Episode 96 - The Menendez Brothers Legal Analysis w/ Anthony Osso
Release Date: 11/12/2024
S3 Eps 19: Inside Texas’s Biggest Verdicts with Randy Sorrels
The Dirty Verdict
In this episode of The Dirty Verdict, hosts Peter Taaffe, Bill Ogden, and Kyle Herbert sit down with one of Texas’s most successful trial lawyers, Randy Sorrels. With over four decades of experience, Randy shares the highs, lows, and lessons learned from building his firm, serving the Texas legal community, and securing some of the biggest verdicts in the state. From his early days at Fulbright to leading the Sorrels Law firm to national recognition, this episode dives deep into trial strategy, damages innovation, mentorship, and the importance of giving back to the profession. Episode...
info_outline
S3 Eps 18: Inside the Court of Criminal Appeals with Judge Bert Richardson
The Dirty Verdict
In this episode of The Dirty Verdict, Peter Taaffe and Kyle Herbert sit down with Judge Bert Richardson of the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals—Texas' highest criminal court—for a wide-ranging, insightful, and at times hilarious conversation. From the intricacies of writs and actual innocence rulings to statewide judicial campaigns and aerial photography, Judge Richardson shares a lifetime of experiences both inside and outside the courtroom. We explore the significance of wrongful convictions, the inner workings of Texas’ criminal appellate system, the impact of politicizing the...
info_outline
Tire Trials, Billion-Dollar Wins & Lemurs on the Loose — with Kyle Farrar
The Dirty Verdict
In this high-powered episode of The Dirty Verdict, the guys welcome legal heavyweight Kyle Farrar, two-time National Trial Lawyer of the Year and appellate ace, for an in-depth look at two of the most talked-about product liability verdicts in the country — including a $31 million Miami verdict and a nearly $1 billion seatbelt defect case against Mitsubishi. From starting a boutique plaintiff’s firm with a loan and a tire case they swore they’d never take, to building a national litigation powerhouse, Kyle recounts his journey in candid, hilarious, and jaw-dropping detail. And yes —...
info_outline
S3 Eps 16 - Justice of the Peace, Explained (with Judge Steve Duble)
The Dirty Verdict
In this eye-opening episode of The Dirty Verdict, the team welcomes a truly unique guest: Justice of the Peace Judge Steve Duble. With a no-nonsense yet empathetic approach, Judge Duble offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most misunderstood and impactful courts in Texas—JP Court. From eviction cases and consumer debt to animal seizures and mental health dockets, Judge Duble breaks down what really happens in JP court, why it matters, and how he's working to make it more just and accessible for everyone. Whether you're a litigator, a law student, or a curious citizen, this episode...
info_outline
S3 Eps 15: A Tale of Design and Dispute with Matt Mussalli
The Dirty Verdict
Join hosts Peter Taaffe and Kyle Herbert on The Dirty Verdict Podcast as they dive into a riveting Houston courtroom drama with special guest, attorney Matt Mussalli. In this episode, Matt unpacks a fascinating 2024 jury trial involving a homeowners’ dispute with designer Kevin Spearman, where a seemingly straightforward interior design project spiraled into a high-stakes legal battle. From a $374,000 project to a staggering $9.4 million damages claim, this case is a masterclass in courtroom strategy, emotional undercurrents, and the art of the defense. With co-host Bill Ogden absent due to...
info_outline
S3 Eps 14: 640M Verdict Crane Collapse Case Ryan Pigg
The Dirty Verdict
In this gripping episode of the Dirty Verdict Podcast, hosts Peter Taaffe and Kyle Herbert dive into a landmark legal case with returning guest Ryan Pigg of the Buzbee Law Firm. With co-host Bill absent, Peter and Kyle unpack the details of a massive verdict in a crane collapse case at Texas A&M San Antonio, where a tragic accident led to the death of David Loree. Ryan, who played a pivotal role in the trial, shares an insider’s perspective on the case, from legal strategy and courtroom dynamics to the emotional weight of securing justice for the Loree family. The episode covers the...
