Welcome to Raw Reflections
This is where the commentary gets sharp, the writing gets bold, and nothing is off-limits. Raw Reflections is more than a blog—it’s an ongoing conversation about law, identity, culture, power, and the personal truths we’re told to keep quiet.
Here, I unpack courtroom drama, critique pop culture, analyze the systems meant to protect us (but often don’t), and write through the chaos of being alive in a world that demands silence from the loudest hearts. From legal education to emotional storytelling, every post is crafted with clarity, depth, and purpose.
If you’re here for truth, for context, for the unfiltered version of what really matters—then you’re in the right place.
Behind Closed Doors: What Really Happens During Jury Deliberation
Jury deliberation is the final, private step of a criminal trial—but it’s also one of the most powerful. This post breaks down what actually happens behind the jury room doors, from selecting a foreperson to reaching a unanimous verdict, and why this step matters more than most people realize.
Plea Bargains: Why So Many Cases Never Go to Trial
Over 90% of criminal cases are resolved through plea bargains, not trials. But behind these quiet deals is a system built on pressure, power, and fear. This blog breaks down how plea bargains work—and why they raise serious questions about justice.
What Is RICO, Really? Breaking Down the Law Behind Racketeering Charges
RICO is one of the most powerful—and terrifying—legal tools the government has. In this blog, I break down what it actually means to be charged under RICO, how the law works, and why it’s showing up more and more in celebrity cases, corporate crime, and organized violence.
What Does It Actually Mean to Have Immunity in a Criminal Case?
When a witness testifies “under immunity,” it’s not just legal jargon—it’s a calculated move. In this post, we break down what immunity means, why prosecutors use it, and how it can reshape the course of a criminal trial.
Witness Tampering 101: How the System Tries to Silence the Truth
Witness tampering isn’t just illegal—it’s strategic silence. It’s the way abusers, criminals, and institutions protect themselves by scaring people out of telling the truth. This blog breaks down what witness tampering is, how it’s prosecuted, and why it threatens justice at its core.
Chain of Custody: Why Evidence Mishandling Can Tank a Case
What happens when the evidence in a case is real—but the process behind it isn’t? In criminal law, the chain of custody ensures that every piece of evidence stays secure, documented, and untouched. But when that chain is broken, the truth itself can be thrown out of court. This blog breaks down why evidence mishandling isn’t just a technicality—it’s a threat to justice.
When the Truth Is Hidden: What Brady v. Maryland Taught Us About Fair Trials
What happens when the prosecution holds all the cards—and hides the one that could set you free? In Brady v. Maryland, the Supreme Court ruled that withholding exculpatory evidence violates due process. This case didn’t just impact one man’s sentence—it changed the rules of every trial that followed.
What Is a Mistrial—and Does It Mean the Case Is Over?
A mistrial doesn’t mean someone is found innocent—or guilty. It means the legal process failed in a way that makes the trial invalid. With Diddy’s recent motion for mistrial making headlines, here’s what that actually means, what causes it, and what happens next.
What Is a Hung Jury? When the Jury Can’t Decide—and What Happens Next
A hung jury means the people deciding your fate couldn’t agree on it. In this post, I break down what happens when a jury gets stuck—and how it can change everything about a case.
Bench Trial vs. Jury Trial: What’s the Difference—and Why It Matters
Bench trial or jury trial? In this post, I break down the real difference between the two—and why that choice can change the entire outcome of a case.
What Does It Actually Mean to Be Arraigned?
An arraignment is the courtroom’s first big move after charges are filed. In this blog, I break down what actually happens, what plea options mean, and why this step is way more than just a formality.
Objection, Your Honor: A Breakdown of the Most Common Courtroom Objections
Ever wondered what lawyers are actually objecting to in court? From hearsay to speculation, I’m breaking down the most common courtroom objections—what they mean, why they matter, and how they’re used to control the chaos of a trial.
What’s the Difference Between Jail and Prison?
Jail and prison aren’t interchangeable—and for people like me, the difference hits close to home. My father spent years in and out of jail, never fully held accountable for the harm he caused. Understanding how the system works—and where it fails—is what fuels my passion for justice and my dream of becoming a prosecutor. This post breaks down the real distinctions between jail and prison, the myths people believe, and why it matters more than most realize.
What Happens After a Verdict?
A guilty or not guilty verdict is a major moment—but it’s not the end of the legal story. This blog explains what happens after the verdict is read, from sentencing to appeals, and why the process still matters.
What Does It Actually Mean to Plead Guilty, Not Guilty, or No Contest?
What does it really mean to plead guilty, not guilty, or no contest? This blog breaks down each plea, how they work, and why the difference matters in every courtroom. Whether you’re defending yourself or just following the headlines, this is what you need to know.
What Does It Actually Mean to Be Charged with a Crime?
Getting “charged” with a crime sounds serious—because it is. But what does it actually mean in legal terms? This post breaks down the difference between being arrested and being charged, who decides to file charges, what types of charges exist, and what happens next in the criminal justice process.
What Does It Actually Mean to be Arrested?
What actually happens when someone is arrested? It’s more than just handcuffs and Miranda rights. This guide breaks down what qualifies as an arrest, how it’s different from a detention, what police need to justify it, and the rights that protect you during the process.
What Does It Actually Mean to Be Indicted?
An indictment is not a conviction—it’s a green light to pursue charges in court. This breakdown explains what indictments really are, how grand juries work, and why headlines don’t always tell the whole legal truth.
What Does It Actually Mean to Be “Under Investigation”?
What does it actually mean to be “under investigation”?
In a world full of rumors, indictments, and viral accusations, this blog breaks down how criminal investigations work, what your rights are, and why this phrase is more complex than the headlines make it seem.
What Does It Actually Mean to Sue Someone?
So many people threaten to sue, but how many actually understand what that means? This blog breaks it down—from what it takes to start a lawsuit, to what really happens after you file. With clear steps and real-world examples, this guide explains what civil court is really for—and who it can protect.