The People vs. O.J. Simpson and other crime dramas just don't tell the whole truth about what it

As an attorney who defends clients charged with serious crimes by local and federal law enforcement, I’ve long been amused by shows like Law and Order that take less than hour to track complicated murder cases from the commission of the offense, to investigation, to arrest, to—in most cases—conviction. (Let’s face it, that Jack McCoy is one hell of a prosecutor.)

Last week, the debut of “The People vs. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story” on FX provided a new source of bemusement that I’m sure will continue through each of the series’ 11 episodes. I’m certain that they’ll be plenty of focus on personalities, fame and the gory details that transfixed the nation from the moment the victims’ bodies were discovered, through the slow-speed Bronco chase on LA freeways, to the reality show precursor of the trial, a point driven home decisively by an article that “fact checks” the accuracy of the portrayals of the real-life figures involved in the case.

I doubt, however, that much time will be devoted to the thousands of hours that both the prosecution and defense spent in preparing their cases for trial.

And that’s a shame, because the real heavy lifting required to practice criminal law and protect the rights of those who have been charged with misdemeanors and felonies is seldom conveyed in television programs, movies or books. Think about it, did you ever see Perry Mason sitting at his desk at 3 A.M. surrounded by law journals? Matlock buried in thought in a law library? A John Grisham character whose eyes were bloodshot from staring at Nexus/Lexus entries on a computer screen?

Of course not. Because those images are neither entertaining nor sexy—even though they are essential to the effective practice of criminal law.

Here’s an analogy I like to use: criminal law is like an iceberg. The visible part of the work, being in court, represents an extremely small fraction of the framework of a case. For each hour I spend in front of a judge and jury, I’ve logged at least ten times longer preparing by interviewing witnesses, studying case law, developing a strategy and honing my arguments.

Why do I work so hard? Because being charged with a criminal offense by local, state, or federal authorities can lead to life-changing consequences for both the accused and their families. Aside from the possibility of being imprisoned for months or years, being convicted of a crime could cost defendants they current job, their standard of living, their reputation, even their marriage and relationships with other family members and friends. And that holds true even if a defendant is charged with and convicted of seemingly “minor” misdemeanors.

The criminal defense attorneys at Betras, Kopp and Harshman have successfully represented area residents charged with crimes ranging from reckless operation to racketeering, to burglary, assault, and murder. We have fought for and secured justice for defendants charged at every level of the system. When we walk into court prosecutors know they will be facing extremely well prepared, exceptionally knowledgeable legal professionals who have the, ability, will, and perhaps most importantly, the resources to do what it takes to win justice and freedom for our clients.

Why is it so important to hire a law firm with extensive resources to handle your criminal case? Because the law enforcement authorities and prosecutors who charged you work for the government. That means they have the money and manpower needed to build a strong case against you—no matter how long it takes or how much it costs.

At Betras, Kopp, and Harshman we’ve assembled a team that blunts the government’s advantage, including a staff of investigators comprised of former law enforcement officers. Their experience and fundamental knowledge of the way in which police and prosecutors build a criminal case provides them with the insight needed to recognize investigatory errors, identify other suspects the police may have missed or ignored, and spot procedural mistakes or constitutional violations.

In addition to working with our investigators, the attorneys at Betras, Kopp, and Harshman stirve to make every defendant an essential member of the criminal defense team. This combination of outstanding investigators, expert attorneys, and actively involved clients is the formula for success that has enabled us to win case after case, year after year in local, state, and federal court.

If you are under investigation, are about to be charged, or have already been arrested, don’t delay, contact the criminal defense team that has the proven ability to protect your freedom and your rights: Betras, Kopp, and Harshman.