Danny Robbie Hembree is on death row at Central Prison in Raleigh, N.C.  In an editorial letter he sent to his hometown paper, the Gaston Gazette, he describes himself as "a gentleman of lesiure [sic], watching color TV in the A.C., reading, taking naps at will, eating three well balanced meals a day." 

Hembree taunts his readers with the costs of his trial and upkeep, as well as the relative comfort in which he lives on death row.  He explains that he has access to "free medical care 24/7" at a new 55 million dollar facility.

Humbree, 50, was convicted of murdering two North Carolina women and a 17-year-old girl.  Like many states, no one has been executed in North Carolina since 2006 because of legal challenges over lethal injections and whether a physician must oversee executions.

"Is the public aware that the chances of my lawful murder taking place in the next 20 years if ever are very slim?" Hembree asked. 

Hembree states that he "is ready to except [sic] his unjust punishment and face God Almighty with a clear conscience."  He taunts, "Kill me if you can, suckers. Ha! Ha! Ha!"

You can see Henbree's handwritten letter here.

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We've extended the deadline to enter our first free autographed book giveaway.  You now have until February 15, 2012, to enter.

We are giving away an autographed hardcover edition of:  "Chasing Justice:  My Story of Freeing Myself After Two Decades on Death Row for a Crime I Didn't Commit" by Kerry Max Cook. 

This incredible true story has gotten great reviews and is a great read!  For more info about the book and to enter, check out our Giveaway page. 

I'm giving away an autographed hardcover copy of Chasing Justice: My Story of Freeing Myself After Two Decades on Death Row for a Crime I Didn't Commit" by Kerry Max Cook.

The book has received excellent reviews:

"Chasing Justice is captivating. . . .  It is going to break through political barriers and be a catalyst for reform."  (Sister Helen Prejean, author of Dead Man Walking)

"Chasing Justice is an immensely compelling story that is hard to believe.  If it were fiction, no one would believe it.  But it's not, and Kerry Cook's account of his nightmare is fascinating."  (John Grisham, best-selling author)

"Deserves a wide readership alongside John Grisham's The Innocent Man."  (Publishers Weekly)

"Cook's story is so gripping that only a heart of steel won't break after reading it."  (People Magazine)

Sign up to win Chasing Justice by January 15, 2012!

Or buy the book:

Joe Bailey Jr., the director of an award-winning documentary, "Incendiary," told CNN that legal knowledge gave him confidence in the choices they made when making the film. 

Bailey's film, "Incendiary," explores the legal, scientific, and political impact of a Texas arson murder case.  Cameron Todd Willingham was executed in 2004 after being convicted of murder in the house fire deaths of his three young children.  The film questions the scientific accuracy of arson investigations and the legal ramifications of a death sentence.

Bailey describes the film as "equal parts murder mystery, forensic investigation and political drama.  What we found so fascinating about the case and the story was the way that law and science and politics collide in this story in a really kind of life and death struggle."

Bailey had a law degree, which he found helpful in exploring the case.  Despite his law degree, Bailey consulted with his wife, who is an attorney, as well as law professors, to help him understand and portray his subject in depth. 

"I feel that a lot of people who are making films about legal things occasionally get things wrong, and it's really frustrating," Bailey told CNN.  "But more often they'll gloss over the process and the legal meat of a subject because they're afraid of it."

That's the essence of why I consult with writers and filmmakers.  I remove the doubt and fear out of criminal law topics, and help you get it right.  You don't have to be a lawyer to create authentic and knowledgeable crime and legal projects.  But it helps to have a knowledgeable, experienced criminal lawyer in your corner. 

Contact me for a free initial consultation.  Or sign up to receive my FREE Writer's Guide:  Top 7 Mistakes Made by Writers of Crime, Mystery and Legal Drama.

Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber has declared a moratorium on the death penalty in Oregon.  Oregon joins 16 other states and the District of Columbia in its removal of the death penalty as a sentencing option.

Oregon Governor Kitzhaber said, "I am convinced we can find a better solution that keeps society safe, supports the victims of crime and their families, and reflects Oregon values.  I refuse to be a part of this compromised and inequitable system any longer; and I will not allow further executions while I am Governor."

Governor Kitzhaber's decision stops the execution of twice-convicted murderer, Gary Haugen, which was scheduled for December 6, 2011.  Haugen had waived his appeals.

Governor Kitzhaber said his decision was made "[b]oth because of my own deep personal convictions about capital punishment and also because in practice, Oregon has an expensive and unworkable system that fails to meet basic standards of justice."

Governor Kitzhaber noted his decision was not based on compassion for Haugen or other death row inmates.  He pointed out that the death penalty is imposed unfairly, with people who have committed similar crimes to those on death row serving life sentences.