The Dirty Verdict

In this eye-opening episode of The Dirty Verdict, the team welcomes a truly unique guest: Justice of the Peace Judge Steve Duble. With a no-nonsense yet empathetic approach, Judge Duble offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most misunderstood and impactful courts in Texas—JP Court.

From eviction cases and consumer debt to animal seizures and mental health dockets, Judge Duble breaks down what really happens in JP court, why it matters, and how he's working to make it more just and accessible for everyone. Whether you're a litigator, a law student, or a curious citizen, th...

Join hosts Peter Taaffe and Kyle Herbert on The Dirty Verdict Podcast as they dive into a riveting Houston courtroom drama with special guest, attorney Matt Mussalli. In this episode, Matt unpacks a fascinating 2024 jury trial involving a homeowners’ dispute with designer Kevin Spearman, where a seemingly straightforward interior design project spiraled into a high-stakes legal battle. From a $374,000 project to a staggering $9.4 million damages claim, this case is a masterclass in courtroom strategy, emotional undercurrents, and the art of the defense. With co-host Bill Ogden absent due to a family loss, Peter and Kyle explore the twists and tu...

In this gripping episode of the Dirty Verdict Podcast, hosts Peter Taaffe and Kyle Herbert dive into a landmark legal case with returning guest Ryan Pigg of the Buzbee Law Firm. With co-host Bill absent, Peter and Kyle unpack the details of a massive verdict in a crane collapse case at Texas A&M San Antonio, where a tragic accident led to the death of David Loree. Ryan, who played a pivotal role in the trial, shares an insider’s perspective on the case, from legal strategy and courtroom dynamics to the emotional weight of securing justice for the Lo...

Join hosts Peter Taaffe, Kyle Herbert, and Bill Ogden on The Dirty Verdict podcast as they dive into the gritty world of private investigation with special guests Scott Cervenka and Todd Fibich from Delta Intel. In this engaging episode, the team explores how private investigators play a pivotal role in legal cases, from tracking down elusive witnesses to uncovering critical evidence that can make or break a case. With decades of law enforcement experience, Scott and Todd share captivating stories, insider tips, and the cutting-edge techniques they use to assist attorneys in civil, criminal, and family law matters. Whether...

In this gripping true crime edition of The Dirty Verdict, hosts Peter Taaffe, Kyle Herbert, and Bill Ogden are joined by criminal law expert Anthony Osso to dissect one of the most disturbing cases Houston has seen in years—the murder of Cameron Smith by his own son, Ryan Mitchell Smith. From a shocking crime spree to an insanity defense, the episode unpacks the legal twists, mental health implications, and courtroom drama surrounding this tragic and violent case.

Was justice served? Could this crime have been prevented? And what happens when someone who stabs a police dog ge...

This week on The Dirty Verdict, Peter Taaffe and Kyle Herbert (filling in while Bill Ogden mourns the loss of his grandfather—our condolences, Bill) dive into the world of court-appointed receiverships—where judgments get enforced, zebras get seized, and helicopters in backyards are fair game.

Peter and Kyle are joined by two of the most notorious (and effective) receivers in Texas: Robert Berleth and Derek Loetzerich. These legal bounty hunters share jaw-dropping stories of chasing down debtors, collecting everything from luxury cars to exotic animals, and navigating the wild west of fraudulent transfers and business divorces.

In this episode of The Dirty Verdict, Peter Taaffe, Kyle Herbert, and Bill Ogden dive into a whirlwind of courtroom showdowns, massive verdicts, legal slip-ups, and yes… concrete cancer. With their signature humor and insider takes, the gang tackles everything from billion-dollar wins to NFL drama, all while wearing suspenders and dreaming of the next Bucky’s pit stop.

You’ll hear about the latest jaw-dropping verdicts, trademark tiffs, fiery lawsuits (literally), and a surprising look at a strange pool defect sweeping Central Texas. It’s part law, part chaos, and all Dirty.

🎧 Episode Highlights:

🏆...

