case, a bench trial against a shady defendant, and a dog bite trial with pro se opponents—proving that even “impossible” cases can be worth fighting.

This episode is packed with practical advice for young lawyers, candid stories from the courtroom, and insight into what it really takes to make the leap into running your own firm.

Show Notes

• Steeves Hopson’s Background – From Laredo roots to a family of lawyers, including his mother’s career in big law and his uncle’s time as DA in Webb County.
• Early Legal Career – Stint in employment law, shift to the Webb County DA’s office, and work in the Special Victims Unit during COVID.
• Transition to Personal Injury – Moves to Houston, working at respected PI firms before deciding to go solo.
• Why Start Your Own Firm? – Independence, entrepreneurial family influence, and the ability to attract clients.
• Practical Advice for Going Solo –
• Save 9–12 months of expenses.
• Have a clear client acquisition plan.
• Define your unique brand and niche.
• Build strong mentorship relationships.
• Lean Startup Approach – Using co-working spaces, low overhead, and free tools like social media to compete with larger firms.
• Grassroots Marketing – Authenticity, LinkedIn networking, community engagement, and becoming the “go-to lawyer” for everyone you meet.
• Case 1: TCA Car Crash Verdict – $265k jury award (capped at $100k), retried after a mistrial due to interpreter issue, strategic use of jury selection themes.
• Case 2: Bench Trial Negligence Case – $625k judgment for a client blinded by unlicensed stem cell treatments; challenges with judgment-proof defendants.
• Case 3: Dog Bite Trial in Austin – $198k verdict against pro se defendants; courtroom theater, controlling narrative, and thematic storytelling (“series of bad choices”).
• Why Try Hard Cases – Even with caps or no insurance, cases can have value for the client and the lawyer’s reputation.
• Giving Back – Donating a portion of every fee to nonprofit causes as part of the firm’s mission.

In this episode of The Dirty Verdict, hosts Peter Taaffe, Bill Ogden, and Kyle Herbert sit down with one of Texas’s most successful trial lawyers, Randy Sorrels. With over four decades of experience, Randy shares the highs, lows, and lessons learned from building his firm, serving the Texas legal community, and securing some of the biggest verdicts in the state. From his early days at Fulbright to leading the Sorrels Law firm to national recognition, this episode dives deep into trial strategy, damages innovation, mentorship, and the importance of giving back to the profession.

Episode Highlights:

• 🚀 Building a Legacy: How Randy launched his own firm and grew it to 28 lawyers across multiple cities in just five years.
• ⚖️ Damages Innovation: The strategies behind his groundbreaking approach to arguing damages and why believing in your client’s story is key.
• 🏆 Record-Breaking Verdicts: Inside the $352 million Cruz case and the Casey Clemens trial, plus lessons learned from high-stakes litigation.
• 🎓 Mentorship & Service: Randy’s contributions to the State Bar of Texas and South Texas College of Law, including 23 clinics for aspiring lawyers.
• 🌎 Diversity in Law: Building one of the most diverse law firms in the country and why it’s critical for connecting with juries.
• 💡 Advice for Young Lawyers: Randy’s take on work ethic, branding, and the importance of stepping outside your comfort zone to grow your career.
• ⚽ From Soccer Field to Courtroom: How his time playing soccer at Houston Baptist shaped his competitive edge as a trial lawyer.
• 🔥 Verdict Stories: Behind-the-scenes tales from legendary Texas cases, unexpected trial twists, and the mentors who shaped his path.

This episode is packed with wisdom for trial lawyers, law students, and anyone interested in the art of advocacy.

In this episode of The Dirty Verdict, Peter Taaffe and Kyle Herbert sit down with Judge Bert Richardson of the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals—Texas' highest criminal court—for a wide-ranging, insightful, and at times hilarious conversation. From the intricacies of writs and actual innocence rulings to statewide judicial campaigns and aerial photography, Judge Richardson shares a lifetime of experiences both inside and outside the courtroom.

We explore the significance of wrongful convictions, the inner workings of Texas’ criminal appellate system, the impact of politicizing the judiciary, and what it really means to be a judge in Texas today. Plus—yes—there’s cake, gout, and an epic courtroom tour invite.

