Is This Legal?

Send us a textColin and Russ discuss the second trial of murder suspect Karen Read, currently underway in Massachusetts.  They discuss the new prosecutor handling the case and how his presentation of the evidence was quite different than that of the first trial.  They also discuss the defense strategy and what we can expect as they open their case.  Plus a new DCOTW and Is This Legal!  Check it out!

Send us a textColin and Russ discuss the trial of P.Diddy which just started earlier this week in Manhattan.  They talk about the testimony of prosecution star witness Cassie Ventura, a long time partner of P.Diddy.  They also forecast the rest of the trial and discuss the millions of dollars in assets that are subject to forfeiture by the U.S. Government, and what that means for victims who are currently suing him.  Plus, Is This Legal and a new DCOTW.  Listen here!

Send us a textColin and Russ discuss the unprecedented arrest of a sitting Wisconsin judge who is facing federal charges for her role in allegedly assisting an undocumented litigant in her courtroom avoid being arrested by ICE officials.  They break down the charges Judge Dugan faces and assess the strengths and weaknesses for both the prosecution and defense, and of course, make their predictions.  Plus a new Is This Legal and a hilarious DCOTW.  Listen here!

Send us a textColin and Russ update listeners on the latest with the Bryan Kohberger case.  Kohberger is accused of murdering 4 college students in Idaho in 2022.  His trial is set to begin in August of 2025, and Colin and Russ discuss the voluminous pretrial motions hearings and other litigation that will determine what evidence will be admitted in the trial.  As always, we play Is This Legal and have a brand new Georgia DCOTW.  Check it out!

Send us a textColin and Russ discuss the fascinating case against Dr. James Craig, a Colorado dentist who is accused of murdering his wife in 2023.  His legal challenges were complicated in late 2024 when he was additionally charged with attempting to hire a fellow inmate to kill the lead detective investigating him.  Colin and Russ break down the evidence, possible defenses and make their predictions about the outcome of the case.  Plus, a new Is This Legal scenario and a new DCOTW.  Listen here!

Send us a textColin and Russ discuss the case of a New York doctor and a Louisiana mom who are facing criminal charges for their roles in providing abortion medication to a 17 year old girl, who suffered medical complications as a result.  The case pits the states of Louisiana and Texas, which have very restrictive abortion laws against the state of New York, which shields medical providers from prosecution in other states.  Colin and Russ break down the case and discuss what's next.  Plus, a new Is This Legal and a new DCOTW.  Tune in!

Send us a textColin and Russ discuss the charges and subsequent dismissal of those charges facing embattled New York City Mayor Eric Adams.  We discuss why he was originally charged with bribery and wire fraud, and why those charges were dismissed by the Department of Justice last week.  Colin and Russ also discuss the resignation of 8 federal prosecutors in the wake of this decision.  Plus a new game of Is This Legal, and a brand new DCOTW.  Check it out!

Send us a textColin and Russ discuss the Immigration Customs Enforcement (I.C.E.) Raids that are currently underway in major cities in the US.  How are the raids being conducted?  Who are they targeting?  Are they going into schools and churches?  When do they need a warrant?  What rights do immigrants have under the Constitution, if any?  Colin and Russ break it all down.  Plus a new Is This Legal and DCOTW!

Send us a textColin and Russ discuss the new charges facing former Colorado Bureau of Investigation Analyst Yvonne "Missy" Woods, who provided expert DNA analysis and testing over a 30 year career.  Ms. Woods is accused of deleting and manipulating DNA data from over 1000 cases in her tenure at CBI.  Colin and Russ discuss the case, the reverberations it will have over the Colorado criminal justice system, and how CBI can regain public trust.  Plus a new Is This Legal and a DCOTW.  Listen here!

Send us a textColin and Russ are back with their first episode of 2025!  The discuss the tragic murder of actor Johnny Wactor who was allegedly shot and killed in May of 2024 by an 18 year old catalytic-converter thief and his two accomplices in Los Angeles, CA.  One of the accomplices is charged with murder while the other is not.  Colin and Russ discuss these charging disparities and whether the evidence supports them.  There are also links to gang activity in the case, and they discuss the Florencia 13 gang. They also discuss why "felony murder" was not charged by the LA District Attorney's Office.  Plus, a new Is This Legal, and a brand new DCOTW.  Check it out!

