Criminal Appeal Basics An appeal is the review of the trial court’s activities for legal error. The appellate court only reviews the “record” of the lower court proceedings and will not consider new evidence. The record consists of the court reporter’s transcripts of statements by the judge, attorneys, and witnesses. Read more…
If you’ve been charged with a crime but have doubts about a key piece of evidence, you may be able to get it thrown out at trial. Your guilt or innocence isn’t the issue here, but rather the admissibility of police evidence. An experienced defense attorney knows how to suppress Read more…
Relevant evidence is generally allowed in Vermont criminal trials. Irrelevant evidence is not allowed. Criminal defendants want to understand and participate in their defense strategy, including planning the presentation of evidence of trial. Not all evidence can be admitted at trial. The first and most basic limitation on evidence is Read more…
In Vermont you can be charged for leaving the scene of accident if you do not stop and provide your name, residence, license number and the name of the owner of the motor vehicle to the owner of any property that you damaged in an accident (even if you only Read more…
If you are a Montana driver that is charged with a DUI in Vermont please contact one of the experienced attorneys at Burke Law today. We offer free, confidential case reviews over the phone and in person. Burke Law serves all of Vermont from two convenient locations (Burlington, VT and Read more…
When a criminal defendant is convicted and sentenced in Vermont he or she may be given a suspended jail sentence in exchange for being put on a term of probation. Alternatively, a criminal defendant may be sentenced to a “to serve” sentence. A “to serve” sentence can be served in Read more…
Discovery is an important part of the criminal defense process in Vermont. After a defendant is arraigned the prosecutor must produce copies of (or provide access to) the specific evidence in the State’s possession that the prosecutor believes can prove the defendant’s guilt of the charged crime. During discovery the Read more…
Standard Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs) are generally conducted roadside during a Vermont DUI investigation. Most DUI investigations begin with a motor vehicle stop based on reasonable suspicion of criminal activity or a motor vehicle violation. After purportedly observing indicia of intoxication (which may include admission to drinking by the operator, Read more…
If you are a Pennsylvania driver that is charged with a DUI in Vermont please contact one of the experienced attorneys at Burke Law today. We offer free, confidential case reviews over the phone and in person. Burke Law serves all of Vermont from two convenient locations (Burlington, VT and Read more…
A DUI case consultation is the initial meeting between a potential DUI client and his attorney. The experienced attorneys at Burke Law have worked with thousands of clients and will work with you from the consultation forward to create a strategic plan to defend your Vermont DUI charge. DUI defense Read more…