Juvenile Law

Stephen A. Brundage, Attorney at Law is a Wheaton, Illinois, criminal defense law firm serving clients throughout DuPage County, Kane County and Cook County. I am a veteran trial lawyer and criminal law attorney committed to vigorous defense on all criminal charges relating to sex crimes, traffic violations, theft, burglary, robbery, assault, domestic battery, juvenile offenses and white-collar crimes. Family Law and Other Legal Matters In addition to criminal defense, I am able to handle personal legal issues for clients in the DuPage County area, including divorce and family law personal injury, real estate and estate planning. Former Wheaton Police Officer • 20 Years of Legal Experience I worked in law enforcement for nine years before becoming an attorney, serving as a Wheaton police officer and for four years as police commissioner for the village of Winfield. I have been a DUI enforcement instructor, licensed breathalyzer operator, accident investigator and evidence technician. These experiences gave me a comprehensive understanding of police procedure, allowing me to understand how to develop the most effective defense when you are charged with a crime, such as drunk driving. My contribution to the community includes having served as an instructor at the Suburban Law Enforcement and Police Academy and the College of DuPage and North Central College. I have taught courses on criminal law, unlawful use of force, searches and seizures, the rules of evidence, constitutional law, criminal justice and criminal procedure, and have published articles on arrest, search and seizure.

A native of Angleton, Texas in Brazoria County, Jeff Gilbert is a 6th generation Texan with deep roots to his community. Graduating from Angleton High School in 1978, Mr. Gilbert attended Baylor University in Waco, Texas where he was involved in the leadership of many campus service and social organizations. Upon completion of his business degree (BBA) in 1982, Mr. Gilbert returned to Brazoria County going to work for the First Freeport National Bank in Freeport, Texas. Mr. Gilbert later returned to Baylor where he enrolled in the graduate school of business obtaining his degree (MBA) while working as the night manager of the Baylor Student Union. Upon graduation, Mr. Gilbert began a career in banking and corporate investments before entering South Texas College of Law at the age of 27. While in law school, Jeff participated in many intramural moot court and mock trial competitions. Interestingly and of note, Jeff tried and won his first jury trial while in law school serving as an intern with the Harris County District Attorney's office before receiving his J.D. from South Texas College of Law in December 1989. Mr. Gilbert then accepted a position in the Trial Bureau of the Harris County District Attorney's office in Houston, Texas where he tried multiple jury and non-jury cases as a juvenile, misdemeanor and then felony prosecutor. In 1993, Mr. Gilbert left the District Attorney's office to join a prestigious Houston based civil litigation firm. Since that time, his practice has concentrated on litigation, including medical malpractice, pharmaceutical and toxic tort litigation with firms in Houston, Angleton and Dallas, Texas. In January 2006, Mr. Gilbert began a Brazoria County based practice and formed Jeffrey R. Gilbert, P.C. Mr. Gilbert is a member of The State Bar of Texas (Section Memberships include: Criminal Law, Family Law, Juvenile Law), The Brazoria County Bar Association (Past President 2008-2009), The Houston Bar Association, and is a Fellow of the Houston Bar Foundation. He is also a member of the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, The College of the State Bar of Texas and is a Fellow of the Trial Advocacy Institute of the Fireman's Fund Insurance Company. He is admitted to practice before all courts of the State of Texas and the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas. Mr. Gilbert remains a Trial Attorney. His practice focuses on criminal, family and general litigation. Mr. Gilbert was honored to serve two terms (1996 through 1998) as a special judge of the Harris County Criminal Courts at Law. This appointment was made by the 15 county criminal court at law judges of Harris County. Mr. Gilbert presided over hundreds of case dispositions and numerous trials in this position. Active in his community, Mr. Gilbert currently serves on the City of Lake Jackson Planning Commission, as a Board Member and Preseident-elect of the Brazosport Symphony Orchestra Council, as a three-term President of the Brazoswood Buccaneer Band Booster Club (2008-2009, 2009-2010, 2010-2011), he is a past president and former board member of the Downtown Houston Pachyderm Club, and has been a delegate to every Senate District (1996 and 1998, SD #7; 2000, SD #8; and 2002, 2004 , 2006 and 2008, and 2010, SD #17) and State Republican convention since 1996. Mr. Gilbert and his family are proud to trace their Texas roots to John Bradbury Follett who settled in Texas on Follett Island near San Luis Pass in Brazoria County. Accordingly, Mr. Gilbert is a proud member of the Stephen F. Austin Chapter of the Sons of the Republic of Texas. Mr. Gilbert attends BrazosPointe Fellowship in Lake Jackson, where he serves as an usher, greeter, has previously led an adult "Home Team" and has been active in its children's ministries. Mr. Gilbert is the father of two children: Will, a student at Texas A&M University and Morgan, a student at Brazoswood High School. Mr. Gilbert is the son of the late Ralph W. Gilbert, a long-time Angleton attorney, and Fannie Mae Follett Gilbert a life-long resident of Brazoria County. Special Training and experience - Trained Mediator - AA White Dispute Resolution Institute; University of Houston Law Center; Certified for Approval of Court-Ordered Mediations; Trained Family Law Mediator Travis County Dispute Resolution Center; Credentialed and Qualified Family Law Mediator; Trained Ad Litem - Harris County Civil Court Ad Litem Training Course, 1998, 2005; Trained Guardianship Attorney Ad Litem - Completed Training Required by Texas Probate Code for service as Attorney Ad Litem in State Courts Areas of Practice Mediation Business & Commercial Law Contracts Business Organizations Sexual Harassment Construction Law Criminal Law DUI/DWI Guardianships & Conservatorships Wills Family Law Adoption Custody & Visitation Divorce Litigation & Appeals Personal Injury -- Plaintiff Motor Vehicle Accidents -- Plaintiff Probate & Estate Administration Products Liability Law Medical Malpractice Real Estate Law