Send us a textColin and Russ discuss the murder of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson which was allegedly committed by Luigi Mangione.  The attorneys walk through the NYPD/FBI investigation that led to Mangione's arrest.  They also discuss the murder charges he faces, and what defenses he may have available.  Plus, a fun Is This Legal and a brand new DCOTW!  We hope you have a Merry Christmas- Thanks for listening!

Colin and Russ discuss the homicide charges facing ex-marine and architecture student Daniel Penny, who placed a choke hold on an erraticly behaving and possibly threatening NYC subway passenger named Jordan Neely.  Neely was a 30 year old African American street performer who was homeless at the time of his death.  Penny's trial has concluded and the jury is deliberating the case.   Does he have valid defenses?  Did he act reasonably?  Colin and Russ make their predictions about the case.  Plus, a new Is This Legal and a hilarious DCOTW. Check it out!

Colin and Russ discuss the cases of Lyle and Erik Menendez, who were convicted of murdering their parents in 1989 in Los Angeles, CA.  Colin and Russ talk about their original trials that led to their convictions, and why the case is back in the spotlight in 2024, and why they could have their life sentences reduced.  Plus, a new game of Is This Legal and West Coast DCOTW contributed by Colin's mom.  Check it out!

Colin and Russ discuss the case of Robert Roberson, who has been in prison in Texas awaiting execution after his convictions in the death of his infant daughter in 2022.  He was convicted on a shaken baby syndrome theory, which has been called into question in recent years as being junk science by researchers.   Colin and Russ discuss the new legal challenges being heard in the case and what this means for Roberson's future.  Plus a new Is This Legal and a brand new international DCOTW!  Listen here.

Colin and Russ pick up where they left off in Ep. 124 and continue discussing the criminal charges against P. Diddy.  They talk about attorney Tony Buzbee, who claims to represent 120 of P. Diddy's victims, and also discuss the prospects of Diddy making bail.  Also, Colin and Russ discuss the sentencing of Tina Peters.  As always, a new Is This Legal and a Georgia DCOTW.  Listen here!

Colin and Russ discuss the pending federal criminal charges against Sean "P. Diddy" Combs related to sex trafficking, sexual abuse and racketeering.  They cover the charges and discuss the salacious allegations related to the "freak off" events that P. Diddy allegedly organized and sometimes participated in.  Plus, a new Is this Legal and a new DCOTW.  Check it out!

Colin and Russ tackle the aggressive traffic stop of Tyreek Hill, the star wide receiver from the Miami Dolphins, at the hands of the Miami Dade PD.  The stop also involved players Calais Campbell and Jonnu Smith.  What could the police have done better to de-escalate the situation?  What could Tyreek have done differently?  What lessons can we all learn?  Also, a new Linda Stanley update.  With a new Is This Legal and hilarious DCOTW, you've run out of excuses to not listen.  Check it out!

Colin and Russ break down the criminal charges that 5 people face in the aftermath of Friends actor Matthew Perry's death in late 2023.  They discuss drug dealer Jasveen Sangha, aka the Ketamine Queen, two doctors who are alleged to have illegally provided Matthew and his assistant with ketamine, and others.  Plus, a new Is This Legal and a new DCOTW.  Check it out!

After years of firing lawyers, suing government agencies and even appealing to the United States Supreme Court, former Mesa County Clerk and election denier Tina Peters finally goes on trial on charges stemming from her conduct in 2021, where she allegedly used her powers of office to undermine the 2020 election results.  Colin and Russ pick up where we left off in Episode 82 and cover it all, including some updated predictions.  Plus, Is This Legal, and a new DCOTW!

Colin and Russ discuss the bonkers conclusion of Alec Baldwin's manslaughter trial that was dismissed by the presiding judge last week in New Mexico.  Colin and Russ detail the prosecutorial misconduct that plagued the case, culminating in a hearing where the lead prosecutor called herself to the witness stand, and her co-counsel quit the case in the middle of trial.  Break out the popcorn and take a listen to the breakdown of this nutty case.  Plus, a new Is This Legal and DCOTW.  Listen here!

Colin and Russ are back with a new episode, picking up where they left off from Episode 99 about accused serial killer Rex Heuermann.  Mr. Heuermann is charged with 2 more murders, and Colin and Russ discuss the damning documents that were discovered on his computer by law enforcement.   As always, the attorneys present a new Is This Legal and a Japanese DCOTW.  Check it out!