In this high-stakes, high-impact episode of The Dirty Verdict, Peter Taaffe, Kyle Herbert, and Bill Ogden sit down with powerhouse Dallas trial lawyers Chris Simmons and Mike Lyons to talk about one of the most jaw-dropping jury verdicts in recent memory: a $109.5 million win against CPS Energy following a devastating natural gas explosion in San Antonio.

From digging through decades-old utility records to overcoming a defense strategy that tried to deny the undeniable, Chris and Mike break down how they built the case, connected with the jury, and ultimately delivered justice for a mother and son with...

In what might be the most unfiltered and entertaining episode yet, The Dirty Verdict crew welcomes their most requested guest: Houston trial lawyer Jason Webster. From calling out inflated verdict marketing to breaking down how hedge funds are quietly reshaping the plaintiff’s bar, Jason pulls no punches.

You’ll hear why Jason is every plaintiff lawyer’s favorite Facebook truth-teller, what really went down in the Sutherland Springs litigation, and how a train explosion in a small Canadian town became the biggest personal injury settlement in Canadian history—all thanks to Jason’s hustle and a little loc...

Welcome back to The Dirty Verdict! In this episode, hosts Peter Taaffe, Kyle Herbert, and Bill Ogden dive into some of the hottest legal stories making headlines. From the Tony Buzbee vs. Jay-Z legal battle to Airbnb liability in a violent attack in Mexico, we break down the key developments in these high-profile cases. Plus, we discuss recent Houston-area verdicts, the controversy surrounding a historic home in San Marcos, and the latest on Jerry Jones' long-standing assault lawsuit. Tune in for sharp legal analysis, inside scoops, and some classic Dirty Verdict banter.

Show Notes

In this riveting episode of the Dirty Verdict Podcast, hosts Peter Taaffe, Kyle Herbert and Bill Ogden are joined by special guest attorney Anna Greenberg for an in-depth discussion of high-stakes sexual assault litigation. The conversation spans groundbreaking cases—from the evolving legal battles against Massage Envy following recent changes in binding arbitration clauses, to a harrowing Hilton hotel case that culminated in a multi‐million dollar verdict, and a disturbing rideshare assault involving a Lyft driver. With frank insights into trial strategy, jury selection, and the challenges of holding powerful corporations accountable, this episode lays bare the systemic issu...

Welcome back to another riveting edition of The Dirty Verdict Podcast! In this episode, hosts Peter Taaffe, trial lawyers Kyle Herbert and Bill Ogden, along with co-producer Amanda, sit down with acclaimed true crime author Kathryn Casey to explore some of the most complex and chilling cases in recent history. With over 100 episodes under their belt, the team delves into a detailed discussion about cases that blur the lines between legal intrigue and genuine human drama. Kathryn takes us deep into the notorious Celeste Beard case—with its twisted tale of financial ambition, betrayal, and a high-profile trial—and offe...

Welcome to another gripping episode of the Dirty Verdict podcast, the "No Sneeze, Dark Edition." Join hosts Peter Taaffe, Kyle Herbert, and Bill Ogden, along with frequent guest and criminal defense expert Anthony Osso, as they dive into the chilling true crime case of David Temple. In 1999, Temple, a former college football player turned high school coach, was convicted of murdering his pregnant wife in their Katy, Texas home. The case, filled with twists, prosecutorial misconduct, and appeals, raises questions about circumstantial evidence, legal ethics, and the complexities of the justice system. Tune in for a detailed breakdown, expert...

In this episode of The Dirty Verdict, we sit down with renowned headshot photographer and former attorney, Chris Gillett. Chris shares his journey from a 19-year career in commercial litigation to becoming one of the most sought-after photographers for legal professionals. We discuss the importance of headshots in legal marketing, the psychology behind facial expressions, and why so many professional photos miss the mark. Along the way, Chris critiques our own headshots, offers invaluable tips for looking your best in photos, and even shares some of the strangest client requests he's encountered. If you've ever wondered what makes a...

Dive into another compelling episode of the Dirty Verdict podcast where hosts Peter Taaffe and Bill Ogden, and Kyle Herbert, tackle a range of hot-button legal issues. This episode unpacks the intricate web of lawsuits involving big names like Jay-Z and Tony Buzbee, explores bizarre legal battles over marital aids, and shines a light on various court cases that stretch from coast to coast. With a mix of in-depth analysis and offbeat banter, our hosts take you behind the legal curtain to reveal the dynamics of high-profile litigations, corporate legal strategies, and the oddities of the law that don't...

