#criminal defense strategy

[dennisrboren]

Seeking Legal Help: How a Drug Offense Attorney Can Protect Your Rights

Facing drug crime charges in Amarillo can be an overwhelming and frightening experience. Whether you've been accused of possession, distribution, or trafficking, the consequences of a conviction can be severe, impacting every aspect of your life. In such situations, seeking the guidance and representation of a skilled drug crime defense attorney in Amarillo is crucial to safeguarding your rights and securing the best possible outcome for your case.

Understanding Drug Crime Charges in Amarillo

Drug offenses encompass a wide range of illegal activities, from simple possession to more serious charges like manufacturing or trafficking. In Amarillo, drug crime charges are taken very seriously by law enforcement and the judicial system. Depending on the type and quantity of the substance involved, as well as your prior criminal record, you could be facing hefty fines, mandatory drug treatment programs, and even lengthy prison sentences.

The Role of a Drug Crime Attorney in Amarillo

When facing drug crime charges in Amarillo, it's essential to have a knowledgeable and experienced attorney by your side. A skilled drug crime attorney in Amarillo will thoroughly assess the details of your case, identify any potential weaknesses or violations of your rights, and develop a strategic defense strategy tailored to your specific circumstances.

Legal Expertise and Guidance

Navigating the complexities of the legal system can be daunting, especially when you're facing serious criminal charges. A drug offense attorney with experience in Amarillo's courts can provide invaluable guidance and support at every stage of your case. From advising you on your rights and options to representing you in court proceedings, they will work tirelessly to protect your interests and achieve the best possible outcome.

Case Investigation and Defense Building

Building a strong defense against drug crime charges requires a comprehensive understanding of both state and federal laws, as well as meticulous investigation and analysis of the evidence against you. A skilled drug crime defense attorney in Amarillo will conduct a thorough review of the facts surrounding your case, scrutinize police procedures and witness testimony, and explore all available legal avenues to challenge the prosecution's case.

Negotiation and Advocacy

In many cases, reaching a favorable resolution without going to trial is possible through negotiation with prosecutors. A seasoned drug crime attorney in Amarillo will leverage their negotiation skills and legal expertise to pursue alternative sentencing options or reduced charges on your behalf. If a plea bargain is in your best interest, they will ensure that you understand the implications and make informed decisions every step of the way.

Conclusion

When facing drug crime charges in Amarillo, your future and freedom are on the line. Don't leave your defense to chance—seek the guidance and representation of a trusted legal advocate who will fight tirelessly to protect your rights and secure the best possible outcome for your case. The Law Office of Dennis R. Boren is dedicated to providing aggressive and effective defense representation to individuals facing drug crime charges in Amarillo. Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation and take the first step towards safeguarding your future.

[mayslawoffice]

Navigating Wisconsin's Criminal Laws: The Vital Role of a Skilled Defense Attorney

: Facing criminal charges can be a daunting and life-altering experience. The outcome of your case could potentially lead to severe consequences, including long jail sentences, hefty fines, and lasting damage to your reputation. In such critical situations, the importance of selecting a skilled criminal defense attorney cannot be overstated. This blog explores why choosing the right defense attorney in Madison, Wisconsin, is paramount and sheds light on the potential risks of inadequate representation.

The Stakes Are High: Protecting Your Future: When it comes to criminal charges, there is too much at stake to leave your defense to just any lawyer. A competent criminal defense attorney possesses not only a deep understanding of Wisconsin's criminal laws but also the determination to fiercely advocate for your rights throughout the legal process. The complexities of the legal system demand expertise, experience, and a relentless commitment to securing the best possible outcome for your case.

Mays Law Office, LLC: Your Ally Against Criminal Charges: At Mays Law Office, LLC, our dedicated criminal defense lawyer understands the gravity of the situation you're facing. With extensive experience in criminal defense cases throughout Madison, Middleton, and surrounding communities, our legal team is well-equipped to guide you through the complexities of Wisconsin's legal landscape. Our goal is to safeguard your future by skillfully navigating the intricacies of your case.

Comprehensive Defense Across a Spectrum of Charges: One of the key advantages of enlisting a skilled criminal defense attorney is their ability to provide a comprehensive defense strategy tailored to your specific charges. Our criminal lawyers at Mays Law Office have achieved numerous successes for clients facing a wide range of charges, including assault/battery, drunk driving, disorderly conduct, drug offenses, homicide, sex crimes, traffic citations, and white collar crimes. By addressing each case with a strategic approach, we work towards achieving a favorable outcome for you.

Striving for the Best Solution: Negotiation vs. Trial: While some law firms prioritize quick settlements to avoid court, Mays Law Office takes a different approach. We are committed to pursuing the best possible solution for your case, even if it means going to trial. Our criminal defense lawyer has the experience and expertise to negotiate favorable settlements that may lead to reduced charges. However, when negotiation isn't an option, our seasoned trial attorneys are prepared to vigorously fight for your rights in the courtroom.

Dedicated Investment in Your Case: Regardless of the complexity or seriousness of your situation, Mays Law Office is dedicated to investing the necessary time, energy, and resources to protect your rights. We understand the challenges you face when dealing with criminal charges and aim to foster a compassionate, nonjudgmental atmosphere where you can openly communicate with our criminal defense attorneys.

Conclusion: When your future hangs in the balance due to criminal charges, the importance of selecting a skilled defense attorney cannot be emphasized enough. Mays Law Office, LLC, stands as a steadfast ally in your fight for justice, leveraging extensive experience, in-depth legal knowledge, and an unwavering commitment to your rights. With the complexities of Wisconsin's criminal laws, your choice of representation could be the deciding factor between a favorable outcome and a harsh one.