Colin and Russ examine the trial of Hunter Biden that is currently underway in Delaware.   Did he illegally purchase a firearm while addicted to drugs?  That is the question for the jury at the end of the trial.  Colin and Russ discuss the charges and evidence that the prosecution is presenting, as well as potential defenses that Mr. Biden has related to his charges. Plus, a new Is This Legal and a very funny DCOTW.  Check it out!

Colin and Russ take our listeners to Utah as they discuss the murder charges facing Kouri Richins, a 34 year old mom of 3 boys who is accused of fatally poisoning her husband, Eric, with fentanyl.  They go over the prosecution's evidence, possible defenses, and weird facts surrounding this case.  Plus, an Is This Legal, and a new DCOTW!  Take a listen!

Colin and Russ discuss the bombshell autopsy report that sheds more light on the homicide of Suzanne Morphew.   What did the coroner find in Suzanne's system?   Can Barry be charged again?  Is there enough evidence?  Who will prosecute the case?  Do Colin and Russ think he will be arrested?  All of these questions are addressed in this episode, along with a new Is This Legal and DCOTW.  Listen here!

Colin and Russ dive into a listener-inspired case (thanks Jay!) involving Karen Read, a Massachusetts woman who is accused of killing her boyfriend, Boston Police officer, John O'Keefe.  The allegations are that she ran him over with her SUV after a night of drinking.  Her defense is that not only is she innocent, but she is being framed by a large conspiracy of law enforcement personnel to cover up what really happened.  Wild, wild case.  The trial just started with jury selection this week and Colin and Russ tell you what you need to know- they also make early predictions of the outcome.  Plus, a new Is This Legal and a DCOTW.  Check it out!

Colin and Russ have a final discussion on Jennifer and James Crumbley, who were both sentenced to prison after their convictions for Involuntary Manslaughter.  The convictions entered due to their failures as parents to prevent their son, Ethan, from killing four students in his school.  Colin and Russ also discuss new developments in the Preston Lord homicide case in suburban Phoenix, and more on the so-called Gilbert Goons.  As always, the fellas play Is This Legal and enjoy a laugh with an international DCOTW.  Listen here!

Colin and Russ discuss the death of Preston Lord, a 15 year old  boy who was allegedly murdered by at least 7 young men in late October of 2023.  The perpetrators may have been associated with the Gilbert Goons, a gang of teenagers who have been linked to several violent assaults in the last 18 months in the Phoenix suburbs.   After a 5 month investigation, charges have been filed against several young men in Lord's killing.  Colin and Russ break it all down here and discuss what happened and what's next.  Plus, we play Is This Legal and have a hilarious DCOTW to share with you.  Listen here!

Colin and Russ pick up where they left off in episodes 88 and 95 to continue discussing the accidental shooting and killing of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins that occurred on the set of the movie 'Rust" in October of 2021.  Hannah Gutierrez-Reed is currently on trial for involuntary manslaughter for causing  Hutchin's death because she was the armorer in charge of the weapons on set.  The attorneys also discuss what is next for Alec Baldwin, who has been re-charged with Involuntary Manslaughter himself.  Plus, an Is This Legal, and a new DCOTW.  Check it out!

Colin and Russ pick up where they left off in Episode 110 to discuss the guilty verdicts and convictions for Involuntary Manslaughter that came down for Jennifer Crumbley, the mother of mass murderer Ethan Crumbley.  They also discuss the happy story of Robert Duboise, who was just exonerated of crimes for which he  wrongfully spent 37 years in prison.  Plus, a new Is This Legal, and a DCOTW.  Check it out!

Colin and Russ examine the current trial of Jennifer Crumbley, the mother of Ethan Crumbley, who killed 4 of his classmates in a school mass shooting when he was 15 years old in 2021.  Jennifer is charged with Involuntary Manslaughter, and prosecutors allege that she should have done more to prevent this tragedy.  Will the charges stick?  What defenses does she have?  Is this an overreach by the prosecutor?  Colin and Russ have the answers!  We also have a new Is This Legal and a new DCOTW.  Check it out!

Colin and Russ discuss the trial of Kevin Monahan, who is accused of murdering a lost trespasser named Kaylin Gillis in her car who mistakenly turned into his driveway.  The trial started this week, and the fellas talk about the case, possible defenses and stand your ground laws. Colin and Russ also  discuss the charges facing Kansas City man Andrew Lester, who is charged in a similar case.  We also have a new Is This Legal, and a fresh DCOTW.  Check it out!

