Interview with Attorney Geoff Womack

What made you want to become a criminal defense attorney?

Growing up in a Marine Corps family instilled in me to always stand up for what you believe in and to protect those who cannot protect themselves. Being a criminal defense attorney allows me to defend the Constitution of the United States. I am able to hold the Government to its burden of proving their case beyond a reasonable doubt – just the way the Founding Fathers of this great nation intended!

In your opinion, what sets your firm apart from the rest?

We pride ourselves three core values; 1) being aggressive, 2) being honest at all times with our clients, and 3) being as reachable as possible. We take every case on as if we or our families were in the place of our clients, and therefore, we fight for our clients as if we were fighting for ourselves or our families. When clients come into our office, it is usually at one of the lowest points in their life. Because of the seriousness of the reason my clients have come to meet me, it is paramount that we always tell our clients 100% truth (good or bad). We never want our clients to regret making a decision because we didn't tell them the truth.

If things are bad, we will tell you they are bad, and if things are good, then we will tell you they are good. But rest assured, all my clients know that I have their best interest at heart and will fight to keep their liberty. Many lawyers only give out their office phone numbers. We give our clients every way possible to reach us – you will have my office address, email address, office phone number (which is answered 24/7 by a live person, not an answering machine), and my cell phone number. It is not uncommon for me to receive a call a 2 am, but let's face it, many times that is when people need me the most.

Why should someone choose to hire you over a public defender?

Many public defenders are good lawyers. However, we don't accept appointed cases. Many times, appointed attorneys rely on appointments for their livelihood. Unfortunately, this sometimes means that an appointed attorney is reluctant to fight as aggressively because of their reliance on the Judge's appointing of cases.

What is the first thing you do when you take on a new case?

Every case is different and requires a different "first step." For example, when family members hire my firm when a loved one has just been arrested, then we immediately attempt to locate the client and get in touch with the arresting officer or agency and try to stop any interrogation of our client. It is never advisable for a client to speak with the police without their attorney present.

How do you view your role in the attorney-client relationship?

I take this relationship very seriously. Many clients reveal their deepest and darkest secrets to me. It is trust that is unrivaled by any other privilege or relationship. A good attorney-client relationship is paramount to a successful defense of a criminal case.

What advice do you most often give your clients & why?

Never, ever, speak to the police with getting advice from your attorney. The police are trained professionals that know how to get guilty and innocent people to say things they shouldn't. The most important thing for someone suspected or accused of a crime to remember is the 5th Amendment right to remain silent and to request a lawyer be present!

Tell us about a case that you are particularly proud of:

I am proud of all of my cases. It always gives me a great feeling when I've helped a client climb out of the abyss and get on with their lives. There is no better feeling then getting a hug from your client and family after a dismissal or acquittal – it truly is the most rewarding feeling.

Some say that time is of the essence after an arrest – is this true?

Absolutely! The quicker we can get involved in a case, then the quicker we get to speak to the investigators, point out the weakness of their allegations, and possible stop the case from going forward.

How long have you been representing the criminally accused?

When I graduated law school, I immediately began representing individuals accused of crimes. I've had the honor and privilege of helping those in need for over 10 years.

Why should a prospective client choose to work with your firm?

If you want someone who is going to aggressively defend your best interest, while also keeping you informed, then we are that firm. Many times an attorney-client relationship turns into a great friendship. It is friendship forged in the fight for my client's life and liberty. That is something I take very seriously. It keeps me up at night. I think my client's deserve that type of dedication and compassion.