NOTE: The information provided in this blog is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. For personalized legal advice, it's recommended to consult an attorney. Contacting Mays Law Office, LLC, does not establish an attorney-client relationship.

[campadailyblog]

50 Cent: Come il Rapper Ha Affrontato i Suoi Problemi Legali

50 Cent, famoso rapper americano, ha affrontato molti problemi legali. È stato accusato di possesso di armi e traffico di droga. Ha anche avuto scontri con artisti come Ja Rule e The Game. Nonostante queste sfide, 50 Cent ha raggiunto il successo con canzoni come “In Da Club” e “21 Questions”. È diventato un nome importante nell’hip-hop. Ha saputo trasformare le avversità in opportunità. Così, ha…

[jcmarchi]

How will ChatGPT-5 change your cyber security strategy? - CyberTalk

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/how-will-chatgpt-5-change-your-cyber-security-strategy-cybertalk/

How will ChatGPT-5 change your cyber security strategy? - CyberTalk

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

Yesterday, OpenAI’s Chief Technology Officer, Mira Murati, described the level of intelligence that will be packed into the forthcoming ChatGPT model. ChatGPT-5 is expected to have ‘Ph.D-level’ smarts.

“If you look at the trajectory of improvement, systems like GPT-3 were maybe toddler-level intelligence,” said Murati. “And then systems like GPT-4 are more like smart high-schooler intelligence…in the next couple of years, we’re looking at Ph.D. intelligence for specific tasks,” Murati continued.

In regards to cyber security and cyber security professionals, the implications are still unfurling. Nonetheless, the handful of possibilities outlined below are worth preparing for now – before hackers attempt to weaponize this technology (and disrupt your organization).

ChatGPT-5 potential threats

According to Murati, GPT-5 is due to be released near the close of 2025 or in early 2026. While technology aficionados may wish that the next GPT leap were nearer, the timeline presents cyber security pros with the opportunity to prepare for unprecedented possibilities, like these:

ChatGPT-5 may be able to analyze software code. In so doing, it may be able to immediately identify software weaknesses and generate custom exploits for any found vulnerabilities. In other words, ChatGPT-5 could effectively serve vulnerabilities to cyber criminals on a silver platter.

ChatGPT-5 could also result in social engineering gone-wild; think hyper-personalized phishing emails and smishing messages. Such messages may be so elegantly and seamlessly crafted that humans, if not machines, will almost certainly struggle to recognize them as phony and duplicitous.

Concern around generative AI’s abilities to sow misinformation and disinformation isn’t new. But ChatGPT-5 could potentially generate journalistic, realistic-looking fake news articles and social media posts. In turn, this could manipulate (and confuse) the general public. Effects could range from brand damage to social discord, depending on how the AI is employed.

Strategic CISO recommendations

1. Develop an AI-aware vulnerability management program. Given ChatGPT-5’s potential to analyze code and identify software weaknesses with a high level of accuracy, CISOs should create a vulnerability management program that uses AI-powered tooling.

This program should be able to quickly identify, prioritize and address vulnerabilities; before adversaries can exploit them using similar AI capabilities.

2. Enhance social engineering defenses. Hyper-personalized phishing is already a problem (whaling). To get ahead of this issue, consider advanced user education programs, along with AI-powered email and message filtering systems. Email filtering systems should be able to detect and neutralize highly evolved social engineering tactics.

3. Implement AI-powered misinformation detection. As noted earlier, ChatGPT-5 may be able to create convincing fake news and fake social media posts. To prepare for this seeming eventuality, implement AI-powered content verification tools. These kinds of tools help to actively protect your brand and can set your business apart as thoughtful, competitive and cyber security-forward.

4. Although this sounds like it’s straight out of a sci-fi movie, consider preparing for AI vs. AI cyber security scenarios. This includes investing in AI model security, implementing adversarial testing for AI systems and coming up with home-grown, business-specific strategies for identifying and counteracting AI-powered attacks.

Further thoughts

As generative artificial intelligence evolves, cyber security will have to adapt. Reactive responses can leave businesses scrambling uphill after it’s too late – get ahead of technological trends and adapt your cyber security, starting today.

For detailed insights into AI-powered, cloud-delivered cyber security technology that protects your business from the most sophisticated of cyber threats, click here. For insights into using AI prompt engineering to your advantage as a security professional, click here. Lastly, to receive cyber security thought leadership articles, groundbreaking research and emerging threat analyses each week, subscribe to the CyberTalk.org newsletter.

[alfahallaw]

Unlock the intricacies of Saudi Arabia's criminal law with our comprehensive guide to 15 essential terms, covering Sharia law, defense strategies, and legal proceedings.

[expensiveusa]

White Collar Criminal Defense: Understanding the Complexities and Legal Strategies

White-collar crimes are non-violent offenses typically committed by individuals in business, corporate, or government positions, with financial motivations. These crimes encompass a wide range of fraudulent activities, such as embezzlement, insider trading, bribery, and money laundering, among others. The legal defense for individuals accused of white-collar crimes is a complex and intricate…

[defensestrategy12]

A criminal attorney has a thorough understanding of criminal law and the criminal justice system. They use their knowledge to protect their clients' rights, challenge the prosecution's evidence, and ensure a fair trial. Their expertise is critical in securing the best possible outcome for their clients.

[leroylawpa]

Importance of Expert Witnesses in Criminal Cases

Summary:

Provide Credibility: Expert witnesses can provide credibility to your defense by providing professional opinions and technical knowledge related to your case.