Welcome to The Dirty Verdict Podcast - Season 3, Episode 1. In this episode, hosts Peter Taaffe, Kyle Herbert, and Bill Ogden dive deep into the critical issue of human trafficking with their special guest, Jennifer Hohman. Jennifer is an experienced advocate and former tech professional with a powerful passion for ending human trafficking. With her unique perspective on the intersection of law, advocacy, and technology, Jennifer shares her journey from oil and gas to fighting for victims of exploitation, highlighting the challenges and legal hurdles along the way. This episode is both informative and engaging, as Jennifer offers insight into...

Dive into an enthralling episode of the Dirty Dirty Podcast where hosts Peter Taaffe, Bill Ogden and Kyle Herbert are joined by former Bachelor contestant Erica Rose Sanders and her husband Chuck Sanders. This episode seamlessly blends the worlds of legal battles and reality TV stardom, offering unique insights into the intersection of media, law, and personal anecdotes. From serious legal discussions to light-hearted banter about reality TV experiences, this episode covers a broad spectrum of topics with engaging dynamism.

Show Notes & Timestamps

This episode features a riveting interview with Chris Tritico, a lawyer whose remarkable career and personal stories intersect with some of the most high-profile legal battles in American history. From his early days working with iconic criminal defense attorneys to handling landmark cases and personal tragedy, Tritico shares insights and reflections on a lifetime in law.

Show Notes

Welcome to another lively episode of the Dirty Verdict Podcast! This week, Peter Taaffe, Kyle Herbert, and Bill Ogden tackle an array of intriguing legal stories with their signature mix of insight and humor. Joined by PR expert Amanda, the crew dives deep into the intersection of civil and criminal law, celebrity lawsuits, and fascinating cases making waves in the legal world. From Sean "P Diddy" Combs’ ongoing legal battles to flaming cocktails causing disasters, this episode has something for everyone. Don’t forget to follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts!

S...

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Peter, Kyle, and Bill welcome attorney Michelle Acosta to share her extraordinary journey. From advocating for others as a personal injury lawyer to becoming a plaintiff herself, Michelle’s story highlights resilience, the fight for justice, and navigating a legal system that sometimes falls short.

Michelle recounts her harrowing experiences, including a shocking courthouse incident involving another attorney, and the challenges she faced in holding him accountable. Her determination to stand up for herself—motivated by her role as a mother and attorney—led to a landmark civil trial that result...

In this episode of the Dirty Verdict podcast, the hosts Peter Taaffe, Kyle Herbert, and Bill Ogden welcome back special guest Anthony Osso to discuss the Menendez brothers case. The Menendez brothers, Eric and Lyle, were convicted of murdering their parents in 1989 and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. 

The discussion covers the legal intricacies of the case, including the initial trial, the retrial, the use of a writ of habeas corpus, and the recent developments around a potential resentencing. The hosts delve into the legal arguments made by the defense, the role o...

In this episode of The Dirty Verdict Podcast, hosts Peter Taaffe, Kyle Herbert, and Bill Ogden welcome guest Cory Krueger, a probate lawyer, to discuss the intricacies of estate planning, probate litigation, and the challenges that can arise when dealing with the passing of a loved one. Cory provides valuable insights into the probate process, common issues that arise, and the importance of having a well-drafted will.

Shownotes:

- Introduction to Cory Krueger and his probate law practice

- Explanation of probate law and the difference between wills, trusts, and estates

...

In this special Halloween edition of the Dirty Verdict podcast, hosts Napoleon  Dynamite (Peter Taaffe), "Magical Bunny Unicorn" (Kyle Herbert), and RAYGUN (Bill Ogden) dive into a lively and spooky conversation with special guest, attorney Brian White, also known as "Brian Juice." Brian discusses his law firm's creative marketing approach, from memorable billboards to viral social media content and even an upcoming 28-minute infomercial.

