Daniel M Sandell | Amherst Criminal Defense Lawyer

• Massachusetts State Bar Association

In many OUI cases, I am able to edit portions of body-cam, cruiser, and booking videos to portray clients in the most favorable light. This has often made the difference as to whether someone was convicted or not. I know less than six other attorneys state wide that regularly use this skillset in their practice.

I value my reputation and my word more than anything. I show up to work everyday, treat everyone with the respect and consideration they deserve. In other words, I treat people like people, I provide honest legal advice [whether good or bad], and I only make promises when I know I can keep them.

Years of defending individuals in court versus not just "been practicing for X years". A lawyer that is brutally honest versus telling you what you want to hear. Experience matters and very few attorneys in Massachusetts have handled the sheer volume of cases I have over the past two decades. Finally, if a lawyer you are looking to hire either starts promising you results or does not provide you with a written fee agreement, get up and leave immediately. These two things are bare minimum professional responsibility requirements for criminal defense attorneys in Massachusetts. If your potential lawyer can't get this right then why do you think they could do anything else professionally or responsibly?

I have developed good working relationships with most judges, assistant district attorneys, as well as the staffs at the probation departments and clerk's offices in this area. It certainly does not hurt to know who your judge and prosecutor is when you are representing someone but that does not necessarily mean that just because I know or am friendly with someone, I will always get what my client wants.

A rough overview of the legal process, a brief description of the situation a person finds them self in, and whether or not is worth both of our times to set up a meaningful consultation in person or over zoom.

I need to know what you are charged with, the court where you are expected to appear, a brief overview of your version as to what happened, and finally that you have the ability to hire and retain my services

I have spent thousands of hours representing persons in District Courts in Massachusetts. This includes well over two thousand criminal cases and over fifty trials. I have spent over 500 days "on duty", meaning that I have walked into a courthouse and spent the day there representing individuals who otherwise could not have afforded an attorney. There is a very short list of persons who rival my experience. I have represented a wide and diverse range of persons, primarily in Hampshire and Hampden Counties in Massachusetts.

Being able to achieve an outcome that can make a tremendous difference in someone's future.

History, Philosophy, Staying Active and staying out of politics.

When you have represented this many people, you are involved in the community whether you want to be or not.