Author Archives: David S. Zapp and Johanna S. Zapp

In a recent case in Washington, DC an important lesson was learned that should be of interest to people awaiting trial […]

There is no such thing as a “plea of guilty with an explanation.” If you feel the need to explain your reason […]

There was a case in which defendants were offered a reasonable deal. One lawyer in particular was advocating the plea, almost […]

A case recently came down from the court of appeals for the second circuit reiterating the long established rule that […]

A woman living in a small town in Colombia has an aunt with a narcotics case in New York. Her aunt is going to be extradited. […]

This is a case that addresses the principal issues surrounding most drug importation cases. It addresses the issues that […]

At a hearing held recently in Washington, D.C., a federal judge told the prosecutor, in no uncertain terms, that if […]

Recently in Washington D.C. four defendants’ lawyers made a motion seeking postponement of the date by which defendants […]

“What that shows . . .” is a new column that will run from time to time to illustrate universal truths […]

Four of the paramilitary defendants being tried in Washington DC made a political statement in court recently after appearing […]

A Colombian reader suggested I write a column about surrendering to U.S. authorities. While this article deals specifically […]

It is puzzling to think that the U.S. government has enough evidence to convict recently extradited Colombian paramilitaries […]

When a defendant decides to cooperate, he or she signs a cooperation agreement stating their willingness to assist […]

With the arrival of 14 paramilitaries extradited from Colombia, now is a good time to discuss how to go about choosing a lawyer. […]

1) Work with the evidence.

Play the hand that is dealt to you, not the hand you want. For example, you may not have anticipated that your phone […]

To those of you fed up with your lawyers or the system, let the judge know immediately. There is a saying in law, “If […]

The Simon Trinidad case just goes to show that someone accused of belonging to a terrorist organization and distributing […]

Because deportation can take months, deportable aliens should ask the sentencing judge for at least a month reduction in […]