PHILOSOPHY AND APPROACH

Many defendants are unfairly convicted. I believe, though, in the power of the criminal justice system, operating at its best, to correct injustice. And I am awed by the power of words, and of thoughtful judges, to undo convictions and open prison doors. I have seen it happen time and again.

I also believe that defendants and sometimes their families as well are most familiar with their cases and often know what went wrong and why they were unfairly or improperly convicted. In working with clients, I spend many hours meeting with them and learning from them, as well as speaking with their families. That is always my starting point.

After that, besides reading the transcript, the court file, and trial counsel’s files, in post-conviction cases I often obtain documents through Freedom of Information Law requests and from the district attorney’s office, get the pretrial minutes, interview witnesses, and otherwise investigate factual issues using online tools. And in all cases I thoroughly research the legal issues. I am dogged in seeking to obtain all the evidence and all the case law that will allow me/us to show that my client was improperly convicted. I say “us” because the client and I often work hand in hand in this process.

And, on strategic decisions, I consult closely with colleagues whom I have known for many years and deeply respect.

In particular, I am committed to defendants’ right to counsel and to effective representation. Many of the cases that I have handled have vindicated these rights.