The Trials of Frank Carson

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From Christopher Goffard, the Los Angeles Times reporter and host behind the hit podcasts “Dirty John” and “Detective Trapp,” comes a new eight-episode true crime podcast, “The Trials of Frank Carson.” “The Trials of Frank Carson” is a story of power, politics and the law in California’s Central Valley. Frank Carson was Stanislaus County’s most controversial defense attorney, a wizard with juries and a courtroom brawler with an unapologetically caustic style. He racked up legal wins for decades. He was the terror of police and prosecutors, often accusing them personally of corruption. When a small-time thief disappeared, police — some of them Carson’s longtime adversaries — launched a massive investigation into a spectral underworld of street hustlers, junkies and snitches. Carson was charged with murder, accused of masterminding a conspiracy. It would be one of the longest criminal trials in California history, with the flinty veteran of so many courtroom wars on trial for his life. The Trials of Frank Carson was produced by the Los Angeles Times and Western Sound.

Los Angeles Times


    • May 21, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 26m AVG DURATION
    • 21 EPISODES
    • 1 SEASONS

    Ivy Insights

    The Trials of Frank Carson podcast is an incredibly well-written and presented true crime podcast that delves into the disturbing case of Frank Carson, a defense attorney from Turlock, California. The podcast provides a detailed account of the events surrounding the case and sheds light on the injustices carried out by those in power in Stanislaus County's criminal justice system. As someone who has been following the case over the years, it was refreshing to have all the information laid out in such a comprehensive manner. The podcast highlights the need for a new district attorney in the county and exposes the unspeakable injustice that occurred.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is its brilliant storytelling. The narrator's captivating voice and excellent choice of words make it engaging from start to finish. The research conducted for this podcast is also commendable, as it uncovers hidden truths and presents them in a coherent and compelling manner. The podcast effectively exposes how power can be abused within our legal system and highlights everyday people's struggles through their stories.

    While there aren't many negative aspects to this podcast, some listeners may find it biased due to its focus on exposing corruption within the Stanislaus County criminal justice system. However, thorough research and multiple perspectives are presented, which helps counteract any potential bias. Additionally, some listeners may find certain parts of the story disturbing or unsettling due to the grave injustices committed against innocent individuals.

    In conclusion, The Trials of Frank Carson is an outstanding true crime podcast that sheds light on a deeply troubling case of injustice. It provides a comprehensive overview of the events while highlighting systemic issues within our legal system. This podcast serves as a powerful reminder of how easily power can be abused and emphasizes the need for accountability within our criminal justice system. It is highly recommended for anyone interested in seeking justice and uncovering hidden truths behind high-profile cases.



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    Aftershow bonus 2 | A disappearance

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2021 26:16


    Our host Christopher Goffard is joined by his editor, Steve Clow, to talk about how authorities linked the disappearance of Korey Kauffman to Frank Carson.This is a subscriber-exclusive bonus episode of “The Trials of Frank Carson.” Subscribe now to unlock all eight of these exclusive bonus episodes — and also enjoy our award-winning journalism and Unlimited Digital Access on our website, mobile app and eNewspaper. https://www.latimes.com/exclusive-podcasts

    Aftershow bonus 1 | The lawyer and the thief

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2021 31:33


    Our host Christopher Goffard is joined by his editor, Steve Clow, to discuss the origins of The Trials of Frank Carson.

    Verdicts | 8

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 29, 2021 51:46


    The fates of Frank Carson and his co-defendants are decided, and jurors explain their reasoning. The DA's office is sued for malicious prosecution, but prosecutors stand by their case. An interview with the state's star witness, now out of lockup, raises troubling questions about the state's handling of the case.If you like podcasts like Dirty John, Detective Trapp and The Trials of Frank Carson, subscribe to the L.A. Times. Subscribers will get exclusive bonus episodes of The Trials of Frank Carson that share the story behind this podcast. We will share interviews with experts who will weigh in on the case and play extra tape that sheds light on important parts of our story. Subscribe today to listen. Go to latimes.com/exclusive-podcasts. Thanks!

    Trial | 7

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 22, 2021 42:00


    Defense attorneys offer alternate theories to explain Korey Kauffman's death, and the trial becomes an endurance test. As Frank Carson's health deteriorates, he wonders whether he will live to see a verdict. After more than a year in trial, defendants fear that the jury might give up, forcing a mistrial — and that this is exactly what the DA wants. If you like podcasts like Dirty John, Detective Trapp and The Trials of Frank Carson, subscribe to the L.A. Times. Subscribers will get exclusive bonus episodes of The Trials of Frank Carson that share the story behind this podcast. We will share interviews with experts who will weigh in on the case and play extra tape that sheds light on important parts of our story. Subscribe today to listen. Go to latimes.com/exclusive-podcasts. Thanks!

