For the Defense with David Oscar Markus

About For the Defense with David Oscar Markus

David Oscar Markus, a Miami trial attorney, has been called “a reincarnation of the old school criminal defense lawyer” and has represented clients from the head of the Cali Cartel to Fortune 500 companies and their CEOs. David has partnered with rakontur, the lauded storytellers behind Cocaine Cowboys, The U and 537 Votes, on the podcast, For the Defense. The podcast focuses on the work of the least-respected but perhaps the most important profession in America: the criminal defense attorney. In each episode, Markus will interview a top criminal defense lawyer about one of their most gripping trials. Sadly, the criminal defense trial lawyer is a dying breed. The Feds have manipulated the system -- which was founded on the idea of trial by jury -- to force almost everyone (occasionally including the innocent) into pleading guilty to avoid trial. If you dare to go to trial, you risk going to prison for decades longer than had you surrendered and pleaded guilty. The system has shifted from valuing and encouraging trials to punishing those who dare exercise their constitutional right to have a jury decide their guilt. In the 1980s, over 20% of cases went to trial -- now less than 3% do so. Having tried cases all over the United States, Markus is well-positioned to speak to other leading criminal defense lawyers in the country and explore with them the decision they made in a high-profile case to proceed to trial, including their trial strategy, the risks involved, and the clients themselves. The podcast is currently in Season 6. It has broken news, achieved industry-wide accolades, and is the go to listen for trial lawyers around the country. CONTACT: info@rakontur.com, DMarkus@markuslaw.com

Publisher

rakontur

Category

government · news · true crime

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

27 Oct 2020

Latest episode

14 Jul 2026

Latest episodes

54 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   14 Jul 2026

   Teny Geragos for Diddy

   Host David Oscar Markus interviews attorney Teny Geragos about her strategies for winning high-profile cases like Diddy's, offering insights into her keys to success.

2. 

   16 Sept 2025

   Former federal prosecutor Elie Honig

   David Oscar Markus sits down with CNN legal analyst and former federal prosecutor Elie Honig to talk about the intersection of law, media, and justice — and his new book, When You Come At The King. Elie Honig, CNN senior legal analyst, bestselling author, and former federal prosecutor, joins David Oscar Markus for a wide-ranging conversation about how the media shapes public understanding of criminal justice. From his time prosecuting mob cases in the SDNY to becoming one of TV’s most trusted voices on legal issues, Honig shares what he’s learned about storytelling in the courtroom — and in front of the camera. They cover everything from the rise of “celebrity prosecutors,” to whether cameras belong in the courtroom, to how defense lawyers should respond to DOJ press releases and media narratives. Plus, Honig talks about the writing of his latest book, including the behind-the-scenes research that uncovered some of the wildest stories from the Justice Department’s history.

3. 

   11 Jul 2025

   Arthur Aidala for Harvey Weinstein

   For the Defense returns as David Oscar Markus sits down with Harvey Weinstein’s lawyer, Arthur Aidala, for a fascinating look at how the defense strategy evolved from Weinstein’s first trial to his retrial. Arthur Aidala, one of the most charismatic and colorful defense lawyers in the country, joins David Oscar Markus to break down the retrial of Harvey Weinstein. From cross-examining a complaining witness about faking an orgasm to weaving a story about glass in his mother’s pasta sauce, Aidala brings his signature flair to the courtroom—and to this conversation. Don’t miss this lively and insightful discussion about trial strategy, media pressure, and how the defense team turned the tables in one of the most high-profile cases of the decade.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

21,598

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

4.9 / 5

366 ratings

Spotify

4.9 / 5

72 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 45 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

22

Social presence

0

YouTube

76

Engagement

93

Contact For the Defense with David Oscar Markus

Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

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