Show Highlights:

• 🎂 Amanda’s Birthday Cake Saga: Episode 2 of the dessert-fueled tribute (and Karl's 10% increase in diabetes risk)
• ⚖️ What Is the Court of Criminal Appeals?: The true role of Texas’ highest criminal court and how it differs from the Supreme Court
• 🧾 Judge vs. Justice: Clearing up the judicial terminology confusion
• 📍 Life in the Court: Where the justices work, how they collaborate, and why some can’t visit each other's offices
• ✍️ Writs 101: Understanding habeas corpus, actual innocence, and the real process behind high-profile exonerations
• 📚 The Kerry Max Cook Case: A decades-long saga of wrongful conviction, misconduct, and eventual exoneration
• 📷 Photography Hobby: Judge Richardson’s hidden life as a sports and aviation photographer
• ✈️ Flying, Track Meets & Warbirds: How photography and the Air Force shaped his life and career
• 🗳️ Elections vs. Appointments: A candid discussion about the pros and cons of electing judges in Texas
• 🧠 A Day in the Life of a Judge: Monk-like solitude, Tuesday morning conferences, and behind-the-scenes court operations
• 🏃‍♂️ The 100-Yard Dash Debate: Who’s faster—Peter or Karl? (The jury's still out)

Final Thoughts: Judge Richardson reflects on decades of public service, the evolution of Texas’ courts, and the unexpected adventures that came from staying curious—and staying grounded. Whether you're a legal nerd or just here for the banter, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

In this high-powered episode of The Dirty Verdict, the guys welcome legal heavyweight Kyle Farrar, two-time National Trial Lawyer of the Year and appellate ace, for an in-depth look at two of the most talked-about product liability verdicts in the country — including a $31 million Miami verdict and a nearly $1 billion seatbelt defect case against Mitsubishi.

From starting a boutique plaintiff’s firm with a loan and a tire case they swore they’d never take, to building a national litigation powerhouse, Kyle recounts his journey in candid, hilarious, and jaw-dropping detail. And yes — they even dive into lemur litigation.

Highlights from the Show:

• 🎯 $31 Million Miami Verdict: How a flying wheel assembly led to a tragic loss — and a high-stakes agency theory trial win.
• 🏛️ The Mitsubishi Seatbelt Case: A 1992 sports car, rip-stitch seatbelt defect, and a billion-dollar judgment that changed lives.
• 🧑‍⚖️ Trial Tactics & Jury Strategy: From unique jury selection in Florida to prepping witnesses with master consultants.
• 🔧 Auto Products & Tire Litigation: How Kyle’s firm came to dominate the nation’s tire defect docket — by accident.
• 🧠 Mentorship & Firm Building: Starting a firm on fumes, hiring their first lawyer the day Kyle’s son was born, and growing into a national presence.
• 🐒 The Lemur Case: A surprise detour into Texas’s most unforgettable monkey-mauling mailman lawsuit.
• 🙌 Faith, Mission Work & Client Humanity: Heartfelt moments from clients whose lives were changed — and how Kyle’s team helped them seek justice.
• 🗣️ Lawyering in Loud Courtrooms: Miami lawyers, Zoom deposition brawls, and what not to do when pro hac vice.
• 🎥 Alex Jones Trial Behind the Scenes: Kyle recalls the viral courtroom moment when Jones tried to confront him mid-trial.

Bonus: Find out what happens when you tell opposing counsel to "shut your mouth" in a deposition — and why Wes Ball didn’t know he was trying the case until a week in.

📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & more 🔗 Follow us on LinkedIn, TikTok & Instagram for clips and updates

Let me know if you want a shorter version for podcast platforms or a caption for social media!

In this eye-opening episode of The Dirty Verdict, the team welcomes a truly unique guest: Justice of the Peace Judge Steve Duble. With a no-nonsense yet empathetic approach, Judge Duble offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most misunderstood and impactful courts in Texas—JP Court.

From eviction cases and consumer debt to animal seizures and mental health dockets, Judge Duble breaks down what really happens in JP court, why it matters, and how he's working to make it more just and accessible for everyone. Whether you're a litigator, a law student, or a curious citizen, this episode is a must-listen for understanding grassroots justice in action.

