Criminal Defense & DWI

John L. Pacht, Robert W. Katims, and Nancy J. Waples have represented numerous clients in criminal matters in Vermont and New York City for more than sixty years combined. They have handled complex and more routine criminal defense cases on both the federal and state levels. Our criminal defense attorneys have defended some of the most high profile criminal matters in the state. Their clients include politicians, bank presidents and employees, business owners, CFO’s, executives, nurses and caregivers as well as every day citizens and hundreds and hundreds of students. They have special expertise in defending clients charged with violent crimes, such as assaults, sex offenses and murder, including indictments seeking to impose the death penalty. The firm’s attorneys have extensive experience in defending DWI, drug-related, and gun-trafficking offenses. The firm has represented many individuals charged in complex bank, telemarketing, and health-care fraud and embezzlement cases.

While our criminal defense attorneys are extremely experienced litigators, they also have strong appellate backgrounds in both state and federal courts. They have filed briefs and/or argued in the Vermont Supreme Court, United States District and Circuit Courts and, finally, the United States Supreme Court.

In addition, members of our criminal defense team have been frequent lecturers and panelists on trial practice before the Vermont Bar Association and the Vermont Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. Mr. Pacht is a founding member of VACDL and along with Ms. Waples a Past President of the organization. The entire team continues to be part of the executive leadership of the Association. Mr. Pacht, Mr. Katims and Ms. Waples are all active members of the National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys.