Criminal

Kim T. Stephens ranks as one of the most accomplished trial lawyers and attorneys in the state of Georgia. With more than twenty-two years of experience in litigation, Kim has successfully resolved numerous high profile cases, defending professional and college athletes, doctors, police officers, and teachers charged with crimes ranging from misdemeanors to serious felony crimes. Kim has extensive experience in the areas of criminal law, personal injury, business and contract litigation, and probate law in the Athens area and around the State of Georgia. He practices in all courts including federal courts, superior and state courts, local municipal courts, probate courts, recorders courts, UGA student hearings, administrative hearings, and appellate courts. Kim represents individuals charged with misdemeanor crimes, including DUI; felony crimes, including drug charges, sexual offenses, family violence crimes, burglary, theft, and murder; and federal crimes throughout Georgia, providing an aggressive defense for his clients and consistently achieving optimal results for the people he represents. Kim is recognized both locally and nationally for his professionalism and skills as a litigator. He has earned the rank of 10.0, i.e. "superb," on avvo.com, achieving the highest possible score on the ten point scale that Avvo uses to grade attorneys. Avvo, the world’s largest online database committed to reviewing and ranking attorneys, awards the 10.0 ranking to less than 1% of attorneys nationally, placing Kim in the top percentage of attorneys in the United States. Martindale Hubbell, an attorney peer review database, has recognized Kim as “distinguished counsel,” which is a widely respected mark of achievement, differentiating a lawyer from his or her competition and reflecting a high level of respect in the legal community. More locally, the Athens Banner Herald named Kim as the people’s choice attorney for litigation in both 2013 and 2014. The Reader’s Choice Awards are based on votes from citizens in the Athens area and reflect Kim’s stellar reputation as a DUI and criminal defense attorney in the local community. Kim has provided expert legal commentary and/or given interviews to both regional and national news media, including: the Athens Banner Herald, the Red and Black, the Atlanta Journal Constitution, ABC news, Fox news, ESPN, CBS news, and many other local and national news organizations.

Attorney Robert R. Simons began his legal career as a prosecutor for the Camden County Prosecutor's Office. While working in the Camden County Prosecutor's Office, he tried complex criminal cases, including one of the first homicides in South Jersey utilizing DNA evidence, a serial rapist case, and multiple drug and weapons cases. After leaving the Camden County Prosecutor's Office, he switched sides and opened The Law Offices of Robert R. Simons, focusing on criminal defense. Over the years, our firm has aggressively represented hundreds of clients in New Jersey and Pennsylvania against criminal charges. We also handle personal injury matters such as traffic accidents, product liability and dog bites. We are experienced at protecting our clients' rights and negotiating positive outcomes in high-stakes situations. In more than 25 years of practicing law, Robert R. Simons has acquired a vast knowledge of criminal law and procedure. This extensive trial experience and knowledge, coupled with high ethics, have earned a certification by the New Jersey Supreme Court as a Criminal Trial Attorney, which is something only given to the top 5 percent of attorneys who have demonstrated the highest level of proficiency in the criminal law field. Mr. Simons has also had the honor of being admitted to the United States Supreme Court. Only a small number of practicing attorneys receive such an admission.

Dennis R. Croman has more than 50 years of legal experience representing clients in a wide variety of legal matters, including criminal defense, family law, motor vehicle accidents, estate administration, and social security appeals. Passionate about helping his clients achieve legal success, Attorney Croman sticks by his motto, "we fight until hell freezes over, & then we fight on the ice". To schedule a free consultation with an experienced Irving criminal defense attorney, call 972-887-3072 or visit our website.

Mr. Banker is a board certified specialist in criminal law with 30 years experience. He is dedicated to the best interest and well-being of those he represents, and with whom he is a true “brother in arms”. As such, he advocates for the success of his clients in courts of law all over Texas and the United States. A native Texan, Mr. Banker was born and raised in the Houston area. He graduated with Honors from the University of Texas at Austin and received his Law degree (J.D.) from the University of Houston Law Center. In between these degrees, Mr. Banker achieved a Master’s degree in Theology from Regent College, and a Master’s in Legal and Constitutional History from Rice University. Additionally, Mr. Banker has travelled extensively throughout Latin America and is fluent in the Spanish language. All this training and education has prepared Mr. Banker for what he believes is his vocational “calling” in life: To stand with and defend those who have found themselves in the very difficult circumstance of facing judgment in a court of law. As a Christian lawyer, he believes that helping people through difficult times is a natural outworking of this faith. Additionally, he counsels his clients to ultimately look to God as their helper, and see that adversity often produces more strength of character and greater faith in Him. Over the years, Mr. Banker has been involved in several “high profile” cases. One of which involved his representation of a high ranking member of the separatist group, the Republic of Texas. Several members had been charged in Federal Court in Dallas with bank fraud. After a month long trial, Mr. Banker’s client was the only one of the nine defendants found "not guilty". Another case involved the owner of a bus company, whose bus caught on fire when evacuating the Houston area because if Hurricane Rita. More than a dozen elderly people were killed in the accident. Mr. Banker’s client was charged in Federal Court in McAllen with several counts involving the operation of his buses. He was found “not guilty” of the felony charges that could have put him in prison for up to ten years, and given probation for two minor misdemeanors. On a personal note, Mr. Banker has been happily married to his wife Rose for over 20 years, and he has been actively involved in the lives of their children, Stevan, Faith and Joshua. They are members of Christ Family Church, where Mr. Banker teaches Sunday school and has been active in leadership for many years.

