When Charged With a Crime ®

Media Turns to LOODPS for Analysis of Derek Chauvin Trial Strategy

When criminal law issues are in the news, the media often calls on our firm to get input and answers from our attorneys on the status and direction of cases, and on the rationale and the strategy of the prosecution and the defense. In the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin – charged with killing George Floyd– the media has been out in full force, trying to get a handle on what seemingly have been minute-by-minute shifts in the case so far. Check out David P. Shapiro’s recent appearances on such reputable outlets as ABC News, Court TV, and Law & Crime Network where he spoke on jury selection, and some upcoming obstacles for both the Prosecution and Defense.

In these interviews, David also discussed issues such as the addition of a third-degree murder charge, which could carry a prison sentence of up to 25 years. A second-degree murder conviction could lead to a prison sentence of up to 40 years. Other issues include possible superseding causes of George Floyd's death, which the defense will argue negate the causation link necessary for a second-degree murder conviction; how jury selection will be affected by the fact that the defendant is a former police officer; the use by the prosecution of outside criminal defense lawyers as part of the prosecution team; and how the defense’s best witness to the second degree murder charge may be the County Medical Examiner.

Most people are aware of the need to hire a criminal defense attorney when they are charged with a crime. But what about situations that may not be so clear? In this video, Ally Keegan speaks about 3 specific situations where it is important to be represented by a quality criminal defense lawyer, even though you may not yet have been charged with a crime. They include the following instances:

Accessory after the fact. Here’s an example: You receive a visit from a friend or acquaintance who has just committed a crime, let’s say a bank robbery. You have nothing to do with the crime, but the visit could lead you to be charged as an accessory after the fact. You need a criminal defense attorney to defend against an allegation that you intentionally harbored that person after the commission of a felony and to be your voice with law enforcement and the prosecution.

Change of heart after reporting domestic violence charges. It is not unusual for the complainant – or alleged victim – of a domestic violence incident to call the police, make a statement implicating the spouse/partner in the commission of a violent act, only to later have a change of heart. If you provide a new statement to the police, or testify in a manor inconsistent with your earlier statement, you could open yourself up to a charge of perjury or obstructing a police investigation. Speak to a criminal defense attorney to understand your rights and the potential consequences before you act!

Witness to a crime who has no legal status in the U.S. As a witness to a crime, you may be called upon to testify about what you observed. In the process, you will likely be asked for your name, address, and other biographical information. Such information, because you are a non-citizen, is a sensitive issue and could call for a potentially incriminating response. A criminal defense attorney can help guide you and avoid many, if not all, potential pitfalls.