Legal Vixen™

Attorney Karren Kenney

Welcome to the Legal Vixen™ Podcast! Join us on this legal journey with engaging guests and humorous stories about past and present legal cases in both criminal and civil courts.

  1. Sep 20

    Disturbing the Peace: When CPS Cases Become Criminal Cases | Mitch Krems – Part 2

    When can a CPS investigation turn into a criminal case, and can statements made in dependency court later create problems for a parent in criminal court? In Part 2 of “Disturbing the Peace,” Legal Vixen host and trial attorney Karren Kenney continues her conversation with Orange County attorney Mitchell “Mitch” Krems about the complicated intersection of CPS investigations, juvenile dependency proceedings, restraining orders, and criminal defense. Karren and Mitch discuss what happens when CPS and law enforcement are investigating the same conduct, the strategic problems attorneys face when proceedings overlap, and why testimony or statements made in one case may have consequences in another. The conversation also turns to Mitch's representation of a father facing felony child-endangerment charges arising from an Orange County e-bike/e-motorcycle case and the broader question it raises: When should parental decisions become a criminal matter? Topics include: • When CPS investigations overlap with criminal investigations • How dependency proceedings can affect a criminal case • Protecting a client's rights when multiple cases are pending • Domestic violence cases involving both CPS and law enforcement • Child Abuse Central Index (CACI) proceedings • The consequences parents can face even without a criminal conviction • The Orange County e-bike/e-motorcycle prosecution • Parenting, discipline, and potential criminal liability • When parental conduct crosses the line into alleged child endangerment • Criminal defense strategy and dealing with prosecutors • Jury selection and the biases prospective jurors bring into court • Why due process and the right to counsel matter • The differences between criminal, civil, family, and dependency trials • How family court proceedings can create unexpected legal consequences Karren and Mitch also trade courtroom stories and discuss jury selection, trial strategy, difficult clients, family law disputes, and some of the unusual situations attorneys encounter when one legal problem spills into another. Where should the line be drawn between protecting children, parental responsibility, and criminal prosecution?

    Disturbing the Peace: When CPS Cases Become Criminal Cases | Mitch Krems – Part 2

  2. Sep 20

    Disturbing the Peace: Restraining Orders, CPS & Family Court | Mitch Krems – Part 1

    What happens when private family conflict ends up in court, and when should the government step in? In Part 1 of Disturbing the Peace,” Legal Vixen host and trial attorney Karren Kenney sits down with Orange County attorney Mitchell “Mitch” Krems, founder of Family First Attorneys, to talk about domestic violence restraining orders, family court, CPS investigations, and the unexpected situations lawyers encounter when family disputes make their way into the courtroom. Mitch shares memorable stories from his restraining order practice, including unusual allegations, difficult custody disputes, social media evidence, Snapchat, online dating disputes, and cases where the evidence took an unexpected turn. Karren and Mitch also discuss what “disturbing the peace” can actually mean in a California restraining order case, and why domestic violence allegations do not necessarily require physical violence. The conversation then turns to CPS and juvenile dependency cases, including what can happen when a social worker shows up at a parent's home, how seemingly innocent statements can become important to an investigation, and the difficult balance between cooperating with CPS and protecting a parent's rights. Mitch also discusses his representation of a father facing felony child-endangerment charges in the highly publicized Orange County e-bike/e-motorcycle case, a subject we'll explore further as the conversation continues. Part 2 of “Disturbing the Peace” continues the conversation with Mitch Krems 🎙️ Legal Vixen Podcast Hosted by trial attorney Karren Kenney from Kenney Legal Defense Learn more: https://kenneylegaldefense.us #LegalVixen #RestrainingOrder #CPS #FamilyLaw #DomesticViolence #FamilyCourt #ChildCustody #CriminalDefense #OrangeCountyAttorney

    Disturbing the Peace: Restraining Orders, CPS & Family Court | Mitch Krems – Part 1