Challenge Prosecution's Evidence: Expert witnesses can challenge the prosecution's evidence by providing alternative explanations or scientific evidence that contradicts the prosecution's case.

Support the Defense's Theory: Expert witnesses can support the defense's theory of the case by providing scientific or technical evidence that supports your defense.

Educate the Jury: Expert witnesses can educate the jury about complex scientific or technical issues related to your case, helping them better understand the evidence presented.

Impact Sentencing: Expert witnesses can impact sentencing by providing mitigating factors or recommending alternative sentencing options.

Expert witnesses can play a crucial role in criminal cases in West Palm Beach. In many cases, expert witnesses can provide critical insights, scientific evidence, and technical knowledge that can support the defense's case or challenge the prosecution's evidence. Here's a closer look at the importance of expert witnesses in West Palm Beach criminal cases.

Provide Credibility

Expert witnesses can provide credibility to your defense by providing professional opinions and technical knowledge related to your case. Expert witnesses are typically individuals with specialized education, training, or experience in a particular field, such as medicine, psychology, or forensics. Their expertise can lend credibility to your defense and provide a solid counter to the prosecution's evidence.

Challenge Prosecution's Evidence

Expert witnesses can challenge the prosecution's evidence by providing alternative explanations or scientific evidence that contradicts the prosecution's case. For example, a medical expert witness may challenge the prosecution's diagnosis of a victim's injuries or provide proof that the defendant did not cause the injuries. Expert witnesses can also challenge forensic evidence, such as DNA evidence, by providing alternative explanations or questioning the validity of the evidence.

Support Defense's Theory

Expert witnesses can support the defense's theory of the case by providing scientific or technical evidence that supports your defense. For example, a DNA expert witness may provide evidence that contradicts the prosecution's DNA evidence or supports the defense's theory of the case. Expert witnesses can also provide evidence that supports the defendant's version of events or challenges the prosecution's timeline of events.

Educate the Jury

Expert witnesses can educate the jury about complex scientific or technical issues related to your case. Many criminal cases involve complex scientific or technical evidence, which can be difficult for a layperson to understand. Expert witnesses can provide clear explanations and help the jury better understand the evidence presented. This can help the jury make an informed decision based on the evidence presented.

Impact Sentencing

Expert witnesses can impact sentencing by providing mitigating factors or recommending alternative sentencing options. For example, a mental health expert witness may provide evidence of a defendant's mental illness or addiction, which can be considered mitigating factors during sentencing. Expert witnesses can also recommend alternative sentencing options, such as rehabilitation or community service, which can be more beneficial than imprisonment.

In conclusion, expert witnesses can play a critical role in criminal cases in West Palm Beach. They can provide credibility to your defense, challenge the prosecution's evidence, support the defense's theory of the case, educate the jury, and impact sentencing.

Q&A FAQ:

Q: How do I know if I need an expert witness for my defense?

A: Your criminal defense attorney will evaluate the evidence and circumstances of your case to determine if an expert witness is necessary. If the prosecution presents scientific or technical evidence, or if your defense is based on a complex issue, an expert witness may be required to strengthen your defense.

Q: Who pays for the expert witness?

A: Generally, the defense team pays for the expert witness. However, some courts may provide funds for indigent defendants to hire an expert witness.

Q: How is an expert witness selected for a criminal case?

A: Your criminal defense attorney will select an expert witness based on their qualifications, experience, and knowledge related to the specific issue in your case. The expert witness may be recommended by your attorney or identified through a referral network or research.

Q: What types of experts can be called witnesses in a criminal case?

A: Expert witnesses can be called from various fields, including forensic science, medicine, psychology, and engineering. The type of expert witness selected will depend on the specific issue or evidence being challenged in the case.

Q: What is the role of the expert witness in the courtroom? A: The role of the expert witness is to provide technical knowledge and professional opinions related to the issue in the case. They may be called to testify in court or give a written report that is presented to the court.

[crimethinc]

Jennifer Kerkhoff, the prosecutor who attempted to put over two hundred people in prison for decades for the supposed crime of wearing black on the day that Donald Trump became president, is now facing charges for some of the false statements, misrepresentations, and omissions she committed in the course of prosecuting them.

No justice ever comes from the criminal justice system. But whenever lawyers and judges set out to intensify the ways that the system is used to target ordinary people, we should do our utmost to ensure that they fail.

To learn more about the collective defense strategy that defeated the J20 charges:

crimethinc.com/J20legal

[tarjapearce]

Omg, your asks are back open, I just want you to know that I can’t stop thinking about your punk miguel post god damn. If you could write some more of that that would be very cool 🥺👉👈 Only if you want to though!!! I love you

art by @bumbleboots_art on Ig

Warnings: Angst, mild physical assault, fluff, suggestive towards the end.

Miguel

Punk Miggy

Pt. 1

Ever since Miggy appeared through a portal into your lives, things had been chaotic.

You needed to believe things were chaotic good, but with two Miguels you truly didn't know what to expect. Your grumpy faced Miguel often barked orders with a strategy in mind, while Miggy just gave in the heat of the battle and things somehow ended up working.

But at the end of the day everything resumed into a bunch of

"Te dije que hicieras caso!" (Told you to obey)

"I obey orders from none. You specially"

God, as handsome as they were, they were annoying. The constant clashing had also played a huge part in your almost-lover/boss situationship with you. Everytime they bickered like loud vexing parrots, you left them be.

