Category Archives: General
Without Victims, Online Sting Operations Are Leading to Convictions
Throughout the United States, law enforcement officials have created online task forces devoted to targeting alleged sexual predators under the guise of getting potentially dangerous individuals off the streets. The State of Oregon is no exception. Officers are posing as minors online who seek conversations-turned physical with adults during sting operations to catch child… Read More »
Mississippi Finally Ceases Prosecution of Black Man After 6 Failed Attempts at Conviction
After 6 failed attempts at conviction, Mississippi has finally dismissed murder charges against 50-year-old Curtis Flowers. The failed prosecution of Mr Flowers was repeatedly marred by racial prejudice and bias. The District Attorney repeatedly demonstrated a determination to exclude Black jurors, and was finally rebuffed in a 7-2 decision written by Trump appointee Brett… Read More »
Police Violence in Portland has Taken 40 Lives Since 2003
Police brutality has been a consistent part of American history for many years. In a society where law enforcement often holds the upper hand amongst civilians, many officers have resorted to using extreme acts of violence that have claimed the lives of many citizens, disproportionately impacting Black people, other minorities and those who suffer… Read More »
The Black Resilience Fund Deserves Our Support
Black Lives Matter has emerged as a strong movement seeking to redress the wrongs that have been perpetrated against our Black brothers and sisters. Here in Portland, a new organization, the Black Resilience Fund, or “BRF,” is an emergency fund that is helping ensure that Black Portlanders can receive needed financial and emotional support…. Read More »
Tennessee May Soon Execute an Innocent Man
On December 3, 2020, 53-year old Pervis Payne is set to be executed in a Tennessee penitentiary. Mr Payne is a black man who had no prior criminal convictions, and who suffers from intellectual disability. Mr Payne has been held on Death Row for over 30 years of a crime he claims to not… Read More »
After 15 Years in Prison, A Mother Gets to Know Her Daughter Again
When we hear phrases such as “mass incarceration”, we are tempted to think of the prison population in terms of large numbers. However, it is important to reflect on the real human beings whose lives are disrupted, and even destroyed, as a result of our country’s all too quick resort to sending defendants to… Read More »
Portland is Under Siege by Trump’s Para-Military, Not by Demonstrators
Trump and Right-wing media outlets have been trying to sell a false narrative claiming that Portland is under siege by protesters. The truth is very different. Questions regarding Portland’s overall safety have been raised in the media over recent weeks. Right-wing outlets allege that the Portland is dangerous, causing widespread speculation and curiosity. According… Read More »
The Innocence Project Has Freed Many People and Has Given Them a New Chance at Life
Year after year innocent men and women are imprisoned for crimes that they did not commit. Shockingly, many have spent 20 or more years in prison as a result of wrongful convictions. Fortunately, the Innocence Project has re-investigated many cases and has been able to achieve freedom for many who have been unjustly incarcerated…. Read More »
Why We Do What We Do
Having practiced as a criminal defense attorney for more than 37 years, I am acutely aware of the deep flaws in our broken criminal justice system. Attorneys who represent the indigent are overworked and underpaid. Prosecutors suppress exculpatory evidence. Police officers commit acts of violence and falsify evidence without consequence. Against strong odds, criminal… Read More »
Cogan Law Office Supports The Protesters Who Are Demonstrating In Favor Of BLACK LIVES MATTER And Opposing Police Brutality
For too long, the police in this community and elsewhere have committed horrific acts of violence against people of color, without consequences. Here in Portland, persons of color whose lives were ended by police acts of violence include 21 year old Kendra James in 2003, 24 year old Terrell Johnson in 2017, and 45… Read More »
