Courtroom

Fort Bend County Judge Reprimanded and Ordered Educational Refresher Following Courtroom Misconduct

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Richmond, Texas — A Fort Bend County judge faced formal reprimand last month when the State Commission on Judicial Conduct chastised him for improper courtroom behavior during a 2003 case. The commission mandated that Judge Steve Rogers of the 268th District Court undertake additional legal training following his actions, which included the use of profanity in exchanges with attorneys during a trial. The sanctions stem from an incident in July 2003, during the jury trial of a woman accused of methamphetamine possession. Records reveal that attorneys Annie Scott and Michael Elliot, representing the defendant, had … Read more

From Stunt Scenes to Courtroom Drama: Former Stuntwoman Faces Federal Charges in Alleged Staged Crash Conspiracy

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New Orleans, LA — A former stuntwoman turned lawyer, Vanessa Motta, 43, faces serious legal repercussions as federal prosecutors have charged her in a complex conspiracy involving staged car accidents targeting large commercial trucks. Motta, alongside her fiancé, Sean Alfortish, a disbarred attorney, and others, are accused of intentionally causing collisions around the New Orleans area to fraudulently claim damages. Authorities alleged that the group, including drivers dubbed “slammers,” orchestrated accidents by crashing into unsuspecting truck drivers. Following these staged collisions, accomplices posing as drivers or witnesses manipulated the scene, falsely attesting fault to the … Read more

From Hoops to the Courtroom: Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Schenectady’s Basketball Icon and Justice, Barry Kramer

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Schenectady, NY — Barry Kramer, a standout in both college basketball and his later legal career, was not only a local legend on the courts but also a revered figure in the hallways of justice. The Schenectady native, who passed recently, leaves behind a legacy that touches various spectrums of community life, illustrating a life lived fully in public service and athletics. Born and raised in Schenectady and a 1960 graduate of Linton High School, Kramer caught the eye of many from an early age. His basketball prowess was evident as he became a Parade … Read more

Judge Faces Scrutiny Over Questionable Decisions, Impacting Immigration Status and Courtroom Decorum

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Minneapolis, MN — A Minnesota judge has been found using poor judgment in a series of actions that have raised concerns about his professionalism and adherence to legal standards, according to recent findings from a judicial panel. The incidents created a multi-faceted scandal that has rocked the local judiciary. In one case, the actions of Judge Dehen directly impacted two individuals’ ability to pursue special immigration status, an opportunity protected under federal law according to court records. This misstep is just one element of the broader ethical questions currently surrounding his tenure. Furthermore, an incident … Read more