By now you’ve either watched or heard friends, family or coworkers discuss the gripping ten-part true-crime Netflix documentary Making a Murderer. It tells the story of Steven Avery, a Wisconsin man who was convicted of a rape he didn’t commit in 1985 on astoundingly flimsy evidence.
After serving 18 years in prison, Avery was freed due to DNA evidence exonerating him of the rape conviction. However, in a bizarre twist he was accused in 2005 of the murder of Teresa Halbach, a young photographer working for an auto trader type magazine, whose cremated remains were found on his family’s massive auto-salvage lot where Avery and other members of his family live. In another odd set of circumstances, Steven Avery was arrested for the murder of Halbach while in the middle of depositions for his civil lawsuit against the sheriff’s department and district attorney of Manitowoc County for his wrongful conviction where Avery stood to gain an eight figure settlement.
Avery was convicted of the murder of Halbach along with his nephew, the then teenage Brendan Dassey, who law enforcement was able to get a sketchy at best confession from.
The conversations that are taking place about Steven Avery all across the country online as well as on television talk shows are pointing to the significant holes in the prosecution’s case against Avery, with a lot of the conversation focusing on what appears to most to be police misconduct. However, it’s the Brandon Dassey conviction that is the most jaw dropping as it relates to credible evidence or the timeline presented by prosecutors. The only thing the State had to go on was Dassey’s clearly coerced confession. It’s a travesty that few to none are talking about Brandon Dassey.
While it is true that Dassey confessed (without a lawyer present), the quiet Dassey, whose IQ puts him near the range for intellectual disability, was clearly cowed by investigators into a fabricated story, in which he helped his uncle first sexually assault Halbach and then murder her. In the video recorded interrogation, to the reasonable person it’s obvious that it’s the investigators, not Dassey, who are providing the vast majority of the details of the murder. It’s also clear that they simply kept wearing Dassey down taking advantage of his disability until he tells them what they want to hear.
The interrogation of Brandon Dassey is infuriating to watch. It’s also an example why, as I’ve written before, you should never go down to a police station and take questions from an investigator without a lawyer with you. The police often will say they are “trying to help you out” but remember only your attorney advocates on your behalf.
If you have been contacted by the police to come in and answer some questions, you need an experienced and competent criminal defense lawyer. Contact attorney Donna Wagner to schedule a time to discuss your case or situation.
Real-life results
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“I spoke with several attorneys and from the moment I spoke with Donna I knew she was the person I wanted to hire for a child custody case.
From the very first interaction she was enthusiastic, friendly, and honest. She asked a lot of questions to get to know the case well. I was so impressed with how thorough and thoughtful she was throughout the entire process, explaining every step along the way.
Donna was great at staying in contact and kept me updated as everything progressed. She was affordable and very fair in her billing. If ever another situation is to arise in which I’m requiring legal assistance and representation she will be the first I call.
Due to Donna’s persistence I was able to come out ahead with more than I had ever hoped for when I first brought her my case. She helped me to see and understand things about my situation that would have never occurred to me on my own.
This woman has so much integrity! I’m so grateful for all of her help during a nerve wracking time. She was incredibly personable. I highly recommend Donna Wagner for your legal needs.
Best decision I ever made in the midst of a divorce, from someone who asked for the divorce, was to hire Donna Wagner. I was facing an attorney who was representing my spouse, thinking all I had to do was sign the papers. No, they were attempting to get money out of me. Keep in mind we didn’t have any kids. Anyhow, Donna came in and shut it all down. I was due in court in a week and she got that continued. After going back and forth with the opposing attorney, Donna was able to not only get them to settle the case without going to court but have everything ruled in my favor. I am finally divorced and can breathe easy. Thank you Donna Wagner!
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I know for certain that If I am needing an attorney again in the future, I will be using Donna Wagner. There are so many great things to say about Donna. However, I believe what I appreciated most was how Donna handles special situations, and I assure you, my circumstances were just that! Donna was very thorough during my entire case. She was able to address my unique case but also do so with legal basis even though the courts may not always allow for such situations. Donna was very thorough each step of the way and was certain to not leave any stone un-turned. One thing I really liked about Donna was her fire. When situations arose, she can be more than passionate about her job and serving justice to those who deserve it. I also want Donna’s clients to know that she was very timely with me in her communications with me. Whether by email or phone, she was always just a call or a message away. When being in a legal situation, I know from previous experience, being able to reach your attorney means everything. I am more than pleased with the results that I recieved from Donna Wagner, and I assure you my case turned out better than I had imagined and even for a fair price. Donna Wagner rocks!
I know for certain that If I am needing an attorney again in the future, I will be using Donna Wagner. There are so many great things to say about Donna. However, I believe what I appreciated most was how Donna handles special situations, and I assure you, my circumstances were just that! Donna was very thorough during my entire case. She was able to address my unique case but also do so with legal basis even though the courts may not always allow for such situations. Donna was very thorough each step of the way and was certain to not leave any stone un-turned. One thing I really liked about Donna was her fire. When situations arose, she can be more than passionate about her job and serving justice to those who deserve it. I also want Donna’s clients to know that she was very timely with me in her communications with me. Whether by email or phone, she was always just a call or a message away. When being in a legal situation, I know from previous experience, being able to reach your attorney means everything. I am more than pleased with the results that I recieved from Donna Wagner, and I assure you my case turned out better than I had imagined and even for a fair price. Donna Wagner rocks!
I obtained Mrs. Donna Wagner’s services in 2012 to help with my charge of driving under the influence. I first called several other attorneys, but none of them were willing to listen to my case. Mrs. Wagner not only took the time to listen but went out of her way to be sensitive to my issues, respond quickly to my questions, and help me understand this unfamiliar process. It was clear to me from the beginning that she knew the system well and was very thorough in her exploration into my case. With her experience and knowledge of the Mt. Juiliet court system, combined with her adept use of the evidence at hand, she was able to get my charges significantly reduced. I could not be more happy with my choice of attorney. I am certain that I would not have had such a successful outcome without her guidance and skill.