Colin and Russ are back to discuss the charges facing Jon and Carie Hallford, who abandoned the Return to Nature funeral home in Colorado that was improperly storing 189 corpses.  In addition to the improper storage, they are accused of taking money for cremations they didn't actually perform.   They face hundreds of criminal charges, and Colin and Russ break it down.  Also, a new Is This Legal, and DCOTW!  

Colin and Russ continue discussing the completed trial of Kaitlin Armstrong, who was just convicted of murdering Mo Wilson in Austin, TX in 2022.  Colin and Russ discuss the defense strategies in more depth and discuss other facts that came out during the trial.  Plus, a new Is This Legal and a DCOTW.  Check it out!

Colin and Russ take our listeners to Austin, TX, where former yoga instructor Kaitlin Armstrong is being tried for the 2022 murder of professional cyclist Moriah Wilson.   Prosecutors say that Armstrong murdered Wilson because she was jealous of the relationship that Wilson had with Armstrong's boyfriend, pro cyclist Colin Strickland.  Opening statements just happened this week, and Colin and Russ break down the evidence, talk about prosecution and defense strategies, and of course, make case predictions.  Plus a new Is This Legal and DCOTW.  Check it out!

Colin and Russ continue where they left off in Ep. 96 to further discuss the legal woes of Rep. George Santos after he was charged with 10 new federal crimes in addition to the 13 he was initially charged with earlier this spring.  We break down the allegations and discuss his treasurer, Nancy Marks, who just pleaded guilty to charges related to Santos and is awaiting sentencing.  Plus, a new, listener-inspired Is This Legal and a fresh #DCOTW!

Colin and Russ pick up where they left Episodes 61 and 74 in their discussion of the disappearance of Suzanne Morphew.   After 3.5 years, her body was found on Sept. 22, 2023.  Her husband, Barry Morphew, was previously charged with her murder, but that case was dismissed by the district attorney over a year ago.  What does the discovery of the body mean?  Who will prosecute any case arising from the discovery of the body?  Will embattled DA Linda Stanley get this case back, or will a new DA take over?  Will Barry get charged again?  Does his $15 million lawsuit against Chaffee County still go forward?  We answer all of these questions and more, plus a new Is This Legal and DCOTW!  Check it out!

Colin and Russ revisit the Alex Murdaugh case.  Murdaugh was convicted of murdering his wife and son in March of 2023 after a six week trial.  However, his attorneys have filed a motion seeking a new trial due to alleged misconduct on the part of Court Clerk Becky Hill, whom they allege made inappropriate statements to jurors that may have pressured them to convict Murdaugh.  How bad is this conduct?  Will Murdaugh get a new trial?  Will Ms. Hill face criminal charges?  All these questions will be addressed, plus a new Is This Legal and a fresh DCOTW!  Check it out!

It's almost football season, and Russ and Colin decide to tackle the case of the Chiefsaholic, aka Xaviar Babudar, a Kansas City Chiefs superfan, and alleged interstate bank robber.   He's accuse of stealing large amounts of cash in a series of robberies from April- December 2022 and used the proceeds to attend football games and place heavy bets. Colin and Russ break down the tape to determine what's next for Mr. Babudar in the wake of his state and federal charges.  Plus a new Is This Legal and DCOTW.  Ready, Set, Hike! 

Colin and Russ wade into the public dispute playing out between former NFL offensive lineman Michael Oher and the Touhy family, who were the subject of a 2009 blockbuster movie called The Blind Side.  Michael claims that the movie did not accurately portray what really happened with the Touhy's, because he was never adopted by them.  He has filed a petition to end a conservatorship by which the Touhy family have been controlling his financial affairs.  The Touhy family has also responded to these allegations.  We break it all down here.  Plus, Colin and Russ reveal their favorite Sandra Bullock movies, play Is This Legal, and of course a brand new DCOTW.  Check it out!

Colin and Russ bring you the 100th episode of Is This Legal!  They break down the newest indictments against Donald Trump from the approach of criminal defense attorneys.  How will the prosecution prove their case?  Are other co-conspirators in joepardy?  What defenses does Trump have available to him?  Will he get convicted?  Plus, Russ and Colin wax nostalgic as they reflect upon 100 episodes of Is This Legal, and Colin reveals his favorite episode of all time.  Check it out!

Colin and Russ get into the fascinating revelations behind the investigation of the Giglo Beach murders, which focused around four women whose bodies were found in 2010 and 2011 in Long Island, NY.  In July 2023, Rex Heuermann, a New York architect, was arrested and charged with 3 of the murders over a decade later.  Colin and Russ walk through the years long investigation and discuss the tools that police and forensic analysts used to get their man.