Attorney Josue Ruiz is an experienced advocate practicing immigration law across the United States and Puerto Rico and personal injury law in Puerto Rico. He can provide assistance with family preference visas, immediate relative visas, fiancé (K) visas, green cards, professional work visas, green cards through employer, waivers of inadmissability, VAWA & U visas, DACA & special immigrant juvenile law, and asylum. He graduated magna cum laude from the University of Puerto Rico School of Law in 2011 and has been a member of the Puerto Rico Bar since 2012. Josue is also an active member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association. Fluent in both English and Spanish, he is dedicated to providing personalized legal representation and effective advocacy for a diverse range of clients. Call 571-441-2233 to speak to Mr. Ruiz at Immigration Legal Advisors, PLLC.

I am a first generation American. My parents were born and raised in Argentina so I have spoken Spanish since I first learned to speak. I graduated from Clark High School and received my bachelor’s degree from the University of Las Vegas, Nevada. After graduating from UNLV, I received my law degree from California Western School of Law in San Diego, California. During law school I was a member of the Law Review and elected as the Executive Editor of the International Law Journal. I graduated law school magna cum laude and in the top 4% of my class. I received the Am Jur Award for receiving the highest grade in my class for Criminal Procedure, Civil Procedure II, and Comparative Law. After graduating law school I took and passed the Nevada and California Bar examinations. Upon receiving my law license, I began working at Alverson, Taylor, Mortensen & Sanders, a civil litigation law firm in Las Vegas. As an associate attorney I defended medical doctors and dentists in medical malpractice cases, manufacturers in products liability cases, and numerous diverse companies in personal injury cases. After a year and a half at Alverson & Taylor, I joined the Clark County Public Defender’s Office and spent twelve years representing thousands of indigent defendants in diverse criminal matters. My first two years at the Public Defender’s Office were spent working in the Juvenile Division. I handled thousands of juvenile delinquency cases, including contested hearings and adult certifications. I argued a juvenile appeal before the Nevada Supreme Court, which resulted in a published opinion and victory for my client: In re T.R., 119 Nev. 646 (2003). After two years in the Juvenile Division, I transferred to the adult office of the Public Defender’s Office and spent the next year two years handling felony, gross misdemeanor, and misdemeanor cases. Thereafter, I was assigned to the sexual assault team where I spent five years handling life sentence cases of sexual assault and lewdness with a child. My last three years at the Public Defender’s Office I worked exclusively handling murder and death penalty cases. Although my time at the Public Defender’s Office was very rewarding, my desire to create and build a top notch private law firm that could provide clients with unique and exceptional legal representation led me to establish the Nobles & Yanez Law Firm. Based on my diverse and extensive criminal and civil litigation experience, there are almost no type of cases that I have not personally handled.

