Kolsrud Law Offices

Attorney Josh Kolsrud Analyzes the Adam Sheafe Murder Case July 22, 2025 - 12 News, Phoenix The shocking killing of Pastor Bill Shainaman in New River has reverberated across Maricopa County and beyond. Adam Sheafe, who has openly confessed to the gruesome murder during a televised interview, is awaiting extradition to Maricopa County to face what will likely be a first-degree murder charge. As this high-profile case unfolds, criminal defense attorney and former federal prosecutor Josh Kolsrud provided key legal insights during a recent 12 News segment, weighing in on the likely prosecution strategy and possible defense avenues.   Is This a Death Penalty Case? The facts laid out are disturbing: Sheafe admitted on live television to targeting and killing Pastor Shainaman in a particularly cruel and religiously motivated act. When asked if this was a “clear death penalty case,” Josh Kolsrud did not mince words:   "If this isn't a death penalty case, I don't know what is. The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office reviews any eligible homicide for the death penalty—what’s called the ‘death panel’—to see if there are statutory aggravating factors."   According to Kolsrud, several factors in this case make it a strong candidate for capital punishment:   Cruel and Heinous Manner: The manner of killing clearly appears to meet this legal definition. Victim Vulnerability: The pastor was reportedly over 70, which is a recognized statutory aggravator. Religious Motivation: The murder appears to have been motivated by the victim's religious status and beliefs, another aggravating circumstance.   "The answer is yes to all three... If this defendant is requesting the death penalty, Rachel Mitchell would be right by giving, you know, by saying yes to his request because that would be justice."   The Power — and Pitfalls — of a Televised Confession Sheafe's chilling confessions on television raise critical legal questions. Is such an admission as damning in court as it appears to be on air? Could it be suppressed or excluded?   Kolsrud explains: "On its face, it sounds like a confession. As long as it wasn’t coerced, and law enforcement didn’t prompt the reporter to ask these questions without reading Miranda rights, the statement can absolutely come in as evidence. It’s just as good as any confession he could give to a detective."   This reinforces that a voluntary, public confession—even to a reporter—can be extremely damaging in court and is generally admissible barring any violations of legal procedure.   What Defense Could There Be? Given the gravity and public nature of Sheafe's confession, the defense side faces daunting odds. In Josh Kolsrud’s assessment, mental health and competency are the most plausible routes:   "If you were his defense attorney, the argument has to be some sort of insanity or diminished capacity—that he didn’t understand his actions or the consequences. But when you hear him talk and… #Murder/Homicide #AdamSheafe

How AI is Reshaping Criminal Investigations and Fraud: Insights from Defense Attorney Josh Kolsrud October 16,  2025 - Fox10 News Phoenix Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming every industry, but few areas feel its impact as sharply as the criminal justice system. During a recent appearance on Fox10 News in Phoenix, Defense Attorney Josh Kolsrud discussed how AI-generated images, voices, and analytical tools are both empowering law enforcement and creating new challenges for defense attorneys, courts, and the public. Here are some key insights offered by Josh on the growing role of AI in fraud cases and police investigations, as well as practical advice for staying safe in a high-tech world.   Arizona: Ahead of the Curve on AI and the Law Arizona is leading the way when it comes to tackling the legal implications of AI-generated content in criminal cases. For example, in child exploitation investigations, defense attorneys have raised arguments about whether AI-generated “victims” (created wholly by computers) fall outside the scope of laws designed to protect real people. Unlike over half of U.S. states who haven’t updated their statutes, Arizona’s legislation has been amended to include AI-generated images as prosecutable offenses. However, gray areas remain—especially when AI images deviate from typical human appearance (e.g., added tails or elf ears). As these edge cases emerge, Arizona’s courts are poised to address them, but it’s clear the law is still racing to catch up with technological advances.   How Criminals and Law Enforcement are Using AI Historically, criminals are often early adopters of new technology—and AI is no exception. Sophisticated scams are multiplying, with billions of dollars at stake. For example, Mexican cartels reportedly generate up to a third of their income from high-tech fraud, including scams where AI is used to impersonate family members and solicit money.   On the other hand, police departments—like Scottsdale PD—are embracing AI as well, integrating tools like ChatGPT into their Axon body camera system. This technology automatically generates accurate police reports from recorded video, saving officers valuable time. Law enforcement also employs AI to analyze cell phone data to determine who was present in specific locations and to predict high-crime areas—although these predictive tools raise valid concerns about historical bias and potential unfair targeting.   Protecting Yourself from AI Voice Scams AI-generated voice scams are not just the stuff of news headlines—they hit close to home. Josh’s own family experienced this when scammers used a nearly perfect imitation of his voice to try to trick his grandparents into sending money for a fabricated “emergency.” Fortunately, his family double-checked before acting, but the fear and emotional stress were real.   Josh’s advice for clients and families: Establish a code word or unique phrase… #DefenseAttorneyJoshKolsrud #OpenAI

