Top Best Criminal Appeals Lawyers | 33388 Available

David Maldonado has successfully defended numerous clients charged with DUI, Drug Offenses, and multiple other criminal charges.  He is the founder and owner of Maldonado Law, PLLC which maintains two offices: Missoula and Butte, MT.  He maintains an active personal injury caseload representing people on first and third party insurance claims for those individuals that suffered bodily injury as the result of car crashes.  Additionally, David maintains an appellate practice and a limited family law practice. With multiple jury trials and appeals, David has the experience, ability, and skill to be a strong advocate for his clients.

Miva VanEngen is a Montana native.  She has a passion for helping others in a time of crises and rises to the occassion when met with adversity.

Brian Smith is a 1997 graduate of the University of Montana School of Law. He was initially admitted to the North Dakota and Minnesota State Bars in 1997 and admitted in Montana in 1998. (Two bar exams at a time was enough.) He did not keep North Dakota and Minnesota Bar licenses but is admitted in all State and Federal Courts in Montana. In the over twenty years that Brian has been in practice he has spent about half the time in private practice and the other half in the trenches as a full time public defender, both for the State of Montana and the County of Missoula. He is a member of the Federal Criminal Justice Act panel.. Brian is also a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the Montana Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the American Bar Association, and the National Association for Public Defense. He is a Trustee/Officer for the State Bar of Montana and a member of the State Bar Technology Committee.  The Montana Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers named him co-Lawyer of the Year in 2014.. Brian is currently working for the Montana Office of the State Public Defender as the Public Defender Division Administrator.

With over a decade of experience as a public defender prior to starting his own practice, Ryan Peabody has the knowledge and skill to represent you no matter the charges and allegations the government levels at you. Mr. Peabody has tried jury trials ranging from Murder, sex crimes, Robbery, Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Extortion, to DUI (felonies and misdemeanors; drugs and/or alcohol), domestic violence, drug offenses and many others.Mr. Peabody has had great success defending DUI cases, having earned numerous Not Guilty verdicts for his clients. He has also obtained at least two hung juries in DUI cases in which the prosecution dismissed all charges after trial. He has earned Not Guilty verdicts or dismissals after a hung jury for cases involving only alcohol, cases involving only drugs, and a combination of alcohol and drugs. Mr. Peabody has also obtained many dismissals in DUI cases through motions to suppress evidence. These ranged from the police taking the blood of his client without a warrant and without an exception to the requirement that they obtain a warrant, to cases where they did not have the necessary reasonable suspicion to effectuate a traffic stop. He has even had multiple motions to suppress that were denied by the trial judge reversed by the appellate division of the Santa Barbara County Superior Court resulting in all charges being dismissed. He also defeated prosecution appeals of motions to suppress that were granted in favor of his client, also resulting in all charges being dismissed.In City of Kalispell v. Salsgiver, 2019 MT 126, Mr. Peabody brought about systemic change in the state of Montana when he went to the Montana Supreme Court to successfully challenge the unconstitutional practice, that was pervasive throughout the state, of stripping misdemeanor defendants of their Sixth Amendment right to trial by jury if they missed a court date. He did this after having lost in the trial court and then with the intermediate appellate court. The appellate division of the Montana Public Defender’s Office refused to argue the practice was unconstitutional believing it would be unsuccessful, so Mr. Peabody handled the appeal to the Supreme Court himself and prevailed with a 5 to 2 majority. In that same opinion, the Montana Supreme Court also reversed one of its prior decisions to the advantage of his client.Mr. Peabody taught law students Criminal Procedure as an Adjunct Professor at the Southern California Institute of Law from 2014 to 2015. The class focused on the Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Eighth, and Fourteenth Amendments to the United States Constitution. He has attended the National Criminal Defense College’s Trial Practice Institute in Macon, Georgia. He has previously worked as a public defender in the South Lake Tahoe branch of the El Dorado County Public Defender’s Office as well as Santa Barbara County, Lassen County, and the state of Montana.  He is an active member of the Montana state bar.  He is licensed to practice law in all California state courts as well as the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California and is an inactive member of the Colorado state bar. He is a graduate of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and the University of Oregon School of Law.

