Orr & Reno's criminal defense attorneys are former state and federal prosecutors, who now are experienced criminal defense attorneys. Before departing for private practice eleven years ago, Michael Ramsdell served terms as the New Hampshire Department of Justice's Associate Attorney General for the Division of Public Protection, Head of the Homicide Unit, Director of the Office of Public Integrity and Chief of the Criminal Justice Bureau. Before joining Orr & Reno, Robert Carey also prosecuted homicide, white collar and public integrity cases for the New Hampshire Department of Justice. Mike and Bob share more than 35 years experience as former prosecutors and criminal defense attorneys.

Our criminal defense attorneys represent businesses and individuals in a broad array of investigations and prosecutions ranging from complex federal white collar crimes, securities violations and other fraud charges, environmental crimes, drug crimes, pornography and firearms charges to state charges including first degree murder, negligent homicide, sexual assault, theft, DWI and lesser offenses. They represent Orr & Reno's clients against federal and state prosecutors, agents and police throughout New Hampshire in matters of all magnitudes. If the matter is at the investigative stage, they strive to resolve it quietly and effectively before it becomes a prosecution. If the matter is a criminal prosecution, they strive to win the case.

At Orr & Reno, we believe that successful criminal defense work is multi-faceted. It includes a rapid response, careful fact finding, skillful negotiation with prosecutors and law enforcement, and persuasive courtroom advocacy. Most importantly, our criminal defense attorneys are well-respected by federal and state judges and prosecutors. When you are a target of an investigation or a criminal defendant, whether in a significant federal or state felony case or in a local district court for a lesser offense, it is comforting to know that your attorney has been there before – and has succeeded.

Orr & Reno's criminal defense attorneys have built their significant reputations on more than just hard work and successful verdicts. They recognize that when you or your business face potential criminal penalties, your future is at stake. You need an attorney advocating for you whom you trust because venturing into the criminal justice system can be daunting and potentially punitive. Our criminal defense attorneys understand each client's position and forge relationships with our clients to place them at ease. They appreciate that the attorney/client relationship creates a special bond that can make the difference for a client's future.

Orr & Reno's clients who find themselves the subject or target of a criminal investigation or prosecution benefit from being represented by a full-service law firm. Sometimes the best resolution to an investigation or prosecution requires activity outside the criminal justice system. Our criminal defense attorneys not only maintain active commercial litigation practices themselves, but also draw on the talent and experience of some of the best corporate, business, real estate, environmental and government relations attorneys in New Hampshire. At Orr & Reno, it is about achieving successful results for our clients and our criminal defense attorneys take advantage of the firm's resources when necessary to achieve success.

Practice Focus

• Federal and State investigations and prosecutions
• White collar crime
• Banking and securities violations
• Environmental crimes
• Murder and negligent homicide
• Child pornography and internet solicitation
• Fraud and cybercrime
• Drug and firearms offenses
• DWI and other major motor vehicle offenses and violations
• Fraud, and identity theft

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