**Helping Good People in Tough Situations Since 1992** My name is Jim Crawford. I founded the Law Office of James E. Crawford, Jr., & Associates -- JC Law -- back in 1992 to protect Maryland's most vulnerable against a biased legal system while helping them get their lives back. As our clients' legal needs have grown, the Firm has grown with them to provide the same level of legal expertise and guidance in every aspect of Maryland law. I and my Firm's team of family, criminal, & business lawyers understand that each case presents unique challenges and must be met with equally unique approaches. We commit to providing clients with: + An overall professional and positive experience; + Respect and compassion during often difficult times; + Experienced attorneys with a deep understanding of the judicial system and every aspect of Maryland law; and + Zealous legal representation to champion the client’s best interests in every situation. **Criminal Defense Against Maryland State & Federal Charges** For the past 28 years, I personally have defended people who have been charged with crimes in Baltimore, Catonsville, Annapolis, Bel Air and throughout every county and courtroom in Maryland. My trial experience is extensive. I am in court in front of judges and juries almost every day of my working life. Criminal defense is about more than knowing the law; it's also about understanding people. Judges, prosecutors, lawyers, police, and defendants all bring variables that can alter the outcome of a criminal case. At JC Law, our job is to stand next to you in your hour of need and help you get your life back. + Traffic & DUI Charges + Sex Crimes, including Rape & Sex Offenses + Child Pornography Investigations & Charges + Federal Charges, including Bribery, Fraud, Conspiracy, Embezzlement, Identity Theft, & Perjury + Domestic Assault & Violent Crimes, including Murder, Aggravated Assault, Abuse, Kidnapping, & Arson + Juvenile Offenses & College Misconduct, including Underage Drinking, Cyberbullying, Academic Misconduct, & Minor-related Sex Offenses + Drugs & Weapons Charges, including Armed Robbery & Weapon Possession at School + Court System Matters, including Warrants, Bail Hearings, Probation Violations, & Expungements If you are already charged or believe you are under investigation by a state agency such as the police or the federal government, it is extremely important that you retain the services of a highly qualified lawyer immediately. The quicker we have an understanding of the facts, the easier it is to push your case to resolution. **Domestic & Family Legal Services for Maryland Families** At JC Law, we help Maryland families form the best futures for themselves and their children through the legal system. We will stand with you through it all, doing whatever is necessary to make sure your case closes with a happy ending – and a bright new beginning. + General Divorce Services, including Prenuptial Agreements & Post-Divorce Modifications + Marital Settlement Agreements (MSAs) + Mediation Services + Men's Divorce Services, including Paternity & Father's Rights + Military Family Law, especially unique Divorce & Property Division requirements + Child-Related Services, including Custody, Visitation, & Child Support; Adoption; Grandparents' Rights; and Reproductive Technology + Alimony Negotiations + Protective & Peace Orders, both Emergency & Final + Contempt of Court **Business & Civil Litigation** JC Law helps our business & civil litigation clients keep their head in the game, not the courtroom. Our expert team of business & civil litigators defend your business when legal issues appear to sap your time, attention, and resources away from what truly matters: Your professional success and livelihood. + Business Services, including Corporate Transactions & Legal Guidance, Government Contracts, Mergers & Acquisitions, and Business Organization Creation + Civil Litigation, including the Defense of Professionals, Government Investigations, and Coronavirus Issues + Real Estate, including Property-Related Dispute Resolution, Leasing, Zoning & Permitting, Liens, and Settlements + Sports & Entertainment Law, including Contracts, Litigation & Disputes, Title IX & Title VII Issues, Arbitration & Mediation, and Public Relations **General Legal Services: Your Legal Champions, Always** I want my Firm to be your go-to legal resources whenever a legal issue arises. From immigration and bankruptcy to wills and worker's comp, we are always on your side. + Wills, Estates, & Trusts, including Estate Planning, POAs & Living Wills, Trust Administration, Estate Litigation, Elder Law, and Inheritance Disputes + Bankruptcy, including Personal Bankruptcy, Business Bankruptcy, Foreclosure, and Debt Consolidation + Personal Injury, including Vehicular & Driver Accidents, Medical Malpractice, Products Liability, and Swimming Pool Injuries + Worker's Compensation, including Appeals & Hearings, Death & Dependent Claims, Settlements & Compensation, Workplace Accidents, Pre-Existing Conditions, and Fraudulent Petitions Learn more about me and my team at JamesCrawfordLaw.com.

Daniel P. Weiner has served people in Fairfield County and throughout the state of Connecticut for nearly 40 years. He and his staff are committed to providing effective legal counsel and serious, aggressive representation to people dealing with a wide range of legal matters, including criminal charges, juvenile matters, personal injury or divorce and family law issues.

