24
(Rev. 4, 11/12) Relentless Criminal Cross-Examination Kevin J. Mahoney Contact us at (800) 440-4780 or visit www.jamespublishing.com

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Page 1: Relentless Criminal Cross-Examination - James … · Relentless Criminal Cross-Examination F-4 Editorial Advisory Board Allen Bloom Attorney at Law San Diego, CA Bruce E. Blumberg

(Rev. 4, 11/12)

Relentless CriminalCross-Examination

Kevin J. Mahoney

Contact us at (800) 440-4780 or visit www.jamespublishing.com

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Relentless Criminal Cross-Examination F-2

James PublishingCopyright © 2012

James Publishing, Inc.ISBN: 1-58012-125-X

All rights reserved.

This publication is intended to provide accurate and authoritative information about the subject matter cov-ered. It is sold with the understanding that the publisher does not render legal, accounting or other professionalservices. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, seek the services of a competent professional.

Persons using this publication in dealing with specific legal matters should exercise their own independentjudgment and research original sources of authority and local court rules.

The publisher and the author make no representations concerning the contents of this publication and dis-claim any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

We view the publication of this work as the beginning of a dialogue with our readers. Periodic revisions toit will give us the opportunity to incorporate your suggested changes. Call us at (714) 755-5450 or send yourcomments to:

Revision EditorJames Publishing

3505 Cadillac Ave., Suite HCosta Mesa, CA 92626

PUBLISHER’S STAFF

Managing Editor: Lisa DunneProduction Editor: Sarah Lee

Production: Sarah Lee and Amanda Winkler

First Edition, February 2008Revision 1, 2/2009Revision 2, 3/2010Revision 3, 6/2011Revision 4, 11/2012

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(Rev. 4, 11/12)

F-3 About the Author

About the Author

Kevin J. Mahoney is a criminal defense lawyer in Cambridge, Massachusetts.He regularly provides on-air legal analysis for Fox News Live, Fox & Friends,CNN, Nancy Grace, and Court TV. His successful defense of Christina Martin,dubbed the “Jell-O Murderer” by the national press, was chronicled on CourtTV’s Forensic Files. Mahoney has won 36 of his last 38 trials. Disgruntled pros-ecutors consider him a son-of-a-bitch. In his spare time, you can find Mahoneyhiking the rain forests of Costa Rica, backpacking through Glacier National Park,running along the Charles River, living it up in Reykjavik, and competing in No-Limit Texas Hold’em poker tournaments.

Dedication

I dedicate this book to my father, Donald R. Mahoney, who passed on January 4th, 2008. A tougher and moreintelligent Irishman this world has never known. Handsome, witty, and charming, he shattered my young worldwhen he told me cops lie, plant evidence, and are sometimes afraid of the bad guys. He applauded my every trialvictory—which is something, considering he was a retired Boston Police Officer.

Thank You

There are damn few trial prodigies. Brilliant cross-examination is most often the result of hard work,courage, and street smarts—aided by experience, training, watching trials, and listening to the advice of cross-examiners who really know what they are doing. When I began my career as a defense lawyer, Neil McCarron,Esq. was my mentor, steering me away from very bad ideas to successful cross-examination strategies on morethan one occasion. I thank him. I want to thank my trusted “ace” forensic expert, photographer, and good friend,Georgia A. Pasqualone, MSN, MSFS, RN, CNS, DABFN, for reviewing and editing the chapter on crossing analleged sexual assault victim and sexual assault nurse examiner, and David Benjamin, Ph.D., for editing thesection on cross-examining a toxicologist. To my good friend Randy Rogers, an Accident Reconstructionist forthe City of Taunton, MA, I thank him for his friendship and expertise—he’s helped me with more cases than Ican count. Thanks also to Debra Stone, RN, for providing me with the so-called “Rape Kit” documents andforms. I want to thank my former secretary, Leslie York, for so thoroughly and painstakingly editing nearlyevery chapter of this project. I give my warmest thanks to my editor, Lisa Dunne. She did an outstanding jobof editing and reorganizing these chapters, fanning my enthusiasm for the book, and persuading me that someof my more inflammatory observations were better left out of the final manuscript. Finally, I thank RHT for myunbounded courage.

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Relentless Criminal Cross-Examination F-4

Editorial Advisory BoardAllen Bloom

Attorney at LawSan Diego, CA

Bruce E. BlumbergBruce E. Blumberg, P.C.