At the begining it was fun to watch them rant and banter, but as things evolved into something more tense and borderline dangerous, your own share of mental force was drained.

You barely hung out with them anymore, adding to the already snapping short temper of your Miguel.

Miggy looked suspicious, and truly wondered if things had been too much for you to not be around.

His eyes however widened in knowing pain as a flurry of memories paraded on his mental runway. He watched Miguel, or at least another variant of him, having and enjoying a little girl he knew so well. Little Gabriella.

"Stay away" He growled, but how could he?

How he could do such thing when another variant of his little girl was there, happy on his shoulders, freshly out of a soccer game.

His own Gabriella loved hearing him play the guitar, just as much as he loved serenading her. His Gabriella loved to make patches for him to add at his jacket. The two had matching patched up vests. In every universe his little girl was beautiful and loved. Like it should be.

"I fucking told you to stay away!" Miguel growled as his punk counterpart held his hands in defense while dodging a hurling chair thrown his way

"I lost her too, Y'know?" Miggy laid on his chair as Miguel grabbed him by the collar of his vest. Fangs bared, tight grip and nose flaring.

"I miss her too."

With a grunt, Miguel let him go.

"You don't know what you're talking about."

"C'mon, jefazo. You might fool everyone under your command. Even our princesita. But you don't fool me. I am you, remember? Estás bien pendejo si crees que puedes engañarme." (You're stupid if you think you can fool me.)

"She's a constant reminder of what I do." Miguel pointed at the screens, "And why people should fucking follow orders."

Miggy rolled his eyes and sighed.

"Could you shop talking about work second for a moment? Let's focus on-"

"She's gone. Nothing to focus on, besides the multiverse."

"I know what it feels like. To suddenly lose-"

"Tu?! Tu no tienes ni una puta idea de lo que se siente!" (You had no fucking idea to what it feels like!)

Miguel roared, as Miggy frowned with a scowl only to his chest to bump against his, retaliating.

"¿Crees que no, cabrón? I lost her due an asshole policeman doing a misdirected gunshot just cause he mistook me for a criminal. He shot in the air, and it got her. It was aimed at me!" (You think I don't, dipshit?)

He palmed his chest before ripping the velcro patch Gabriella had made for him and tossed it on his hands.

My favorite Rockstar

"You fucking think I don't know how powerless you'd feel while watching your little girl dying right before your very eyes?! "

"Al menos tuviste algo que sepultar." (At least you had something to burry)

Miguel mumbled and his punk counterpart stilled.

"She vanished in my hands." Red and blue clad shoulders slumped heavily. A burden he still carried to this day.

Silence stretched for a bit too long, before Miguel sighed and turned his back on him.

"You stepped in when none wanted to."

Miggy rubbed his neck as he offered his best comfort words.

"That's what a real father does."

Miguel cleared his throat and turned to face him "We wished we could save everyone."

"But we can't." added Miggy with a solemn face.

"Now you understand why I do what I do?"

"I've always understood that, though guy. Still, is fun to give you shit for it"

Miguel dismissed him with a roll of his eyes, but a newfound level of mutual respect settled between the both.

"Specially when our princesita was caught in the middle of our antics."

"Again, there is no ours in here. Give her space."

"I think we've given her enough of it."

"No."

"Yes"

Miguel grunted, annoyed as he followed him.

-----

"No, no, that's not how you do it."

"It's my turn, I kiss her however the fuck I want to."

Bossman Miguel spoke as he cupped your reddening cheeks, making your flushed lips, that glistened over a new make out session invited him to deliver another desperate and breathless kiss.

Meaty lips guided yours in a pace you've grown to know well, just as Miggy nuzzled your neck playfully. The tip of his nose roaming up and down, for him to give a gentle nip at your earlobe.

You groaned into Miguel's mouth, and whimpered as you begged for air.

How had you ended up in this predicament after such a parkour of emotions displayed between them? Lyla had shown you their conversation, glad at least they learned how to share something that found them a common ground.

And then Miggy had waltzed in your work bay, smothering your lips with a breathtaking kiss as an apology for the troubles caused and it only triggered Miguel, that showed him what a real kiss was.

And now it all resumed into this moment. The three sitting on your couch, that sometimes acted as your bed, taking turns to make out with you.

Miggy's turn arrived as he turned your face, placed a gentle hand on your cheek and kissed you. It was soft and chaste at first, but then his tongue pried your mouth open. Soft and moist muscles fighting for a chance to top you, and he did.

Earning a lovely and delicious mewl from you. Rough and calloused hands roamed up your sides and waist

"Let her go, that's enough"

Miguel grumbled as he had to pry away your needy lips from his counterpart.

"Who did it best, cariño?"

Your head felt like it had detached from your body and floated like a balloon as your Miguel nipped at your neck softly and Miggy mumbled the sweetest things to your ear. You certainly couldn't decide, even if your life depended on it.

"A tie."

Both scowled.

"Guess we'll have to find out differently, then."

Miguel's steely stare fixed on you with a suspicious glint in his eyes, as Miggy licked your earlobe.

Where were the anomalies when you needed them the most?

You gulped at your ongoing demise.

[burrotello]

So, is it just the average 3 rounds in the boxer au?

What would you say is each character's main weakness?

How does Jax cheat in his fights?

(I'm sorry for all the questions, this is just so interesting!)

In this au there’s up to 12 three minute rounds, but it ends early if there’s a knockout!

Weaknesses are a primary part of the game’s mechanic, where even when you don’t think you have one, one is already assigned to you. Some of those for the main crew are as follows:

Pomni: While her stamina is exceptional, it only functions in bursts; Kinger is especially one that strategically tires her out using defense before going in for the final blow.