Mr. Nahajski graduated from the University of Washington with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science in 1989, from the University of Oregon School of Law in 1992, and has been practicing exclusively criminal defense since.  The Nahajski Firm first opened its doors in August 1996 and has been operating at the same downtown Seattle location ever since.  The Nahajski Firm also maintains an office in downtown Bellevue to accommodate their numerous clients in the Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland, Sammamish and Issaquah neighborhoods.  The firm was established with the simple goal of providing aggressive and effective private criminal defense for those accused of a crime.Mr. Nahajski is a member of the following organizations:Washington State Bar AssociationKing County Bar AssociationFederal Bar AssociationAmerican Bar AssociationNational College for DUI DefenseWashington State Criminal Defense Lawyers AssociationNational Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. In addition to these organizations, Mr. Nahajski is the recipient of a Washington State Bar Association Random Acts of Professionalism Award and has been a guest speaker on KQBZ 100.7FM discussing DUI defense. Mr. Nahajski is as comfortable in front of a judge or a jury as he is sitting across the desk from his clients.  His ability to negotiate favorable resolutions is matched only by his extensive and effective trial skills.  Mr. Nahajski has represented more than 5,000 clients over the past seventeen years who have been accused of every conceivable criminal allegation.  He has established an excellent reputation amongst prosecutors and judges alike as an attorney who will do everything possible to assist his clients in a professional and effective manner.The firm has successfully represented clients accused of serious felonies including attempted first degree murder, vehicular homicide, vehicular assault, first degree assault, second degree assault, third degree assault, felony domestic violence, drive-by shooting, arson, rape, indecent liberties, rape of a child, child molestation, communicating with a minor for immoral purposes (CMIP), possession of child pornography, voyeurism, unlawful imprisonment, stalking, escape, attempting to elude, first degree robbery, second degree robbery, bank robbery and unlawful possession of a firearm.Financial “white-collar” crimes are also a significant portion of the practice, including forgery, check fraud, bank fraud, cheating and identity theft.  Other property crimes include burglary, possession of stolen property (PSP), trafficking stolen property, malicious mischief, taking motor vehicle without permission (TMV), theft or shoplifting.  Drug charges include delivery of controlled substances (VUCSA), manufacturing or possession of marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamines, ecstasy, possession of drug paraphernalia and forged prescriptions.The experience of having an extensive felony practice is a huge benefit when representing the many clients accused of misdemeanors as well.  Those misdemeanors include domestic violence, fourth degree assault, driving under the influence (DUI/DWI), boating under the influence, reckless driving, racing, reckless endangerment, hit and run, negligent driving, driving while license suspended (DWLS), prostitution, soliciting prostitution, resisting arrest, obstructing law enforcement officer, violation of a no contact order (VNCO), criminal trespass, false reporting, disorderly conduct, minor in possession (MIP), and Department of Licensing hearings.The Nahajski Firm practices in all federal, state, juvenile, district and municipal courts in Western Washington and appears regularly in municipal and district courts located in Seattle, Bellevue, Mercer Island, Issaquah, Redmond, Shoreline, Burien, Kent, Federal Way, Auburn, SeaTac, Tukwila, Bothell, Edmonds, Everett, Mountlake Terrace, Kenmore, Lake Forest Park, Lynnwood, Arlington, Marysville, and Monroe, in addition to United States District Court in Seattle and Tacoma, King County Superior Court, King County Juvenile Court, Snohomish County Superior Court, Snohomish County Juvenile Court, Pierce County Superior Court and Pierce County Juvenile Court.  Mr. Nahajski also appears regularly in Eastern Washington and up-and-down the I-5 corridor.Accusations and allegations are easy to make, but defending against them is understandably one of the most overwhelming, stressful, time consuming and often embarrassing endeavors.  At The Nahajski Firm we recognize that if you have been accused of a crime, from a simple misdemeanor to the most serious felony, you deserve the finest, most effective and discreet representation available to make your situation as bearable and painless as possible.  Call today to discuss the details of your case and learn how we can help.

