It is our belief that hard work and tenacity usually lead to good results in criminal cases.  It is with that in mind that we approach every case aggressively.   We steadfastly guarantee that our office will fight for you and your rights.  We also guarantee that we will always tell you the truth.  How we defend criminal cases simply embraces these principles.

First we get to know you and your side of the story thoroughly.  In order to be able to defend you, we feel that we must first get into your skin and be able to empathize with your struggle.   Being charged with a criminal case, especially when you are innocent, is a very difficult position in which to be placed.  Additionally, the consequences of a criminal case are staggering and may destroy careers, families and lives.  You and your situation are unique.  It is our goal to know you and to understand your unique situation as if we had walked in your shoes.  During our initial conversations with you, we begin developing defense strategies.  These initial discussions guide our investigations.

Second, after we have a good understanding of your situation, we begin an investigation of our own by talking to witnesses that you have identified or that can be discovered from the information you have provided us.  We routinely order 911 tapes, investigative reports (reports of some agencies cannot be obtained independently, we are only afforded an opportunity to review the reports of some agencies), and medical examiner's reports in homicide cases.  We also routinely subpoena CPS reports in Child Abuse cases and Child Sexual Abuse cases, medical records, school records, ambulance records, and department store records and videos.  We visit the alleged crime scene in nearly all cases we defend and we routinely take our own photos.  We collect evidence to put on in your defense.  The focus of our investigation is to find evidence that supports our defense strategies and evidence that uncovers additional defense strategies.

Third, we continue our investigation by reviewing the evidence that the prosecution alleges they plan to use against you.  Most prosecutors will make the alleged evidence they plan to use against you available for inspection.  If they do not we file motions for discovery and seek a court order compelling them to do so.  After this review, we often continue with our own independent investigation seeking to nullify some of the government's evidence.

Fourth, we evaluate whether or not an expert would benefit the defense.  We usually like to consult experts in cases where there is scientific evidence to be presented against you or if the opinion of an expert would enhance your defense.  In the past, we have been able to consult with experts at a minimal cost to the client.  However, some expert assistance can be costly.  Never the less, not all cases are appropriate for expert testimony.  Many criminal cases can be successful defended without the use of an expert.  We sometimes utilize private investigators to interview some witnesses who we may have to impeach at trial and to locate additional witnesses.  However, we generally prefer to speak to witnesses on our own and to visit crime scenes without the assistance of a private investigator.

Finally, after we have gathered all of the information and gone over the steps above, we continue formulating and refining defense strategies.  We again discuss the case with you to advise you of your options and to discuss our course of action.

Although we evaluate all cases to determine whether or not a dismissal can be sought, not all cases can be dismissed.  If the case can be dismissed, we seek a dismissal and work towards that end.  If we head to trial, we prepare thoroughly and we fight hard to win or obtain a result favorable for you.  If you decide you want us to negotiate a plea, we prepare thoroughly for our discussions with the government and discuss every move with you.

No lawyer can guarantee specific results.  Any lawyer that guarantees a specific result in a case (that they will get the case dismissed, for example) is doing so to get you to pay them a fee.  We always guarantee that we will fight for you and tell you the truth about your case.  Employing these values and this approach has led to good results in criminal cases for our clients in the past.  It is our desire to fight to obtain good results for you and your loved ones in the future.