What’s Next for the NBA Gambling Scandal? Attorney Josh Kolsrud Breaks It Down With Mike Broomhead October 27,  2025 - KTAR Mike Broomhead Show Inside the NBA Gambling Scandal: Criminal Defense Expert Josh Kolsrud Weighs In The airwaves have been abuzz with the shocking news of the arrests of prominent Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, and former NBA player Damon Jones. The trio, now facing an array of federal indictments related to organized gambling schemes and rigged poker games, are at the center of a legal firestorm. In a recent interview on KTAR News with Mike Broomhead, veteran criminal defense attorney and former prosecutor Josh Kolsrud was asked to cut through the sensationalism and shed light on what these cases really mean from a legal standpoint.   Breaking Down the Charges: Two Scandals, Separate Paths Kolsrud began by clarifying that although the two indictments arrived simultaneously, they are distinct in substance and scope. He emphasized the importance of understanding the charges in play before leaping to conclusions about their gravity or connection.   "Let's divide what these indictments really are because they're completely separate. You have one indictment that deals solely with the situation where a player absented himself from a game...to allow betters to win on a gambling website. There's only one defendant who's on that indictment that's also in the second indictment, which is the poker indictment. It's easy to get these two confused because they were released the same day and placed next to each other." — Josh Kolsrud   Indictment #1: Insider Sports Betting According to Kolsrud, the first indictment revolves around a player allegedly faking an injury to manipulate betting outcomes.   Key Charges: Wire fraud, money laundering (up to 20 years in prison) Noteworthy Context: No confirmed Mafia involvement in this strand   Drawing a comparison to prior cases, Kolsrud referenced the 2024 sentencing of former NBA athlete Jontay Porter, who received four years for a “very similar scheme,” suggesting a realistic sentencing range that falls below the statutory maximum.   Indictment #2: Cheating in High-Stakes Poker The second indictment concerns illegal poker operations, notable for involving both technological cheating and alleged Mafia ties. Kolsrud painted a vivid picture of how high-profile figures, such as Chauncey Billups, served as the “face card” to lure unsuspecting wealthy targets into the rigged games.   "You had everybody in the room that was in on this except for one victim who usually was a wealthy person...they would reel in by what prosecutors call the face card. In the indictment, that was Chauncey Billups. He brought credibility to the game and...at times they would have an x-ray machine where they could see what was on the cards through the table." — Josh Kolsrud   Key Charges: Racketeering, criminal… #nbagamblingscandal #Uncategorized

Attorney Josh Kolsrud Breaks It Down With KTAR's Mike Broomhead The sports world is in shock as the latest NBA gambling scandal unfolds, involving prominent figures like Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier. Facing federal indictments for gambling schemes and rigged poker games, they're at the center of a legal storm. Curious about what this means legally? Tune in to Josh Kolsrud's interview with Mike Broomhead on KTAR News for a deep dive into the charges and potential outcomes. https://lnkd.in/gZ-fWQ4F As a seasoned criminal defense attorney, Josh Kolsrud offers expert analysis on why these cases, though appearing linked, are separate and significant. From rigged poker games involving technological scams 🎲 to accusations of insider betting, Kolsrud sheds light on the complexities each defendant faces. The potential penalties are severe, but Kolsrud explains that practical sentences often vary. He also emphasizes the dilemma these high-profile figures face — cooperate, or face tougher penalties.