    Prelim | 6

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 15, 2021 39:31


    As a marathon preliminary hearing continues, the defendants face mounting pressure to climb aboard “the witness bus” and cut a deal. Frank Carson hits rock bottom, and offers his co-defendants a way out. The prosecution belatedly reveals a cache of undisclosed evidence — with major consequences.If you like podcasts like Dirty John, Detective Trapp and The Trials of Frank Carson, subscribe to the L.A. Times. Subscribers will get exclusive bonus episodes of The Trials of Frank Carson that share the story behind this podcast. We will share interviews with experts who will weigh in on the case and play extra tape that sheds light on important parts of our story. Subscribe today to listen. Go to latimes.com/exclusive-podcasts. Thanks!

    Prisoners | 5

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 8, 2021 39:40


    Frank Carson and his co-defendants confront the charges against them. The government cites years of Carson's supposedly authority-hating behavior and his “behavioral control issues.” Interviews and wiretap recordings explore how Carson's wife and stepdaughter, an art student, came to be wrapped up in the case. And former California Highway Patrol Officer Walter Wells endures jail.If you like podcasts like Dirty John, Detective Trapp and The Trials of Frank Carson, subscribe to the L.A. Times. Subscribers will get exclusive bonus episodes of The Trials of Frank Carson that share the story behind this podcast. We will share interviews with experts who will weigh in on the case and play extra tape that sheds light on important parts of our story. Subscribe today to listen. Go to latimes.com/exclusive-podcasts. Thanks!

    Mugshots | 4

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2021 37:32


    After a three-year investigation, Frank Carson and his co-defendants are arrested, accused of a complicated murder-and-coverup conspiracy. Among the accused are three men who worked for the California Highway Patrol. How did an attorney famous for his distrust of local cops stand accused of conspiring with three of them?If you like podcasts like Dirty John, Detective Trapp and The Trials of Frank Carson, subscribe to the L.A. Times. Subscribers will get exclusive bonus episodes of The Trials of Frank Carson that share the story behind this podcast. We will share interviews with experts who will weigh in on the case and play extra tape that sheds light on important parts of our story. Subscribe today to listen. Go to latimes.com/exclusive-podcasts. Thanks!

    The incredible evolving story of Robert Woody | 3

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2021 45:48


    The discovery of Korey Kauffman's remains gives the investigation new impetus, and a man named Robert Woody offers a methamphetamine-fueled “confession.” Threatened with the death penalty, he cooperates — and becomes the government's star witness. But his story changes again and again.If you like podcasts like Dirty John, Detective Trapp and The Trials of Frank Carson, subscribe to the L.A. Times. Subscribers will get exclusive bonus episodes of The Trials of Frank Carson that share the story behind this podcast. We will share interviews with experts who will weigh in on the case and play extra tape that sheds light on important parts of our story. Subscribe today to listen. Go to latimes.com/exclusive-podcasts. Thanks!

    A disappearance | 2

    Play Episode Listen Later May 25, 2021 39:33


    When a young scrap-metal thief named Korey Kauffman vanishes, local police do not immediately show great interest. Then a parolee named Big Mike Cooley tells a story that gets their attention: Kauffman was last seen venturing onto Frank Carson's property to steal some pipes. Authorities confront Carson and work to build a case against him.If you like podcasts like Dirty John, Detective Trapp and The Trials of Frank Carson, subscribe to the L.A. Times. Subscribers will get exclusive bonus episodes of The Trials of Frank Carson that share the story behind this podcast. We will share interviews with experts who will weigh in on the case and play extra tape that sheds light on important parts of our story. Subscribe today to listen. Go to latimes.com/exclusive-podcasts. Thanks!

    The lawyer and the thief | 1

    Play Episode Listen Later May 25, 2021 41:34


    Introducing Frank Carson, Stanislaus County's most controversial defense attorney, famous for his high-profile courtroom victories and take-no-prisoners style. A longtime nemesis of local law enforcement, he is representing homicide defendants in the very courthouse where he is on trial for murder himself. If you like podcasts like Dirty John, Detective Trapp and The Trials of Frank Carson, subscribe to the L.A. Times. Subscribers will get exclusive bonus episodes of The Trials of Frank Carson that share the story behind this podcast. We will share interviews with experts who will weigh in on the case and play extra tape that sheds light on important parts of our story. Subscribe today to listen. Go to latimes.com/exclusive-podcasts. Thanks!

    Introducing The Trials of Frank Carson

    Play Episode Listen Later May 18, 2021 1:58


    From Christopher Goffard, the Los Angeles Times reporter and host behind the hit podcasts Dirty John and Detective Trapp, comes a new eight-episode true crime podcast, The Trials of Frank Carson. The Trials of Frank Carson is a story of power, politics and the law in California's Central Valley. Frank Carson was Stanislaus County's most controversial defense attorney, a wizard with juries and a courtroom brawler with an unapologetically caustic style. He racked up legal wins for decades. He was the terror of police and prosecutors, often accusing them personally of corruption. When a small-time thief disappeared, police — some of them Carson's longtime adversaries — launched a massive investigation into a spectral underworld of street hustlers, junkies and snitches. Carson was charged with murder, accused of masterminding a conspiracy. It would be one of the longest criminal trials in California history, with the flinty veteran of so many courtroom wars on trial for his life.

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