Ragatha: She’s strong, but underestimates her own power; simple excelled strategy can throw her off.

Gangle: Due to her extreme speed and agility in the ring, she doesn’t pay attention to accuracy. It’s very easy to read and utilize her blind spots and timing accuracy.

Kinger: With Kinger’s extreme strategic advantage, he pays attention to patterns and rhythm. Do anything unpredictable and he completely loses focus!

Zooble: They’re terribly strong, but also a bit physically slow. Agility is not their strong suit in the ring unless they use their ATK or DEF moves.

Jax: Despite his skill, Jax is far too cocky (see to the Tortoise and the Hare). Once that’s broken down? He can barely keep himself off the ropes.

Jax cheats through violations; such like headbutting, low blows, scratching, and even rabbit punching (yes, it’s called rabbit punching). Because of the faulty system along with his criminally manipulative management team, he gets away with these violations and maintains his place as champion.

I don’t mind the questions!! Ask away!!

[aurorangen]

There are some things we will remember for the rest of our lives

Transcript & Context:

[She couldn't have. I kept telling myself those words until they sounded believable. Billy also had conflicting thoughts about her innocence, judging from his face and actions in the following hours. We didn't know what was the truth. Ultimately she was innocent, but it was no easy task getting there]

[The police at Gibbs Hill provided the documents such as the forensics reports and witness testimonies, but they made no sense. The stab wound images didn't match the weapon. The witness testimonies were under fake names. Not a lot of biological evidence. Unfortunately, the only thing plausible was the fingerprints]

[When my mum was interrogated, she had a right to a lawyer, so she contacted the only person she could think of, Sunny Chaudhry, a criminal defence lawyer and old friend. He came to meet me straight after with details]

Sunny: Vincent, I will do everything possible to prove your mother is innocent. She has been framed.

[Initially, there were disputes between Sunny and Billy's police department with cooperating. He was defending the criminal after all. Further review of the documents proved something was off with Gibbs Hill Police and they decided to reinvestigate the murder. Expert help was vital to reinforce the evidence]

[Another autopsy was done to estimate the time of death, cause and identity. Immediate observation showed he wasn't my father. The body identified was a murder victim, from a case solved a week back. It was enough proof. All that was left was for Sunny to finish the legal procedures and defense strategy for the trial]

[Then the day of the trial came. I listened intently to every word he spoke and forgot my anxiety. The verdict was my mum was not guilty and she was released from all charges. Immediate investigation was to be done on Gibbs Hill Police. Sunny looked so powerful in front of everyone: I was mesmerised by his confidence]

Well, this was my idea for why he wanted to be a lawyer! Seeing Sunny fight for Payton to prove her innocence, opened Vincent's eyes. It's quite meaningful because one impacted his own life in such a significant way. And yes I brought back an old face.

Vincent: [whispers to himself] I want to be like that one day. A lawyer?

[It was a job that positively impacted society, a job that held so much authority. A responsibility to uphold justice and fairness. It provided a voice to the voiceless, a voice that would be heard by people]

[simply-ivanka]

Trump and the Lawfare Implosion of 2024

Will his prosecution end up putting him back in the White House?

Wall Street Journal

By Kimberley A. Strassel

What’s that old saying about the “best-laid plans”? Democrats banked that a massive lawfare campaign against Donald Trump would strengthen their hold on the White House. As that legal assault founders, they’re left holding the bag known as Joe Biden.

In Florida on Tuesday, Judge Aileen Cannon postponed indefinitely the start of special counsel Jack Smith’s classified-documents trial. The judge noted the original date, May 20, is impossible given the messy stack of pretrial motions on her desk. The prosecution is fuming, while the press insinuates—or baldly asserts—that the judge is biased for Mr. Trump, incompetent or both. But it is Mr. Smith and his press gaggle who are living in legal unreality, attempting to rush the process to accommodate a political timeline.

What did they expect? Mr. Smith waited until 2023 to file legally novel charges involving classified documents, a former president, and a complex set of statutes governing presidential records. The pretrial disputes—some sealed for national-security reasons—involve weighty questions about rules governing the admission of classified documents in criminal trials, discovery, scope and even whether Mr. Smith’s appointment as special counsel was lawful. Judge Cannon notes the court has a “duty to fully and fairly consider” all of these, which she believes will take until at least July. This could push any trial beyond the election.

Mr. Smith’s indictments in the District of Columbia, alleging that Mr. Trump plotted to overturn the 2020 election, have separately gone to the Supreme Court, where the justices are determining whether and when a former president is immune from criminal prosecution for acts while in office. A decision on the legal question is expected in June, whereupon the case will likely return to the lower courts to apply it to the facts. That may also mean no trial before the election.

A Georgia appeals court this week decided it would review whether Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis can continue leading her racketeering case against Mr. Trump in light of the conflict presented by her romantic relationship with the former special prosecutor. The trial judge is unlikely to proceed while this major issue is pending, and the appeals process could take up to six months.

Which leaves the lawfare crowd’s last, best hope in Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s muddled charges on that Trump 2016 “hush money” deal with adult-film star Stormy Daniels. That case was a mess well before Judge Juan Merchan allowed Ms. Daniels to provide the jury Kama-Sutra-worthy descriptions of her claimed sexual tryst with Mr. Trump, during which she intimated several times that the encounter was nonconsensual.