James “Jim” Oronoz is founding shareholder of Oronoz and Ericsson Injury Lawyers. He has successfully helped a number of individuals, earning himself a reputation as a respected and dedicated attorney in the area. With more than 15 years of experience, he’s proven to be a seasoned trial litigator and tenacious, aggressive protector of his clients’ rights in criminal defense and personal injury matters. Having spent six years as a public defender in the Clark County Public Defender’s Office, Mr. Oronoz handled hundreds of complex cases. His experience was representing criminal defendants in a wide range of cases such as murder, drug possession, and more. As an excellent trial attorney, he has won a high number of acquittals, even in cases that others considered to be “unwinnable.” His time prior to private practice allowed him to shape his view of the law, basing the belief of the firm on providing the best possible representation to individuals who have suffered injustice. Having started his private practice more than a decade ago, Mr. Oronoz continues his reputation as a renowned trial veteran. Since that time, he has helped successfully handle a number of cases with an array of charges, obtaining numerous not guilty verdicts. He has also guided hundreds of other individuals in receiving reduced sentences or complete dismissals when they face serious charges. On the other side of his practice, personal injury, he has worked diligently to recover compensation for many injury victims who, otherwise, may have had to deal with the costs of their injuries alone. As an AV® Rated attorney by Martindale-Hubbell®, Mr. Oronoz has been singled out by his peers and local trial court judges for having the highest level of legal ability and professional standards. Mr. Oronoz is proud to provide the gold standard in criminal defense and representing injured clients. He encourages anyone who is facing criminal charges or who have suffered injury because of someone else’s negligence to contact his office as soon as possible to discuss the next steps.

Natasha Wrae is an aggressive criminal defense attorney since 1999, that has defended individuals all over Arizona against misdemeanor and felony charges before state and federal courts. Her passion for justice and her commitment to clients have made her a well-respected criminal defense advocate, well known for upholding the constitutional rights of the people she represents. Natasha is an experienced and diligent criminal defense attorney providing personal attention to her cases. Different from many criminal defense attorneys, Natasha has never taken any court-appointed or contract cases. By obtaining cases solely through referrals and advertising, she is able to keep her case load manageable in order to devote herself entirely to each client and provide the one-on-one attention they deserve.

David M. Carlson, an esteemed attorney with a notable track record, currently practices personal injury and criminal defense law. He has been duly admitted to the Illinois bar since 2001 and is also accredited to practice before the United States District Courts for the Northern Districts of Illinois and Indiana since 2002 and 2003, respectively. His legal career is distinguished by his comprehensive understanding and application of the law, drawn from his extensive educational background and professional experiences. David completed his law degree at Northern Illinois University College of Law in 2001, where he was honored as the class speaker at his graduation. He furthered his education with a specialized program in 2021 through the Judicial Education Program at George Mason University's Antonin Scalia School of Law. This program enhanced his knowledge in a broad range of topics, including corporate governance, economics, and the responsibilities of corporate entities towards stakeholders. Before commencing his law studies, David earned a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Arizona in 1993. Throughout his college years, he was an active member of Delta Tau Delta Fraternity and worked various jobs, from delivering packages for United Parcel Service to construction work, to finance his education. Alongside practicing law, David served in the judiciary from 2013 to 2024. He began as an Associate Judge in the 12th Judicial Circuit, Will County, Illinois, where he handled an array of cases spanning family law to civil and criminal matters. Following this role, he was promoted to Circuit Judge, presiding over the felony division, which is the second largest in the state. Under his leadership, his team was responsible for managing a robust caseload and integrating new technological systems into the court’s operations. He was commended for his diligence and commitment to justice and retention in a 2020 general election with a significant majority vote affirmed his position. Today, David is not only a member of the Illinois State Bar Association but also retains his connections with the Illinois Judges Association, reflecting his ongoing commitment to his professional community. His former role as both Associate Judge and Circuit Judge illustrates his depth of experience and leadership abilities, particularly in managing complex legal challenges and advancing judiciary processes. David M. Carlson is more than just a seasoned attorney; he is a respected professional who brings a wealth of knowledge, a deep sense of responsibility, and proven leadership to every case. He represents clients with both tenacity and integrity, ensuring that their legal needs are met with the highest standards of excellence.