Episode Highlights:

• 🎙️ Meet Judge Steve Duble: From pro bono eviction work to the JP bench
• ⚖️ JP Court vs. Civil Court: Different rules, different world
• 🧾 Why traditional legal procedures don’t apply in JP Court—and what does
• 🏘️ Evictions 101: Why even multimillion-dollar cases start in JP court
• 🧠 Mental health dockets, traffic tickets, and dangerous dog cases—yes, really
• 💸 The debt docket: 6,000+ active cases and how Judge Duble handles them
• 📲 How technology (and Zoom court) is changing access to justice
• 📚 Creating a resource center: printed legal forms, free computer access, and more
• 🧑‍⚖️ Why lawyers don’t need to be lawyers to become a JP in Texas
• 💥 The most bizarre cases, including HOA drama, dog haircuts, and a sorority party gone wrong
• 🏛️ Access to Justice: Working with nonprofits, law schools, and the United Way to help those in need
• 🎓 Advice for young attorneys: Know the 500 Rules and stay flexible
• 🎯 Future plans: Grants, programs, and why Judge Duble has no desire to move up to a “court of record”

Bonus: Find out why The Dirty Verdict still doesn’t have a live JP court stream, and why Kyle and Bill are considering a field trip to test the limits of hotel eviction law.

📍Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook—and yes, even LinkedIn. Stay tuned for upcoming guests and our next podcast road trip.

👉 Learn more about Judge Duble’s access to justice efforts: www.steveduble.com

Join hosts Peter Taaffe and Kyle Herbert on The Dirty Verdict Podcast as they dive into a riveting Houston courtroom drama with special guest, attorney Matt Mussalli. In this episode, Matt unpacks a fascinating 2024 jury trial involving a homeowners’ dispute with designer Kevin Spearman, where a seemingly straightforward interior design project spiraled into a high-stakes legal battle. From a $374,000 project to a staggering $9.4 million damages claim, this case is a masterclass in courtroom strategy, emotional undercurrents, and the art of the defense. With co-host Bill Ogden absent due to a family loss, Peter and Kyle explore the twists and turns of this 12-day trial, revealing how a small case became a big lesson in human psychology and legal maneuvering.

Episode Highlights:

• The Case Setup: A homeowner couple hired Kevin Spearman Design for a home renovation, leading to disputes over pricing and documentation that culminated in a 2024 jury trial in Houston’s 165th District Court.
• High Stakes, Low Outcome: The plaintiffs sought $5.598 million against Kevin Spearman Design and $3.86 million against Spearman personally, but the jury delivered a “take nothing” judgment, favoring the defense.
• The Unsigned Contract Controversy: A pivotal issue was the unsigned contract, which the plaintiffs disputed but the jury upheld, supported by the homeowners’ actions aligning with its terms.
• Emotional Undercurrents: Tensions flared over a note accusing Spearman of “shafting” the plaintiffs on arts and accessories, revealing a breakdown in trust that fueled the lawsuit.
• Courtroom Creativity: Matt Mussalli’s innovative use of a Clue board game in closing arguments and a plaintiff’s own book during cross-examination brought drama and wit to the trial.
• Jury Dynamics: The trial, extended from three to 12 days, saw jurors bond as the “KSD 12,” even creating a t-shirt for Judge Hall, reflecting their commitment and engagement.
• Lessons in Proportion: The episode explores how a $374,000 project ballooned into a $9.4 million claim, underscoring the pitfalls of letting emotion drive litigation.

Subscribe to The Dirty Verdict Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, or wherever you get your podcasts for more gripping legal stories!

In this gripping episode of the Dirty Verdict Podcast, hosts Peter Taaffe and Kyle Herbert dive into a landmark legal case with returning guest Ryan Pigg of the Buzbee Law Firm. With co-host Bill absent, Peter and Kyle unpack the details of a massive verdict in a crane collapse case at Texas A&M San Antonio, where a tragic accident led to the death of David Loree. Ryan, who played a pivotal role in the trial, shares an insider’s perspective on the case, from legal strategy and courtroom dynamics to the emotional weight of securing justice for the Loree family. The episode covers the complexities of the case, the defense’s missteps, and the jury’s resounding $640 million verdict, including $480 million in punitive damages. Tune in for an engaging discussion on liability, trial tactics, and the value of human life in Harris County.