Mr. Trump is charged with falsifying records, not sexual assault, and even the judge acknowledged the jury heard things that “would have been better left unsaid.” He tried to blame the defense for not objecting enough during her testimony, but it’s the judge’s job to keep witnesses on task. Judge Merchan refused a Trump request for a mistrial, but his openness to issuing a “limiting instruction” to the jury—essentially an order to unhear prejudicial testimony—is an acknowledgment that things went off the rails. If Mr. Trump is convicted, it’s also a strong Trump argument for reversal on appeal.

Little, in short, is going as planned. The lawfare strategy from the start: pile on Mr. Trump in a way that ensured Republicans would rally for his nomination, then use legal proceedings to crush his ability to campaign, drain his resources, and make him too toxic (or isolated in prison) to win a general election. He won the nomination, but the effort against him is flailing, courtesy of an echo chamber of anti-Trump prosecutors and journalists who continue to indulge the fantasy that every court, judge, jury and timeline exists to dance to their partisan fervor.

These own goals are striking. Mr. Smith wouldn’t be facing delays if he’d acknowledged up front the important constitutional question of presidential immunity, or if he’d sought an indictment for obstruction of justice and forgone charging Mr. Trump with improperly handling classified documents, which gets into legally complicated territory. The federal charges might carry more weight with the public had Mr. Bragg refrained from bringing a flimsy case that makes the whole effort look wildly partisan. And Ms. Willis’s romantic escapades have turned her legal overreach into a reality-TV joke.

Democrats faced a critical choice last year: Try to win an election by confronting the real problem of a weak and old president presiding over unpopular far-left policies, or try to rig an outcome by embracing a lawfare stratagem. They chose the latter. Perhaps a court will still convict Mr. Trump of something, although that could play either way with the electorate. Lawfare as politics is a very risky business.

[redhoodinternaldialectical]

"Murder is Werewolves" - Batman

I don't got the SPOONS to do this thought train justice, I have seriously been trying to write this thing for MONTHS so just, idk, have this half baked skeletal outline of the essay I guess:

I don't believe that Batman's no-kill rule is primarily about rehabilitation or second chances.

His refusal to believe that Cassandra could have killed someone when she was eight years old because "how could a killer understand my commitment not to kill" is absolute fucking MOON LOGIC from a rehabilitationist standpoint. No jury on the planet would think for even a second that she could reasonably be held accountable for her actions in that situation! Her past cannot condemn her to being incapable of valuing human life under a rehabilitation centering framework. However, Batman's reasoning makes perfect sense if he believes that killing is a spiritually/morally corrupting act which permanently and fundamentally changes a person, and that corruption can never be fully undone.

Dick Grayson killing the Joker is treated both narratively and by Batman as an unequivocally WIN for the Joker. The Joker won by turning Nightwing into a killer. Note that this is during a comic in which the Joker transforming people was a major theme! Batman didn't revive the Joker because the Joker deserved to live; he revived the Joker to lift the burden on Dick.

His appeal to Stephanie when she tried to kill her dad is that she shouldn't ruin her own life. He gives no defense of Cluemaster's actual life. Granted this is a rhetorical strategy moment and should be taken with a generous pinch of salt, but it fits in the pattern.

When Jason becomes a willful killer, he essentially disowns him, never treats him with full trust ever again, and... Well, we can stop here for Bruce's sake. Bottom line is that his actions towards Jason do not lead me to believe that he thinks Jason can become a better person without having his autonomy taken from him, either partially or fully.

The Joker is, for better or worse, the ultimate symbol and vessel of pure, irredeemable evil in DC comics now. He hasn't been just another crook in a long time. He will never get better, he will only get worse. If you take it to be true that the Joker will not or can not rehabilitate, then there's no rehabilitationist argument against killing him.

Batman does not seem to consider it a possibly that he'll rehabilitate. Batman at several points seems to think that the Joker dying in a manner no one could have prevented would be good. Yet Batman fully believes that if he killed the Joker, he himself would become irredeemable.

Batman's own form of justice (putting people into the hospital and then prison) is fucking brutal and clearly not rehabilitative. He disrespects the most basic human rights of all criminals on a regular basis. It is genuinely really, really weird from a rehabilitationist standpoint that his only uncrossable line is killing... But it makes perfect sense if he cares more about not corrupting himself with the act of killing than the actual ethical results of any individual decision to kill or not kill.

In the real world cops are all bastards because they are too violent to criminals, even when that violence doesn't lead to death. Prison is a wildly evil thing to do to another human being, and you don't use it to steal away massive portions of a person's life if your goal is to rehabilitate them. In the comic world, Batman is said to be necessary because the corrupt cops are too nice to criminals and keep letting them out of jail. I don't know how to write a connector sentence there so like I hope you can see why this bothers me so damn much! That's just not forgiveness vibes there Batman!!

I want to make special note here of the transformative aspect. You don't simply commit a single act when you kill, no, you become a killer, like you might become a werewolf.

The narrative supports this a lot!

Why did Supes go evil during Injustice? He killed the Joker. Why did Bruce become the Batman Who Laughs? Bruce killed the Joker. Why was Jason Todd close to becoming a new Joker during Three Jokers? Because he killed people, to include the Joker.

Even if these notions of redemption being impossible aren't the whole of his reasoning (people never have only one reason for doing what they do) it is a distinct through-line pattern in his actions and reasoning, and it is directly at odds with notions of rehabilitation, redemption, and second chances.

So why does he give so many killers second chances?

Firstly because this doesn't apply to all versions of Batman. Some writers explicitly incorporate rehabilitation and forgiveness into his actions. You will be able to provide me with examples of this other through-line pattern if you go looking for them. The nature of comics is to be inconsistent.