Robert A. Salerno attended Law School and received a B.S. from High Point University in 2005 and his Juris Doctor in 2009 from Touro Law Center. He was admitted to the Connecticut Bar in 2009 and was a Temporary Assistant Clerk working closely with judges in the Waterbury Judicial District for two and a half years before joining The Law Offices of Conti & Levy. He is a member of the American Bar Association, Connecticut Bar Association; Criminal Law and Young Lawyers Section. He is also the Court Liaison for the Connecticut Criminal Defense League Association for Litchfield County as well as Co-Chair of the Criminal Law Society for the Litchfield County Bar Association. Attorney Salerno was active in the Student Bar Association during his studies at Touro Law Center and received multiple awards, including Exemplary Contributions to the Quality of Student life, Exceptional Contribution to the Growth of the Law Center, and Exceptional Service to the Public and Community. He was also a founding member of the Criminal Law Society and the Student Bar Association's Vice President in his last year of school.

Matthew Crowley is a respected criminal and traffic defense attorney. With more than 17 years of experience, and having practiced throughout every jurisdiction in Northern Virginia, Matthew is a seasoned legal professional. Upon graduation from American University’s Washington College of Law, Matthew practiced with such distinguished regional firms as Davies, Barrell, Will, Lewellyn, and Edwards PLC, and Price Benowtiz, LLP. In 2015 and 2016 Matthew was distinguished as one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers in the United States. In 2017 Matthew was recruited by the prestigious criminal defense firm, Robinson Law, PLLC, in Fairfax, Virginia, to act as the firm’s managing partner. Under Matthew’s oversight at Robinson Law, the firm’s criminal practice became one of the most successful and well-respected criminal defense firms in Northern Virginia. In 2020, Matthew and Seth Peritz, also previously an attorney at Robinson Law, opened their own criminal and traffic law practice, Crowley Peritz PLLC, in Fairfax, Virginia. Matthew and Seth’s continued alliance allows them to provide highly focused representation to their clients, as well as outstanding customer service. Matthew and Seth often work cases in tandem, which brings a synergy to their practice where the sum is greater than the parts. Matthew’s substantial legal experience, his professional demeanor, and his involved and detailed approach in every case make him a great option for anyone charged with a criminal offense. Matthew is peer-reviewed on Martindale Hubble, and holds a 10.0/10.0 rating on Avvo. Matthew has received Avvo’s Client Choice Award from Avvo every year from 2015 through the present. Matthew has successfully tried as well as settled hundreds of criminal and traffic cases, at all levels of Virginia’s trial courts. Matthew has also trained and mentored dozens of young attorneys throughout his career, including having both recruited and mentored his current partner, Seth Peritz.

The Baker Law Firm and our founding attorney, Lance K. Baker, can help you resolve even the most complex and challenging legal problems. Our firm's founding attorney has garnered recognition both nationally and locally. In the past several years he has received the following designations: Listed in The National Trial Lawyers 2017 Top 40 Under 40 in the Criminal Defense category Listed in The National Trial Lawyers 2018 Top 40 Under 40 in the Civil Plaintiff Lawyers category Named Top Male Rising Star of Knoxville by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Honored in 2019 as one of Knoxville's top DUI defense attorneys by Cityview magazine Honored in 2021 as one of Knoxville's top Civil Rights attorneys by Cityview magazine Honored in 2022 as one of Knoxville's top attorneys by CityView magazine in DUI Defense, Constitutional Law/Civil Rights, Personal Injury- Auto Accidents, Consumer Protection, Class Action, and Antitrust Selected as one of 2022 Mid-South's Rising Stars by Super Lawyers Selected as one of 2023 Mid-South's Rising Stars by Super Lawyers Lance is actively involved in the community. For instance, he is a panelist on Fox 43's “Heavy Hitters” show and frequently offers guest political commentary on WBIR-TV. He is also a member of the Knoxville Bar Association and the Tennessee Bar Association.