Technology Issues With Brazos County DWI Videos

Following is a letter sent to the Brazos County Attorney, Rod Anderson, explaining some trouble we've had in viewing DWI videos recorded on proprietary video programs used by local law enforcement. If any fellow members of the Bryan|College Station defense bar have similar issues, please contact Rod Anderson to make sure he's aware of the problem. 

Rod:  

There have been some technology issues around town regarding the Insight AV police videos which the College Station Police Department and Brazos County Sheriff's Office use to record DWI stops. I've heard several other defense lawyers articulate problems in viewing these videos on both PCs and Macs. I also have problems viewing these videos and, in fact, hired a computer expert to determine if it was something on my end. The computer expert explained it was the proprietary nature of the software and the "unavailability" of Internet downloadable code-ex to make the program run properly on someone's computer. 

All other videos can be played on programs like Windows Media Player, Quicktime, etc. These programs have available code-ex on the Internet which can be downloaded to make the players work. Code-ex is not readily available for the Insight AV player. Although the player is on Brazos County Secure Share and I've downloaded it, I still cannot get the Insight videos to play reliably. Again, the computer expert says it's a problem with the proprietary code-ex needed. 

Anyway, I wanted to make you aware of this problem. The Brazos County defense bar is, of course, thankful we can get the videos from your office. Also, Secure Share is a great vehicle through which to obtain them. But the "techno-frustrations" are problematic. 

I'm also aware the videos are available to view in the County Attorney's office, but this solution is impractical since most (if not all) of our detailed video review is done after hours and on weekends where regular office distractions can be eliminated, especially in preparation for trial. 

Thanks for your ear, Rod. Please let me know what we can do.

Steve Gustitis

Rule #9: "Never Go Anywhere Without a Knife"

Ok . . . I admit I borrowed this Rule from Leroy Jethro Gibbs. But what can I say . . . I just love knives. Kershaw assisted-opening knives are some of my favorites. This model, manufactured under the brand Zero Tolerance, is called their 0301 Tactical Folding Knife. This baby is strong, tough and opens like a bazooka. It feels like a tank in my hand. The Tiger stripe on the blade is really an eye catcher, too. This knife is so cool, I rarely use it to cut anything. It's like a new car you're afraid of scratching up. And I DON'T take it to court, for those who were wondering. Most of the time I'll carry it to the office on the weekends, flipping it open and closed as I ponder my next criminal defense strategy. So, for criminal defense lawyers with the need for a strong tactical folder, I highly recommend the Zero Tolerance brand of Kershaw assisted opening knives. 

A Role Model for Defending the Accused

In 1770 British soldiers killed five civilians in a street confrontation in what became known as the Boston Massacre. The soldiers were arrested on criminal charges and accused. Needless to say, the soldiers had difficulty finding legal counsel to represent them. Finally, they asked John Adams to defend. He agreed, though he feared it would hurt his reputation. During their criminal trial, Adams made his now famous quote regarding making decisions based on the evidence: "Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passion, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence." Six of the soldiers were found not guilty and acquitted. Two soldiers who had fired directly into the crowd were charged with murder but were convicted only of manslaughter. Adams was paid eighteen guineas by the British soldiers . . . about the cost of a pair of shoes.

Defending Bryan|College Station Driver's License Suspension Hearings (ALR)

Last Wednesday I posted about the ALR (Administrative License Revocation) process while waiting to defend several clients in Bryan|College Station. It was a good day in ALR court.  Several College Station police officers were subpoenaed to testify and helpful information was obtained from each. 

Important benefits of the ALR process are the liberal discovery rules. In other words, prior to the ALR hearing the officer's written reports can be obtained and used to help plan the strategy for defending the ALR hearing (and any subsequent Bryan|College Station DWI trial). During the ALR hearing the officer can be tied down to their report. Questions about my client's driving can narrow the reasonable suspicion cited by the officer as legal authority to stop. Further, questions can be used to erode the officer's probable cause for arresting my client and later used to impeach their DWI trial testimony.

Additionally, the ALR process offers the aggressive criminal defense lawyer an opportunity to cross-examine and depose the most important witness in a DWI prosecution . . . the arresting police officer. ALR hearings are also important since rarely is the officer actually prepared to testify by the Department of Public Safety prosecuting attorney. Consequently, the officer is often caught "flat-footed" and unprepared. Following the hearing, a certified transcript of the hearing can be obtained and used to cross-examine the officer during the actual DWI trial. 

There are many reasons to conduct an aggressive ALR defense in Bryan|College Station. First, we want to do everything possible to protect our client's driver's license. Second, we want important written discovery that will help us plan our upcoming DWI defense. And third, getting the arresting officer tied-down to their report, while being unprepared to testify, can be the difference between a dismissal (or a charge reduction) and a trial.