Juris Doctor (JD)
University of Mississippi
1973
Since 1974, I have handled over 150 homicide cases including 30 capital cases, innumerable major drug, money laundering and million dollar white collar fraud cases, as well as a significant number of high profile cases, in both state and federal court. I have tried hundreds of cases to judges and juries.

Columbus Bar Association
National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys
Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys
Central Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys
AV rating, the highest rating by Martindale-Hubbard
All Ohio courts
US District Court
6th Circuit Court of Appeals
Supreme Court of the United States
I have completed an intensive two week trial practice course at the National Criminal Defense College and stay current on all continuing legal education courses in my fields of practice.
Federal Court Committee, Columbus Bar Association
Municipal Court Committee, Columbus Bar Association

11/1/1974
0031940
OH
1-5

Highly effective, quality representation to those most in need, when the stakes are high and the odds are great, state and federal courts.
I have appeared in the public media, both written and televised, on cases of public interest. I was chosen by the producer of 'Hard Copy' to shadow and film an actual case to be shown on television on a show similar to 'Cops'. I have lectured at court-ordered drug and alchol programs at Maryhaven and Parkside.
I have extensive experience in high profile cases, some of which were unpopular or controversial. I am not afraid of taking on the most challenging matters where the stakes are high and the odds are great. Some significant cases were State vs.Jerry Hessler: involving a Bank One employee charged with 4 deaths; State vs Alva Campbell: involving an escaped prisoner charged with capital murder; State vs.Burcher: involving an intoxicated crane operator in fatal crash on OSU campus; USA vs Harris: involving the mailing of bubonic plague and resulting mail fraud charges; and USA vs.Piniero: one of Ohio's largest drug seizure cases.

I saw a need for legal representation for those individuals who have experienced serious legal problems. I am committed to the jury system and representing and obtaining justice for individuals to protect their rights from corporate and government oppression.
I have a high moral and ethical standard that drives me to provide high quality, effective representation to everyone no matter what their status in life. I have a natural ability to understand and get along with others. I am interested in my clients' personal lives and how I can help them. I am proud of having helped hundreds of clients with personal issues that may have contributed to their legal problems (anger-management counseling, family counseling, drug/alcohol programs, and mental health issues).
I chose my field of practice because I believe a free nation can exist only so long as its justice system delivers justice to all its people. I am proud to help people through what is likely to be the most serious issue of their life.
My firm is unique because of my extensive experience, my personal commitment, and my compassion. I believe in customer service and that clients need to be treated with respect. Lawyering is about building relationships not just a business. I return phone calls, answer questions, and if I don't know the answer I will assist the person in finding someone who can help them. I am dedicated to fight for the rights of people who have been wrongfully accused of a crime or suffered some wrong at the hands of an insurance company or from government oppression.
My ideal client is someone who takes an active role in their own case. I want to be part of a team and work with a client who is interested in reaching their goal and helping me to get there for them.
I love all activities that challenge me both physically and mentally. I love back-packing, rock-climbing and other high intensity sports. I travel whenever I can and pay particular attention to my personal fitness and professional development. I am concerned about the environment and how it is being damaged by human activity.
I volunteer for the National Park Service, leading guided hikes, providing visitor orientation to the park, and back-country ethics (taking care of natural resources). I have volunteered for the American Red Cross at their first aid service stations at public events. I believe in giving back to the community wherever I can.

There is no fee for the initial consultation. I believe that everyone should be able to talk with an attorney free until they are able to find an attorney with whom they feel comfortable .
While many cases are similar, all retainers are determined on a case by case basis. These retainers will be fully discussed before legal services are rendered.

A clear understanding of fees is an important element of a good attorney-client relationship. Fees are discussed and agreed upon before legal services are rendered. Payment plans can be negotiated.
I charge hourly fees in complex cases that require extraordinary research or investigation.