Episode Highlights:

• 00:00:14:39 - 00:00:56:06: Peter and Kyle kick off the episode with lighthearted banter about their absent co-host Bill, humorously noting his absence creates a "vacuum of noise" and joking about his "hydrogenated oil and fat" persona in post-production.
• 00:01:18:51 - 00:01:45:03: The hosts celebrate producer Amanda’s birthday month with a massive cake, playfully speculating about her "top secret" age and keeping the mood festive.
• 00:02:04:37 - 00:03:33:52: Ryan Pigg joins the show and discusses his role in the crane collapse case, detailing how he was brought in to assist with legal briefing and witness prep after an overwhelming number of defense motions.
• 00:06:07:15 - 00:08:24:04: Ryan provides a vivid overview of the case: a 5,000-pound, top-heavy HVAC unit collapsed due to improper rigging by TNT Crane, killing David Loree and injuring another worker.
• 00:10:31:50 - 00:12:26:34: The discussion reveals the defense’s surprising decision to lower their settlement offer just before trial, a move Ryan interprets as a misguided attempt to assert dominance, and the last-minute switch in their legal team, signaling desperation.
• 00:16:51:15 - 00:19:21:38: Ryan highlights critical evidence, including text messages from TNT managers acknowledging the unit’s instability 40 minutes before the fatal incident, underscoring their negligence in failing to halt the lift.
• 00:20:17:35 - 00:23:15:51: A turning point in the trial is discussed, where the defense’s opening claim that wind played no role was immediately contradicted by a witness, setting the stage for Tony Buzbee’s powerful courtroom moments.
• 00:23:57:07 - 00:26:04:59: Ryan explains Tony’s strategic closing arguments, framing the $160 million compensatory and $480 million punitive damages to emphasize the high value of human life and the need to punish TNT’s gross negligence.
• 00:26:28:30 - 00:28:49:56: The hosts explore the voir dire process, where Tony focused on jurors’ willingness to award significant damages, priming them for the case’s high stakes and overcoming biases against large verdicts.
• 00:29:17:30 - 00:31:30:13: Ryan critiques the defense’s inconsistent strategy of flip-flopping between blaming David Loree and his employer, Way Engineering, which confused the jury and weakened their case.
• 00:35:37:07 - 00:36:48:36: The emotional impact of the verdict is shared, with Ryan describing the relief and pride felt by the team as the jury affirmed their case and recognized the gross negligence involved.
• 00:41:41:19 - 00:44:29:21: The hosts discuss a last-ditch defense motion for sanctions over Tony’s social media posts, which was swiftly denied after Tony expertly framed it as an attempt to allege juror misconduct, reinforcing the jury’s integrity.

Where to Listen: Catch this episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and other platforms. Follow the Dirty Verdict Podcast for more insightful legal discussions, and visit Ryan Pigg at ryanpigglaw.com or the Buzbee Law Firm at txattorneys.com for more on this case.

Join hosts Peter Taaffe, Kyle Herbert, and Bill Ogden on The Dirty Verdict podcast as they dive into the gritty world of private investigation with special guests Scott Cervenka and Todd Fibich from Delta Intel. In this engaging episode, the team explores how private investigators play a pivotal role in legal cases, from tracking down elusive witnesses to uncovering critical evidence that can make or break a case. With decades of law enforcement experience, Scott and Todd share captivating stories, insider tips, and the cutting-edge techniques they use to assist attorneys in civil, criminal, and family law matters. Whether you’re a lawyer looking to sharpen your case strategy or simply curious about the investigative process, this episode offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of PI work.