Donald L. Blaszka, Jr. focuses his practice primarily in the areas of criminal defense/motor vehicle matters, DWI/DUI cases and business matters in New Hampshire and Massachusetts.  Don is admitted to practice in New Hampshire and Massachusetts and United States District Court of New Hampshire.. Don grew up in Southern New Hampshire and attended St. John's Preparatory School in Danvers, Massachusetts.  Don graduated from Lehigh University with a Bachelor of Arts in History and Government in 1996 and received his J.D. from Suffolk University Law School in 1999.. Don also has been an Instuctor at Franklin Pierce University since 2001 teaching Criminal Law, Courts and Criminal Procedure, Tort Law, Litigation, Business Law and Legal Writing & Analysis.

BIOGRAPHY. David Haynes is an experienced general attorney, with over 30 years of private, military and commercial aviation experience. Headquartered in Methuen, Massachusetts, the Law Offices of David Haynes strive to provide effective, efficient and quality legal services to a diverse body of clients with a personal touch. After graduating from Arizona State University, David was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the US Marine Corps. There, he attended flight school and flew a variety of fighter aircraft for 15 years in both active duty and reserves.. While attending the Massachusetts School of Law, David’s years of aviation experience put him first in line for an internship at a top ranked Boston law firm where he would assist the head of the firm in handling a broad spectrum of aviation accidents against aircraft manufacturers and air carriers.  Since being admitted to practice, David has concentrated his practice in the area of criminal defense work to include: Felonies and Misdemeanors; OUI / DWI Law; Drug Crimes; Violent Crimes; Sex Crimes; White Colar Crime; Fraud and Embezzlement; Theft; Shoplifiting; RMV Licensing Issues; Immigration; Internet Sex Crimes; State Drug Crimes; Federal Drug Crimes; Child Endangerment; Harassment and Stalking; Robbery; Burgulary; Murder; Attempted Murder; Manslaughter; Kidnapping; Assault and Battery; Resisting Arrest; Extradition Hearings; Auto Theft.. David is a panel member of the Essex County Bar Advocates providing criminal defense and advocacy for court appointed clinets in Essex County Massachusetts.  Licensed to practice in both Massachusetts and New Hampshire, David has has provided representation to clients in criminal defense cases in both State and Federal Court.. PRO BONO ACTIVITIES. David routinely gives his time to benefit those in need of legal assistance who are in the unfortunate position of not being able to afford legal representation. Realizing that there are a number of individuals in society that do not have a voice in matters of potentially serious consequence, David, in his legal practice has devoted a great deal of his time to assisting those in such need. Particularly in the areas of criminal defense.

Attorney Dennis J. Kurdek spent the first 27 years of his career serving the public as a federal law enforcement agent.  Inspired by a desire to help others, Mr. Kurdek attended law school in the evening and founded Kurdek Law Office, PLLC.  Mr. Kurdek acknowledges that costs associated with traditional legal services prevent many that should seek legal services from doing so.  He is committed to working with you to provide the legal guidance you need within the framework of your budget.. Mr. Kurdek graduated from the Massachusetts School of Law, Cum Laude, and is admitted to practice in New Hampshire and Massachusetts.

Attorney John Edward Durkin is someone clients can trust. Credited as a "competent and knowledgeable legal counselor," he was admitted to the New Hampshire Bar in 1995 and has received many legal accolades, including being ranked one of the Top New Hampshire Lawyers for four consecutive years, and being a multiple-time recipient of the American Jurisprudence Award in Criminal Procedure, Commercial Transactions, and Wills, Trusts and Estates.

So many lawyers today, just want to “bleed you then plead you” Not us!. Our reputation is more important to us than your money. We have fought for our reputation by fighting for our clients.  We provide the aggressive DWI/DUI defense you need to stand up to your charges, in and out of court. Because we focus on DWI & DUI, we have the skill and knowledge to create a solid defense that always makes YOU the priority.

