When your future’s on the line, only the best will do. That’s why, if government investigators and prosecutors start sticking their noses in your business, you need the best criminal defense lawyer to defend you.
Surveying all the lawyers in America and the various top 100 lists, many criminal defense attorneys might seem to fit this bill. But to find a lawyer, and especially the best one for you, the type of crime being alleged is particularly important. That’s because attorneys have different areas of specialization.
For white-collar cases, and especially those involving the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Kevin J. O’Brien, a founding partner of Ford O’Brien Landy LLP, stands out from the pack. When you need to find a trial lawyer who has mastered this branch of law, arguably there are none better.
Kevin J. O’Brien: Top criminal defense lawyer
With over 40 years of experience in the practice of law, including a stint as Assistant US Attorney in the Eastern District of New York, O’Brien knows how to make the criminal justice system work for you. That’s what makes him such an effective defense attorney.
“I have a background in the Department of Justice,” O’Brien says. “I understand how it works. I can get in the heads of prosecutors because I know what they are looking for. That’s why I can strategize more effectively and build the strongest, most substantive case.”
According to O’Brien, the skillful application of the law entails much more than simply understanding legal concepts. It also involves much more than just helping defendants understand their legal rights and options. To win cases, a skilled criminal defense attorney needs to gauge the personalities and dynamics of all the people involved — everyone from the opposing counsel to the judge and members of the jury — as accurately as possible.
“It helps to know the players in any given case,” O’Brien explains. “When you have experience with the judges, you know what ways of appealing to them are going to be the most successful. When you understand how jurors think, you can give your client the best possible defense. For instance, humor can be a great way to help people relate to your client.”
Practice area overview of Kevin J. O’Brien’s defense law
Indeed, O’Brien possesses so much insight into the inner workings of criminal defense law that he has become a go-to expert source on civil and criminal legal matters for major publications like Westlaw Today, Reuters Legal, and Law360. His commentary on federal investigations, federal criminal cases, and criminal prosecutions has also appeared in Bloomberg, BBC News, The Guardian, and other prominent news outlets.
O’Brien’s typically represents people who face government investigations and possible action by regulatory agencies such as the SEC, the FDA, FINRA, and the FDIC. For instance, he served as lead to win a full acquittal for Platinum Chief Financial Officer Joseph SanFilippo, who had faced five felony counts for alleged fraud. O’Brien also helped Michael Rigas, a former executive of Adelphia Communications, obtain multiple acquittals on some counts and a hung jury on the rest.
“I’m on a mission to help people clear their names,” O’Brien says. “When the judge reads the verdict, and your client reclaims their rightful reputation — it’s incredibly satisfying. Those are the best moments.”
Kevin J. O’Brien: The right attorney for your defense
When facing criminal charges, it’s normal to feel anxious. No one likes the idea of having to spend time on legal work, negotiate a plea, or suffer through a criminal trial. Indeed, that’s why attorneys in law who work on cases alleging white-collar crime usually work to prevent public proceedings and avoid a trial if possible.
“It can hurt a business just to be investigated,” O’Brien explains. “Fair or not, it can be a blow to a company’s or an individual’s reputation. Having charges brought is even worse. That’s why my belief has always been that these proceedings need to be handled with great delicacy and discretion from the beginning.”
For this reason, O’Brien won’t answer when asked what case he is most proud of. “We were able to get things done behind the scenes,” he says.
Desiring to keep your name and brand out of federal courts, much less local and state, is a great reason to contact O’Brien and arrange a consultation.
The secrets of a successful criminal defense attorney
In addition to keeping these matters as quiet as possible, a successful outcome also involves a robust criminal defense. O’Brien excels at white-collar defense law and has a track record of successfully arguing the most high-profile cases. That’s due to his specialization in this practice area and extensive experience with these legal proceedings.
Whether you face charges of a criminal or civil nature, he can not only help you understand your legal position, but also help you navigate your legal challenges, guiding you to your best course of action. This results in the most advantageous outcomes.
While you might be tempted to go with the biggest defense firm you can find, there are benefits to considering a smaller boutique establishment like Ford O’Brien Landy. “We eat what we kill,” O’Brien explains. “In other law firms, the major criminal lawyers don’t actually practice much law anymore. They spend their time rustling up business and have underlings handle the actual cases. In that way, they tend to be salespeople. But at our firm, the trial attorney you hire is the one you get.”
Good lawyers represent their client’s best interests, but a truly great attorney facilitates the client’s legal decisions as well as representing them in court if that should come to pass. This is precisely what Kevin J. O’Brien can do.
Secure the best criminal defense: Kevin J. O’Brien
Have you been subjected to interrogation or accused of committing criminal offenses? Protect your rights. While hiring an attorney might seem like a major step, it’s better to find the right legal defense team earlier rather than later.
If the government has accused you of potential criminal activity, lawyer up with the best legal defense team. You are innocent until proven guilty, and with Kevin O’Brien on your side, you’ll stay that way.