Show Highlights:

• Law Enforcement Roots: Scott Cervenka discusses his transition from HPD’s Major Offenders Division and FBI Cyber Crimes Task Force to founding Delta Intel, while Todd Fibich shares his journey from Bellaire and League City Police Departments to private investigation.
• Art Heist Recovery: Scott recounts a seven-month investigation to recover stolen artwork, revealing how informants and persistence led to finding million-dollar paintings in an unlikely Houston home.
• High-Stakes Stakeout: Todd details a harrowing 2021 ambush by a gunman in League City, earning him the Police Combat Cross for neutralizing the threat with accurate return fire.
• Surveillance Success: Todd shares a recent case where surveillance footage of an 18-wheeler disproved a company’s claims, leading to a swift settlement after trial testimony.
• Mold Cover-Up Exposed: Scott describes a case where an Instagram post led to uncovering a cover-up of mold in an apartment, securing key witnesses for a plaintiff’s attorney.
• Tech-Savvy Investigations: The guests reveal how they leverage social media, deep web searches, and location data to track witnesses and verify testimony.

Topics Discussed:

• The role of private investigators in legal cases, including locating hard-to-find individuals, conducting surveillance, and gathering evidence.
• Common errors in police crash reports and how Delta Intel corrects them to strengthen cases.
• The importance of early investigator involvement to preserve critical evidence, such as surveillance footage that may be overwritten within 10–30 days.
• Techniques for background checks and open-source intelligence reports to prepare clients and counter opposing witnesses.
• Challenges of serving legal documents and locating clients for mass tort settlements.
• The psychological toll of police work and Todd’s decision to transition to a less stressful career in private investigation.
• Tips for disappearing off the grid, including avoiding trackable vehicles and abandoning smartphones.

Where to Listen: Catch this episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn. Like and subscribe to stay updated on future episodes of The Dirty Verdict.

Contact Delta Intel: Learn more about Scott and Todd’s services at DeltaWins.com.

Note: This episode includes humorous banter and a special birthday shoutout to Todd’s brother, Greg, complete with a celebratory cake!

In this gripping true crime edition of The Dirty Verdict, hosts Peter Taaffe, Kyle Herbert, and Bill Ogden are joined by criminal law expert Anthony Osso to dissect one of the most disturbing cases Houston has seen in years—the murder of Cameron Smith by his own son, Ryan Mitchell Smith. From a shocking crime spree to an insanity defense, the episode unpacks the legal twists, mental health implications, and courtroom drama surrounding this tragic and violent case.

Was justice served? Could this crime have been prevented? And what happens when someone who stabs a police dog gets released—only to escalate to murder?

Show Highlights:

• 00:01:00 – Introduction of guest expert Anthony Osso
• 00:02:22 – Breakdown of the timeline leading up to the murder
• 00:03:45 – Dog stabbing and legal implications for harming police K-9s
• 00:04:52 – Bail, bonding out, and the magistrate process explained
• 00:06:13 – Ryan Smith evades police twice, raising questions about public safety
• 00:07:02 – Discovery of the body and the brutal method of murder
• 00:08:30 – Discussion on whether bond was appropriate given the charges
• 00:09:12 – Legal explanation of entitlement to bail under Texas law
• 00:10:55 – Insanity as a legal defense: what qualifies, and why it’s rarely successful
• 00:12:23 – Signs of premeditation and efforts to cover up the crime
• 00:13:02 – Lack of motive and its role in jury deliberation
• 00:14:01 – The deer meat ruse and how it factored into proving premeditation
• 00:15:03 – How Ryan fled to Bellville and how police eventually caught him
• 00:16:16 – Choosing between insanity and alternative defenses
• 00:17:12 – Expert testimony on drug-induced insanity
• 00:18:18 – Why the case wasn’t streamed, but could have been
• 00:19:22 – Competency vs. insanity: legal distinctions explained
• 00:21:16 – Prosecutor strategy and potential use of the injured police dog in sentencing
• 00:22:20 – Life sentence in Texas and parole eligibility
• 00:24:01 – Prison logistics: what life behind bars looks like in Texas
• 00:25:17 – Forensic details: dumbbell as murder weapon, cause of death
• 00:26:26 – Prosecutors Kim and Lindsey praised for navigating an emotional trial
• 00:28:25 – Possible appeal issues: suppressed evidence, insanity plea, ineffective counsel
• 00:29:34 – Appeal process and what happens to Smith during it

Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you stream—and don’t forget to like and subscribe.