  3. Sep 8

    Behind the Bench: Courtroom Stories From a Retired Federal Court Clerk - Part 2

    In this episode of the Legal Vixen Podcast, trial attorney Karren Kenney sits down again with retired federal courtroom deputy Lisa Bredahl for more hilarious stories from federal court. After years of working alongside federal judges and managing jury trials, Lisa has seen just about everything, difficult lawyers, unpredictable jurors, unforgettable witnesses, pro se defendants, courtroom meltdowns, and moments when even the court staff struggled to keep a straight face. Lisa shares some of her favorite courtroom stories, including: -Two litigants who nearly came to blows when the judge left the courtroom -The bizarre case that resulted in Lisa and a federal judge being sued over an alleged courtroom "panic button conspiracy" -A luxury vacation lawsuit involving a safari, baboons, and one VERY unusual personal injury claim -The attorney who tried to get out of jury duty, and ended up spending the entire day sitting in the jury room -A criminal defendant representing himself who had to question himself on the witness stand -Why talking too fast or talking over someone else can destroy your effectiveness in front of a jury Lisa also gives attorneys practical advice about practicing in federal court, including one lesson every lawyer should remember: Be nice to the courtroom staff. She explains why courtroom deputies know far more about what's happening than attorneys may realize, and why being rude to a clerk, courtroom deputy, court reporter, or U.S. Marshal can leave an impression that lasts far longer than your court appearance. Whether you're a trial lawyer, law student, future juror, or simply fascinated by what happens inside a federal courtroom, this episode gives you a perspective you rarely get to hear. For more about Trial Attorney Karren Kenney: https://kenneylegaldefense.us

    Behind the Bench: Courtroom Stories From a Retired Federal Court Clerk - Part 2

  4. Sep 8

    Behind the Bench: Wild Courtroom Stories From a Retired Federal Court Clerk - Part 1

    What really happens behind the scenes in federal court? Trial attorney Karren Kenney sits down with retired federal and state court clerk Lisa Bredahl for an inside look at a side of the justice system most people, including many lawyers, never get to see. Lisa spent more than three decades working inside state and federal courthouses, including 21 years in federal court. In this episode of the Legal Vixen Podcast, she shares unforgettable stories from her career and explains just how different life inside a federal courtroom can be from state court. They discuss: Lisa's transition from California state court to federal court Starting her federal court career just before September 11, 2001 What happened inside the courthouse on 9/11 High-security federal criminal trials and protected witnesses What federal courtroom deputies actually do How federal judges and their law clerks work behind the scenes Why every federal judge can run a courtroom differently The surprising differences between state and federal court Courtroom microphones—and who may be able to hear what attorneys are saying And some truly unbelievable courthouse escape stories One of Lisa's wildest stories involves an in-custody defendant who climbed into the courthouse ceiling and ventilation system and remained there for more than 48 hours. Court personnel ultimately turned up the heat, and he was eventually caught—but not before he apparently made his way into courtrooms and helped himself to food he found along the way. Karren also shares her own perspective from decades of criminal trial practice, including the very different experience of trying cases in California state court and federal court. If you've ever wondered what actually happens behind the courtroom doors, this episode is for you. Subscribe to the Legal Vixen Podcast for conversations about criminal law, federal court, trials, investigations, and stories from inside the justice system. This content is provided for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice.

    Behind the Bench: Wild Courtroom Stories From a Retired Federal Court Clerk - Part 1

  5. Jul 11

    Child Protective Services Cases: Educational Interview with Attorney Lauren Johnson-Norri

    What should you do if Child Protective Services (CPS) contacts you? What rights do parents have during a CPS investigation? Can CPS remove your child without warning? In this episode of the Legal Vixen Podcast, host Karren Kenney, a federal criminal defense attorney, sits down with Attorney Lauren Johnson, an experienced California attorney who represents parents and families in Child Protective Services (CPS) and dependency court cases. Together, they discuss how CPS investigations and how they also can overlap with criminal investigations and why having experienced legal representation early in the process can make a significant difference. If you or someone you know has been contacted by Child Protective Services, this episode provides valuable educational information about the legal process and your rights. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Every CPS case is different. If you are involved in a CPS investigation, consult with an attorney regarding your specific circumstances. 🎙️ Guest: Attorney Lauren Johnson-Norris

    Child Protective Services Cases: Educational Interview with Attorney Lauren Johnson-Norri

  6. Jul 3

    Inside the Central District of California CASA Program: A Journey from Federal Charges to Dismissal

