Have you been accused of a crime? Or, worse, convicted? Was someone in your family? Are you worried that you may be charged soon? The criminal process brings all the power of the state to bear against a single individual. The state is represented by police and prosecutors and experts, and you need someone on your side. Innocent people are convicted every day. Some of them are released after appeal, or post-conviction relief, or federal habeas corpus. You don’t...

My job is providing skillful, personal service to people ensnared in the justice system. I’ve worked as a criminal defense attorney for most of my career, some as a public defender, some as private counsel. I’ve handled all sorts of cases, from infractions to capital murder, and every stage from preindictment to petitions for certiorari in the United States Supreme Court to federal habeas corpus.

You wouldn’t be in court if someone didn’t think you were guilty, and you wouldn’t file an appeal if you hadn’t been proved to be guilty. Without an expert, someone who understands both the law and the system, you won’t get a fair shot in court. The court will appoint a public defender if you can’t afford to hire counsel, and some public defenders are good at what they do, but some of them are not. And every single one is...

I handle all stages of state and federal criminal prosecution: pre-trial and trial practice, sentencing, appeals, post-conviction relief trials and appeals, and federal habeas corpus trials and appeals. I also handle appeals in other sorts of cases, including DMV appeals, and other litigation relating to criminal prosecution, such as clemency and mandamus petitions and motions to correct the judgment. I also work with other attorneys, assisting with motion practice...

I know a lot of lawyers who don’t like what they do. I’m not one of those. I find the law endlessly fascinating, and I’m always noticing new issues and problems. Some of those turn into blog postings here or at libraryofdefense.ocdla.org, or tweets. Some of them are just waiting for the right case. You can see posts for selected categories by clicking on an item in this list, or scroll down to see my most recent posts. Appeals Collateral...