Hickman, William S.

Mr. Sears concentrates his practice in the areas of criminal defense and personal injury litigation. As a criminal defense attorney in New York City for over 25 years, Mr. Sears has represented clients in a wide variety of cases, including murder, armed robbery and other crimes of violence, drug conspiracies, street level drug sales, sexual assault and family violence, as well as white collar, fraud and money laundering cases. He represents clients both at the trial level and on appeal, and is active in both NYS and Federal jurisdictions. In conjunction with his criminal practice, Mr. Sears also represents clients in civil rights, false arrest and police brutality cases.

With degrees from Princeton University and Columbia University Law School, several years as a prosecutor in New York City, and 25 years in private practice, Mr. Sears brings to his clients' cases a unique combination of education, training and experience. Mr. Sears gives each client, and each case, his personal attention at every stage of the proceedings, from initial consultation through arraignment, motion practice, plea discussion, trial and appeal. A client is never given over to an associate or less experienced attorney. Having both prosecuted as well as defended criminal cases, Mr. Sears has an intimate understanding of the methods and practices of his courtroom adversaries, enabling him to more effectively fight for his clients and prepare the defense.

Among Mr. Sears's distinctions are his certification as lead counsel under the NYS death penalty statute, his appointment to the Homicide Panel of the Assigned Counsel Plan, his appointment to the Central Screening Committee of the Assigned Counsel Plan by the Presiding Justice of the NYS Appellate Division in the First Department, and his appearance as guest lecturer in Trial Practice at both Colombia University and Fordham University law schools. Mr. Sears is a member of the New York State Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys.

In addition to an active criminal practice, Mr. Sears represents clients in select personal injury cases, both in State and Federal Court, and has obtained judgment in excess of $1 million dollars.

Mr. Sears is a member of the NYS Bar, and is admitted to practice in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York, United States Court of Appeals for the Southern District of New York, and the Supreme Court of the United States.