info_outline
S3 Eps 13: Private Investigators Unraveled Featuring Todd Fibich and Scott Cervenka
The Dirty Verdict
Join hosts Peter Taaffe, Kyle Herbert, and Bill Ogden on The Dirty Verdict podcast as they dive into the gritty world of private investigation with special guests Scott Cervenka and Todd Fibich from Delta Intel. In this engaging episode, the team explores how private investigators play a pivotal role in legal cases, from tracking down elusive witnesses to uncovering critical evidence that can make or break a case. With decades of law enforcement experience, Scott and Todd share captivating stories, insider tips, and the cutting-edge techniques they use to assist attorneys in civil, criminal,...
info_outline
S3 Eps 12: True Crime Edition: The Ryan Smith Case
The Dirty Verdict
In this gripping true crime edition of The Dirty Verdict, hosts Peter Taaffe, Kyle Herbert, and Bill Ogden are joined by criminal law expert Anthony Osso to dissect one of the most disturbing cases Houston has seen in years—the murder of Cameron Smith by his own son, Ryan Mitchell Smith. From a shocking crime spree to an insanity defense, the episode unpacks the legal twists, mental health implications, and courtroom drama surrounding this tragic and violent case. Was justice served? Could this crime have been prevented? And what happens when someone who stabs a police dog gets...
info_outline
S3 Eps 11 - Receiverships and the Lies Beyond
The Dirty Verdict
This week on The Dirty Verdict, Peter Taaffe and Kyle Herbert (filling in while Bill Ogden mourns the loss of his grandfather—our condolences, Bill) dive into the world of court-appointed receiverships—where judgments get enforced, zebras get seized, and helicopters in backyards are fair game. Peter and Kyle are joined by two of the most notorious (and effective) receivers in Texas: Robert Berleth and Derek Loetzerich. These legal bounty hunters share jaw-dropping stories of chasing down debtors, collecting everything from luxury cars to exotic animals, and navigating the wild west of...
info_outline
S3 Eps 10- Legal News: Big Verdicts, Busted Pools, and Burned Video Games
The Dirty Verdict
In this episode of The Dirty Verdict, Peter Taaffe, Kyle Herbert, and Bill Ogden dive into a whirlwind of courtroom showdowns, massive verdicts, legal slip-ups, and yes… concrete cancer. With their signature humor and insider takes, the gang tackles everything from billion-dollar wins to NFL drama, all while wearing suspenders and dreaming of the next Bucky’s pit stop. You’ll hear about the latest jaw-dropping verdicts, trademark tiffs, fiery lawsuits (literally), and a surprising look at a strange pool defect sweeping Central Texas. It’s part law, part chaos, and all Dirty. 🎧...
info_outlineIn this episode of the Dirty Verdict podcast, the hosts Peter Taaffe, Kyle Herbert, and Bill Ogden welcome back special guest Anthony Osso to discuss the Menendez brothers case. The Menendez brothers, Eric and Lyle, were convicted of murdering their parents in 1989 and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
The discussion covers the legal intricacies of the case, including the initial trial, the retrial, the use of a writ of habeas corpus, and the recent developments around a potential resentencing. The hosts delve into the legal arguments made by the defense, the role of the jury in sentencing, and the differences in sentencing laws between California and Texas.
The conversation also touches on the impact of documentaries and media coverage on the case, as well as the potential rehabilitation of the Menendez brothers while in custody. The hosts explore the legal implications of client-therapist confidentiality and the exceptions that may apply in cases where the therapist believes the patient poses a danger to themselves or others.
Shownotes:
- Peter Taaffe discusses his recent trip to watch his son run the New York City Marathon
- The hosts discuss their own experiences with marathons and running
- The group transitions to the Menendez brothers case, with Anthony Osso providing legal expertise
- The hosts explore the timeline of the case, the initial trial, the retrial, and the new developments
- They discuss the legal arguments around the abuse allegations and the impact of new evidence
- The conversation covers the differences in sentencing laws between California and Texas
- The hosts examine the potential for the Menendez brothers to be resentenced and the factors the court may consider
- The discussion touches on the impact of documentaries and media coverage on the case
- The hosts delve into the legal implications of client-therapist confidentiality and the exceptions that may apply