Phoenix, AZ

Leonard D. HardenLeonard Harden Law Offices

Lancaster, NH

Robin C. LemonidisAttorney at LawMelbourne, FL

Andrew C. LoTempioAttorney at Law

Buffalo, NY

Allan MarainAllan Marain & Associates

New Brunswick, NJ

Leon J. Mezzetti, Jr.Attorney at Law

Fremont, CA

Denise M. NalleyAttorney at Law

Chicago, IL

Laurie ShertzAttorney at Law

Portland, OR

Howard A. SnaderLaw Offices of Howard A. Snader, L.L.C.

Phoenix, AZ

Kenneth H. WineHallinan & Wine

San Francisco, CA

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(Rev. 4, 11/12)

F-5 Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Governing Principles and Strategies

Chapter 2 Cross-Examination: Theory of Case, Opening Statement, Closing Argument

Chapter 3 Cross-Examination of Arresting Officer: Motions to Suppress

Chapter 4 Cross-Examination of Detective Who Obtained Confession

Chapter 5 Cross-Examination of Informants and Accomplices

Chapter 6 Cross-Examination of Eyewitnesses

Chapter 7 Cross-Examining Expert Witnesses

Chapter 8 Cross-Examination in Sexual Assault Cases

Chapter 9 Cross-Examination in DWI Cases

Chapters 10 Cross-Examination at Hearings on Requests for Restraining Orders

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Relentless Criminal Cross-Examination F-6

Expanded Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Governing Principles and Strategies

I. The Law of Cross-ExaminationA. Right to Confrontation

§1:01 A Brief History§1:02 Rights of the Witness§1:03 Rights of Alleged Sexual Assault Victim§1:04 Denial of Right to Cross-Examine

B. Scope of Examination§1:05 Cross-Examination Limited to Scope of Direct§1:06 Scope of Redirect and Re-Cross

C. Trial Not Designed to Be Fair to Government§1:07 Government Entitled to Fair Opportunity to Prove Guilt§1:08 Constitution Frames Trial in Favor of Defendant§1:09 Make Judge Understand “Fairness” Distinction[§1:10 Reserved]

II. Initial Hurdles§1:11 For Defense, It’s All About Cross-Examination§1:12 Overcoming the “Image Problem”§1:13 Controlling Your Client[§1:14 Reserved]

III. First Rule of Cross-Examination: Do No Harm§1:15 Purpose of Cross: Persuade Jury Government Has Not Met Its Burden§1:16 Prepare Tactical, Goal-Oriented Cross§1:17 Never Ask Open-Ended Questions[§§1:18-1:19 Reserved]

IV. What Does Not Work§1:20 Unstructured Cross§1:21 Nasty Cross§1:22 Restricting Witness to “Yes” or “No”§1:23 Appealing to Judge for Help[§1:24 Reserved]

V. Imposing Your Will on the WitnessA. Use Police Report to Hog-Tie Officer

§1:25 The Answer Is in the Documents§1:26 Police Report Not Objective§1:27 Pattern Cross: Pressure to Draft Comprehensive Report§1:28 Pattern Cross: Officer Backpedals From Report[§1:29 Reserved]

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F-7 Table of Contents

B. Investigate§1:30 Visit the Scene§1:31 Pattern Cross: Crime Scene Details§1:32 Retain a Forensic Photographer

§1:32.1 Why Is It Important to Have a Forensic Photographer on theDefense Team?

§1:32.2 Using Defense Forensic Photographs to Your Advantage[§§1:33-1:34 Reserved]

C. Plan Your Cross-Examination and Stick With the Plan§1:35 Difficult Witnesses§1:36 Categorize Witnesses §1:37 Witnesses You Want to Destroy§1:38 Witnesses Who May Provide Favorable Testimony §1:39 Stick With Your Plan

D. Tone, Tempo, Tenor §1:40 Tone§1:41 Tempo§1:42 Tenor

E. Extracting Favorable Evidence §1:43 What Do You Know About the Witness?§1:44 Pattern Cross: Make Defense Witness Your Own§1:45 As in Poker, Success at Trial Depends on Skill, Not Luck

F. Size Up the Witness (He Will Be Sizing You Up)§1:46 Importance of Correctly Reading People§1:47 Practical Tips for Watching the Witness§1:48 Witness Sizes You Up§1:49 Expose Officer for Behavior Outside Presence of Jury

