Crime & Punishment

The first episode chronicles the trial of John Dailey, who is accused of murdering his wife. Many witnesses attest to the fact that Dailey had often spoken about graphically killing her, but there was no body for evidence. The prosecutor was able to sway the jury through intelligent remarks and stong witnesses. John Dailey was given a sentence of 25 years to life in jail.

Deputy District Attorney Garry Haehnle prosecutes Marshall Jones, a father accused of suffocating his 4-month-old son and burying the body in a shallow grave in the woods. Attempting to pass the murder off as an unfortunate accident, the defense paints the picture of a loving father who made one bad decision, which Haehnle must disprove in the eyes of the jury. After Jones is convicted, during the sentencing hearing, he domonstrates his callousness and ultimately his guilt. The judge strongly rebukes him and gives him the maximum sentence.

A man is tried for murder in the first degree. He had supposedly stabbed his girlfriend out of jealousy. However, the intent that the prosecutor describes does not match up with the lustful insanity that the defense describes. After credible witnesses help the case, Vasquez is sentenced. During the sentencing, Vasquez and his brother attack the prosecutor (Lindberg) and they both are given extended jail sentences.

A man is tried for the rape of a woman. What would seem like an easy case, difficulties appear because the victim had been inebriated and may have not been fully aware of her actions. Luckily, the defendant gives the least plausible testimony that he could give, which would give him a jail sentence.

A girlfriend of a gang member is found dead from a bullet behind a dumpster. With a minimal amount of evidence and a difficult judge, it becomes difficult for the District Attorney to convince the jury that the murderer was the victim's boyfriend.

In the first case of Villa, the defendant is brought up on charges of beating his wife and committing a third strike of domestic abuse. In another case, the Deputy District Attorney tries to get Schierbaum convicted of crimes including kidnapping and sexual assault, and attempted murder. The parallels between the cases can be seen in the domestic abuse of Villa and the violence made by Schierbaum towards his children and wife.

An especially heinous murder occurred, where the victim was stabbed and tortured to death. The defendant had a shoddy record filled with violence and lack of temper control. Witnesses testifying against Arnold included his son, wife, and parents.

As the defendant is brought up on numerous charges, his biggest mistake (second only to the crimes) was representing himself. By not having a layer, Nourn was unable to form directed questions or sway the jury in his favor.

A man is brought up on 19 counts of sexual molestation for molesting his own children, relatives, and neighbors. Because the charges are made years after the abuse, the defense claims that the witnesses formed their stories through suggestability. The children supposedly has been offered stories through therapists and friends. However, when the verdict was rendered, the suggestability went towards the defendant as he was found guilty on all charges.

Emile Robershaw is on trail for vehicular manslaughter and drinking under the influence. He allegedly drove this girlfriend from a party very drunk. He crashed the truck and killed Josh. Emile defense tells the jury it is inconclusive who was behind the wheel. Sherea Boone, Emile's then girlfriend was injured in the crash. She was dazed but according to witnesses she was wandering around chatting to her boy friend. Shannon Williams, who also got offered a ride home from josh. she was not drinking. A short time later she was drinking home and saw the accident. She testifies that Emile had no memory as to what happen and even to Josh was not drinking. Josh mother Laura also testifies for emile. They also called James Garrity as a witness. The jury verdict is guilty. Emile is sentenced to 4 years, 8 months of prison.

Deputy District Attorney Rachel Solovis prosecuting Joseph Villarino Jr. for kidnapping and five counts of rape. The jury verdict is guilty he was charged with kidnapping and four counts of rape. Villarino is sentenced to 228 years in prison after he arrogantly scolds the judge about the way the trail was handled.

Hugo Alcazar is on trail for the rape of 14 year old Carla, and the rape, torture and murder of her friend Diana Rodriguez. The jury reaches a very swift verdict. Hugo Alcazar is guilty of first degree murder and is sentenced to life without parole.

George Waller and Lawrence Calhoun stand trial for second degree murder, when their reckless drag racing caused an accident that killed two teenagers and gravely injured another passenger. D.D.A. Blaine Bowman wants the defendants charged with Second Degree Murder, while the defense attorney's claim they should be charged with vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence

D.D.A. Marisa Ditillio prosecutes Brenda Cook for animal negligence after finding her potbelly pig emaciated in the backseat of her car. And, D.D.A. Corinne Miesfeld prosecutes Lawrence Marsh on 67 counts of identity theft

D.D.A. Kurt Mechals prosecutes Bernard Cutts for the murder of his girlfriend Cynthia Johnson, whose 18 year-old son found her bullet-ridden body. While the prosecution asserts that a domestic dispute resulted in murder, the defense attempts to taint the reputation of the victim's son, whose distraught recorded testimony is jarring to members of the jury.

Terry Hall is on trial for killing his wife after discovering she was unfaithful to him while he was away at sea. He's admitted to killing her, the question is whether it's manslaughter or first degree murder.

D.D.A. Allison Worden seeks to have a high school coach registered as a sex offender when witnesses say that he was masturbating outside during a football game in the presence of minors. Defense attorney Anthony Gilham claims his client has prostate problems and was urinating.

A 17-year-old defendant is accused of abducting and molesting an eight-year-old girl and attempting to abduct a four-year-old.