What Criminal Defense Really Looks Like Behind the Scenes | Shane McKeen

What really happens in a criminal defense case and why does “winning” look very different than TV makes it seem?

In this episode of Hot Docket, we’re getting a behind-the-scenes look at modern criminal defense from attorney Shane McKeen of McKeen Law in Atlanta, Georgia. With experience on both sides of the courtroom as a former prosecutor and now a defense attorney, Shane breaks down how criminal cases are actually resolved, why most never reach trial, and what really wins cases in the courtroom.

Our conversation busts common myths about trials, jury selection, police procedure, and legal tech, shining light on how high-volume criminal defense practices really operate.

Tune in to learn:

• Why nearly 99% of criminal cases settle instead of going to trial
• The biggest misconceptions clients have about “winning” a criminal case
• How traffic stop mistakes and procedural errors can decide DUI outcomes
• The truth about Miranda rights and why they rarely make or break a case
• Why “the cop didn’t show up” is almost never a winning defense
• What effective jury selection actually looks like (and which jurors lawyers avoid)
• Shane’s transition from prosecutor to defense attorney and how it changed his mindset
• How to manage difficult client expectations when strategy and emotions collide
• Real-world tech stacks for criminal defense firms (and why simple tools still dominate)

Important Links and Resources:

• Website: https://mckeenlawatlanta.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-mckeen-46b56931

If you have guest ideas or questions you would like our hosts to cover, please email [e-mail].

Tune in to hear from more the Hot Docket podcast hosted by Bobby Steinbach and Andrew Nasrinpay on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, Radio Public and more!