G. Keep Questions Short§1:50 Leave No Room for “Misinterpretation”§1:51 Example: What Can Go Wrong§1:52 Example: How to Do It Right

H. Impeachment§1:53 Annotate Your Outline With References to Documents§1:54 Copy Witness’s Precise Language on Cross§1:55 Note Every Enhancement of Witness’s Story[§§1:56-1:59 Reserved]

VI. Dealing With the Prosecutor§1:60 Objections and Jurors§1:61 Resist Temptation to Object§1:62 Objection-Happy Prosecutors§1:63 Punish Prosecutor for Signaling Witness§1:64 Play With Prosecutor’s Toys[§1:65 Reserved]

VII. Dealing With the Judge§1:66 Judge’s Apparent Authority §1:67 In Reality, Trial Judge Has Limited Powers§1:68 Power to Hold You in Contempt§1:69 Never Allow the Judge to Intimidate You—Intimidate Him[§1:70 Reserved]

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Relentless Criminal Cross-Examination F-8

VIII. Dealing With Doubt§1:71 Dealing With Outside Pressure§1:72 Dealing With a Less-Than-Stellar Cross-Examination §1:73 Dealing With Our Client After a Trial Loss §1:74 Developing the Mindset of the Cross-Examiner

Chapter 2 Cross-Examination: Theory of Case, Opening Statement, Closing Argument

I. Develop Theory of Case§2:01 Purpose of Case Theory§2:02 Begin With Basic Chronology[§§2:03-2:04 Reserved]

II. Opening StatementA. Goals of Opening Statement

§2:05 Tell Defendant’s Story; Shape Perceptions§2:06 Persuade With Detailed Factual Account

B. Obstacles to Success§2:07 Fear of Unreliable Witnesses§2:08 Fear of Unreliable Defendants §2:09 Fear of Conceding Facts §2:10 Fear of Unfulfilled Promises

C. Keys to Success§2:11 Resist Temptation to Play it Safe §2:12 Tell the Story Without Committing Yourself to Calling Witnesses §2:13 Cite Specific Reasons for Distrusting Government Witnesses and Prosecu-

tor

D. Lay Foundation for Cross-Examination§2:14 Detail Inconsistent Statements§2:15 Show Witness’s Allegations to be Inconsistent With Facts §2:16 Call Attention to Witness’s Demeanor §2:17 Attack in Both Directions: Plant Seed of Suspicion About Prosecutor

E. Sample Opening Statement§2:18 Key Facts§2:19 Strategy §2:20 Sample Opening Statement

F. Caution: It Won’t Work Unless You Get the Truth From Your Client§2:21 Detailed Opening Statement Must Be Grounded in the Truth§2:22 Jurors Will Not Forgive a Liar§2:23 Getting Your Client to Tell You the Unvarnished Truth[§§2:24-2:29 Reserved]

III. Closing ArgumentA. Governing Principles

§2:30 General Rule: Even a Great Closing Will Not Save a Lost Case§2:31 Caveat: Closing Matters in Close Cases

B. Educate Jurors on Their Roles§2:32 Deliberations Not a Search for “Truth”§2:33 Government Must Satisfy People of Accused’s Guilt§2:34 Sample Language for Closing

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C. Demonstrate Emotional Commitment to Your Client §2:35 Entrust Jury With Protecting Defendant [§§2:36-2:39 Reserved]

D. Arm “Your” Jurors With Tools to Prevail During Deliberations

1. Help Jurors Overcome Fear of Law Enforcement§2:40 Officers Not Above Lying on Stand§2:41 Sample Language for Closing

2. Explain “Beyond a Reasonable Doubt”§2:42 Judge’s Oral Instructions Offer Little Guidance§2:43 Provide Own Definition of “Reasonable Doubt”§2:44 Sample Language for Closing

3. Show Jury How to Apply “Beyond a Reasonable Doubt”§2:45 Apply Standard to Each Piece of Evidence§2:46 Sample Language for Closing

E. Cross-Examination and Prosecutor’s Closing§2:47 If Prosecutor Gets Last Word§2:48 Don’t Just Anticipate Prosecutor’s Closing, Derail It§2:49 Caution: Calling Defense Witnesses Gives Prosecutor Way Out