Sharon T. Diamant has been working as an attorney for over twenty-five years. In October 2000, she became a prosecutor in the Montgomery County State's Attorney's Office. She left the state's attorney's office in 2002 and practiced Criminal Law in Hillsborough County, Florida for two years before returning to the state's attorney's office in 2004. Ms. Diamant remained at the Montgomery County State's Attorney's Office until 2010, when she opened her own office and went into private practice. While a prosecutor, she handled a wide variety of matters in the District Court Unit, including bad checks, burglary, theft, drunk driving and other traffic offenses, assault, and violations of protective orders (Gazette). In the Juvenile Division, she handled sexual abuse cases involving juvenile offenders. She handled one famous juvenile matter involving a youth who had molested several children in his neighborhood which ultimately led to the first-ever sexual offender legislation which would require juveniles engaged in sexual offenses to register as sex offenders (Washington Post). In 2007, Ms. Diamant joined the white-collar crime team in her office, where she handled the prosecution of a myriad of crimes, including large-scale thefts, embezzlements from employers and the federal government, misappropriations, as well as the investigation of police officer-involved shootings and crimes involving public officials. For the past fifteen years, Sharon has focused her practice on criminal law and domestic law. She appears regularly before Magistrates and Judges on all issues surrounding criminal law and domestic law, to include: contested and uncontested divorce, child custody, child support, peace and protective orders, and post-judgment issues. Sharon also handles cases that cross over between criminal and domestic law. Sharon was featured on WJLA 7 News in a case involving a grandparent's right to custody of a grandchild where the mother is deceased and the father is a convicted criminal. Sharon also handled a case of a woman accused of attempted murder but who never intended to hurt anyone. That client is now receiving mental health treatment, as opposed to being locked up in a jail. Sharon is a client's biggest advocate and at the same time acts as a mentor and friend. She personally answers her phone calls, answers all emails and texts, and is always available to her clients. She is an experienced litigator with 25 years of trial experience, but she also mediates for clients and promotes non-litigation strategies, where appropriate. Sharon is a 1999 graduate of the University of Dayton School of Law and is licensed to practice law in the State of Maryland, the State of Florida, and the US District Court in Greenbelt, Maryland. Sharon was also admitted to the US Supreme Court. She has been selected to the Super Lawyers list for the State of Maryland in 2012, 2013, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. She is a member of the Montgomery County Bar Association, the Women's Bar Association, the Sobeloff Society, the Collaborative Divorce Law Society, the National College for DUI Defense, the Montgomery County Ethics Committee, the Montgomery County Criminal Law Society, and the Inns of Court. Sharon also sits on Montgomery County's Judicial Nominating Commission and is a board member with the Sobeloff Society. She has won Avvo's Client Choice Award and has a "superb" rating on Avvo.com. We are open 24/7, so give us a call today at 301-560-2685.

Originally from Del Rio, Texas, Jesus is fluent in both Spanish and English. With an undergraduate degree in Economics and International Business from Baylor University and a JD from Baylor Law School, Jesus has combined the practice of law with his education in business strategy and negotiation. Jesus was admitted to the Texas State Bar in 2003. Jesus is the owner of the firm and his life outside work extends to family, golf, skiing and a strong interest in wine and travel. “I strive to educate my clients on how the law affects their particular case. As such, you will be in a position to make an informed decision on the best way to proceed with your case. The goal of my representation is to resolve your case in the most efficient and affordable manner possible. My legal experience includes hands on work in business law matters, contracts, debt collection, evictions, criminal and juvenile law, personal injury claims, family law, real estate transactions, and mediations.” – Jesus Lopez

Dan specializes in the areas of Family Law and Child Protection (CHIPS) Defense. Call Dan at (651)-468-2104 for a free consultation. Prior to founding McGuire Law Offices PLLC, Dan worked as a managing partner of a successful family law firm based in Roseville, Minnesota for a number of years. As a Family Law and CHIPS Defense Attorney, Dan provides exceptional service to families who find themselves in the most difficult and trying times of their lives. Dan has represented clients in hundreds of litigated cases and has handled numerous trials, motion hearings, and other contested proceedings. From prevailing on child custody matters before the Minnesota Court of Appeals to obtaining exceptional results for clients in CHIPS or Termination of Parental Rights proceedings, Dan has demonstrated hard work and dedication to achieving client goals. Dan believes that teaming up with clients through close, open communication is essential to providing the best outcomes for his clients. Before establishing his legal practice, Dan received his law degree, cum laude, from Mitchell Hamline School of Law, where he made the Dean’s List multiple times, contributed to the Mitchell Hamline Law Review journal, co-taught a contracts class, and was honored with the CALI Excellence for the Future Award—an award given to the highest scoring student in each course. Dan is currently a member of the Minnesota State Bar Association, and is listed on the statewide CHIPS Parent Attorney Roster. From 2021 to 2023, Dan was selected to Expertise’s list of Best Divorce Lawyers, and was named one of Minnesota Lawyer Magazine’s Up & Coming Attorneys of 2023. Dan has consistently been recognized by his peers and clients for his strong advocacy skills and knowledge of the family and juvenile court systems. Derived from his distinguished work ethic, Dan’s attention to detail makes him an irreplaceable asset on every case he works. While striving for perfection, he refuses to back down until each case is complete to his client’s satisfaction. You can rest peacefully knowing that Dan is working your case.