People v. Nash, 2024 IL App (4th) 221078 (November). Episode 1078 (Duration 13:08)
The warrant was not removed from the system due simply to a garden-variety clerical error.
[Read more…]Improper Closing Argument Referring To Defendant’s Immigration Status Leads To Reversal
People v. Afandi, 2024 IL App (1st) 221282 (August). Episode 1060 (Duration 7:27)
Closing Argument was going so well until prosecutor commented on defendant coming to this country to rape women, that’s when wheel’s fell off.
[Read more…]Snitches Get Stitches Argument Is Proper But This Anonymous Tip Argument Is Improper
People v. Williams, 2023 IL App (1st) 192463 (December). Episode 1023 (Duration 7:47)
A prosecutor may not “suggest that a witness was afraid to testify because the defendant threatened or intimidated him when that argument is not based on evidence produced at trial.
[Read more…]Just Never Comment On Post Arrest Silence
People v. Pinkett, 2023 IL 127223 (June). Episode 999 (Duration 9:27)
Contrary to the State’s argument that the prosecutor’s comments were proper under Illinois evidentiary rules, defendant’s silence was not evidence of consciousness of guilt.
[Read more…]This Common Closing Argument About Subpoenas And Hearsay Is Proper
People v. Williams, 2022 IL 126918 (May). Episode 942 (Duration 6:43)
The prosecutor’s comment about hearsay was not improper, and the prosecutor’s comment on the defense’s subpoena powers was also not improper.
[Read more…]When You Don’t Test Something Say This In Closing Argument
People v. Mudd, 2022 IL 126830 (January). Episode 861 (Duration 8:46)
Completely proper in closing argument for the State to point out that both sides are legally allowed to conduct scientific testing.
[Read more…]Is It Ever Within Sound Trial Strategy To NOT Give A Closing Argument?
People v. Pratt, 2020 IL App (1st) 161085 (March). Episode 769 (Duration 7:27)
Craig’s List Roomate: Defense counsel make no closing argument is that per se ineffective assistance?
Read moreProsecutor Can’t Compare Defendant Who Went To Trial With Codefendant Who Took Responsibility
People v. Williams, 2020 IL App (1st) 163417 (February). Episode 756 (Duration 17:26)
An example of what not to say in closing argument.
[Read more…]An Example Of What Not To Say During Closing Argument
People v. Holmon, 2019 IL App (5th) 160207 (August). Episode 712 (Duration 21:49)
Prosecutor gets a little carried away in closing arguments, even brings up Sling Blade.
[Read more…]An Example Of Inartful Closing Argument And How To Fix It: What Not To Say In Closing
People v. Garcia, 2019 IL App (2d) 161112 (March). Episode 615 (Duration 15:28)
Prosecutor used an inartful example to illustrate accountability, but this was not plain error.
[Read more…]