Because last October marked 25 years since I began practicing law, I’ve taken some time recently to reflect on my career as a criminal defense lawyer. It’s been a wild ride!
I often tell clients that “I’ve seen it all,” especially when they are initially reluctant to speak openly with me about their case. But when I really think about it, I haven’t seen it all. In fact, if I HAD seen it all, I would probably have grown bored with and tired of my job.
You see, I deal with people’s problems day in and day out. And every problem and situation is unique. Whether someone is charged with a DUI, drug offense, rape, murder, assault, theft or any number of other offenses, each person is unique and I handle their case personally. That’s one of the things I love most about what I do, and it makes me passionate about defending people.
My motto is “Bad Things Happen to Good People.” This is more than just a catch phrase for me. It is my experience, I see it happen every day in the lives of those I represent. For whatever reason, the people I represent have gotten caught up in the criminal justice system. They have no idea what to do or where to turn. They look at me and want help. It’s an awesome responsibility, and I am fully aware that it’s the ultimate leap of faith for someone to literally put their future in my hands. I take that responsibility seriously and strive to never do anything to betray that trust. That’s how I’ve treated every client I’ve ever represented.
The criminal justice system is brutal. Just ask anyone who has been through it. It’s not that hard to find yourself caught up in it, and I would caution anyone to never say it can’t happen to you. Most people that I deal with are good people who have either made a mistake, been in the wrong place at the wrong time or are just flat wrongfully accused. And it’s my job to use everything I’ve learned over the past 25 years to represent each client. For a criminal defense lawyer, there is absolutely no substitute for experience and knowledge of the law.
It’s truly hard for me to believe I’ve been practicing law for 25 years. When I talk with my law school classmates, we often marvel at how it seems like just yesterday we were first-year law students, scared to death, and embarking on our chosen path. A whole lot has happened in the past 25 years, but I wouldn’t trade one second of it. I love what I do and I look forward to going to the office every day. I hope it never gets old. When and if it does, I will hang it up. But for now, I’ll keep fighting the good fight and I look forward to helping you if you ever need me.
Just remember: Bad things happen to good people. If you are charged with a crime, whether it be a felony or misdemeanor, in either state or federal court, I am here to help you. Just give me a call at 859-270-1255 or send me a text.
And always remember to always “lawyer up” and never make any statements.
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