Inside the NBA Gambling Scandal: Josh Kolsrud’s Legal Take With AZ Family News October 23,  2025 - AZ Family News Phoenix The basketball world was rocked as news broke that current and former NBA players, a coach, and alleged organized crime figures had been swept up in one of the most expansive federal sports betting indictments in memory. On AZ Family News, defense attorney Josh Kolsrud offered a candid and seasoned legal perspective, cutting through the headlines to explain what these charges truly mean and how the court drama will unfold.   The Seriousness Behind the Charges Federal Leverage and Long Sentences Kolsrud zeroed in on the gravity behind the headlines. The federal charges reach well beyond misdemeanors; they include wire fraud, money laundering, gambling, and conspiracy—offenses that can carry major consequences.   “These are big-time charges,” Kolsrud explained. “The big ones include up to 20 years in prison. Now, we’re not expecting 20 years in prison, but it does show the strength of the government’s hand.”   With over 30 high-profile defendants across more than 11 states, Kolsrud recognized the immense resources and evidence the government must have amassed to get this far. The involvement of the Eastern District of New York as lead prosecutor, Kolsrud pointed out, signals just how committed and confident federal authorities are:   “They’re not going to bring a case unless they have a reasonable likelihood of convicting these people.”   Why the Temptation Remains in a World of Legal Sports Betting The Danger of “Just a Little Extra” Kolsrud delved into the psychology and risk behind such crimes, even for wealthy players. With betting now legal and accessible almost everywhere, the ethical and legal line is easily blurred.   “When gambling becomes legal in each state and, you know, people are just a click away from accessing every single casino in the world... the line between what's legal, the gray area, and then what's illegal gets thinner and thinner.”   He likened the environment to the stock market, where information is king. A player simply hinting when they might step off the court becomes incredibly valuable to high-stakes gamblers. For those involved, it can feel harmless, even victimless—but the law takes a very different view:   “It just seems like, well, you know, it’s not harming anybody. I’m not like throwing the game, you know, what's the harm in me making a little bit of extra money?”   The NBA’s Integrity—and Its Response Why the League Will Be Unforgiving Kolsrud pulled no punches on what is at stake for basketball:   “The reason why people love the NBA is because of integrity and fairness and competition. And if you take out the integrity part where you know you don’t know if what you’re watching is actually real, I mean that's going to be devastating for the league.”   He firmly expects the NBA to issue harsh punishments to safeguard its… #OpenAI #DefenseAttorneyJoshKolsrud #InTheNews

INSIDE THE NBA GAMBLING SCANDAL: JOSH KOLSRUD’S LEGAL TAKE WITH AZ FAMILY NEWS The NBA world is in shock as news breaks of a massive gambling scandal involving current and former players, a coach, and even organized crime figures. This is one of the most significant federal sports betting indictments we've ever seen. Josh Kolsrud, a seasoned defense attorney, broke down the intricate legal details for AZ Family News, providing insight into the charges and the unfolding court drama. With hefty allegations like wire fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy, the stakes couldn't be higher for over 30 defendants across 11 states. Despite the allure of legal sports betting virtually everywhere, the lines can blur for players seeking "just a little extra." As Kolsrud explains, the temptation of easy money can seem harmless, but the law views it as a grave offense. The NBA will likely come down hard to preserve its integrity, and the league's response will be crucial to maintaining the trust of its fans. With the Eastern District of New York leading the prosecution, the case promises to be both a legal challenge and a cultural reckoning. Will the credibility of the NBA survive this scandal? What legal strategies will emerge? This saga is just beginning, and Phoenix fans have a front-row seat to watch it unfold. 🍀 For in-depth coverage and Josh Kolsrud’s expert legal perspective, head to the original article at AZ Family News. This story is a testament to the challenges of legal and ethical boundaries in sports today. To learn more, visit us at kolsrudlawoffices.com Stay tuned and stay informed, Phoenix! 🚀

