This week, Lauren and Lacey explore why some murder cases result in death penalty charges while others end in plea deals, sparked by the controversial Brian Kohlberger plea agreement and a divisive Indiana case where victim families disagreed with prosecutors' decisions.

The hosts address a key misconception about victim trauma in the legal system. When cases involve child victims, prosecutors often accept plea deals to avoid forcing traumatized children to testify in open court and face cross-examination by defense attorneys. Parents frequently choose plea agreements over subjecting their children to additional trauma, even when it results in sentences that seem inadequate to the public.

The practical realities of death penalty cases explain why prosecutors negotiate plea deals. Capital cases require two separate trials, extensive jury selection, and automatic appeals lasting 20 to 40 years. South Carolina has 32 inmates on death row, with executions rarely occurring. The state faces shortages of death penalty certified attorneys, requiring expensive private counsel.

While the Victims' Bill of Rights requires prosecutors to notify families about proceedings, ultimate charging decisions belong to the state to ensure objective justice rather than emotionally-driven outcomes. They criticize how the Kohlberger case was handled, arguing families deserved earlier notification about removing the death penalty from consideration.

The episode touches on systemic court challenges including judge shortages and the emotional toll on legal professionals handling capital cases. They conclude by discussing attorney Dick Harpootlian's involvement in a recent local murder case, highlighting how lawyers often switch between prosecution and defense roles throughout their careers.

The hosts emphasize that understanding these behind-the-scenes factors is crucial for forming informed opinions about seemingly lenient sentences, as prosecutors must balance evidence strength, victim trauma, resources, and the reality that death sentences often result in the same outcome as life imprisonment.

Contact The Lawmas at thelawmaspodcast@gmail.com

#deathpenalty #thelawmaspodcast #legalmoms #lawmoms #BrianKohlberger

In this episode of The Lawmas Podcast, Lacey and Lauren return with updates on some of the biggest legal cases they've discussed on the show. First, coming off of the July 4th holiday, they cover fireworks laws, then dig into major developments in the Alex Murdaugh appeal (including possible Brady violations), discuss new evidence that could impact the Menendez brothers’ case, and share a candid take on the P. Diddy verdicts and what the jury likely considered. They also weigh in on whether the Epstein files should be made public, and what that means for public perception vs. legal reality.

Appeals, parole, prosecutorial missteps, and public opinion—it's all here in this roundup episode!

#thelawmaspodcast #laceyandlauren #legalpodcast #murdaugh #pdiddy #menendezbrothers #lawmoms

In this episode of The Lawmas Podcast, Lauren and Lacey dig into the legal side of the P. Diddy trial, breaking down the leaked verdict sheet, the concept of an Allen charge, jury deliberations, and what happens when a juror wants out.

But first, they share a candid conversation about the double standards facing stay-at-home dads and the challenges working moms face when juggling court dates, client obligations, and sick kids. It’s an honest, insightful mix of legal analysis and real-life lawyer-mom perspective.

(Note: This episode was recorded before the verdict.)

Plus, get a sneak peek at the upcoming series on infamous female criminals!

Contact The Lawmas at thelawmaspodcast@gmail.com

#thelawmaspodcast #pdiddycase #podcastpdiddy #stayathomedads #legalpodcast

In this Fourth of July episode, Lauren and Lacey take a closer look at what it really means to have personal freedom, especially when legal, medical, and ethical questions collide.

They discuss a recent case in Georgia involving a woman who was declared brain dead but kept on life support to carry her pregnancy to term. They also discuss tough topics like healthcare decisions, abortion laws, and the rights outlined in the Constitution.

From their legal perspectives as an estate planning and a criminal defense attorney, they explore:

How healthcare power of attorney documents work, and why they matter

The challenges doctors face when laws restrict medical judgment

The emotional and financial toll on families caught in these situations

Why black-and-white laws often don’t fit real-life cases

How women can take steps now to document their wishes clearly

Lauren and Lacey share their own views on life, family, faith, and the importance of letting people make the decisions that are right for them. Be safe this holiday weekend, don’t drink and drive, and if you ever need legal help, you know who to call.