Other topics include:

Podcast Description: Get ready for a spine-chilling Halloween edition of The Dirty Verdict Podcast! Join hosts Peter Taaffe, Kyle Herbert, and Bill Ogden as they dive into an episode full of costumes, courtroom laughs, and lively discussions on everything from the appellate court process to soft-on-crime accusations. This special holiday episode also features the honorable Justice Frances Bourliot, who sheds light on her experiences as an appellate judge, her campaign for re-election, and the unique dynamics of the courtroom. Whether you're here for the legal insights or the costume contest, this episode promises all treats and no tricks.

In this special crossover episode of the Dirty Verdict Podcast and the Sports and Torts Podcast, hosts Peter Taaffe, Kyle Herbert, Bill Ogden, and guest Joshua Stein from Atlanta dive deep into the intersections of law and college football. This episode offers a spirited discussion of sports, legal careers, and life both in Texas and Georgia, with a preview of the upcoming Texas vs. Georgia football game. The hosts chat about their legal practices, reflect on past college days, and share insights on the SEC and the thrilling season ahead.

Show Notes:

Shownotes:

1. Introduction to the podcast and the guests - Peter Taft, Kyle Herbert, and Bill Ogden welcome their guest Dominique Calhoun.

2. Dominique's background - He is from Cleburne, Texas, went to college at Midwestern State University, and then came to Houston for law school at Thurgood Marshall School of Law.

3. Dominique's career path - He started a construction company, but after the 2008 housing crash, he decided to go to law school. He worked in the Texas legislative internship program and then for Texas Southern University in government relations before op...

In this compelling episode of The Dirty Verdict, hosts Peter Taaffe, Kyle Herbert, and Bill Ogden dive deep into the world of investigative journalism with special guest, Wayne Dolcefino, a seasoned reporter known for his fearless investigations into corruption and the legal system. Wayne shares captivating stories from his decades-long career, revealing how the industry has changed and what it takes to navigate today's media landscape. From uncovering scandals in local government to the challenges of investigative reporting in the digital age, this episode provides a unique behind-the-scenes look at modern journalism and its future.

In this compelling episode of The Dirty Verdict, hosts Peter Taaffe, Kyle Herbert, and Bill Ogden dive deep into the world of investigative journalism with special guest, Wayne Dolcefino, a seasoned reporter known for his fearless investigations into corruption and the legal system. Wayne shares captivating stories from his decades-long career, revealing how the industry has changed and what it takes to navigate today's media landscape. From uncovering scandals in local government to the challenges of investigative reporting in the digital age, this episode provides a unique behind-the-scenes look at modern journalism and its future.

Topics Discussed:<...

In this week's episode of The Dirty Verdict, hosts Peter Taaffe, Kyle Herbert, and Bill Ogden discuss a range of legal news stories with their signature mix of insight and humor. From gas price gouging lawsuits to quirky premises liability claims, and even celebrity copyright battles, the trio brings a fresh perspective on major legal developments. They also extend an open invitation to defense lawyers to join the show and share their side of the legal world.

News Stories Discussed:

In this exciting episode of The Dirty Verdict, host Peter Taaffe is joined by Kyle Herbert and Drew Bivona for a lively discussion that covers a wide array of topics. From college football victories to touching family stories, they kick off with light-hearted banter before diving into some serious legal news and other current events. Join the crew as they debate legal nuances, reflect on pop culture, and engage in plenty of humorous banter. You won’t want to miss this engaging mix of legal news, sports, and entertainment!

In this episode of The Dirty Verdict Podcast, hosts Peter Taaffe, Kyle Herbert and Bill Ogden welcome special guests Kelly Viktorin and Laura Gómez Duarte from the law firm Armstrong, Lee, and Baker. Together, they dive into the complexities of workplace injury cases, Texas’s unique non-subscriber laws, and Kelly and Laura's recent $4 million victory in a workplace injury bench trial. They discuss the challenges of representing injured workers, the nuances of Texas law regarding non-subscriber cases, and the importance of being prepared for bench trials and arbitrations. This episode offers valuable insights for both lawyers and non-lawyers on...