FORMSForm 2-A Motion for Order Prohibiting Prosecutor From Commenting on Defendant’s Decision Not

to Testify

Form 2-B Sample Closing Argument—Good v. Evil

Chapter 3 Cross-Examination of Arresting Officer: Motions to Suppress

I. Governing Principles§3:01 All-Too-Common Fact Pattern§3:02 Brazen Police Officers and the Forfeiture of Freedom§3:03 Judge Is Likely Just Another Frightened Citizen§3:04 Culture of Testilying §3:05 Basic Strategy for Suppression Hearings§3:06 Sample Open-Ended Cross-Examination[§§3:07-3:09 Reserved]

II. Was Defendant in Custody?A. Meaning of “In Custody”

§3:10 Prosecutor’s Direct Examination§3:11 Defense Cross-Examination

B. Client Free to Leave House Surrounded by Armed Police§3:12 Sample Fact Pattern§3:13 Strategy§3:14 Cross-Examination

C. Suspect Voluntarily Accompanied Police to Station§3:15 Key Facts§3:16 Strategy§3:17 Angles of Attack§3:18 Cross-Examination[§§3:19-3:24 Reserved]

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Relentless Criminal Cross-Examination F-10

III. Motor Vehicle Stops and SearchesA. Motor Vehicle Stops

1. Suspected Drug Deal in Vehicle§3:25 Common Fact Pattern§3:26 Prosecutor’s Direct Examination of Officer§3:27 Defense Cross-Examination

2. Casing the Neighborhood§3:28 Common Fact Pattern§3:29 Strategy§3:30 Angles of Attack§3:31 Cross-Examination

3. Suspected Stolen Car §3:32 Strategy§3:33 Sample Fact Pattern§3:34 Angles of Attack §3:35 Cross-Examination[§§3:36-3:39 Reserved]

B. Motor Vehicle Searches

1. Based on Odor of Marijuana§3:40 Strategy§3:41 Angles of Attack§3:42 Cross-Examination

2. Search of Trunk Based on Odor of Marijuana§3:43 Common Fact Pattern §3:44 Cross-Examination

3. Search Based on Strong Odor of Marijuana, But Suspect Not High §3:45 Strategy §3:46 Angles of Attack§3:47 Cross-Examination

4. Search Based on Furtive Movements§3:48 Strategy§3:49 Angles of Attack§3:50 Cross-Examination[§§3:51-3:54 Reserved]

IV. Drug Cases§3:55 Strategy: Hand-to-Hand Drug Deal§3:56 Angles of Attack§3:57 Cross-Examination[§§3:58-3:59 Reserved]

V. Search WarrantsA. Failure to Include Evidence

§3:60 Strategy §3:61 Cross-Examination

B. Confidential Informants§3:62 Strategy §3:63 Angles of Attack§3:64 Cross-Examination [§§3:65-3:69 Reserved]

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F-11 Table of Contents

VI. Search Incident to Arrest§3:70 Strategy §3:71 Angles of Attack§3:72 Cross-Examination

FORMSForm 3-A Motion to Suppress Statements; Unlawful Detention.

Form 3-B Motion to Suppress—Motor Vehicle Stop and Search; Drug Deal

Form 3-C Motion to Suppress—Warrant Obtained by Pretext

Form 3-D Motion to Suppress—Drug Case: Expectation of Privacy; No Exigent Circumstances; NoProbable Cause

Chapter 4 Cross-Examination of Detective Who Obtained Confession

I. Interrogation Tactics—Overview§4:01 A Single Suspect§4:02 Multiple Suspects

II. Expose Coercive TacticsA. Detectives Have Only One Chance to Question Suspect

§4:03 Strategy§4:04 Pattern Cross[§4:05 Reserved]

B. Using Ticking Clock to Make Suspect Feel Desperate§4:06 Common Fact Scenario§4:07 Strategy§4:08 Angles of Attack§4:09 Pattern Cross[§4:10 Reserved]

C. Detectives Need Confession Because Forensic Evidence Is Unknown§4:11 Key Facts§4:12 Angles of Attack§4:13 Pattern Cross[§4:14 Reserved]

D. Isolating the Suspect§4:15 Strategy§4:16 Key Facts§4:17 Angles of Attack§4:18 Pattern Cross[§4:19 Reserved]

E. Right to Make Telephone Call

1. Police Claim Defendant Not Under Arrest or in Custody§4:20 Angles of Attack§4:21 Pattern Cross

2. Police Did Not Offer Defendant Use of Telephone Following Arrest§4:22 Angles of Attack§4:23 Pattern Cross[§4:24 Reserved]

