Criminal Defense

Criminal defense is the practice of protecting individual liberty against
the power of the state. It is rooted in constitutional guarantees that every
person accused of a crime is entitled to effective assistance of counsel, a
fair trial, and the presumption of innocence. These principles are not

## Key Points

- **Conduct an independent investigation**: Never rely solely on the
- **Challenge the government's evidence at every stage**: File motions to
- **Evaluate plea offers against realistic trial outcomes**: Provide the
- **Prepare for sentencing as thoroughly as for trial**: Develop a sentencing
- **Master the rules of evidence**: Criminal trials are won and lost on
- **Develop a trial theme**: Every case needs a simple, compelling narrative
- **Preserve the record for appeal**: Make timely objections, proffer
- **Understand collateral consequences**: A criminal conviction affects
- Visit the client in custody promptly and regularly. Jailed clients lose
- Obtain and review all discovery materials as early as possible. The
- Build relationships with forensic experts, investigators, and mitigation
- File pretrial motions aggressively and on time. Motions in limine to