Best Criminal Lawyer in Vermont
MARK A. KAPLAN
Criminal Lawyer
Mark, one of the founders of KAPLAN AND KAPLAN, is widely recognized as one of the leading criminal attorneys in the state of Vermont. Mark has extensive experience in federal and state criminal law and has represented individuals on a wide range of charges from drug-related offenses, white collar crimes, child pornography, sexual assault, DUI, and robbery. For the past 38 years, Mark has dedicated himself and his time to helping people by improving their quality of life. He acknowledges the profound responsibility he feels for his clients in a complicated and often difficult judicial system and considers it the greatest compliment to hear that his clients feel, “secure having me represent them.”
Mark began his legal career in 1972 when he was admitted to the Vermont bar following his graduation from Boston College School of Law. Returning to his home state of Vermont with his wife, Judy, and their young son, Robert, Mark eventually joined his father’s law firm. The decade that followed led Mark in a direction he would consider a parallel and equally rewarding path to that of practicing law— politics. From the Burlington Board of Alderman and Human Service Board, to the Vermont House of Representatives, to the Vermont State Senate, and finally as Chairman of the state’s Democratic party, Mark enjoyed this opportunity to serve the state of Vermont and devote his time and energy to the political process.
In March, 1983, Mark returned to the private sector forming his own firm with partner, Paul Jarvis. Together, Jarvis and Kaplan committed a majority of their time to resolving criminal cases, both federal and state. Mark is highly regarded for his integrity and ability to see and understand the issues and respond appropriately. He is known to be a thorough defense attorney who cares about his clients. He is dedicated to examining the issues and skillfully leading his clients to an outcome that is fair and reasonable. In working with people from all backgrounds and walks of life, Mark has a keen ability to stay above the fray and treat everyone with the same regard and respect. Mark is the past president of the ACLU-VT and originator of the Vermont Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. He is a member of the Chittenden County and Vermont Bar Associations, and the Vermont Criminal Rules Advisory Committee, as well as a past member of the Federal Defender Services Advisory Committee. Additionally, Mark has presented training seminars for Vermont attorneys handling federal criminal cases at the request of the Court Administrators Office in Washington, DC. Mark is admitted to practice in Vermont, U.S. District Court for the District of Vermont, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York, U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York and the U.S. Second Circuit Court of Appeals.
Away from the office, Mark lives in Burlington with his wife Judy. He has two grown children, Robert and Marcy, both of whom, he is proud to report have also become practicing attorneys. He enjoys reading , sailing, and spending time with his grandchildren
Steven J Howard
Criminal Lawyer
Steven J Howard has been involved in the law for more than two decades. He started 30 years ago as a paralegal with a local firm, and eventually read for the law. In 2002, after passing the Bar examination on his first try, he began practicing in the fields of family law, DCF, and criminal law. With his over 20 years of experience, Mr. Howard brings a realistic and practical approach to his representation of his clients. He will stand by your case.
A Hands-On and Dedicated Attorney
“Don’t face the courtroom alone. I am a hands-on attorney with more than 20 years of experience and can provide the objective and practical guidance your case needs. You can depend on my legal representation for all of your divorce, juvenile, and criminal attorney needs. I am a self-starting, dedicated, and an effective communicator, and have learned my trade from the ground up.”
Paul D. Jarvis
Criminal Lawyer
Paul Jarvis has been a practicing Vermont Bar attorney since 1972. From 1972 to 1975, Attorney Jarvis served as a prosecutor in the Chittenden County State’s Attorney Office. He went into private practice in 1975 and has developed extensive knowledge and focus on criminal defense law, DUI cases, personal injury, and family law. In 1982, Attorney Jarvis became a partner in the firm of Jarvis and Kaplan. In 2008, he formed the firm of Jarvis and McArthur. In 2011, David Williams joined Paul Jarvis and Brooks McArthur, establishing Jarvis, McArthur & Williams. In 2023, Attorney Jarvis established Paul Jarvis Law.
