Derek Chauvin case could be a turning point in prosecuting police Valley lawyers believe Derek Chauvin case could be turning point in prosecuting police. and last updated 2021-04-21 00:14:00-04 Two Valley lawyers who have worked on police officers' criminal cases say the Derek Chauvin verdict may be a turning point in how the justice system handles crimes involving on-duty law enforcement officers. On Tuesday, Former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin was convicted on all three counts against him, including second-degree murder, for the killing of George Floyd in May 2020. Defense attorney Craig Mehrens represented several Arizona officers accused of murder at various stages in their cases. His clients include former Chandler Officer Dan Lovelace and former Mesa Officer Philip Brailsford. Both officers shot unarmed people while on duty. Both former officers stood trial for second-degree murder and were acquitted.