A criminal case, from start to finish, has several stages. We represent people at all of those stages.

Trial

Appeal

Post-conviction

This stage, most often, starts with a formal indictment or complaint. But you may be contacted by law enforcement prior to a formal charge. You never have to talk to law enforcement without an attorney. If you are being asked about your involvement in or witnessing of a crime—we can help you navigate how to best deal with the government.  

If you are indicted or charged with a crime, the case needs to be investigated to determine whether there are legal or factual issues that need to be researched. We have a vast reach of experts and investigators that we can consult with and hire to determine the best course of action in your case. It is in this stage that motions are filed and negotiations occur with an eye towards the best disposition for each individual client. In addition to any negotiations, we are preparing for trial so that we are ready for whatever path the client chooses to take. By the time a choice must be made, the client will have all of the information and we will give our best advice for the client to make the decision.

An appeal is filed at the conclusion of a guilty verdict at trial. An appeal can only raise issues that occured on the record. For example if any motion or objection was denied by the Court, the judge’s decision can be raised in an appeal. If there was no objection made, but the issue is one that goes to the foundation of the case, those issues can also be raised in an appeal.

You cannot appeal from a plea, the mechanism for relief from a plea agreement is a petition for post-conviction relief. The types of relief that can be obtained are more limited from a plea agreement.

If an appeal is denied from a city or justice court, there are only limited options to bring the case to a higher court. 

We have extensive experience in all types of criminal appeals.

Post-Conviction Relief is a way to have an attorney review the case to determine if either the trial attorney or appellate attorney fell below the standard of care such that the client was prejudiced. There are other post-conviction bases as well. If there is a significant change in the law, or newly discovered evidence that could not have been known at the time of trial with due diligence among others. We evaluate each case for any basis to bring a claim. We have extensive experience in post-conviction relief and have used this legal avenue to overturn many convictions and sentences of our clients.