#thelawmaspodcast #4thofJuly #lawmoms #personalfreedom #constitution

In this episode of The Lawmas Podcast, Lauren and Lacey close out their reality TV legal series with a breakdown of Mormon Wives, but not before tackling a timely topic: AI in the legal world. From estate planning to criminal defense, they explain why tools like ChatGPT can’t replace a real lawyer and how relying on AI could land you in legal trouble.

They then turn their focus to Mormon Wives and the complicated issues around underage marriage, statutory rape laws, and cultural pressure. They dive into age of consent laws, “Romeo and Juliet” exceptions, and why pushing girls into marriage so young is legally and ethically problematic.

The Lawmas also highlight celebrity double standards, like Kylie Jenner and Elvis, where teen-adult relationships get a pass. Finally, they wrap with a quick legal take on cease-and-desist letters and defamation in reality TV drama.

Message The Lawmas on Instagram or thelawmaspodcast@gmail.com

#podcast #thelawmas #momlawyers #mormonwives #realitytvpodcast #chatGPT

In this episode of The Lawmas Podcast, Lauren and Lacey continue talking through legal issues of reality TV, this time digging into the world of Sister Wives. From the complexities of property ownership and inheritance to health care decisions and estate planning, the hosts unpack what happens when legal systems don’t account for polygamous family structures. Using Coyote Pass as a case study, they explain how lack of legal marriage impacts real estate rights, medical decision-making, child custody, taxes, and more.

While recognizing the personal freedom of spiritual marriages, they emphasize the importance of legal planning, like health care proxies, wills, and contracts, to protect everyone involved. The conversation also touches on public policy concerns and why legalizing plural marriage remains unlikely. Looking ahead, Lauren and Lacey tease an upcoming episode on fertility law and reproductive rights, highlighting how modern family structures continue to challenge outdated legal norms.

#lawmaspodcast #legalpodcast #lawmoms #realityTVpodcast #sisterwivespodcast #laurenandlacey

In this listener-voted episode of The Lawmas Podcast, Lauren and Lacey dig into the wild world of reality TV and the legal complexities behind shows like Sister Wives and The Poly Family. From the history of anti-polygamy laws to modern custody battles and property rights, the Lauren and Lacey unpack how the law views these unconventional family structures and where it gets messy.

They also discuss the darker history of cults like FLDS and the Kingstons, the role of public policy, fraud concerns, and what really happens when reality TV meets real legal risk.

Spoiler: Cody Brown’s biggest issue might not be the sister wives, it might be the paperwork!!

Stay tuned for future episodes exploring estate planning, custody, and more drama from reality TV's most legally chaotic families.

TheLawmasPodcast.com

#thelawmaspodcast #sisterwives #realitytvpodcast #lawpodcast #laurenandlacey #FLDS #Kingstons, polygamy

In this episode of The Lawmas Podcast, hosts Lauren and Lacey reflect on Father’s Day through the lens of their own personal experiences. Kicking off with a quick legal Q&A about locating a will and navigating probate when one isn't readily available, the conversation soon shifts into an emotional discussion about the complex roles fathers play in their children's lives—especially for millennials.

Lacey opens up about her strained relationship with her father, sharing vulnerable stories about abandonment, longing for connection, and the emotional toll of growing up without the stability and love she craved. She draws a poignant parallel to a recent Teen Mom episode, touching on themes of accountability and the need for children to reclaim their narratives. Lauren offers a contrasting but equally powerful perspective, recounting her own experience with a supportive and present father, as well as the challenges her husband faced growing up with a largely absent, troubled dad and an overbearing grandmother.

Together, they explore how different father figures, and how the presence or absence of them shape us as individuals and parents. The episode closes with love and gratitude for their current partners and a Father’s Day tribute. It’s an honest, emotional, and insightful conversation that will resonate with anyone navigating family complexities during this time of year.

#thelawmas #fathersday #mompreneurs #lawpodcast #applepodcasts #mompodcast #millennialpodcast