The Risks of Criminal Court: What People Don’t Talk About

March 25, 2026

West Palm Beach, Fl - It’s easy to assume the justice system is fair, balanced, and works the way it’s supposed to. But according to Iris Eytan, the reality is far more complicated and far more human than most people realize.

For nearly 30 years, Eytan built a career as one of Colorado’s most respected criminal defense attorneys. With 28 years in the courtroom and thousands of cases behind her, she witnessed firsthand what happens inside a system many people only see from the outside. And while her career was filled with accomplishments and recognition, she says there’s another side of criminal law that rarely gets talked about.

The full conversation and podcast is available for free on the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast, as well as on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other major platforms.

“I gave everything to the work,” Eytan said. “But over time, the work takes something from you too.”

A Career Built on High-Stakes Cases

Eytan began her legal career after graduating from the University of San Diego School of Law. She started as a Deputy State Public Defender, representing individuals who often felt lost in the system. Over time, she moved into private practice, co-founding her own firm and becoming a well-known voice in criminal defense and civil rights law.

Her résumé includes recognition from Best Lawyers in America, features in 5280 Magazine, and even the cover of *Colorado Super Lawyers Magazine*. But for Eytan, success was never about awards.

“I’ve represented thousands of people… and every single one of them mattered. These aren’t case numbers, they’re human beings whose lives are on the line.”

The Power Behind the System

One of the biggest misconceptions about the criminal justice system, Eytan says, is that it’s balanced.

“Most people assume the system is balanced. But the reality is, prosecutors hold immense power, and there’s very little accountability when that power is abused.”

Research has shown that misconduct by prosecutors and government officials can contribute to wrongful convictions. Yet consequences for that misconduct are rare, raising serious concerns about oversight and accountability.

For defense attorneys, this creates constant challenges.

“Defense attorneys are fighting uphill battles. When evidence is withheld or misrepresented, it can completely change the outcome of a case and often, no one is held responsible.”

The Case That Changed Everything

At one point in her career, Eytan took on a case that would shift her perspective entirely. What began as a standard defense turned into something much bigger, the exposure of serious misconduct within the system.

“We uncovered things that should never happen in a courtroom,” she said. “It wasn’t just about winning a case anymore, it was about exposing a broken system.”

The case ultimately led to the dismissal of first-degree murder charges and disciplinary actions against those involved. But the experience came with a personal cost.

“That case changed me. It opened my eyes to how deep the problems go.”

The Hidden Emotional Toll

One of the least discussed aspects of working in criminal law is the mental and emotional impact it has on those inside the system.

“You carry these cases with you,” she said. “The images, the stories, the outcomes, they don’t just disappear when the trial ends.”

While legal victories may make headlines, the personal toll on attorneys often goes unnoticed. It’s not something commonly discussed on social media or even within the profession itself.

From the Courtroom to Reform

In 2022, Eytan made the difficult decision to step away from practicing criminal law. But instead of leaving the system behind, she chose to focus on reform.

She founded the Prosecutorial Ethics Project (PEP), an organization dedicated to exposing misconduct and advocating for accountability.

“I couldn’t just walk away. I needed to do something to fix what I had seen for nearly 30 years.”

Her work now centers on increasing transparency and pushing for meaningful changes within the justice system.

“There has to be oversight. Without it, the same patterns will continue.”

Why This Matters

Eytan’s story is more than just one attorney’s experience, it’s a reminder that the criminal justice system affects everyone.

“People think it can’t happen to them,” she said. “But the truth is, anyone can find themselves in a courtroom, relying on a system that isn’t as fair as it should be.”

Through interviews, podcasts, and public discussions, she’s working to bring awareness to issues that are often overlooked.

“People need to understand what’s really happening, not just the version they see on TV or social media.”

Final Thoughts

The risks of criminal court extend far beyond the cases themselves. They impact defendants, attorneys, and the integrity of the system as a whole.

Eytan’s message is clear: awareness is the first step toward change.

“Change starts with understanding… and understanding starts with talking about the things no one wants to talk about.”

The full conversation and podcast featuring Iris Eytan is available for free on the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast, as well as on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other major platforms.