In this episode of "The Trial Lawyer's Handbook" podcast series, litigation attorney Dan Small reflects on the dangerous yet invaluable role of an undercover agent, exemplified by the Cammarata Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) case. The Cammarata Organization, like many organized criminal groups, was highly secretive, and building evidence for trial would be challenging without insider testimony. Working alongside the Texas Rangers, Mr. Small befriended skilled undercover agents and learned their strategies for creating a false persona. The episode offers a glimpse into infiltrating a criminal organization, as well as amusing anecdotes from Mr. Small's first attempt at going undercover at a local honky-tonk.

In this episode of "The Trial Lawyer's Handbook," litigation attorney Dan Small explores the complicated dynamics of using informants in organized crime cases. Drawing from his prosecution of Sam Cammarata, Mr. Small explains how informants can both help and hinder investigations, especially when they manipulate their insider status for personal gain. He discusses the challenges prosecutors face in building persuasive arguments using informant testimony, tactics defense lawyers use to cast doubt on informant credibility and strategies that help reveal the truth in court. This episode offers insights into the delicate balance required to pursue justice when relying on those closest to criminal activity.

In this episode of his "The Trial Lawyer's Handbook" podcast series, litigation attorney Dan Small talks about his experience prosecuting the Cammarata Organization while serving with the U.S. Department of Justice's (DOJ) Organized Crime Strike Force. Mr. Small explains how traditional organized crime groups struggled with the transition into drug trafficking, a business they once saw as off-limits. He details how the Cammarata group's excessive ambition and reliance on violence undermined their criminal enterprises, including failed international deals and brutal tactics that ultimately led to their downfall. This episode explores the realities of investigating organized crime, the economic principles underlying illegal enterprises and how prosecutors use evidence of violence to portray criminal organizations in court.

In the 100th episode of "The Trial Lawyer's Handbook" podcast series, litigation attorney Dan Small introduces his listeners to Sam Cammarata, a career criminal who tried to follow his dreams and become the "Godfather of Houston." After brief stints in the Boston and New Orleans mafia, Cammarata decided to start his own criminal empire in Houston, Texas. With a nightclub as a legal front and a second-in-command with a love of violence, the Cammarata organization quickly grew more prominent and more profitable as it engaged in illegal activities such as bookmaking, loansharking, prostitution and extortion. As a prosecutor for the U.S. Department of Justice's Organized Crime Strike Force, Mr. Small was sent to Texas to help the Texas Rangers indict members of the criminal enterprise.

In this episode of "The Trial Lawyer's Handbook" podcast series, litigation attorney Dan Small reflects on the wisdom of juries demonstrated in the complex drug smuggling Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) case in Appling County, Georgia. He recounts the dramatic trial of Larry Jackson and his family, who were charged with money laundering and tax evasion. A key moment came when AZ Jackson, Larry's father, took the stand with a seemingly implausible story denying involvement despite overwhelming evidence supporting the opposite. Mr. Small's intense cross-examination exposed the truth, helping the jury deliver a verdict convicting all defendants – notably except AZ – on tax charges. Mr. Small's post-trial conversations with jurors about AZ gave him an opportunity to reflect on the profound insights they can bring, reminding lawyers how important it is to present clear, compelling cases while also focusing on what truly matters.

In this episode of "The Trial Lawyer's Handbook," litigation attorney Dan Small examines the challenges of preparing witnesses for trial, emphasizing the importance of honesty and addressing unfavorable facts in advance. Mr. Small shares his experience working with Billy Breen, a former drug trafficker turned government informant in the Appling County, Georgia, Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act case. He details the process of building trust with witnesses, explains how financial incentives and personal history can impact testimony, and highlights the strategy of bringing out damaging information on direct examination. The episode offers practical insights into effective witness preparation and underscores the value of transparency and credibility in the courtroom.

In this episode of "The Trial Lawyer's Handbook" podcast series, litigation attorney Dan Small highlights the critical role voice recordings can play in court. He details three primary ways to obtain recordings: wiretaps, undercover agents and cooperators. Drawing on his experience investigating drugs and corruption in Appling County, Georgia, Mr. Small shares how he enlisted a trusted cooperator to capture incriminating conversations — an approach that proved highly effective. This insightful episode explores why and how this strategy can lead to success.

In this episode of "The Trial Lawyer's Handbook" podcast series, litigation attorney Dan Small explores the critical issue of false testimony and its damaging effects on the justice system. Centered on the case of Charlotte Lightsey, a deputy sheriff and wife of the Appling County sheriff in Georgia, the story reveals how she aggressively lied before a grand jury to deny involvement in corruption and drug smuggling. Unbeknownst to her, one cooperating deputy was secretly recording their conversations, capturing her candid admission, "I lied like a damn dog!" This tape became crucial evidence leading to her conviction for perjury and contributing to a substantial prison sentence. The episode highlights the challenges of prosecuting perjury, the dangerous mindset that allows it and the vital importance of holding witnesses accountable to preserve the integrity of justice.

In the second part of this special guest episode of "The Trial Lawyer's Handbook" podcast series, litigation attorney Dan Small interviews Scott Duval, managing director at FTI Consulting, about the practical aspects of working with trial graphics and multimedia designers. They discuss key considerations for attorneys when selecting a graphics expert, the importance of teamwork and venue-specific presentation styles, and common pitfalls such as overwhelming juries with too much information. Mr. Duval shares insights on effective storytelling through visuals, including the challenges and power of presenting video depositions. The conversation highlights how strategic use of graphics and multimedia can enhance jury comprehension and trial outcomes, emphasizing clarity, readability and thoughtful presentation roadmaps.

In this episode of "The Trial Lawyer's Handbook" podcast series, litigation attorney Dan Small discusses the evolution of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) statute. As a young lawyer with the U.S. Department of Justice's (DOJ) Organized Crime and Racketeering Strike Force, Mr. Small reviewed proposed RICO cases, including one against law enforcement officers in Appling County, Georgia, accused of participating in an illegal drug smuggling operation. The indictment faced several hurdles in getting approved, including pushback from higher-ups who believed that RICO was specifically meant for cases involving the Mafia. With help from a U.S. Attorney and FBI Special Agent Bill Hinshaw, the case was eventually approved. Later, at trial, they initially faced skepticism from the judge, but clear and compelling evidence led to a maximum sentence and helped reinforce the statute's reach beyond traditional organized crime.