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Relentless Criminal Cross-Examination F-12

F. Failure to Record Defendant’s Statement§4:25 Strategy§4:26 Angles of Attack§4:27 Pattern Cross[§§4:28-4:29 Reserved]

G. Written Statement Is Invalid§4:30 Strategy

1. Detective Drafted Statement§4:31 Angles of Attack§4:32 Pattern Cross

2. Defendant’s Signature Is Meaningless§4:33 Strategy§4:34 Angles of Attack§4:35 Pattern Cross[§§4:36-4:39 Reserved]

H. Detective Denies He “Interrogated” Defendant§4:40 Strategy§4:41 Pattern Cross

I. Detective Trained to Use Manipulative Strategies (Reid Method) to Gain Confession§4:42 Detective Sets the Stage for Interrogation§4:43 Suspects Are Resistant to Confessing§4:44 Detectives Taught Techniques (Reid Method) to Overcome Resistance

FORMSForm 4-A Motion to Suppress—Confession

Form 4-B Motion re Seminars Attended by Detectives Involved in Taking Defendant’s Statement

Chapter 5 Cross-Examination of Informants and Accomplices

I. Governing Principles

II. The “Innocent Bystander”A. Tie “Bystander” to Crime

§5:01 Strategy §5:02 Key Facts §5:03 Angles of Attack§5:04 Cross-Examination

B. Distance “Bystander” From Client§5:05 Strategy§5:06 Key Facts§5:07 Angles of Attack §5:08 Cross-Examination

C. “Bystander” Desperate to Avoid Being Caught§5:09 Strategy§5:10 Key Facts§5:11 Angles of Attack §5:12 Cross-Examination[§§5:13-5:19 Reserved]

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F-13 Table of Contents

III. The Consummate Liar§5:20 Strategy§5:21 Key Facts §5:22 Angles of Attack§5:23 Cross-Examination[§§5:24-5:29 Reserved]

IV. The Desperate Witness A. The Miscreant Co-Defendant

§5:30 Strategy§5:31 Angles of Attack§5:32 Cross-Examination[§5:33 Reserved]

B. The Innocent Bystander/Accomplice §5:34 Key Facts §5:35 Angles of Attack§5:36 Cross-Examination[§5:37 Reserved]

C. The Wealthy Defendant§5:38 Key Facts§5:39 Strategy §5:40 Angles of Attack§5:41 Cross-Examination[§§5:42-5:49 Reserved]

V. The Prison Informant§5:50 Strategy§5:51 Common Fact Pattern§5:52 Angles of Attack§5:53 Cross-Examination[§§5:54-5:59 Reserved]

VI. The Recent-Arrestee Informant§5:60 Common Fact Pattern§5:61 Strategy§5:62 Angles of Attack§5:63 Cross-Examination[§5:64 Reserved]

VII. The Recanting Informant§5:65 Common Fact Pattern §5:66 Strategy§5:67 Angles of Attack§5:68 Cross-Examination

Chapter 6 Cross-Examination of Eyewitnesses

I. Attack Conditions Under Which Victim Made Initial Observation §6:01 Governing Principles §6:02 Strategy §6:03 Angles of Attack§6:04 Cross-Examination[§§6:05-6:09 Reserved]

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Relentless Criminal Cross-Examination F-14

II. Initial Description Does Not Match Defendant§6:10 Strategy§6:11 Key Facts§6:12 Angles of Attack§6:13 Cross-Examination[§§6:14-6:19 Reserved]

III. Failure to Select Client’s Photograph§6:20 Strategy §6:21 Key Facts§6:22 Angles of Attack§6:23 Cross-Examination[§§6:24-6:29 Reserved]

IV. Photo Array§6:30 Strategy

A. Failure to Conduct Line-Up §6:31 Key Facts§6:32 Angles of Attack§6:33 Cross-Examination[§6:34 Reserved]

B. Using Photograph Unlike Others§6:35 Key Facts §6:36 Angles of Attack§6:37 Cross-Examination [§§6:38-6:44 Reserved]

V. Line-Up Identification §6:45 Strategy§6:46 Key Facts §6:47 Angles of Attack§6:48 Cross-Examination [§§6:49-6:54 Reserved]

VI. Threaten to Test Witness’s Recollection§6:55 Strategy§6:56 Key Facts§6:57 Angles of Attack§6:58 Cross-Examination[§§6:59-6:64 Reserved]