Secondly the existence of that other pattern does not negate the existence of this one. People and characters are complex, and perfectly capable of holding two patterns of belief within themselves, even when they conflict to this degree. You can absolutely synthesize these two ideas into a single messy Batman philosophical vibescape.

Finally and most importantly to this essay: he has mercy on killers the same way that werewolf hunters sometimes have mercy on someone who is clearly struggling against their monsterous nature, especially if they were turned in exceptional circumstances or against their will. They understand that they are sick, damned beasts, cursed to always be fighting against themselves and the evil they harbor within. It is vitally kind to help them fight themselves by curtailing their autonomy in helpful ways and providing them with chances to do some good to make up for their eternal moral deficiency.

I think in many comics Batman views killers as lost souls. Battered and tormented monsters who must be pitied and given mercy wherever possible. (The connections to mental health, addiction, and rampant, horrifying ableism towards people struggling with both is unavoidable, but addressing it is sadly outside of the scope of this essay.)

Above all, the greatest care possible must be taken to never, ever let yourself become one of them, because once you have transformed the beast will forever be within you growing stronger.

To Batman, it is the most noble burden, the highest mercy, the most important commandment: Thou shalt suffer the monsters to live.

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Lil Kalish at HuffPost:

The first-ever mobilization of trans voters around a presidential candidate took place on Zoom on Tuesday, as around 1,000 transgender people, including lawmakers, advocates, health care workers and celebrities, logged on to show support for Vice President Kamala Harris’ bid for the presidency. Trans Folks For Harris was one of numerous identity-based webinars to support Harris after President Joe Biden dropped out of the race last month. Over the last few weeks, many LGBTQ+ advocates have embraced Harris, touting her decadeslong record of supporting LGBTQ+ rights, and her decision to make Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, who transformed the state into a “trans refuge,” her running mate. This came just after Advocates for Trans Equality released a report showing that 75% of eligible trans voters turned up to the polls in the 2020 presidential election, compared to 67% of the general U.S. population — and that trans voters make up a crucial part of the electorate.

“We know our rights and our progress are on the line, but so is our very sense of belonging,” said Delaware state Sen. Sarah McBride, who was elected as the first openly transgender state senator in the country. If McBride wins her bid for Delaware’s open House seat, she would become the first transgender member of Congress. “We have the opportunity, but more importantly, the responsibility in this election to show a trans young person who fears that the heart of this country is not big enough to love them too, that no matter what extremists say or do, our next president and vice president continue to have their backs,” McBride continued. The Harris-Walz campaign has yet to release any concrete policy plans on civil rights ahead of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago next week, but advocates say Harris and Walz have demonstrated their commitment to supporting LGBTQ+ rights, access to abortion and the rights to bodily autonomy overall. A draft of the Democrats’ platform, which was released in July, outlines their fight to restore reproductive rights, address racial inequalities, and protect democracy.

“It’s a step forward to ensure that trans people, especially Black and Brown trans women, have the representation and the resources they need to live with dignity and pride,” Zahara Bassett, CEO of Chicago trans advocacy organization Life Is Work, said on the call. “We need to make sure that our future is one of equity, justice and liberation for us all.” Harris was one of the first elected officials to publicly back marriage equality in 2004, and she refused to defend Proposition 8, California’s same-sex marriage ban, in 2008. As a prosecutor, she also led the charge to end the so-called gay and transgender “panic defense,” a legal strategy often used to seek a lesser offense for perpetrators of anti-LGBTQ+ violence or murder by claiming that the victim made same-sex sexual advances. In June 2023, Harris became the first sitting vice president to visit the Stonewall Inn, the birthplace of the modern gay rights movement, and the site of the historic 1969 uprising of LGBTQ+ people fighting back against police raids in the New York City bar. And earlier this week, Harris released a video on X outlining how former President Donald Trump vastly restricted LGBTQ+ rights while in office — and how he would do so again if elected. Trump has already promised to roll back several policies, including blocking access to gender-affirming care for minors and rescinding the Biden administration’s Title IX rules that expand protections for transgender students. Trump’s running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, introduced a bill in the upper chamber to criminalize gender-affirming care for trans youth.

[...] Today’s embrace of Harris is in stark contrast to how some LGBTQ+ voters remembered her last bid for president in 2019. Back then, some advocates took issue with Harris’ tenure as a prosecutor for how she pushed for criminal penalties for parents of truant children and which led to the arrest of many Black and brown people. Many also noted how as attorney general, Harris’ office denied an incarcerated trans woman’s request for gender-affirming care. Harris has since apologized and said she takes “full responsibility” for her office’s actions. But still, not all LGBTQ+ voters are convinced. Harris’ support for the Biden administration’s policies towards Israel’s war in Gaza has alienated some of these voters. In the Democratic primaries this year, hundreds of thousands of voters cast “uncommitted” ballots as a form of protest to push for a cease-fire and end U.S. weapons transfers to Israel.

For the first time in American Presidential history, an organized mobilization effort for trans Americans to support Kamala Harris’s Presidency bid has cropped up, featuring a Trans Folks For Harris Zoom call. 🏳️‍⚧️

[nebulablakemurphy]

Moves & Countermoves (Part 1)

Haymitch x Fem!Reader

Summary: No one ever wins the games, even fourteen years later, Y/N is still playing.

Prologue

“Well,” Haymitch grunts, rising from his seat in the bar car, “that’ll do it.”

Y/N knows the drill. Busying herself with the game plan, preparing the devices for her tributes. Loaded with resources to aid in their training.

