awillett@vinerlawfirm.com

AREAS OF PRACTICE:

Federal Criminal Defense

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BACKGROUND AND CAREER

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I've practiced law for 36 years, and specialized in criminal defense for all but two of them. During the course of my career I have represented clients in Federal Court, State Court and Juvenile Court. I have had an exclusive criminal defense practice for the last 20 years.

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STRENGTHS

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I am very comfortable in the courtroom in jury trials. During the course of my career, I have been lead counsel in 37 Federal criminal cases, 19 State criminal cases and 4 civil cases.

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TYPES OF CASES

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I made my reputation as a young lawyer defending street crime cases, primarily drug and firearm cases. My practice has evolved in the sense that I now defend the accused in white collar fraud cases and sexual offense cases in Federal and State Court as well. In regards to appeals I have participated in 19 Oral Arguments before the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals and 1 Oral Argument before the Iowa Court of Appeals.

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I am admitted to practice law in the State of Iowa, in the United States District Courts for the Northern District of Iowa, the Southern District of Iowa, the Central District of Illinois and the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals.

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My theory regarding the law is that there are two sides to every story and both sides need to be heard. I am a strong believer in the Sixth Amendment right to counsel. The more serious the allegation, the greater the need for a lawyer to represent the accused.

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FEDERAL CRIMINAL DEFENSE

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I regularly practice in Federal Court in the Northern and Southern District of Iowa. I have tried cases in Federal Court in Sioux City, Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, and Davenport. My main area of expertise is in street crime cases, however, I represent the accused in white collar fraud cases and sexual offense cases including child pornography and computer solicitation.