Public Defense in Vermont

Jessica Burke

Jessica Burke is a licensed Vermont attorney and the founder of Burke Law. She obtained her undergraduate degree from Boston College in Political Science, and then received her law degree from Washington & Lee Law School. After law school she worked with several top law firms before settling in Vermont and building her own practice. In addition to being licensed to practice law in the state of Vermont, she also holds a State Bar certification in New Hampshire and Massachusetts, among others. She specializes in criminal defense, including DUI defense, homicides, and sex crimes.

Public defense services in Vermont are provided through the Office of The Defender General.

The Defender General began providing services to Vermont in 1972. The Defender General provides constitutionally required representation to needy persons charged with serious crimes.

At Burke Law we work with the Defender General to help provide gaps in legal coverage for indigent Vermont defendants. It is some of our most important and rewarding work. Every defendant, regardless of means, has a right to a thoughtful and strategic criminal defense.

How to File a Restraining Order in Vermont

May 11, 2022 No Comments

In Vermont, you can apply for a “sexual assault or stalking protective order,” which is what is commonly referred to as a “Restraining Order.” The sexual assault or stalking protective order is an order from

Stalking Protective Order VS. Relief From Abuse Order

May 11, 2022 No Comments

What is a Stalking Protective Order? A Stalking Protective Order is a civil court order, which protects a victim from someone who is NOT a family or household member who has stalked the victim. 12

Relief From Abuse Order vs. Domestic Assault

May 11, 2022 No Comments

An RFA is a civil court document that intends to stop violent, harassing and threatening behavior by preventing the abuser from having contact or communication with the victim. 15 V.S.A. § 1101. Domestic Assault is

I Was Served With a Temporary RFA Order in Vermont – Now What?

March 26, 2022 No Comments

If you have been served with a Vermont Relief from Abuse Order, or with a notice of hearing, you are the Defendant. You should immediately contact an attorney at Burke Law to review the temporary

Tips for Remote RFA Hearings Due to Covid-19

March 26, 2022 1 Comment

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many court hearings have become remote, including Relief From Abuse hearings. That means that the hearing will be conducted online or over the phone. Follow these tips to prepare for

How to File an Relief From Abuse (RFA) Order in Vermont

March 25, 2022 No Comments

In Vermont, a Relief From Abuse Order, or “RFA,” is an order from the court which is used to stop violent, harassing and threatening behavior. First, determine if an RFA is right for you. If

4 Things You Should Do After a DUI Arrest in Vermont

March 22, 2022 No Comments

Going through a DUI arrest can be a frightening experience. Once you are released from custody for DUI in Vermont what should you do next? 1. Collect All the Paperwork from Your DUI Arrest. First,

Vermont Civil and Criminal DUI

January 3, 2021 1 Comment

Most DUIs in Vermont have two components: a DUI civil and a DUI criminal. Both cases are handled at the same court, before the same judge, at the same time. Each case will have a

What are my obligations if I am in a car accident in Vermont?

December 31, 2020 No Comments

If you are in a car accident in Vermont and any property is damaged or someone is injured you must immediately stop and provide your name, residence, license number, address and the name of owner

Public Defense in Vermont

Jessica Burke

Public defense services in Vermont are provided through the Office of The Defender General.

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