Colin and Russ break down the controversial Kansas Highway Patrol tactic colloquially known as the Kansas Two Step.  What is it?  Why do they do it?  Is it legal?  They bring on guest attorney and former Hebets & McCallin paralegal Pansy Watson who recounts her own experience with the Kansas Two Step.  Plus a fresh Is This Legal, and as always, a new DCOTW.  Check it out!

Colin and Russ pick up where they left off from Ep. 87 as they discuss Bryan Kohberger, a man just charged by a grand jury in the murders of 4 college students in Moscow, Idaho.  They discuss the prosecutor's unusual decision to have a grand jury charge the case as opposed to presenting evidence in a preliminary hearing.  They also discuss updates to the evidence in the case, and make some predictions about what happens next.  As always, a new game of Is This Legal and a new DCOTW.  Listen here! 

Colin and Russ discuss beleaguered U.S. Congressman George Santos, who has been charged with 13 federal crimes.  They examine his election campaign, the lies he got caught telling, and they walk the listener through the entire indictment.  Colin and Russ make predictions about Mr. Santos' future, and theorize why his defense attorney is keeping a bit more quiet than his client.  Plus, a new game of Is This Legal and an international DCOTW.  Check it out!

Colin and Russ catch up on current events in the law.  They break down the dismissal of criminal charges for actor Alec Baldwin stemming from the accidental shooting of a production manager during filming for his movie "Rust."  They also discuss Danny Masterson, who is being retried for sexual assault in Los Angeles.  Other topics include disgraced Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes and more on DA Linda Stanley.  Test your legal acumen with a game of Is This Legal, and an international DCOTW.  Give it a listen!  

Colin and Russ are back to discuss 11th Judicial District Attorney Linda Stanley in Colorado.  She is the elected DA who handled Barry Morphew's case that ended up getting dismissed last year after several discovery violations.   She is in the news again because another first degree murder charge just got dismissed in a case her office is prosecuting due to multiple discovery violations.  In a scathing order, a judge highlighted at least 20 cases where Ms Stanley's office has not complied with basic discovery obligations.  Plus, a new Is This Legal, and a new DCOTW.  BONUS:  New outro music contributed by friend of the show and recent guest Dr. Michael Guarnieri!  Check it out!

Colin and Russ discuss the historic indictment of former President Donald Trump, who faces criminal charges from the Manhattan District Attorney's Office.  What is he charged with?  How will the prosecution prove its case and what challenges do they face?  What defenses does Trump have?   Colin and Russ make early predictions of the outcome of the case.  They also briefly discuss the ski trial and tribulations of Gwyneth Paltrow that wrapped up in Utah last week.  Michael Roulier joins the show to play Is This Legal, and as always the boys close it out with another fresh DCOTW.  Listen here!

Russ and Colin discuss the investigations into NBA star Ja Morant after he live streamed himself in a Denver gentleman's club holding a gun during a team road trip.  They discuss potential criminal charges, give a brief and hilarious history of the legendary Shotgun Willie's, and try to learn a lesson amidst the stupidity.  Plus, Dr. Michael Guarnieri of the band Brother Down joins us to play Is This Legal, and as always a brand new #DCOTW.  Listen here!

Colin and Russ discuss the interesting choice of Alex Murdaugh to take the stand in his own defense in his murder trial.  Was it worth the risk?  What would have happened if he didn't take the stand? How did he do?  Your two favorite lawyers break it all down.  Check it out!

Colin and Russ tackle the sensational allegations against prominent South Carolina attorney Alex Murdaugh, who is currently on trial for the murders of his wife and son.  They also break down the multitude of other crimes Mr. Murdaugh is accused of committing, as well as the complicated legal timeline that led to where we are now.   Plus, Dave Pulliam joins the show to play Is This Legal, and as always, a brand new Dumb Criminal of the Week.  Check it out!  

Tesla has been in the news a lot lately, and Colin and Russ are here for all of it.  They discuss the attempted murder charges facing Dharmesh Patel, a Bay Area doctor who drove his Tesla with his wife and two children off a cliff...and all survived!  Plus, they also provide a case update on another Tesla case (we previously covered in Ep. 71) involving Kevin Riad, a limousine driver who is accused of manslaughter after his Tesla collided with another vehicle killing its two occupants, while the Tesla's autopilot function was turned on.  Plus a new game of Is This Legal and a new Dumb Criminal of the Week!  Check it out!