Bill O'Connell | San Diego Criminal Lawyer

Lawyer.com Member Questionnaire

Please describe a case(s) in the last year or two where you made a big difference.
I handled a sex-crime case in 2014 wherein my client was charged with 15 felony sex crimes. I was able to negotiate away 13 of those charges, leaving only two felonies. The District Attorney wanted my client to go to state prison for at least 3 years and up to 8 years, and the Probation Department wanted him to go to state prison. By handling the case properly, knowing what to do given my 38 years experience, and persuasive argument at the time of sentencing, I was able to get my client probation. No state prison time. He was released from custody on that very day.

How did you build a successful practice?
I started practicing law in San Diego in January 1977. I was able to build a good practice by treating people with respect, and being honest with them in discussing their case. I made it a point to keep my fees reasonable: even today, my fees are lower than most attorneys with my experience (38 years). Of course, having a good track record was important.

What should clients look for in a lawyer?
People seeking legal assistance should look for an attorney who has experience in the field of law in which they need help (ie, don't hire a probate attorney to handle a criminal case, etc.). They should check with the State Bar to see if the attorney is being honest about the length of time that he or she has been an attorney, and to see if any disciplinary action has ever been taken against the attorney. The should look for reviews by previous clients. Lastly, they should schedule an office consultation with the attorney. I offer free phone and in-office consultations so that potential clients can get an idea as to whether or not I am the right attorney for them.

How important is local knowledge to the success of your cases?
I generally only take cases in San Diego County, with a few exceptions. I believe that in addition to knowing the law, an attorney needs to know the local prosecutors and judges. A local attorney will know what the attitude of the prosecution is in relationship to certain crimes, and what programs (ie, diversion, etc) might be available. To some extent, I think it is good that the prosecutors and judges know the attorney.

What information can you provide in a free phone consultation?
During the free phone consultation, I determine the nature of the situation (ie, what crime is involved), the custody status of the potential defendant, the criminal history of the potential client (if any), the facts of the case from the potential client's point of view and other pertinent information depending on various factors. I then explain my view on defense alternatives, past cases that I have handled that are the same or similar, and lastly, perhaps a general discussion of fees. I would then schedule a free office consultation for the potential client.

What information do you need in a free phone consultation?
The information that I need from the client is basically set forth in answer # 5: the nature of the charges, the custody status of the individual being charged, the facts leading up to his being charged, his version of what happened, his/her criminal history (if any), and other pertinent information that I feel I need given the particular individual's case.

What differentiates you from other lawyers in your community?
I feel that I can differentiate myself from other attorneys in San Diego County as follows: I have 38 years experience handling criminal defense cases, I have many 5 star reviews from past clients, I have achieved great results in a number of cases (by way of example: probation in any 15 count sex crime case, probation in a vehicular manslaughter case and others), I deal honestly with people, and I keep my fees reasonable (generally lower than other attorneys with my experience and track record).

What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
I almost always represent good people who made a bad judgment, so even though it is a criminal offense that is being charged, my clients are not criminals. I get great satisfaction in convincing the prosecutor and the judge of the fact that my clients deserve to be seen and treated as good people, not criminals. By doing so, I can get charges dismissed or reduced and sentences much milder than usual ( such as probation in a manslaughter case).

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Bill O'Connell has been a Premium Member since May 05, 2015.
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