Finkenbinder, Charles

As a former felony prosecutor, I understand the intricacies of the criminal justice system, having worked “on the inside” for several years.  I successfully prosecuted hundreds of felony cases as a prosecutor, working with police, crime technicians, and other witnesses, and now I am able to put that experience to work for my clients who find themselves on the other side of the law.  I can explain every step of the process to my clients, including constitutional and legal rights of the accused person, how prosecutors make the initial charging decision, the standards that law enforcement are required to follow, the rules prosecutors are required to follow, how the plea bargain process works, and trial.

From my previous experience as an administrative law judge in the child abuse system, I understand the decision-making that ultimately determines the outcome of cases.  Along with my jury trial experience, this knowledge gives me the ability to explain likely scenarios to my client, if a case does go to trial, and to take the necessary steps to ensure a successful outcome.  Contrary to what television shows portray, trials are won or lost before the trial ever starts.  More often than not, the lawyer who is well-prepared for trial is the lawyer who wins at trial.  My goal, in every case, is to gain a thorough understanding of all the facts and to explain to the prosecutor why those facts support dismissing the charges.

 If the case goes to trial, that same understanding provides me the ability to show the judge or jury the entire story of what happened, instead of just the prosecutor’s version.   If a charge cannot be dismissed before trial, and if we end up trying the case to a judge or jury, I make sure I am far better prepared than the prosecutor, and that makes all the difference.

Being arrested and charged with a crime is one of the most frightening experiences a person can experience.  The criminal justice system is complicated, and it is easy to get lost in the system, which can be frustrating as you try to answer the question “what’s going to happen to me now?”   Having a knowledgeable and experienced attorney at your side from the earliest stages of the case will provide the answers to the questions you will naturally have.  Aggressive legal defense can often be the difference between a good outcome and a bad one.