Pappalardo & Pappalardo, LLP

05/01/2026

Happy Law Day!

04/22/2026

Happy Earth Day!

04/21/2026

In 2025, the Georgia Wrongful Conviction and Incarceration Compensation Act was signed into law, creating a formal process for people who were wrongfully imprisoned to seek financial compensation from the state. But the process to obtain that money is far from simple.

New data shows how the process is unfolding: dozens of claims filed, few payouts so far, and many exonerees must prove their innocence again.

04/17/2026

In Missouri, courts have made it particularly difficult to access DNA testing, even for those facing imminent ex*****on. Lance Shockley wanted items from the crime scene to undergo DNA testing to potentially prove his innocence. The court scheduled proceedings on his request — but the date set was for two days after his ex*****on. He was executed in 2025.

A man on death row wanted DNA on evidence in his case tested. He was executed before the court made a ruling.

04/14/2026

Incarceration during adolescence and early adulthood increases early mortality and worsens mental and physical health outcomes across a lifetime. The harsher and longer the confinement, the greater the harm.

Instead of receiving care, incarcerated youth are exposed to violence, isolation, chronic stress and medical neglect, write José Perez and Reggie Chatman.

04/10/2026

In the early 2000s, a squad of corrupt police officers in the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department framed Michael Holmes for drug possession. In 2016, Holmes was awarded — but has not been paid — a $2.5 million verdict in a civil rights lawsuit against multiple officers and St. Louis. Holmes’ settlement is caught in limbo as lawyers for St. Louis and Missouri argue over which is responsible for the police department’s various debts.

A court awarded Michael Holmes $2.5 million after a wrongful arrest. A decade later, St. Louis still hasn't paid.

04/06/2026

A DWAI is a break compared to a DWI. But that changes quickly if you have a prior alcohol related charge, especially Aggravated DWI.

A DWAI is a break compared to a DWI. But that changes quickly if you have a prior alcohol related charge, especially Aggravated DWI.

04/06/2026

A DWAI is a break compared to a DWI. But that changes quickly if you have a prior alcohol related charge, especially Aggravated DWI. https://pappalardolaw.com/2026/04/prior-aggravated-dwi-impacts-dwai-charge/ (photo credit in link)

04/05/2026

Wishing you, your friends, and your family a very happy Easter from all of us at P&P.

04/03/2026

A Louisiana corrections officer did what good COs are supposed to do. She saw something wrong and she reported it. For her trouble, she says she was transferred to a more dangerous unit where she was later attacked. Meanwhile, the officer she reported for having a sexual relationship with an inmate allegedly gave birth to twins fathered by a murderer.

Elayn Hunt Correctional Center is not just a prison; it is the entire state's processing plant.