Why did you decide to become an attorney?
I have always wanted to be a criminal defense attorney. I can trace it back to the day the police came to my house late one night when I was about 8 years old to question me about some vandalism. The police had information that my older brother was responsible for the vandalism that night. When they learned that he was out of town, I became the focus of the investigation. I had been asleep for 2 or 3 hours at the time of the offense. Ever since that event, there was really no other career path for me.
What experiences (work and personal) help you to be a better attorney?
My training to become an Instructor in DWI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing and in the operation of breath testing instruments has served me best. It gives me quite an advantage when I have more knowledge about how testing is supposed to be done than the person who is actually doing the testing.
My education and travel in foreign countries have helped me become more open- minded and to understand different viewpoints based upon a set of given circumstances.
What made you choose your primary area of law?
The erosion of individual rights for the sake of obtaining convictions of alleged drunk drivers is very disheartening. Many of the laws we now see relative to drunk driving are reminiscent of Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union. We now live in a country where “checkpoints” are lawful. An individual can be seized without justification. Once seized, police can conduct “tests” which have scientific meaning because the legislature, not scientists, say so. Such conduct lead to the fall of the Soviet Union.
What makes your law firm unique?
Our law firm is unique because we defend our clients every step of the way. We work very hard at “leaving no stone unturned.” Each attorney has more knowledge than law enforcement regarding the proper administration of Standardized Field Sobriety Tests and the operation of breath testing instruments. Every attorney in the firm is a “Trial Attorney” and has the reputation of being a trial attorney. Although not every case goes to trial, the reputation of being a “trial attorney” definitely works to the benefit of our clients.
Describe your ideal client.
The ideal client is someone that takes an interest in their case without interrupting the defense of the case. I always give the client as much information as possible about their case and encourage them to learn as much as possible about the facts and law of their case. I encourage the client to share the information they have discovered with the understanding that I will make the final determination of how that information will be used, if at all. I learn so much from my clients and I think it is imperative that the client take an active role in their defense.
Describe your personal interests and hobbies.
I am active in several athletic, social and charitable activities. I currently serve as Coordinator for the St. Michael School Volleyball Program. I also coach volleyball and basketball. I am active in several civic, social, and charitable organizations such as the Order Sons of Italy in America and the Knights of Columbus and Hope Street Kids. When ever I have the opportunity, I enjoy travel and the arts.
Describe your charitable activities.
My charitable activities include fundraising for Hope Street Kids, the American Heart Association, and various other organizations. My family and I also dedicate many hours of service to charitable organizations throughout Central Ohio.
