I don’t think Keith Raniere chose Paul DerOhannesian II to represent NXIVM/Bronfman/Raniere solely because of his skill as a civil litigator.
DerOhannesian’s real expertise is in criminal law and, in particular, sexual assault trials.
According to published reports in the New York Times, the Albany Times Union [and, of course, as first reported in Frank Report] Raniere is under federal investigation. He faces the prospect of being charged with numerous sex crimes.
But before we go farther, I first want to help people pronounce the name, DerOhannasian.
You Tube has several interviews with DerOhannasian. He is or was YNN’s ‘Legal Eagle.’ This video pronounces his name at 34 seconds.
Let me try to help out phonetically: Dare-a-Nxian. [This is not a joke; check it out yourself on You Tube videos.]
But let us return to our topic: Keith Raniere and others in his DOS group may be charged with sexual assault crimes.
DerOhannasian is an expert in defending those charged with sex crimes.
He wrote a book: Sexual Assault Trials, available via Lexis Nexis. It is in its 4th edition. It is available in hard cover or as an e-book. The cost is a pricey $254 for the two volume set.
It is meant, I assume, primarily for lawyers, law enforcement officials, and experts in the field.
DerOhannesian II, is a partner of the Albany law firm, DerOhannesian & DerOhannesian.
According to the Lexis Nexis online store that markets his book, he has “…over 25 years of experience as a trial attorney and specializes in the investigation and trial of sexual assault, child abuse, domestic violence, and child homicide cases. He has written and lectured extensively throughout the United States and conducted over 300 presentations to trial attorneys and law enforcement officials on the topics of trial tactics and sexual assault.”
His book is described on Lexis Nexis:
“Sexual Assault Trials [is] the only book of its kind written by an active trial practitioner.
“Covering virtually all aspects of sexual assault trials, this resource is a complete handbook for anticipating and fulfilling the special demands of sexual assault cases. Get expert guidance on discovery and pretrial issues, jury selection, direct and cross-examination, hearsay, expert testimony, presentation of evidence, and jury instructions to help you develop a winning strategy for your case.
“The discussion also includes an analysis of the medical, scientific, and social science issues that come up in sexual assault litigation, such as the interpretation of physical findings in the examination of assault victims, the psychological aspects of sexual abuse, sensitivities involved in interviewing the child witness, and DNA and related technology.
“Whether you’re searching for answers on how to proceed in a sexual assault case, or just want expert advice on trial tactics for any criminal trial, you’ll find the information you need in Sexual Assault Trials.”
The table of contents are:
Chapter 1 Pretrial Issues, Discovery, and Motions
Chapter 2 Fair Trial, Free Press, and Dealing with Publicity
Chapter 3 Jury Selection
Chapter 4 Opening Statement
Chapter 5 Direct and Cross-Examination of Complaining Witness
Chapter 6 Direct and Cross-Examination of Defendant
Chapter 7 Consent
Chapter 8 Identification and Identification Defense
Chapter 9 AIDS and Sexual Assault
Chapter 10 Hearsay
Chapter 11 Expert Testimony
Chapter 12 Medical Evidence and Testimony
Chapter 13 DNA and Scientific Evidence
Chapter 14 Painting the Picture: The Use of Real and Demonstrative Evidence
Chapter 15 Summation
Chapter 16 Jury Instructions
Appendices
Index
No, I don’t it’s a coincidence that Raniere chose DerOhannesian, after his previous Albany law firm, O’Connell & Aronowitz, for reasons presently unknown to the public, ceased representing NXIVM after a number of years and probably millions of dollars in legal fees.
