I try criminal cases to juries. I try civil cases to juries. I've argued appeals. Many lawyers who advertise on the internet and on Lawyergist have never done any of these things. When considering hiring a criminal lawyer, you should always ask: "How many jury trials have you tried?" If your lawyer can try cases, he or she can settle cases. If your lawyer doesn't or can't try cases, you and your attorney will have to do what the prosecutor or the attorney on the other side is willing to agree to. That usually means you have no choice but to plead guilty or apply for a probationary program, which your lawyer that you found on the Internet will tell you is "great."

It's that simple. Get a real criminal lawyer and get defended. 

To be Board Certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, an attorney has to prove she or he has tried at least 50 felony cases. He has to take a full day written exam. He's got to take continuing legal education. Judges before whom he's appeared have to recommend him.  I am Board Certified in Trial Advocacy/Criminal Advocacy, and have been so since 1997. Very few criminal attorneys in Fairfield County are Board Certified. 

About our firm: Since 1992 Philip Russell LLC has been providing legal services, primarily in the fields of criminal /civil litigation. The firm also serves as trial or litigation counsel for lawyers and law firms which specialize in other areas of practice and find themselves in need of assistance for a particular matter.
  In addition to Certification in Trial Advocacy by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, I enjoy a peer rating of AV (highest) from Martindale Hubbell. Prior to 1992, I worked in the District Attorney's Office of Bronx County Rackets Bureau and a midsized Fairfield County law firm.

Mr. Russell has tried more than 80 jury trials to verdict, and has been successful in obtaining acquittals in felony cases and victories in civil, civil rights, and personal injury claims. Attorney Russell's trial skills and his willingness to go to trial has worked to avoid trials for scores of other satisfied clients.

The firm's associates have distinguished themselves academically and professionally.

Andrew Gould has substantial experience with criminal proceedings from arraignment through disposition. He is admitted to practice in the State of Connecticut, Massachussetts, and New York.

Catherine Keenan, a second generation Greenwich attorney, has litigated a variety of civil and administrative matters, briefed complex legal and appellate cases, and has been successul against some of Connecticut's largest firms and best known litigators. 

In addition, the firm has represented professionals in disciplinary and licensing cases. This includes lawyers, doctors, engineers, insurance and real estate agents. The firm has also defended regulated businesses including banks, pharmacies, etc. before state and federal agencies. In all these matters, diligent investigation, first class research and writing, and the firm's reputation for zealous advocacy make a difference. 

The firm has had good results in a variety of criminal matters including homicide prosecutions, assault cases, financial crimes, tax cases and sex crimes, as well as vehicular offenses. On the civil side, the firm has defended and prosecuted civil claims in every local forum including federal and state court, and probate court,before state and federal regulatory agencies, and in arbitrations and mediations.