Who We Are
Our Practice
Our People

Our experience in federal and white collar criminal defense has resulted in the most recent honor and recognition of attorney Kristin Etter being appointed to the Committee on Defender Services by Judge Sparks and Judge Yeakel. For the next two years Ms. Etter will meet with the federal bar to address concerns and come up with proposals to enact changes in the area of federal criminal defense.

As federal criminal defense attorneys, we are prepared to assume the role of advocate, counselor, social worker, mediator, researcher and negotiator for our clients.

Advocacy
As zealous advocates for our clients, we strive to represent the good in a person. We believe that individuals should not be judged on their worst act, and that nobody is above making poor choices or mistakes in judgment. All too often mistakes are made in the justice system and innocent people go to jail.

Trial skills
First and foremost, we are trial lawyers. We do not take cases assuming that they will be pleas. Trials are like surgery: so many different things are going on at once that a tremendous amount of preparation is required to gain control.

We are excellent public speakers. We practice our arguments, our cross-examinations, and our jury selection with the other attorneys in the firm.

We have experience trying high-pressure cases.

We know when to take a case to trial versus when to recommend settling the case by agreement. In trial, witnesses can be caught in inconsistencies, the Government may have a weaker case than it thought, or a random juror may disbelieve a police officer.

We have a thorough knowledge of the law and appellate work plus an extensive law library. With regular Continuing Legal Education courses and a database of current legal journals, we are able to keep up with changing developments in the law.

Diplomacy
Often times we represent clients accused of difficult acts to defend. Our familiarity and working relationship with and our work knowledge of DAs and judges helps us better secure the best possible results. And when we work with court officials that we do not see everyday, our extensive experience allows us to tactfully manage negotiations and relationships. No matter who we work with, we are respected for our sincerity and professionalism.

Creativity
Innovation in our trial preparation, our arguments before the court, and our problem solving are all founding principles of Sumpter & Gonzalez, L.L.P.

Humility
Practicing law, like life, is a learning process. Each lawyer at Sumpter and Gonzalez leaves work each day a better and smarter attorney.

Problem solvers / mediators

Judgment
Providing defense without judgment, criticism, or scorn. Period.

Integrity
Everyone at the Firm has sound morals, an excellent work ethic, and a sincere belief in the inherent good of people. These traits, then, are the traits the Firm as a whole emanates.

To learn more about us, please visit our Austin
Criminal Attorney home page.

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