VII. Juxtaposing Witnesses§6:65 Strategy §6:66 Key Facts§6:67 Angles of Attack: Eyewitness§6:68 Cross-Examination of Eyewitness§6:69 Angles of Attack: Officer §6:70 Cross-Examination of Officer

FORMSForm 6-A Motion to Suppress Identification

Form 6-B Motion for Access to Mug Shot Books Reviewed by Alleged Witnesses

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Chapter 7 Cross-Examining Expert Witnesses

I. Basic Principles§7:01 Do I Need to Cross-Examine This Expert?§7:02 Hire Your Own Expert [§§7:03-7:04 Reserved]

II. Government’s Hired Expert§7:05 Strategy

A. “After-the-Fact” Expert§7:06 Strategy§7:07 Cross-Examination

B. Expert’s Fees §7:08 Strategy§7:09 Cross-Examination

C. Expert Testimony Is Competitive Business §7:10 Strategy§7:11 Cross-Examination

D. Defuse Prosecution’s Attack on Your Expert§7:12 Strategy§7:13 Cross-Examination

E. Bias§7:14 Strategy§7:15 Cross-Examination

F. Testifying for Defense Once or Twice Does Not Make Expert “Independent”§7:16 Strategy§7:17 Cross-Examination[§§7:18-7:24 Reserved]

III. Government Payroll ExpertsA. State Chemists/Toxicologists

§7:25 Governing Principles §7:26 Strategy

1. Possible Contamination of Sample§7:27 Angles of Attack §7:28 Cross-Examination

2. Failed Confirmation of Screening Test§7:29 Angles of Attack §7:30 Cross-Examination

3. Building Up Reliability of Negative Tests§7:31 Strategy §7:32 Example: Poor Cross-Examination Using General Questions§7:33 Better Example: Strong Cross Using Specific Questions

4. Challenging Retrograde Extrapolation Calculations§7:34 Key Facts§7:35 Strategy§7:36 Angles of Attack§7:37 Cross-Examination§7:38 Sample Opening Statement[§7:39 Reserved]

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B. Medical Examiner

1. Governing Principles §7:40 Not Your Typical Expert§7:41 Autopsy Purpose & Procedures

2. Bullet Wounds§7:42 Strategy§7:43 Cross-Examination

3. Victim Did Not Suffer§7:44 Key Facts§7:45 Angles of Attack§7:46 Cross-Examination[§§7:47-7:49 Reserved]

4. Poisoninga. As Means of Murder

§7:50 Difficult to Prove §7:51 Strategy§7:52 Angles of Attack§7:53 Cross-Examination

b. Physical Effects of Poison§7:54 Strategy §7:55 Key Facts§7:56 Angles of Attack§7:57 Cross-Examination[§§7:58-7:59 Reserved]

5. Death by Natural Causes§7:60 Example: Ineffective Cross-Examination§7:61 Example: Effective Cross-Examination[§§7:62-7:64 Reserved]

C. Accident Reconstructionist

1. Governing Principles §7:65 Little Formal Education or Training §7:66 Subjective Component to Accident Reconstruction

2. Conclusions Conflict With Witnesses§7:67 Strategy§7:68 Angles of Attack§7:69 Cross-Examination

3. Shenanigans With Measurements§7:70 Strategy§7:71 Cross-Examination

4. Motive for Revising Analysis§7:72 Strategy §7:73 Angles of Attack§7:74 Cross-Examination[§§7:75-7:79 Reserved]

5. Misleading Clues a. Vehicle Did Not Brake

§7:80 Strategy§7:81 Cross-Examination

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b. Differentiating Between Yaw Mark and Skid Mark§7:82 Strategy §7:83 Angles of Attack §7:84 Cross-Examination

6. Auto/Pedestrian Cases §7:85 Key Facts §7:86 Angles of Attack §7:87 Cross-Examination—Challenge Expert’s Ultimate Conclusions §7:88 Cross-Examination—Raise Visibility Issues§7:89 Cross-Examination—Additional Grounds for Attack

IV. Expert—Fingerprint Evidence A. Governing Principles

§7:90 Latent Prints and AFIS§7:91 Error Rate §7:92 Junk Science?§7:93 For Defense Counsel: Two Options[§7:94 Reserved]