Attorney Jarvis has decades of courtroom and trial experiences, and he has argued numerous cases at the Vermont Supreme Court. On many occasions, he has been asked to serve as an acting judge in the Vermont Superior Court Chittenden Criminal and Family Divisions. Attorney Jarvis is considered one of the most effective advocates for clients facing serious felony and misdemeanor criminal and DUI charges in the Vermont courts. Attorney Jarvis represents clients in a multitude of family law proceedings, including divorce, parental rights and responsibilities, parentage cases, CHINS proceedings, and juvenile cases.
Attorney Jarvis graduated from the University of Vermont in 1969 cum laude and Boston College Law School in 1972. Attorney Jarvis was also inducted as a member of Phi Beta Kappa in 1969.
Jessica Burke
Criminal Lawyer
Attorney Jessica Burke founded Burke Law in 2011. Attorney Burke has successfully defended major felonies (including murder, child sexual assault, and rape). She also has a strong reputation for effective DUI defense throughout Vermont. Attorney Burke is the current Vice Chair of the Vermont Judicial Nominating Board. Attorney Burke holds one of eight Serious Felony Unit contracts through the Office of the Vermont Defender General. These contracts are reserved for Vermont’s most serious criminal offenses.
Education
- Boston College
- Washington and Lee University School of Law
Bar Associations
- State Bar of Massachusetts
- State Bar of New Hampshire
- State Bar of Vermont
- State Bar of Virginia
Specialties
- Sex crimes
- DUIs & OUIs
- Drug Charges
- Possession
- Distribution
- Violent Crime
Jordan Handy
Criminal Lawyer
C. Jordan Handy is a litigation attorney practicing in all areas of criminal law, including DUI defense and criminal cases. He aggressively fights for the rights of his clients, carefully analyzing all pieces of evidence in every case. Before entering law school, Jordan received his Bachelor of Science in Finance from Franklin Pierce University. While attending FPU, he was president of the Law Club and an active member of the Student Government. Jordan earned his law degree from Vermont Law School in May, 2011.
While attending Vermont Law, Jordan was a member of the Student Bar Association where he advocated for students rights. Additionally, Jordan won the Constitutional Law Brief competition in his first year of law school, and won the Appellate Brief competition during his second year.
Prior to opening a solo practice as the Law Office of C. Jordan Handy, Esq., Jordan worked for a private law firm in Burlington handling criminal and personal injury cases. His cases ranged from first-degree murder charges to drunk driving and injuries resulting from car accidents. Jordan has also Law Clerked for the Chittenden County State’s Attorneys Office.
David Sleigh
Criminal Lawyer
David began practicing in the NEK as a Public Defender in August, 1983. He opened the firm, now known as Sleigh Law, in 1991. Over the last 38 years, he’s tried hundreds of jury cases, civil and criminal, in the Courts of several States and Federal Districts. Those trials include numerous acquittals in cases involving homicide, sexual assault, domestic assault and DWI. Notably, his DWI advocacy has forced the State to gain accreditation for its Blood/Breath alcohol program, revealed faulty scientific practices of the Lab, and compelled the Lab to change the way it expresses breath alcohol concentration in a way more favorable to the accused
His successes at the Vermont Supreme Court have included rulings that expanded an accused’s rights against self-incrimination, unlawful search and unreasonable seizure beyond criminal cases to include civil cases. Recently, he persuaded the Court to recognize a private right of action for patients to sue health providers for breach of confidentiality.Nationally, he and his friend and former college baseball teammate, Peter Coladacci, helped create a right of action for prisoners to sue prison doctors for medical malpractice.
For over 10 years, he and Robert Gensburg, advocated for Guantanamo Bay detainee, Abdul Zahir, finally pressuring the United States to admit that imprisonment of Mr. Zahir was unjustified and predicated upon mistaken identity. The common thread connecting all these cases is David’s commitment to the rights and dignity of individuals against the unjust actions of the powerful.
JASON SAWYER
Criminal Lawyer
A DUI or criminal charge can be extremely stressful. You may be wondering what the next steps are and where you should turn for the assistance you need. There is hope after a DUI or criminal arrest and attorney Jason Sawyer can help you. He is an exceptionally trained Vermont DUI defense lawyer with more than 200 hours of DUI defense instruction from attending numerous DUI defense seminars nationwide. He is a former president of the Vermont Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and has been hired by other lawyers as an expert witness in DUI defense in post-conviction relief matters.
