William H. Paetzold | Glastonbury Criminal Defense Lawyer

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About William

William Paetzold was admitted to the state and the federal bar in 1990. He began his legal career as a Public Defender assigned to the Judicial District of Tolland. After several successful trials in his four years with that office, he brought his skills to the private criminal defense bar. Mr. Paetzold has tried many criminal cases to verdict in front of state and federal court juries across Connecticut. He has also successfully argued cases before the state’s Appellate and Supreme courts, as well as the Second Circuit Court of Appeals in New York City. Prior to becoming a criminal lawyer in Connecticut, Bill worked for six years as a criminalist at the Connecticut State Police Forensic Science Laboratory under the tutelage of the renowned Dr. Henry C. Lee. Bill’s extensive training and experience in the field of forensic science is often applied to his trial work. Bill specializes in criminal defense cases involving digital evidence and is a founding member of the Digital Evidence Innocence Initiative. Bill provides strategic legal consultation to the defense community regarding the effective use of digital evidence in pre-trial cases and post-conviction review. Bill is also an active member of the Connecticut Criminal Defense Lawyers Association and is an adjunct professor at Manchester Community College where he teaches Criminal Law.

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Experience

Partner

Moriarty, Paetzold & Sherwood

Present

Glastonbury, CT

Admission

Verified Connecticut

1990

Education

Southern Connecticut State University

Masters

1985

Eastern Connecticut State University

Bachelors

1982

Recognitions & Achievements

Associations
  • Federal Bar Association Board Member
    2012 - 2015
  • Connecticut Criminal Defense Lawyers Association Member
    1995 - 2014
Honors / Awards
  • Super Lawyer | Super Lawyers
  • Certificate of Appreciation | Federal Bar Association

Notable Work

Cases

State and Federal Defense

I work hard to achieve the most favorable dispositions, taking into consideration the evidence against the client and their prior criminal histories.

Questions & Answers

Please describe a case in the last year or two where you made a big difference.

A former client was facing federal time on a serious drug conspiracy charge. She was a heroin addict who needed significant drug treatment intervention. At her initial presentment before the magistrate court, I was able to get her into a 30-day detox program, and then transition her into a sober house, where she remained for almost 18 months. At her sentencing my client faced 37-46 months in prison but received a three year period of probation. She is now drug free and enjoying life with a clear mind.

How did you build a successful practice?

I built a successful practice through hard work, and honest communication with my clients. It's extremely important to always return phone calls, and to be completely transparent with clients. A lawyer must also build credibility with judges and prosecutors. In this profession, a person's word is their bond. Once you have developed credibility with your opponent and/or the Court, it becomes much easier navigating a case through the system.

What should clients look for in a lawyer?

Integrity, honesty, and sincerity.

How important is local knowledge to the success of your cases?

It's very important for a lawyer to become familiar with the unique custom and practice of each courthouse. If you are unfamiliar with the protocol, or don't know the important "players" in a courthouse, then you are doing a disservice to your client.

What information can you provide in a free phone consultation?

Whenever I have a client call me concerning a potential case, I try to understand first the specific need of the client, and then I try to ascertain the client's expectation. Once I establish this, I can properly advise the client with possible startegies to pursue or direct them to various programs that may be available to them that would likely reduce their legal costs.

What information do you need in a free phone consultation?

Conccenring criminal cases, I usually ask for a brief background of the case, the town where the alleged offense occurred, and the person's prior criminal history.

What differentiates you from other lawyers in your community?

What differentiates me from other criminal defense lawyers; (1) my many years of experience, (2) a stellar reputation with prosecutors, judges and the defense bar, (3) outstanding work product, and (4) accessibility to clients. When you hire me, you will not have an associate or paralegal in the firm perform the work.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?

The most rewarding aspect of this profession is when a client thanks you for your hard work and zealous advocacy. A simple email, card or voice message keeps the fire burning.

What are your other interests in addition to law?

When I'm not working, I enjoy spending time with my family. I also appreciate nature so I like the outdoors, playing my guitar, and fixing things around the home.

Are you involved in your community?

Unfortunately, the many long hours that I spend on my clients' cases, and my devotion to my family, prevents me from getting involved in community affairs.

Moriarty, Paetzold & Sherwood Highlights

Criminal, Environmental Law, Real Estate, Accident & Injury, Government

Firm Size: 1
Firm Locations: 1
Languages: English, German