Josh Kolsrud Analyzes the Lori Vallow Trial: Insights from a Seasoned Criminal Defense Attorney

As the nation watches high-profile cases like Lori Vallow’s unfold in courtrooms and on television screens, experienced criminal defense attorneys are often called upon to offer perspective and clarity. Recently, our own Josh Kolsrud appeared on 12 News in Phoenix to analyze the complex and disturbing case of Lori Vallow—sharing his seasoned insight on trial strategy, the psychology behind the defense, and what the public should expect as the case moves toward sentencing.

Navigating Impossible Waters: Defending a Defendant Like Lori Vallow

When asked how he would approach representing a defendant like Lori Vallow—who has been described as directing her own legal traffic—Josh emphasized the nuance and caution required in such cases. “If I’m her attorney, I’m probably going to counsel her not to come clean because if she does come clean, it could negatively affect her appeal,” he explained. This advice isn’t about hiding the truth but about protecting a client’s legal rights and the potential for appeals, which can be jeopardized by admissions at sentencing.

“If I’m her attorney, I’m probably going to counsel her not to come clean because if she does come clean, it could negatively affect her appeal,” Josh explained.

Josh went on to point out that, in his professional opinion, Lori Vallow is unlikely to express genuine remorse or accept responsibility in the near future. “She’s not the type of person who wants to come clean anyway, and she probably doesn’t even see a benefit.” With a life sentence looming—with no possibility of parole and terms almost certainly to be served consecutively—Vallow’s legal strategy at sentencing may mirror her past statements: denying involvement or casting the tragedy as merely a “family affair.”

Josh even warned that her sentencing statement could take on a sermonizing tone, potentially echoing the infamous self-justifications of cult leaders. “I would fully expect that she’s going to give some type of sermon to everybody in a Charles Manson type of way justifying herself and of course blaming everybody else.”

Understanding Lori Vallow: Two Different People

The interview also explored whether there had been warning signs in Lori Vallow’s past, considering her earlier reputation as a loving and devoted mother. Josh candidly acknowledged how difficult it can be—even for those close to the case—to reconcile the person Lori once appeared to be with the woman at the center of these horrific crimes. “We saw a very happy, very positive, very loving, devoted mother that whole time. And so those were her actions. Again, not seeing into her heart and mind. But that obviously changed rather quickly as she started down a path of choosing evil.”

This reflection underscores a recurring challenge in criminal defense: people are rarely just one “thing.” A person’s past, no matter how bright, does not always predict their future choices.

Will Lori Vallow Ever Come Clean?

As the interview closed, Josh drew on historical parallels from other notorious cases to frame what the public might expect in Lori Vallow’s future. “In the past dealing with cultlike figures and cult murder cases, it takes decades for that type of acceptance of responsibility to manifest itself,” he said, referencing the Charles Manson murders. Those convicted alongside Manson, for example, came forward with admissions and remorse only decades after their convictions.

“If Lori Vallow is ever going to come clean, I don’t think it’s going to be for a very long period of time,” Josh concluded.

Expert Analysis from a Leader in Criminal Defense

Josh Kolsrud’s thoughtful, experienced analysis demonstrates the complexities involved in defending high-profile clients and interpreting their behavior both inside and outside the courtroom. His approach—balancing legal strategy, psychology, and compassion for victims—reflects the principled representation clients have come to expect from Kolsrud Law Offices.

If you, a friend, or a family member is facing serious criminal charges, trust your defense to an attorney who understands both the law and the human stories behind every case. Contact Kolsrud Law Offices today for a confidential consultation.