Criminal Law
Protecting Your Rights When Everything Is on the Line
When facing criminal charges, your freedom, reputation, and future are at stake. My criminal defense practice provides aggressive advocacy across federal, state, and military jurisdictions. I understand that every case is unique and requires a tailored defense strategy built on thorough investigation, constitutional knowledge, and courtroom experience.
Criminal cases move quickly and critical decisions must be made early in the process. From the moment of arrest through trial and appeal, I work tirelessly to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome. For complex multi-defendant cases or matters requiring extensive resources, I collaborate with experienced criminal defense attorneys to ensure comprehensive representation.
The presumption of innocence is fundamental to our justice system, and I fight to hold the government to its burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Federal Criminal Defense
Federal criminal cases involve serious charges with severe penalties, often including lengthy prison sentences and substantial fines. These cases are prosecuted by experienced federal prosecutors with extensive resources and investigated by federal law enforcement agencies.
Federal charges often arise from complex investigations involving multiple jurisdictions, sophisticated surveillance techniques, and financial analysis. I handle white-collar crimes, drug trafficking cases, firearms violations, cybercrime prosecutions, and federal fraud allegations. These cases require deep understanding of federal sentencing guidelines, complex legal procedures, and constitutional protections.
Federal court practice involves strict procedural rules and aggressive prosecution strategies. I provide comprehensive defense from initial appearance through sentencing, including plea negotiations, motion practice, jury trials, and appeals. Early intervention is crucial in federal cases to protect constitutional rights and develop effective defense strategies.
State Criminal Defense
State criminal charges encompass the full spectrum of criminal allegations, from misdemeanors to serious felonies. I represent clients in state court prosecutions including violent crimes, property crimes, drug offenses, DUI cases, and theft allegations.
State criminal practice requires familiarity with local court procedures, prosecutor practices, and sentencing alternatives. I work to achieve favorable plea agreements by having a reputation of not being afraid to take cases to trial. Many state cases offer opportunities for alternative sentencing, diversion programs, or record expungement that can minimize long-term consequences, so plea agreements are sometimes the best option. However, trying cases is my favorite part of being a lawyer. So if you want to fight and take your case to Court, I am the defense attorney you need.
State criminal defense also involves challenging evidence through constitutional motions, cross-examining witnesses effectively, and presenting compelling defense cases. I investigate all aspects of the prosecution's case to identify weaknesses and develop reasonable doubt strategies.
UCMJ Defense
Military service members face unique legal challenges under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. UCMJ violations can result in Article 15s, court-martial proceedings, administrative separation, discharge characterization issues, and loss of military benefits.
I’ve represent service members in court-martial proceedings, administrative separation hearings, and discharge upgrade applications. Military justice operates under different rules and procedures than civilian courts, requiring knowledge of military law, command influence issues, and service-specific regulations.
UCMJ defense involves protecting service members' rights while understanding the military justice system's unique aspects. I handle cases ranging from minor infractions to serious felony allegations, always focusing on preserving military careers when possible and minimizing adverse consequences.
Military legal issues often have career and benefits implications beyond immediate criminal consequences. I work to protect service members' military records, security clearances, and future opportunities while providing aggressive defense against criminal allegations.
Defense Strategy and Approach
Every criminal case requires careful analysis of the evidence, constitutional issues, and potential defenses. I begin each case with thorough investigation, including witness interviews, evidence review, and consultation with technical analysts when necessary.
Constitutional protections form the foundation of criminal defense. I examine every aspect of the investigation and prosecution for Fourth Amendment violations, Fifth Amendment issues, and due process concerns. Suppression of illegally obtained evidence can often result in case dismissal or favorable plea agreements.
Plea negotiations require strategic timing and thorough preparation. While many cases resolve through plea agreements, I maintain trial readiness to ensure prosecutors offer fair terms. When cases proceed to trial, I present aggressive defense strategies designed to create reasonable doubt.
Sentencing advocacy is crucial even in cases resulting in conviction. I work to present comprehensive mitigation evidence and argue for alternative sentences when appropriate. Understanding of sentencing guidelines and local practices allows for effective advocacy at this critical stage.
Why Choose Experienced Criminal Defense
Criminal cases involve constitutional rights, complex legal procedures, and severe potential consequences. Effective defense requires thorough preparation, strategic thinking, and aggressive advocacy. Government prosecutors have extensive resources and experience prosecuting criminal cases.
Early legal intervention can protect constitutional rights, preserve evidence, and develop defense strategies before critical decisions are made. Many cases are won or lost based on early motions, investigation, and plea negotiation strategies.
Criminal convictions carry long-term consequences beyond immediate penalties, affecting employment opportunities, professional licenses, housing options, and civil rights. Comprehensive defense considers both immediate case resolution and long-term consequences.
Protecting Your Future
Criminal charges require immediate attention to protect your rights and develop effective defense strategies. The government's investigation often begins long before formal charges are filed, making early legal consultation crucial.
Criminal defense cases are handled on either hourly or flat fee arrangements, depending on case complexity and anticipated time requirements. Initial consultations allow for case evaluation and fee discussion.
Criminal charges have strict time limits and critical early deadlines. Contact me immediately if you are under investigation or have been charged with any criminal offense.