Presumed Guilty

Casey Anthony: The Inside Story

By: Peter Golenbock, Jose Baez

Narrated by: Jim Frangione

Presumed Guilty exposes shocking, never-before-revealed, exclusive information from the trial of the century and the verdict that shocked the nation.

When Caylee Anthony was reported missing in Orlando, Florida, in July 2008, the public spent the next three years following the investigation and the eventual trial of her mother, Casey Anthony. On July 5, 2011, the case that captured headlines worldwide exploded when, against all odds, defense attorney Jose Baez delivered one of the biggest legal upsets in American history: a not-guilty verdict.

In this tell-all, Baez shares secrets the defense knew but has not disclosed to anyone until now, and frankly reveals his experiences throughout the entire case - discovering the evidence, meeting Casey Anthony for the first time, being with George and Cindy Anthony day after day, leading defense strategy meetings, and spending weeks in the judge’s chambers.

Presumed Guilty shows how Baez, a struggling, high school dropout, became one of the nation’s most high-profile defense attorneys through his tireless efforts to seek justice for one of the country’s most vilified murder suspects.

©2012 Jose Baez (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

Interesting retelling of events

I found this to be an interesting recap of one of the most famous trials of the century from pre-arrest to post-release. If you followed the trial closely, there is not a lot of new information you likely don’t already know. But it was compelling to listen to the perspective presented, no matter your personal opinion about the events, conviction or acquittal. It gave me cause to reflect and question. There were times I chuckled at the back story. It was an enjoyable read I easily could have digested in one sitting, had I had the time.

The presentation quality was excellent. The reader is clearly spoken with good voice. It made for an easy and pleasurable listening experience.

The truth is hard to come by...

Reading several books on this case and reviews claiming this one are biased (they all are), I can’t help but struggle with how people view the world. One simple truism should guide the reading of this book: There are two sides to every story, and then there is the truth. What really happened? We will never know, but this book bias and all will get you closer to the truth, even if it still remains elusive.

Long Winded But Worth It

If you could sum up Presumed Guilty in three words, what would they be?

If you need a longer book to listen to, for say a plane ride, this one is perfect. Especially if you like crime and law books.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Insider information from Jose

If you could give Presumed Guilty a new subtitle, what would it be?

Everything You Knew But Didn't Want To Believe

If you Don't Have an Open Mind, Don't Bother

I followed this this story and trial so the book was only a natural step for me. I was pleasantly surprised at the new information presented. I found things about Jose Baez I did not know. I think everyone deserves a chance to be heard and defended, even zealously defended if their attorney is so inclined. After reading this book, you will understand the need for such a defense maybe a little better. If your mind is totally closed on this case, maybe you will at least have respect for an attorney who believed in the responsibility of his job and the commitment to his client.
The book is an easy listen.
The only complaint is the narrator's voice is a little odd sounding since most of us have Jose Baez's voice in our head from the trial. I think there could have been a better choice made.

what a defense attorney should be

I listed to the prosecution's perspective of the story before listening to this one. well I don't feel like I know what happened to that little girl I definitely feel that her defense attorney was truly the type of person that all defense attorney should be and in the end his story makes sense and the prosecution's perspective while very interesting fell short of beyond reasonable doubt.