Criminal Law

Being charged with a crime is one of the most stressful and challenging events that can happen to a person. Conviction of any crime, whether felony or misdemeanor, can carry significant penalties, including incarceration and fines. Even outcomes short of a conviction, however, can bring harsh and long-term consequences including loss of driver's license, effects on employment, and impairment of one's immigration status.

Hiring experienced defense counsel is essential for anyone charged with a crime. On occasion people wish to admit sufficient facts to a criminal case to end it quickly, but the effects of doing so can last for many years and in some cases for a lifetime. For example, pleading guilty or admitting sufficient facts to a charge of driving under the influence of intoxicating liquor stays on a person's record for their lifetime and results in any subsequent arrest for the same offense, regardless of how many years have elapsed, being charged and punished as a second offense.

Attorney Dawley has handled thousands of criminal cases. He carefully assesses each case and discusses the options available to the client. In every case the goal is the same: to achieve the best possible outcome for the client.  Once charged with a crime a criminal defendant stands against the government and its determination and its mandate to prosecute and punish. The criminal defense attorney is the guardian of that person's rights and liberty, a defendant's best chance to achieve an outcome that is just. Attorney Dawley takes that role very seriously, and does everything possible to ensure that the client's case is brought to a fair and just conclusion.