Elevating Cross-Examination Through Body Language, Eye Contact, and Physical Positioning

Angel Carrazco, Jr. | Carrazco Law, A.P.C.

Angel Carrazco, Jr. has always been driven by a deep commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others, particularly those who have suffered catastrophic injuries, including brain injuries.

As the founder of Carrazco Law, Mr. Carrazco has dedicated his career to specializing in workers’ compensation, personal injury, and civil rights. His legal expertise extends beyond the courtroom as a founding member of Serve-The-People, a non-profit organization established in 2009. Serve-The People provides essential services—including food, clothing, education, and medical, dental, and mental health care—to underserved families in Orange County. Recognizing the legal barriers faced by undocumented immigrants, Mr. Carrazco established a legal clinic within the organization, assembling a team of lawyers who volunteer their time to provide free legal services without regard to immigration status.

For over a decade, Mr. Carrazco has also worked closely with Mexican nationals through partnerships with the Mexican Consulates in Santa Ana and San Bernardino. His advocacy extends to supporting the United Farm Workers in California’s San Joaquin Valley.

In 2014, Mr. Carrazco graduated from Gerry Spence’s Trial Lawyers College, now known as the Gerry Spence Method, which hones trial skills to ensure justice for indigents. In 2024, he returned to Thunderhead Ranch in Dubois, Wyoming, to complete the Advanced Trial Skills Program.

Mr. Carrazco’s dedication to justice has earned him significant recognition. In 2018, the Orange County Trial Lawyers Association (OCTLA) awarded him the TOP GUN Trial Lawyer of the Year award for his landmark victory in The Estate of Manuel Diaz v. City of Anaheim, a case involving the wrongful death of an unarmed man. After an initial defense verdict in Federal Court, Mr. Carrazco successfully appealed to the 9th Circuit, which reversed the decision. The case was retried, ultimately resulting in a $200,000 verdict for Mr. Carrazco’s client and $2 million in attorney fees. This case set a precedent for bifurcating liability and damages in cases involving prejudicial evidence.

From 2019 to 2025, Mr. Carrazco has been recognized as a Super Lawyer, a distinction awarded to the top 5% of attorneys nationwide based on peer recognition and professional achievements.

In 2020, Mr. Carrazco became a founding member of Orange County Trial Lawyers Charities (OCTLC), modeled after the Los Angeles Trial Lawyers Charities. OCTLC provides financial support and volunteer services to local non-profit organizations, reflecting Mr. Carrazco’s commitment to bringing justice both in the courtroom and in the community.

In 2022, Mr. Carrazco was again honored by OCTLA with the TOP GUN Trial Lawyer of the Year award for his work in the case of Alex Hindawi. Despite the insurance company’s claims that Mr. Hindawi was under the influence of an illegal substance at the time of his near-fatal crash, Mr. Carrazco prevailed over a decade-long legal battle. The courts ultimately ruled in favor of Mr. Hindawi, acknowledging the hardships he endured, including homelessness, divorce, and inadequate medical care, before justice was finally served.

In 2022, Mr. Carrazco was also a finalist for the “Street Fighter of the Year” award, presented by Consumer Attorneys of California, in recognition of his extraordinary achievement in the Hindawi case.

I. Importance of effective cross-examination | 1:00pm – 1:10pm

II. Understanding non-verbal communication | 1:10pm – 1:20pm

III. The significance of body language, eye contact, and positioning | 1:20pm – 1:30pm

IV. How non-verbal cues impact jurors’ perceptions | 1:30pm – 1:45pm

V. Identifying types of runaway witnesses | 1:45pm – 2:00pm

Break | 2:00pm – 2:10pm

VI. Using physical positioning to influence witness behavior | 2:10pm – 2:20pm

VII. Leveraging gestures, tone of voice, and timing | 2:20pm – 2:30pm

VIII. The power of silence in cross-examination | 2:30pm – 2:40pm

IX. Strategies for applying techniques effectively | 2:40pm – 2:55pm

X. Practical tips for honing skills | 2:55pm – 3:10pm