Haymitch leans down, pressing a kiss to the crown of her head before stumbling away toward their train car.

He won’t even see them, not until it’s absolutely necessary. Haymitch has no desire to make small talk; he doesn’t want to know them. Just makes it harder in the end.

His wife, on the other hand, is either a saint or criminally insane by Haymitch’s account. She insists on knowing them, allowing each to take a little piece of her off into the arena to die.

He used to spite her for it, for her inability to simply stop running herself into the ground trying to save kids who are already dead. He doesn’t anymore. That’s who she is and he learned to love her for it. Still, Haymitch doesn’t want to watch. He was always better at picking up pieces than keeping things in place.

“Y/N Abernathy!” A shrill voice scolds when the set of doors behind the youngest victor open without warning.

“Effie Trinket.” Y/N waves a hand in her direction.

“What are you doing? Where is Haymitch? The two of you are meant to be-”

“Look, you’re new at this. I get it, everything is exciting. Can’t wait to make these kids arena ready in just a few days.” Y/N grumbles, never looking up from her tablet. “But it doesn’t work like that. We’re stuck on this fucking train until tomorrow morning with no weapons to train them and no cameras to wave at. There’s no rush.”

“Language!” Effie gasps at her choice of words, coming to stand in front of Y/N with both hands on her hips. “The tributes are waiting.”

“How many people have you killed?” Y/N asks, turning her eyes up at Effie.

The woman simply balks at her, speechless.

“Have you ever held your intestines in your hands? Or fought your way to the top of an hourglass that was slowly filling with sand?”

Effie narrows her eyes into slits. She’d been warned that Haymitch might be hard to manage, but no one said a thing about her.

“It’s ok, not many people can say yes.”

Ms. Trinket stomps her foot like a petulant child.

“I don’t tell you how to do your job, stop telling me how to do mine.”

————————————————————————

When Y/N is good and ready she makes her way to the dining car, Katniss and Peeta are sat patiently there. The boy’s fingers picking anxiously at the satin blue arm rest of his chair. Y/N takes a deep breath. Here we go again.

The pair of tributes snap their heads in her direction, waiting expectantly.

I can’t save you. Only you can do that.

“I’m Y/N. Good to meet you. Katniss Everdeen, Peeta Mellark.” The woman says, more cool and calculated than Katniss expected. She has a digital pad in hand, jotting down notes with her stylus. Giving one to each of them in turn.

“Oh, uh- thank you.” Peeta accepts his gratefully.

“Beginning at the main screen, let me know if you have any questions, there are diagrams of strategies for attack and defense-”

“Where’s Haymitch?” Katniss asks, tapping at her screen with inexperienced fingers.

“He may join us later if it suits him.”

Katniss visibly recoils. This is not the woman the Capitol shoves down their throats on television. Sweet and demure in nature, with a smile to sugar coat even the darkest of thoughts.

“Contingent upon your strengths and weaknesses, this is a playbook of every effective strategy that I’ve seen, heard of, or performed. With different arenas come different challenges, so you’ll need to do some adjusting to meet your specific goals.

If you are skilled in hand to hand combat, I suggest numbers eight through eleven. If you’re skilled in a long range combat, numbers one through five. If you’re skilled in both, I suggest a combination, otherwise known as numbers six and seven. If you’re skilled in neither, I suggest you do the best you can to prepare yourself. Number twelve is for my non fighters, my hiders, climbers and camouflagers. People tend to overlook that strategy all together, but not me. It buys time, if you’re lucky, it buys enough to wait out the masses.”

Peeta nods, hanging on her every word.

“Which one did you use?” Katniss wonders, trying to digest the harsh angles of the first diagram.

“Seven.”

Six and seven are combination. “I thought you won with a knife?” Katniss was only two at the time, but there is no shortage of recap. From the people who love Y/N and the ones who believe that the Capitol ate her soul.

“I took the last career out hand to hand, my partner covered the distance.” Y/N explains. “Axe to district one’s back, gave me a fighting chance. Allies are invaluable weapons if you pick the right ones.”

————————————————————————

Climbing into bed that night Y/N feels Haymitch stir, tossing a lazy arm around her as he nuzzles against her back.

“Well? What’d you think?” He asks, reeking of whiskey. “They gonna last a couple minutes? Hours?”

Y/N feels her jaw tick. “We owe these kids the same care and preparation as we gave the rest.”

“As you gave the rest.” Haymitch says pointedly. “I’m a shit mentor, you told me that.”

“You did this for a long time by yourself and I,” she breaks off, tapping anxiously at his fingers. “I commend you for that. But I can’t do it alone. I’ve tried, it doesn’t work.”

“That is not on you.” Haymitch says, under his breath. “The kids have been too young, too weak-”

She sighs, “if we don’t try, that is on us. Haymitch, what if they were our kids?”

“If we aren’t careful, it will be our kids.”

“Even if we play our parts; ‘oh’ and ‘ah’ like a couple of good little show animals, they could get reaped anyway.”

“We made them the most beloved children in Panem. Nobody will be lining up to watch them fight to the death.” Haymitch tries to brush it off. He can’t even think about shit like that. From the moment they were conceived, the odds were put in their favor.

“There’s never been a child born of two victors, people are curious.” Y/N feels him tense.

“Someone told you that?”

She nods, “Finnick’s heard it a couple times now.”

“Heard it where?” Haymitch demands.

Y/N lowers her voice, “Haymitch, you know where.”

From his patrons, the ones Snow forces on him. They pay with secrets.

Part 2