Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer

“Has the attorney tried any criminal jury trials?” That is the first question that you should ask when you are charged with a crime. Many attorneys hold themselves out as criminal defense attorneys representing people in felonies, misdemeanors, DWIs, etc… few actually have jury trials. A few will point to that one case they tried, or talk about a case they “second chaired” (i.e., did not participate in the trial) then change the subject, and try to panic you into hiring them. Many criminal defense lawyers are not comfortable in front of a jury, are not well-versed in the procedural aspects of a case, and try to get their client to plea after “working” the case for a couple years—an expensive learning experience for any defendant.

We have tried many felony and misdemeanor cases. We have tried, and obtained acquittals from juries, and judges, on Murder 1st and 2nd, Manslaughter, Forcible Rape, Statutory Rape, Armed Criminal Action, Attempt to Kill Law Enforcement, Felony Resisting Arrest, Sodomy, Statutory Sodomy, Assault, as well as other felonies and misdemeanors. These are not easy cases. They come with severe penalties. Clients are scared of the consequences of trial, and their attorneys cannot confidently evaluate the case because they simply do not have the experience required to do so. The attorney’s inadequacy and inexperience equal poor results. Many of our clients were charged with crimes where punishment was up to 30 years, or life imprisonment—they were acquitted because we tried the case effectively to a jury. We were effective because we had the criminal defense experience necessary to try the case. When hiring a criminal defense attorney, have the attorney give you a list of jury acquittals before you set up an appointment, then call our office.

The criminal process is largely misunderstood. An experienced criminal defense lawyer will be able to guide you successfully through your criminal proceeding. Once a charge is filed, a warrant for arrest or summons will be issued. The court will then set the case for an arraignment where the defendant appears with his or her criminal defense lawyer to plead not guilty. In misdemeanor cases, the arraignment will be followed by a trial setting, and ultimately a trial or plea agreement. The felony cases begin in associate court with arraignment followed by the preliminary hearing where the judge determines whether it is probable that the defendant committed the crime. The case is then typically “bound over” to circuit court. In circuit court, the defendant will be arraigned and a trial will be set. Discovery will be conducted where the parties will be able to review the evidence that will be offered, and depositions may be conducted of the relevant witnesses. Motions to suppress and other motions in limine will be filed and tried prior to trial. If a plea agreement is not reached, a trial will follow with either a judge or jury, followed by the verdict and sentencing. In a felony case, it is not uncommon for this process to take in excess of a year.

Legal Services Offered:

• Murder
• Manslaughter
• Forcible Rape
• Statutory Rape
• Armed Criminal Action
• Attempt to Kill Law Enforcement
• Resisting Arrest
• Sodomy
• Statutory Sodomy
• Assault
• Burglary
• Driving While Intoxicated