Welcome to The Iron Gavel! In this episode, host Chris Washington, a criminal defense attorney with over 17 years of experience, sits down with Houston-based criminal defense and immigration attorney Ruben Restrepo Jr..Learn how Ruben dismantled the prosecution's evidence by:* Questioning the "operation" of the vehicle when his client was found legally parked.* Challenging the credibility and motives of the 911 reporter (a wrecker driver).* Highlighting failures in the police investigation, including not collecting crucial evidence like surveillance video or checking trash cans.* Exposing the police's inaccurate and manipulative reporting.* Utilizing a suppression hearing to challenge the legality of the arrest and shift the burden of proof to the prosecution.**Contact Ruben Restrepo Jr.:**Phone: 713-714-7330Website: restrepodwlawyer.comTikTok: Ruben LawOther Social Media: restrepolaw0:00 - Intro: The Iron Gavel with Chris Washington0:30 - Meet Attorney Ruben Restrepo Jr.5:33 - The Intersection of Criminal & Immigration Law9:20 - Why DWI Cases Are So Important11:55 - How Police Handle DWIs (Often Based on Assumption)13:15 - Ruben's Approach to New DWI Clients14:58 - **Common Mistakes People Make When Pulled Over**17:53 - Ruben's Process for Dismantling the Prosecution's Case22:00 - Understanding ALR Hearings (Administrative License Revocation)24:52 - The DWI Second Case Backstory & Potential Penalties27:18 - Client's Initial Fears & Goals31:45 - Client's REAL Story: Getting Lost, Parking, Then Drinking34:52 - Challenging "Operation": The Legally Parked Car35:45 - The Wrecker Driver's Motive (911 Reporter)38:10 - Community Caretaking vs. DWI Investigation42:35 - When the Police Should Have Left (Legal Opinion)43:15 - Case Law: Sitting in a Parked Car While Intoxicated46:08 - Failures in Investigation: Not Collecting Evidence47:30 - Evidence Gone By the Time the Lawyer Gets Involved48:10 - Police & Prosecutor Bias49:58 - The Prosecutor's Power to Dismiss51:20 - Lack of Key Witnesses (911 & HFD)54:28 - Using Police Training Against Them (Phases of DWI)55:40 - **Ruben's Questioning Strategy: The "I Don't Know" Answers**58:00 - The Burden Shifts to the Prosecution (Clear and Convincing Evidence)59:35 - The Judge Finds an Illegal Arrest1:00:15 - The Case is Over: Illegal Arrest Confirmed1:01:15 - Lesson for Young Lawyers: When You're Winning, Shut Up1:01:55 - The Case is Dismissed1:02:05 - The Client's Reaction & Gratitude1:03:35 - Lessons Learned for Future Cases & Legal Reforms1:05:00 - The "Miracle" Was Created by Hard Work1:05:50 - Dealing with Prosecutors Who Underestimate Experience1:07:00 - Questioning Everything & Using Police Evidence/Training1:07:55 - Police Lack of Knowledge on Procedures & Tests1:09:45 - Getting Sobriety Test Evidence Excluded1:10:25 - "If it's Not On the Report, It Didn't Happen"1:11:05 - Challenging Witness Credibility (Assault Case Example)1:12:35 - How to Avoid Issues if Pulled Over1:13:25 - The Importance of Remaining Silent1:13:55 - DWI Arrests Without Alcohol (Speech, Appearance, Sleepiness)1:15:50 - Stealing Questions & Learning from Others1:16:30 - Avoiding Overly Aggressive Tactics1:17:20 - Make the Jury Angry, Not the Lawyer1:17:50 - **How to Contact Ruben Restrepo Jr.**1:18:50 - Final Thoughts from Chris WashingtonDo you or someone you know need to speak to a real lawyer about a personal injury, wrongful death case, or criminal defense case?You can call our firm at (225) 383-3800 or email us at greatelephantlaw@gmail.com.You can also schedule a meeting by clicking this link:https://MeetingWithAttorney.as.me/CHRIS-WASHINGTONFor business inquiries contact me at greatelephantlaw@gmail.comLet's connect: https://www.championsforjustice.comTwitter - @@ChrisWa24891667Instagram - @greatelephantlawFacebook - @https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=23429340TikTok - @greatelephantlaw

Join host Chris Washington on the Iron Gavel podcast as he interviews Lafayette attorney Javonna Charles. Dive deep into the complexities of the US legal system as Javonna shares her harrowing experience defending a client entangled in a triple homicide case carrying a potential life sentence without parole[cite: Discover the twists, turns, and shocking revelations, including prosecutorial misconduct, hidden evidence, and the fight against systemic bias: Javonna discusses the immense pressure, the emotional toll, debunking myths about public defenders, and her unwavering commitment to ensuring her client's constitutional rights were protected throughout the years-long saga. Learn about the challenges faced, the mistrials, the fight for a fair trial against stacked odds, and the ultimate resolution of the case.Do you or someone you know need to speak to a real lawyer about a personal injury, wrongful death case, or criminal defense case?Please reach out to our firm and we will make sure to answer your questions or find someone who can. Our consultations are always free and confidential. You can call our firm at (225) 383-3800 or email us at greatelephantlaw@gmail.com.You can also schedule a meeting by clicking this link:https://MeetingWithAttorney.as.me/CHRIS-WASHINGTONFor business inquiries contact me at greatelephantlaw@gmail.comLet's connect: https://www.championsforjustice.comTwitter - @@ChrisWa24891667Instagram - @greatelephantlawFacebook - @https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=23429340TikTok - @greatelephantlawThe remote episodes for this podcast are recorded through an amazing software platform called ECAMM LIVE. HERE’S MY AFFILIATE LINK:https://www.ecamm.com/mac/ecammlive/?fp_ref=christopher18