Jason Sawyer can represent you in your DUI case to ensure that you have the best opportunity for success. Over the past 20 years, he has represented hundreds of clients in DUI cases with commitment, dedication, and skill. As one of the only Vermont firms dedicated to DUI defense, you can expect the most successful outcome for your DUI case.
If you or a loved one is facing a DUI or other charge in Vermont, don’t hesitate to call Jason Sawyer today for a free consultation. Just one telephone call can make all the difference in the outcome of your DUI or criminal case.
Stefan Ricci
Criminal Lawyer
Stefan is a partner with Martin Delaney & Ricci Law Group and runs the firm’s Windsor, VT office. He practices law with an emphasis on plaintiff’s personal injury.
Stefan grew up in Bellows Falls and is a fifth-generation Vermonter. After high school, he relocated to Southeast Alaska where he lived for well over a decade. Before returning to Vermont to attend law school, Stefan spent many years commercial fishing in the Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska. When not at sea, he worked as a residential carpenter and rock and ice-climbing instructor.
Stefan is a graduate of the University of Alaska Southeast in Juneau, Alaska and holds a Bachelor of Arts. He earned his Juris Doctorate from Vermont Law School. As a law student, Stefan represented Vermont Law as a member of its Jessup International Moot Court Team and served on the Student Senate. He completed an internship with the New Hampshire Public Defender, and a semester in practice with the South Royalton Legal Clinic, where he aided clients with family and immigration law issues.
Professional Memberships and Organizations
- The Vermont Bar Association
- The American Bar Association
- The Vermont Association for Justice
- Licensed to practice in Vermont and Vermont U.S. District Court
Having a good criminal lawyer in Vermont can provide numerous benefits if you are facing criminal charges. Here are some of the key advantages:
Legal Expertise: A skilled criminal lawyer possesses in-depth knowledge of Vermont’s criminal laws and the legal system. They understand the complexities of criminal cases and can provide expert guidance throughout the legal process.
Protection of Rights: A competent criminal lawyer will ensure that your constitutional rights are protected. They will analyze the evidence, review police procedures, and challenge any violations of your rights, such as illegal searches or coerced confessions.
Case Assessment and Strategy: A good criminal lawyer will thoroughly assess your case, identify its strengths and weaknesses, and develop an effective defense strategy. They will explore all possible legal avenues, such as negotiating plea bargains or seeking alternative sentencing options.
Evidence Gathering and Investigation: A skilled criminal lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation to collect evidence that supports your defense. They may hire private investigators, interview witnesses, analyze forensic evidence, or challenge the prosecution’s evidence.
Negotiation Skills: Criminal lawyers are experienced negotiators who can engage with prosecutors to seek favorable outcomes for their clients. They may negotiate reduced charges, lighter sentences, or alternative sentencing options, depending on the circumstances of the case.
Courtroom Representation: If your case goes to trial, having a competent criminal lawyer by your side is crucial. They will present your case in court, cross-examine witnesses, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and advocate for your innocence or the mitigation of penalties.
Emotional Support: Dealing with a criminal charge can be highly stressful and emotionally draining. A good criminal lawyer not only provides legal representation but also offers support and reassurance throughout the process, helping you navigate the challenges and uncertainties.
Minimized Penalties: A skilled criminal lawyer will work diligently to minimize the potential penalties you may face if convicted. They may argue for reduced charges, seek alternative sentencing options, or present mitigating factors that can lead to lighter sentences.
Knowledge of Legal System and Processes: Criminal lawyers are well-versed in the Vermont legal system and understand the court procedures. They can guide you through the complex legal maze, ensuring that you meet all necessary deadlines, file the required documents, and adhere to court protocols.
Higher Chance of Success: Overall, having a good criminal lawyer significantly increases your chances of achieving a favorable outcome in your case. Their expertise, experience, and dedication to your defense can make a substantial difference in the final result.
Remember that each case is unique, and outcomes can vary depending on various factors. It’s essential to consult with a qualified criminal lawyer in Vermont to assess your specific situation and determine the best course of action.