I am a dedicated criminal defense & persoanl injury lawyer serving all of New Hampshire and Massachusetts.. I have tried cases in First Degree Murder, Second Degree Murder, Bank Robberies, First Degree Assault, Federal Drug Conspiracies and much more throughout New Hampshire and Massachusetts.. I have also successfully settled car accident, dog bite, sexual assault or slip and fall injury cases.. Born in Haverhill, Massachusetts and raised in Manchester, New Hampshire.  He attended the University of New Hampshire where he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree.  Following college, Attorney Monteith attended the Franklin Pierce Law Center, now the UNH School of Law.  After law school in 1992, Attorney Monteith worked for a short period of time for the Providence Rhode Island Public Defenders.  Thereafter, he entered private practice solely representing the accused.. Having graduated from Gerry Spence's Trial Lawyer's College, a unique and fantastic experience devoted to the people's lawyers, he has learned at the feet of America's best trial lawyer. In addition, he is the defense attorney featured in the true crime novel "Because You Loved Me" by M. William Phelps; a murder case in Nashua involving two teenagers.. If you are facing criminal charges. I encourage you to call me today. You are innocent until proven otherwise. I will fight to prove your innocence!. Call me todayfor a free consultation..

Bonnie is an experienced trial attorney in Family Law and Criminal Law. Before joining Connoly Law, PLLC, she spent over a decade with the New Hampshire Public Defender defending misdemeanor and felony clients facing state criminal prosecutions for charges like Arson, Homicide, 1st Degree Assault and Drug Sales. Bonnie's Family Law areas of practice include Parenting Petitions and Divorce. When not working, Bonnie enjoys volunteering coaching youth sports, serving as the Treasurer of the NHAJ Board of Governors, and serving as the assistant moderator during local and federal elections.

I represent clients in all types of criminal cases. In my 33 years of practice I have represented many clients in New Hampshire circuit courts, superior courts, the New Hampshire Supreme Court, Federal District Court and Federal Circuit Court. I have also represented clients in civil (medical malpractice, personal injury, real estate) and criminal matters in New York State. I have briefed and argued many cases at the New Hampshire Supreme Court and in the appellate courts of New York.

Jeff Odland specializes in state and federal criminal defense as well as civil litigation. A native of Connecticut, Attorney Odland has practiced in New Hampshire since 2008. In that time, Jeff has represented thousands of New Hampshire residents during their most difficult and trying times. A skilled trial lawyer, Jeff has brought serious cases to verdict in the New Hampshire Superior Courts resulting in favorable verdicts for his clients. He has trained other lawyers in trial skills, the rules of evidence, constitutional law and the art of cross-examination.. Jeff received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Hamilton College in 2003 and his Juris Doctor from Northeastern University School of Law in 2008. Prior to joining Wadleigh, he was employed at the New Hampshire Public Defender program for more than a decade. He is admitted to practice law in New Hampshire and Massachusetts (inactive status) state courts and the New Hampshire Federal District Court.. Jeff currently serves as the President of the New Hampshire Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers as well as a member of the Federal Court Advisory Committee.

Attorney Arnold represents commercial and individual clients in District and Superior courts, and has also represented organizational clients before state regulatory authorities and the New Hampshire Supreme Court. He served on the city council of New Hampshire's largest city from 2009 until 2014, Attorney Arnold utilizes his experience in the government and nonprofit sectors to effectively represent the interests of clients throughout southern New Hampshire, and focuses his practice in the areas of busines law, criminal defense, landlord/tenant law, and civil litigation.

Experience when you need it most. Since 1984 I have been representing and protecting accused persons from the enormous power of the government. My practice includes the representation of accused persons in federal and state courts on every type of criminal charge. I have also been privileged to serve the legal profession. I was president of the New Hampshire Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NHACDL) for six years. I continue to serve on the Board of Directors for NHACDL. I also served on the Board of Directors of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) for six years. I continue to serve NACDL as the Chair or Co-Chair of several NACDL committees.

