I’m a Criminal Defense Attorney — Here’s the Truth About the Job

Nicole Moorman, a top criminal defense attorney based in Atlanta, walks through what it’s really like working inside the justice system — from defending people in serious felony and federal cases to the pressure of high-stakes trials and courtroom strategy. Born in Chicago and trained in criminal justice and law at Southern Illinois University, Troy University, and Emory University School of Law, Nicole brings a unique perspective shaped by years of legal experience and time spent as a probation officer and task force agent before becoming a lawyer. She explains how she approaches complex defenses, the ethical challenges defenders face, and why protecting the rights of the accused matters so deeply, with insights drawn from real cases and her career as one of Georgia’s most respected advocates.

#CriminalDefenseAttorney #TrueCrime #JusticeSystem #LegalReality #DefenseAttorney #RealStories #YouTubePodcast #lawandcrime

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Connect with Nicole Moorman:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_kingcole_/...
Website: https://moorman-law.com/

Hosted, Executive Produced & Edited By Ian Bick:
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https://ianbick.com/

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Timestamps:
00:00 Intro: Cooperation, Ethics & the Reality of the Justice System
00:27 Nicole Mormon’s Childhood, Family & Early Influences
01:33 Education Path That Led to Criminal Justice
05:44 Why Nicole Chose Criminal Justice
07:01 From Chicago to Atlanta: Becoming a Probation Officer
11:10 First Cases as a Probation Officer & Reality Shock
13:37 Probation, Pretrial Supervision & System Flaws
14:40 Leaving Probation to Attend Law School
16:16 Law School Life & Interning at the DA’s Office
17:55 Inside the DA’s Office: What Prosecutors Really See
19:58 Starting Her Legal Career & Going Solo
20:35 First Trials, Stress & Emotional Pressure
22:00 Attorney-Client Relationships & Ethical Boundaries
23:38 Choosing Clients & Managing Expectations
24:43 Judges, Prosecutors & Fairness in the Courtroom
26:22 Prosecutor vs Defense Relationships Explained
27:16 State vs Federal Cases: Key Differences
28:53 Target Letters, Indictments & Bond Hearings
31:00 Trial Strategy: When to Push Forward or Slow Down
32:54 Preparing for Trial Mentally & Physically
35:23 Balancing Personal Life During High-Stress Trials
37:32 Trial Tactics, Verdicts & Jury Psychology
40:31 Jury Behavior in High-Profile Cases
42:27 Jury Selection & the Role of Consultants
43:32 Critical Trial Moments & Penalties for Going to Trial
44:53 Sentencing, Judges & the Appeals Process
47:17 Custody Status, Bond & House Arrest Explained
50:48 Biggest Client Misconceptions & Money in the System
53:00 Political Influence on Prosecutors & Charging Decisions
55:46 Diversion Programs, Plea Options & Fairness
57:00 Cooperation, Plea Deals & Informants
59:02 Plea Agreements, Testifying & Subpoenas
01:01:31 Trial Delays & Frustrations with the System
01:02:20 What Nicole Would Change About the Justice System
01:03:10 Advice to Her Younger Self
01:04:28 Life Lessons from a Legal Career
01:05:56 Final Thoughts & Closing Message