B. Expert Compared Latent Print With Client’s Print Only§7:95 Strategy §7:96 Angles of Attack§7:97 Cross-Examination

C. Downplaying Accuracy of AFIS§7:98 Strategy §7:99 Cross-Examination

D. Poor Quality of Latent Print §7:100 Strategy§7:101 Angles of Attack §7:102 Cross-Examination

E. Galton Points Standards§7:103 Strategy §7:104 Cross-Examination

FORMSForm 7-A Motion for Sources Consulted by Trooper in Analyzing Accident and Drafting Accident

Reconstruction Report

Chapter 8 Cross-Examination in Sexual Assault Cases

I. Governing Principles§8:01 Not for the Faint of Heart§8:02 Length of Examination §8:03 Tone of Cross-Examination§8:04 The Crying Witness [§8:05 Reserved]

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II. The Alleged Child Victim A. The Child Witness

1. Governing Principles§8:06 Establish Connection With Child §8:07 Show How Children Are Easily Led§8:08 Focus on Details[§8:09 Reserved]

2. Failure to Inform Parents§8:10 Strategy§8:11 Key Facts§8:12 Angles of Attack§8:13 Cross-Examination[§8:14 Reserved]

3. Failure to Tell Teacher§8:15 Strategy §8:16 Angles of Attack§8:17 Cross-Examination

B. Officer Who Conducted Initial Interview§8:18 Strategy §8:19 Key Facts §8:20 Angles of Attack§8:21 Cross-Examination[§§8:22-8:24 Reserved]

III. The Alleged Rape VictimA. Consent Defense

§8:25 Governing Principles

1. Dressing to Attract Attention§8:26 Strategy§8:27 Angles of Attack§8:28 Cross-Examination[§8:29 Reserved]

2. Actions That Suggest Consent§8:30 Strategy§8:31 Key Facts

a. Alleged Victim Asked About the Accused§8:32 Angles of Attack§8:33 Cross-Examination

b. Alleged Victim Approached the Accused§8:34 Angles of Attack§8:35 Cross-Examination

c. Alleged Victim Consumed Too Much Alcohol§8:36 Angles of Attack§8:37 Cross-Examination

d. Alleged Victim Let Defendant Remove Her Clothes§8:38 Angles of Attack§8:39 Cross-Examination[§§8:40-8:44 Reserved]

B. Failure to Report Attack§8:45 Strategy§8:46 Key Facts

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1. Failure to Call Police Morning After§8:47 Angles of Attack§8:48 Cross-Examination

2. Failure to Contact Police After Hospital Examination§8:49 Strategy§8:50 Angles of Attack§8:51 Cross-Examination

3. Failure to Tell Friends and Family§8:52 Angles of Attack§8:53 Cross-Examination

C. The Emotionally “Unstable” Victim§8:54 Key Facts§8:55 Angles of Attack§8:56 Cross-Examination[§§8:57-8:59 Reserved]

IV. Story Seems to ChangeA. “Fresh Complaint” Witnesses

§8:60 Strategy §8:61 Key Facts§8:62 Angles of Attack§8:63 Cross-Examination [§8:64 Reserved]

B. Confronting Alleged Victim With Inconsistent Statements §8:65 Strategy§8:66 Key Facts§8:67 Angles of Attack§8:68 Cross-Examination[§§8:69-8:74 Reserved]

V. Emergency Room Nurse/Physician§8:75 Governing Principles

A. Decision to Conduct Sexual Assault Examination§8:76 Strategy §8:77 Angles of Attack§8:78 Cross-Examination

B. Completing Sexual Assault Forms§8:79 Angles of Attack§8:80 Cross-Examination

C. If No Evidence Connects Accused to Crime §8:81 Strategy §8:82 Angles of Attack§8:83 Cross-Examination

D. If No Injuries Found§8:84 Angles of Attack§8:85 Cross-Examination

E. Attempts to Document Injury to Vagina—None Found§8:86 Strategy§8:87 Angles of Attack§8:88 Cross-Examination[§§8:89-8:94 Reserved]

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VI. Motive for Making False Accusation§8:95 Strategy

A. Scenario #1 – To Save Face§8:96 Key Facts §8:97 Angles of Attack§8:98 Cross-Examination[§8:99 Reserved]

B. Scenario #2 – To Deflect Allegations of an Affair§8:100 Key Facts§8:101 Angles of Attack§8:102 Cross-Examination [§8:103 Reserved]

C. Scenario #3 – Revenge; Ignorance of Law§8:104 Key Facts §8:105 Angles of Attack§8:106 Cross-Examination[§8:107 Reserved]