I represent clients in all areas of criminal law including DWIs, assaults, domestic violence, sexual assault/consent, possession or sale of drugs, entrapment, racial profiling, false confessions, theft, motor vehicle offenses, juvenile charges, major crimes, sexual assaults and homicides.. I have 30 years of experience in criminal law which includes appearing in courts throughout the state, including federal district court.  I have been lead counsel in numerous high profile cases.. I also have have extensive experience in post-conviction work including motions to suspend sentences, sentence review hearings, motions for a new trial and claims of ineffective assistance of trial counsel as well as experience in prisoners' rights litigation.. I have helped clients who are suffering from mental health issues get the dignity and justice that they deserve.

Jim is a Partner at Shaheen & Gordon, P.A. and the Chair of its Criminal Defense Practice Group.. A native of Concord, New Hampshire, Jim brings substantial courtroom experience to Shaheen & Gordon’s litigation team, focusing his practice in the areas of criminal defense, white-collar defense, and DWI / DUI defense. He defends clients in a range of criminal cases throughout state and federal courts, often taking on difficult and well-publicized criminal cases. Through his straightforward and aggressive approach to courtroom work, Jim regularly earns victories for clients in matters large and small. He assists clients in mitigating the stigmatizing impact of criminal charges through effective negotiations and, when those negotiations reach an impasse, Jim tries his cases, regularly winning not-guilty verdicts after bench and jury trials. He has extensive trial experience in New Hampshire’s District and Superior Courts. He has successfully argued several appeals before the New Hampshire Supreme Court and the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. He defends major crimes and minor offenses, representing clients in cases involving homicide, vehicular homicide, assault, sexual assault, public integrity matters, computer crimes, drug possession and drug distribution, theft, pornography, impaired driving, and DWI / DUI, as well as a range of motor vehicle offenses.. Jim has been repeatedly recognized for his outstanding work as a criminal defense lawyer. Since 2015, Best Lawyers in America and New Hampshire Magazine have named Jim among the top attorneys in New Hampshire in the areas of General Criminal Defense, White-Collar Criminal Defense, and DUI / DWI Defense. In fact, he is the ONLY criminal defense attorney in New Hampshire named by Best Lawyers in all three of these criminal defense categories. Jim was named “Lawyer of the Year” five times: 2024 (Criminal Defense: General Practice), 2023 (Criminal Defense: White-Collar), 2022 (Criminal Defense: General Practice), 2020 (Criminal Defense: White-Collar), and 2018 (Criminal Defense: White-Collar). These unique distinctions are in addition to his several industry honors for his criminal defense and DUI / DWI work. He was named to the Super Lawyers Rising Star List in Criminal Defense from 2008-2014, a list that includes only 2.5 percent of lawyers in New Hampshire. In 2015, he was promoted to the Super Lawyers List in Criminal Defense, an honor that has repeated itself for 9 years, between 2015-2018 and 2020-2024. Only 5% of lawyers in New Hampshire qualify. AVVO gave Jim its highest rating, a 10.0.. Jim has been honored for his commitment to New Hampshire’s legal community. In 2024, the Mayor of the City of Concord named Jim to the City’s Board of Ethics. In 2010, Governor Lynch appointed him to the Judicial Selection Commission, which is responsible for interviewing, investigating, and recommending candidates to the Governor to fill state court judicial vacancies. In 2013, Governor Hassan promoted him to serve as the Co-Chair of the Judicial Selection Commission, making him responsible for managing the Commission, a position he occupied through 2016. In 2005, the Union Leader named him to its 40 Under 40 list – an annual collection of the State’s “young leaders” selected by the State’s only newspaper of statewide circulation.. Prior to joining the firm, Jim served for four years as an Assistant Attorney General in the Criminal Justice Bureau of the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office. As a prosecutor, he appeared in every Superior Court in New Hampshire, tried several white-collar, theft, and homicide cases, and routinely argued appellate cases before the New Hampshire Supreme Court. At the Attorney General’s Office, Jim was ultimately assigned to the Homicide Unit where he was one of five prosecutors responsible for the investigation and prosecution of all murder cases, statewide.. Jim began his legal career with the law firm of Testa, Hurwitz, and Thibeault in Boston, Massachusetts where he served in the litigation department and represented corporate clients in white-collar criminal matters, intellectual property disputes, and employment cases.