May 8. Not Guilty Verdict in trial in Metropolitan Courthouse -- DUI + Refusal

May 8, 2015.  Metro Courthouse, Department 75.  Following an 11 day jury trial where Ian Wallach represented the accused, the jury acquitted the client after only thirty minutes of deliberation.

Article in NY Times Discusses Very Progressive Method For Inmate Reform

Today, the NY Times published an article captioned “In Brazil, Some Inmates Get Therapy With Hallucinogenic Tea.” 

The article is here:  http://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/29/world/americas/a-hallucinogenic-tea-time-for-some-brazilian-prisoners.html

The article discusses use of a ritual hallucinogenic tea and meditation as a treatment for inmates.  It’s fascinating.  There is no chance at all that anything this progressive would happen here (very few programs that are empathetic to the plights of inmates proceed in the US).  But it is hopeful that other countries – more evolved in the care of treatment and inmates – are pursuing genuine means for rehabilitation.

Police Officer Who Killed Dontre Hamilton “Permanently Discharged” For Violating Protocol During Pat-Down That Lead To The Killing

Following a city hearing on the propriety of the decision of Police Chief Ed Flynn to terminate Officer Manning (who killed Dontre Hamilton in Milwaukee), the panel concluded that “violated department protocol and will not get his job back”

http://www.ibtimes.com/dontre-hamilton-update-former-milwaukee-officer-violated-protocol-permanently-1856726

This is the second step on the long road to justice for this family.  Following the killing of Dontre Hamilton, Officer Manning was not criminally charged, even though he shot Mr. Hamilton 14 times (including once in the back).  Chief Flynn did terminate Officer Manning for engaging in the warrantless and groundless pat-down that led to the incident.  Manning appealed, while simultaneously claiming disability, stating that the incident resulted in the mental illness of “Post Traumatic Stress Disorder” (Manning is still able to collect disability).  On Monday, the Fire and Police Commission upheld Chief Flynn’s decision.  Christopher Manning has been permanently stripped of his duties as a police officer.  As he should be.

New York Times Highlights Dontre Hamilton Case And Police Shootings In Milwaukee

The Video, prepared by the New York Times, is both powerful and informative.  The Hamilton family deserves our praise for their relentless and nonviolent pursuit of justice in response to this senseless killing.

The video is here:  http://www.nytimes.com/video/us/100000003563944/police-shooting-tests-new-wisconsin-law.html

California Prosecutor Falsifies Transcript of Confession -- Court of Appeal slams Attorney General Kamala Harris again

Article in “The Observer” highlights recent Ninth Circuit cases exploring prosecutorial misconduct.  

http://observer.com/2015/03/california-prosecutor-falsifies-transcript-of-confession/

The Author, Sidney Powell, States as follows:

Most Americans thought the laws of perjury and obstruction of justice already applied to prosecutors and are shocked to find out that they rarely suffer any consequence—not even termination—when failing to abide by them. Americans should be shocked. Prosecutors have been given a pass for way too long, and as a result, their conduct has become increasingly egregious. The New York Observer has written about it extensively. Prosecutors are still Licensed to Lie, and it’s high time to revoke those licenses. There is now significant bi-partisan interest in criminal justice reform and a coalition is forming to work toward these much-needed reforms.

Robert Durst arrested in New Orleans, to be extradited to LA for trial on Susan Berman's Murder -- Mugshot and Booking Info Attached

Robert Durst, subject of "The Jinx" documentary by HBO, was arrested on March 14 in New Orleans.  His booking info and mugshot are here:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bx7x7FRX0wM-Qng2bmtWZXFYeVk/view?usp=sharing

Stories are emerging everywhere:

LA TIMES: Robert Durst arrested in slaying of L.A. writer

NY TIMES:  Robert Durst, Subject of HBO Documentary on Unsolved Killings, Is Arrested

The documentary is incredibly compelling.

If we are making predictions -- early on -- here is mine:  I do not believe that he will be convicted of the murder of Susan Berman.  Feel free to add your thoughts.

Ian Wallach

Video Exonerates Man Set Up By Louisiana Cops And Prosecutors

A cell-phone video exonerates man charged with assault on an officer (the incident occurred while the man was serving a subpoena).  The criminal case was dismissed.  A civil rights action moves forward.  And it appears that a DDA who assisted in the fraudulent police report is no longer employed.  Video is here: 

http://news.yahoo.com/video-exonerates-man-set-louisiana-cops-prosecutors-video-202632601.html