I just spent a few minutes watching this video from a former investigator who has spent his last 20 years carrying the doubt of whether he and the other officers investigating the death of a child got it right. They didn’t. An Autistic father is on death row because nobody knew of his developmental disabilities,
Latest from Idaho Criminal Defense Blog
Second Degree Murder Charges Dismissed
Self Defense Results in Dismissal of Murder Case
In two recent cases, the potential use of self-defense resulted in dismissal of murder charges against our clients. Self-defense is alive and well, at least when you have prosecutors who approach their cases mindful of how a jury will likely view the evidence. Of course, it also
Save that story for your lawyer!
I just finished a criminal trial and a week later, mediation in a civil case. Each reminded me that this is an adversarial system. Your case is not necessarily about the truth. Harsh? Maybe, but that is the reality.
Whatever type of case you are involved in, the legal process involves two different narratives, or
I remember thinking, “I’m going to blog every day.” Nice Dream!
Once upon a time, as I returned to private practice from my time as Executive Director of the Federal Defenders of Idaho, I made plans. Not going to get behind. Going to keep that calendar clear enough to run, ride or swim every day. Keep my time for me, and Sue and the kids.
“Sweet
Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers In America and Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent
You may have read that my dad, Chuck Peterson has returned to our law firm, Peterson Lawyers, after a year as the Executive Director of the Federal Defenders of Idaho. His selection to lead that organization a year ago was an occasion for celebration, and loss. I was proud he had been selected to lead
Charged with a crime? Here’s what to expect as the case begins.
I thought it might be good to go through some of the basics in case you have been charged in a criminal case. First though, remember that a charge is just that. A claim. Something that someone says happened. The charge is not proof of anything and the presumption of innocence remains one of our
Back in the Saddle – an overview after a year as the Federal Defender
A year ago I left private practice to become the Executive Director of the Federal Defender Services of Idaho (FDSI). I became the head of the office, hoping to manage, supervise employees and practice federal criminal defense.
I had been handling federal criminal cases as private counsel and as a member of the Criminal Justice
Your Right To Carry A Firearm in Idaho
Idaho is a Constitutional Carry state, which means that we have the ability to carry a firearm without government restriction. No license or training needed, just you and your firearm are enough. If you need permission to carry a gun, it is a privilege and not a right. The Second Amendment gives us the right
Three things I learned or confirmed from last week’s self-defense ACQUITTAL
Last week I tried an aggravated assault with deadly weapon (AR15) case that resulted in those two beautiful words: NOT GUILTY. The case involved a former military service member accused of using his firearm to threaten ten neighborhood folks who had gone to his home on the 4th of July to “get an explanation”
Tamarack Explosion and Fire Case Settled
The lawsuit brought by the victims and survivors of the explosion and fire at Tamarack Resort in 2017 has been settled. The settlement amount is confidential. With Dan Fleck and Gabe Phillips from the Spence Law Firm in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, we represented James Harper, whose son and grandson tragically died as a result of