Author Archives: tperrynola
His First Public Tantrum
In that moment, I felt helpless. Absolutely helpless. I’m his mom. If I can’t soothe him, what am I even doing? Continue reading
MJ Dardar
It was 2013 and I had just won my first motion to suppress. What should have been a celebratory dinner turned into a forced, coerced and unfair plea agreement. I filed my motion knowing it was a long shot, but … Continue reading
Jury Trials in the Midst of a Pandemic
Some studies suggest social distancing guidelines will be present well into 2022. Workplaces, restaurants and public restrooms are some of the most concerning environments for the spread of COVID-19. Courtrooms might not be making headlines, but, I assure you, dozens of … Continue reading
A Time to Reflect
What a blessing to have time to reflect during a global pandemic. I know not everyone has time to think or meditate during the chaos that has become our lives. I have close friends and family in healthcare, and I … Continue reading
International Women’s Day
Man, I feel like a woman. If you’re tired and emotional, feeling overwhelmed all the time, and you’re always worried that you’re forgetting something, then you probably feel like a woman, too. Unfortunately, these are familiar feelings. I’ve seen a … Continue reading
Mercy
I saw a movie over the weekend, and it reminded me why criminal justice reform is, and always will be, such a passion of mine. Just Mercy is a story about a man sentenced to death. He was wrongfully accused, wrongfully … Continue reading
Pregnancy Announcement 101
When I found out I was pregnant in January of 2018, I couldn’t wait to tell my husband. I had already taken a few tests at home, but I wanted to be really sure. I had an unsuccessful pregnancy in … Continue reading
Letter to an Old Friend
30 June 2016 Dear Bernard, I am taking your advice. Many years ago, you told me not to work too long in public defense, that it would wear on me. You should know. You did public defense work most … Continue reading
The Lie: I Don’t Need Therapy
If you haven’t read Rachel Hollis’ Girl, Wash Your Face, you are missing out. She starts every chapter with a lie she once believed. The idea is that you have to acknowledge these things before you can change and, hopefully, … Continue reading
Longest Night Ever
It started out as a normal evening, or so I thought. I was giving Junior his last bottle of the night around 9 p.m. He’s been sleeping well as long as we maintain our bedtime routine. When I say “sleeping … Continue reading
tperrynola 