the JustPod
Podcast for the Criminal Justice Section of the American Bar Association. We'll talk current issues in criminal justice reform, policy and the Supreme Court. We'll discuss the work of the Criminal Justice Section including events, Task Forces, Standards, the ABA's ICC project and more. This is the Criminal Justice Section of the ABA’s podcast, and may not contain official ABA policy statements. For the ABA’s Code of Online Conduct visit here: https://www.americanbar.org/about_the_aba/codeofconduct/
the JustPod
A discussion with defense counsel Rocco Cipparone and Angie Levy on January 6 prosecutions
What was it like to defend clients in prosecutions arising out of events at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021? A discussion with defense counsel Rocco Cipparone and Angie Levy.
Following the events at the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021, the federal government initiated one of the largest investigations and prosecutions in American history, ultimately charging nearly 1,600 defendants. Those charges resulted in about 1,270 convictions (most, for misdemeanor offenses).
Upon entering Office on January 21, 2025, President Trump fulfilled a campaign promise in granting clemency to these defendants—pardoning or commuting the sentences of those convicted, and ordering the dismissal, by the U.S. Department of Justice, of remaining pending cases.
We had the opportunity to talk with two guests who had a front-row seat to the January 6 prosecutions, through their representation of clients in January 6 trials held in federal court in Washington, D.C. Rocco Cipparone and Angie Levy are two well-regarded and respected members of the Philadelphia and New Jersey criminal defense communities, and recognized as terrific trial lawyers. It was a great pleasure to have them with us to discuss the January 6 prosecutions.