Welcome to the latest episode of the Dirty Verdict Podcast! In this special edition, we celebrate Peter Taaffe's birthday with our co-hosts Kyle and Bill Ogden, joined by a very special guest, Drew Bivona, a passionate attorney specializing in children's cases.

In this episode, we dive deep into Drew's unique journey from his roots in Shreveport, Louisiana, to his distinguished career in law, representing children and families in complex cases. Drew shares his experience in the Navy, his education at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and his transition to becoming an aviation attorney, before ultimately finding his calling in...

In this episode of "The Dirty Verdict," hosts Peter Taaffe, Bill Ogden and Kyle Herbert are joined by guest Chad Pinkerton, a well-known attorney and principal of the Pinkerton Law Firm. The trio dives into a range of topics, both personal and professional, providing listeners with an engaging and insightful conversation.

Topics Discussed:

In this lively episode of the Dirty Verdict podcast, Peter Taaffe, Kyle Herbert, and Bill Ogden are joined by special guest Andrew Smith. Together, they dive into a wide range of topics, blending humor, legal insights, and personal stories. From the challenges of working in a high-pressure law firm to Andrew's unique journey from aspiring English professor to successful attorney, this episode offers a mix of light-hearted banter and deep reflections. The hosts and their guest also discuss the complexities of mental health in the legal profession, recount Andrew's recent trials and legal victories, and even share the incredible...

Join us for a dynamic and entertaining episode of the Dirty Verdict podcast, where hosts Peter Taaffe, Kyle Herbert, and Bill Ogden welcome special guest Mike Takla. This episode is packed with humor, insightful legal discussions, and fascinating personal stories that will keep you hooked from start to finish.

Main Topics Discussed:

Welcome to The Dirty Verdict podcast, where hosts Peter Taaffe and Bill Ogden delve into the intersections of law, life, and mental health. In this insightful episode, they are joined by special guest Jennifer Pinkerton, a psychotherapist and high-performance coach. Jennifer shares her expertise on the challenges faced by lawyers, exploring mental health issues, and the importance of living an authentic life. Together, they discuss the psychological impact of legal practice, strategies for maintaining work-life balance, and the benefits of self-care and therapy.

Highlights:

Welcome back to another edition of the Dirty Verdict podcast! This episode is jam-packed with excitement and insightful conversations. Bill Ogden and Kyle Herbert kick things off with their trademark banter, setting the stage for a truly special guest.

Main Topics of Discussion:

Introduction of Special Guest - Andrew Gray: Representative Andrew Gray from Alaska joins the podcast, sharing his remarkable journey from Friendswood, Texas, to the Alaska State House. His adventurous spirit and unconventional path are both inspiring and entertaining.

Andrew's Background and Journey:

Join hosts Peter Taaffe, Bill Ogden, and Kyle Herbert on "The Dirty Verdict" as they explore a variety of high-profile legal cases with the expertise of guest Mark Murray. This episode provides a deep dive into the intricacies of several significant legal battles, offering insights that only seasoned litigators can provide. Here’s what we cover:

Alex Jones Trials: An extensive discussion on the series of defamation trials involving Alex Jones, focusing on the legal strategies, the impact of public statements on trial outcomes, and the broader implications for media figures.

High-Stakes Bankruptcy Cases: Analysis of...

Join hosts Peter Taaffe, Bill Ogden, and Kyle Herbert on "The Dirty Verdict" as they explore a variety of high-profile legal cases with the expertise of guest Mark Murray. This episode provides a deep dive into the intricacies of several significant legal battles, offering insights that only seasoned litigators can provide. Here’s what we cover:

Join hosts Kyle Herbert and Bill Ogden for a riveting discussion with renowned Texas litigator Mark Murray on this episode of The Dirty Verdict. Delve into the many facets of litigation as Mark shares insights from his distinguished career.

Key topics covered include: 

-Mark's educational journey and mentorship roles at South Texas College of Law

-An exploration of maritime law and the specifics of the Jones Act

-The demanding nature of long-duration trials and the strategies for managing them 

-Personal anecdotes on the evolution of personal injury litigation

...