D. Scenario #4 – Desire to Break Up a Marriage§8:108 Key Facts §8:109 Angles of Attack§8:110 Cross-Examination

E. Scenario #5 - Vindictiveness; Saving Face

1. Cross-Examination of Alleged Victim§8:111 Key Facts§8:112 Angles of Attack§8:113 Cross-Examination

2. Cross-Examination of Key Witness - Alleged Victim’s “Best” Friend§8:114 Key Facts§8:115 Angles of Attack§8:116 Cross-Examination

FormsForm 8-A MA Rape Kit Form

Chapter 9 Cross-Examination in DWI Cases

I. Governing Principles

II. Cross-Examination of Arresting OfficerA. Initial Observations of Driving

1. Good Driving§9:01 Strategy§9:02 Angles of Attack§9:03 Cross-Examination[§9:04 Reserved]

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2. Absence of Drunk Driving “Red Flags”§9:05 Strategy§9:06 Angles of Attack§9:07 Cross-Examination[§§9:08-9:09 Reserved]

B. Bloodshot or Glassy Eyes§9:10 Strategy§9:11 Angles of Attack§9:12 Cross-Examination[§§9:13-9:14 Reserved]

C. Odor of Alcohol§9:15 Strategy§9:16 Angles of Attack§9:17 Cross-Examination[§§9:18-9:19 Reserved]

D. Field Sobriety Tests

1. Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus§9:20 Strategy§9:21 Angles of Attack§9:22 Cross-Examination[§§9:23-9:24 Reserved]

2. Heel-to-Toe§9:25 Strategy§9:26 Angles of Attack§9:27 Cross-Examination[§§9:28-9:29 Reserved]

3. One-Leg-Stand Test§9:30 Strategy§9:31 Angles of Attack§9:32 Cross-Examination[§§9:33-9:34 Reserved]

4. Alphabet Testa. Client Passed Test

§9:35 Strategy§9:36 Angles of Attack§9:37 Cross-Examination[§§9:38-9:39 Reserved]

b. Client Failed Test—English Is Second Language§9:40 Strategy§9:41 Angles of Attack§9:42 Cross-Examination[§§9:43-9:44 Reserved]

E. No “Red Flags” in Defendant’s Behavior§9:45 Strategy§9:46 Angles of Attack§9:47 Cross-Examination[§§9:48-9:49 Reserved]

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F. Hospital Testing§9:50 Strategy§9:51 Angles of Attack§9:52 Cross-Examination[§§9:53-9:54 Reserved]

III. Breathalyzer ExpertA. Police Not Entrusted With Real Toxicology Equipment

§9:55 Strategy§9:56 Angles of Attack§9:57 Cross-Examination[§§9:58-9:59 Reserved]

B. Breathalyzer Tests Air, Not Blood§9:60 Strategy§9:61 Angles of Attack§9:62 Cross-Examination[§§9:63-9:64 Reserved]

C. Hospital Testing§9:65 Strategy§9:66 Angles of Attack§9:67 Cross-Examination

FORMSForm 9-A Omnibus DWI Discovery Motion

Form 9-B Subpoena Duces Tecum to Appear and Bring Training Manuals

Chapter 10 Cross-Examination at Hearings on Requests for Restraining Orders

I. Governing Principles§10:01 Our Audience§10:02 State of Mind of Alleged Victim[§§10:03-10:04 Reserved]

II. Preparing for the Hearing§10:05 Obtain Recording of Any Prior Hearing§10:06 Obtain Affidavit in Support of Protective Order§10:07 Obtain Police Reports[§§10:08-10:09 Reserved]

III. Cross-Examination ExamplesA. Discrediting Alleged Victim With Her Affidavit

§10:10 Key Facts§10:11 Angles of Attack§10:12 Cross-Examination

B. Discrediting Outdated Allegations§10:13 Background§10:14 Angles of Attack§10:15 Cross-Examination

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C. Discrediting Complainant Who Has Sought Restraining Orders in the Past§10:16 Background§10:17 Angles of Attack§10:18 Sample Cross-Examination

D. Discrediting Complainant Who Seeks Advantage in Child Custody Dispute§10:19 Background§10:20 Angles of Attack§10:21 Cross-Examination

E. Discrediting the Scorned Lover§10:22 Background§10:23 Cross-Examination

Table of Cases

Table of Statutes

Index

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