    What is the federal CASA Program, and what does it really take to be accepted? In this episode of Legal Vixen, federal criminal defense attorney Karren Kenney sits down with former client Ernest, who successfully completed the Conviction and Sentence Alternatives (CASA) Program in the Central District of California. After completing the program, Ernest's federal criminal case was dismissed. The CASA Program is one of the most selective federal diversion programs in the country, and very little information is publicly available about how it works. Ernest shares his firsthand experience—from being charged in federal court to applying for CASA, completing the program, and rebuilding his life. In this episode, you'll learn: ✔️ What the CASA Program is and who may qualify ✔️ What the application process was like ✔️ What participants are required to do during the program ✔️ How often participants appear in CASA Court ✔️ The role of the CASA Judge and probation team ✔️ Whether participants can be removed from the program ✔️ What Ernest believes helped him succeed ✔️ What life looks like after successfully completing CASA If you or a loved one is facing federal criminal charges in the Central District of California, this episode provides valuable insight into one of the federal system's most unique rehabilitation programs through the perspective of someone who successfully completed it. ⚠️ Important: Every federal case is different. Admission into the CASA Program is highly selective, and participation is determined by the federal court and program administrators. Nothing discussed in this interview should be interpreted as legal advice or as a guarantee that any person will qualify for the program. About Karren Kenney Karren Kenney is a federal criminal defense attorney, Certified Fraud Examiner, and founder of Kenney Legal Defense. She represents clients nationwide in federal criminal investigations and prosecutions involving fraud, conspiracy, healthcare fraud, wire fraud, money laundering, public corruption, and other complex federal matters. Subscribe for more interviews, legal insights, and real stories from inside the federal justice system.

    Inside the Central District of California CASA Program: A Journey from Federal Charges to Dismissal

  7. May 21

    Inside the Mind of a Fraud Investigator Pt. 2 | Damon Tucker on Real Cases

    Former Orange County District Attorney’s Office Supervising Investigator Damon Tucker joins the Legal Vixen Podcast for part 2 of an in-depth conversation about fraud investigations, cybercrime, identity theft, and how investigators actually build criminal cases. With decades of experience investigating major fraud, insurance fraud, cybercrime, and economic crimes, Damon Tucker shares what really happens behind the scenes when law enforcement tracks fraudsters, gathers evidence, interviews suspects, and prepares cases for prosecution. Damon Tucker also shares insights from his years in the Orange County District Attorney’s Office Major Fraud Unit and Cybercrime Unit, giving viewers a rare insider perspective into high-level criminal investigations. If you’re interested in true crime, white collar crime, fraud investigations, cybercrime, criminal justice, or behind-the-scenes law enforcement stories, this episode is for you. Subscribe to the Legal Vixen Podcast for more conversations on criminal law, investigations, justice, and high-profile legal issues.

    Inside the Mind of a Fraud Investigator Pt. 2 | Damon Tucker on Real Cases

  8. May 11

    Inside the Mind of a Fraud Investigator | Damon Tucker on Real Cases & Criminal Tactics

    Former Orange County District Attorney’s Office Supervising Investigator Damon Tucker joins the Legal Vixen Podcast for an in-depth conversation about fraud investigations, cybercrime, identity theft, and how investigators actually build criminal cases. With decades of experience investigating major fraud, insurance fraud, cybercrime, and economic crimes, Damon Tucker shares what really happens behind the scenes when law enforcement tracks fraudsters, gathers evidence, interviews suspects, and prepares cases for prosecution. Damon Tucker also shares insights from his years in the Orange County District Attorney’s Office Major Fraud Unit and Cybercrime Unit, giving viewers a rare insider perspective into high-level criminal investigations. If you’re interested in true crime, white collar crime, fraud investigations, cybercrime, criminal justice, or behind-the-scenes law enforcement stories, this episode is for you. Subscribe to the Legal Vixen Podcast for more conversations on criminal law, investigations, justice, and high-profile legal issues.

    Inside the Mind of a Fraud Investigator | Damon Tucker on Real Cases & Criminal Tactics
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About

Welcome to the Legal Vixen™ Podcast! Join us on this legal journey with engaging guests and humorous stories about past and present legal cases in both criminal and civil courts.

Information

  • Creator
    Attorney Karren Kenney
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    22
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Kenney Legal Defense
  • Show Website
    Legal Vixen™