HOW AI IS RESHAPING CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS AND FRAUD \ Hey Phoenix friends, have you ever wondered how technology is changing the world of criminal justice? 🤔 During a recent feature on Fox10 News in Phoenix, Defense Attorney Josh Kolsrud shared some eye-opening insights into this very topic! AI is making enormous strides in the way criminal investigations and fraud are handled. As Kolsrud explained, AI-generated images, voices, and analytical tools are not only empowering law enforcement but also presenting new challenges for defense attorneys and courts. It's a fascinating intersection of technology and justice that's reshaping our approach to crime and public safety. One intriguing aspect is how Arizona is leading the charge in adapting legal statutes to keep up with AI-generated content. From ensuring laws are up-to-date to prosecuting cases involving AI-generated images, Arizona's legal system is at the forefront of tackling these new technological challenges. But, let's not overlook the creative ways AI is being exploited by criminals, especially in scams like AI-generated voice fraud. 🛡️ For anyone living in or near Phoenix, this topic strikes particularly close to home. Whether it's the potential for AI to analyze data from crime scenes or predict high-crime areas, these technologies are becoming a crucial part of our local law enforcement toolkit. But remember, with great power comes great responsibility—and that's where savvy legal representation comes in! Kolsrud encourages all of us to stay vigilant and informed. If you're curious about how AI might impact you or simply want to learn more about protecting yourself from these emerging tech-based threats, his insights are invaluable. Check out the full article by visiting us at kolsrudlawoffices.com 📚 To learn more visit us at https://lnkd.in/gGyx-qmk

Delays in the Cudjoe Young Murder Case

CUDJOE YOUNG MURDER CASE DELAYS: INSIGHTS FROM ATTORNEY JOSH KOLSRUD The Cudjoe Young murder case has captured significant attention due to its complexity and the many delays it has experienced—19 continuances, to be exact!  Criminal defense attorney Josh Kolsrud recently shared his insights on why these delays might not be mere gamesmanship but rather a reflection of the intricacies of the legal process involved in this high-stakes prosecution. 🧐 In a recent interview on 12News Phoenix, Kolsrud provided a detailed analysis of the legal challenges posed by the lack of key eyewitness testimony following the tragic murder of Mercedes Vega, who was previously involved as an eyewitness in an armed robbery case against Young. While delays often cause frustration, especially for the victims' families, Kolsrud emphasized the importance of understanding the legal machinery at work in cases like this. He talked about the significant evidentiary hurdles the prosecution faces due to the hearsay rule and how the court might navigate these complexities. Moreover, Kolsrud pointed out that the prosecution may need more time to solidify their position, especially when new evidence may emerge from the ongoing murder investigation. He assured that such delays, while taxing, are sometimes necessary to uphold justice and ensure that due process is followed every step of the way. As we watch this case unfold, it serves as a powerful reminder of the delicate balance inherent in our legal system—defending the rights of the accused while seeking justice for victims. 🧑 To learn more visit us at Kolsrud Law Offices

Attorney Josh Kolsrud Speaks With 3TV News About Latest President’s Executive Orders “What Are Presidential Executive Orders”? In a recent engaging interview with 3TV News, Attorney Josh Kolsrud shared his expert insights into the power and limits of these directives. His discussion helped clarify how executive orders can shape government policy while remaining subject to constitutional oversight. Executive orders are not mere buzzwords—they are potent tools that allow the President to influence federal operations without waiting for lengthy legislative debates. As explained by Josh Kolsrud, these orders help implement new initiatives, refine administrative procedures, and ensure that policy shifts occur with proper legal checks. Understanding “What Are Presidential Executive Orders” is crucial because it highlights the balance between rapid executive action and the essential safeguards of due process. This balance reassures us that even during times of rapid change, our rights are carefully considered and defended. 🚀 The original source of this informative discussion is available on the Kolsrud Law Offices website. There, you can explore the detailed interview and learn more about the inner workings of executive orders, their impact on federal governance, and the measures in place to protect our legal rights. Whether you are passionate about national policy or concerned with local implications, Josh Kolsrud’s insights offer clarity and reassurance for our community. 🔥 Stay informed and empowered as our community navigates the evolving landscape of executive policies. Knowledge is the key to protecting our freedoms, and understanding these presidential orders helps ensure accountability at every level of government. Let’s unite in fostering transparency and dialogue. Your voice matters in this journey. https://lnkd.in/gx4Mc_8r