How We Build a Strong Defense for Our Clients

When you're facing criminal charges, your future, family, and way of life is on the line. At Polaris Law Group, we understand that every case is more than just a file—it's your life, your reputation, and your freedom. That's why we take a strategic, personalized approach to building a strong defense for every client we represent.

Here’s how our criminal defense attorneys do it:

1. Listening to Your Story First

Our defense begins with listening. Before we analyze the evidence or dig into the legal details, we want to hear your side of the story. There are always multiple sides to any story.

We will get the government’s side during discovery. Understanding your view helps us find important facts, possible defenses, and any issues that the police report might miss.

2. Analyze collateral consequences

When analyzing a case, our team at Polaris Law Group understands that criminal defense is not a one-size-fits-all undertaking. On the surface, it appears that conviction of the same crime should affect everyone the same. In reality, long-term and short-term consequences of convictions vary widely based on personal circumstances.  

Criminal convictions can have wide reaching effects, some of the most common collateral consequences we see are: parenting time and custody, driver’s license revocation or suspension, commercial driver's license revocation, professional license revocation, loss of employment, eviction and exclusion from residences, immigration consequences, loss of educational opportunity, loss of civil liberties (gun ownership, voting, ability to run for office).

*The following are examples that display how the same conviction may impact defendants differently, individual sentences may vary.

o  John, Jose, and Jim are each convicted of violation of a domestic violence protection order in Nebraska. All three men have solid affirmative defenses that give them a 50/50 chance to prevail at trial. John and Jose have no prior convictions. Jose is a lawful permanent resident (green card holder). Jim has three prior convictions (one third degree domestic assault, one DUI, and one violation of a domestic violence protection order.

o  John and his team prepare for sentencing. John attends individual therapy and a batterers intervention course. He shows genuine remorse and provides the Court with letters of support. The judge acknowledges his hard work and orders him to pay a $200 fine as his sentence.

o  Jose prepares in the same way as John. He entered a plea deal due to the state offering a “fine only” resolution and his attorney assuring him that he would just be looking at a small fine if convicted. At sentencing, the judge commends him on his hard work in addressing the issues that led to the charges and orders him to pay a $200 fine as his sentence. Ten years later, when Jose applies for US citizenship, ICE officers come into the interview room and detain him as a removable alien (due to his violation of a protection order conviction that his attorney didn’t know made him removable).He is held in jail until he is removed to his country of birth.

o  Jim decides to represent himself. “I’ve been here, done that.” At the first hearing, he pleads guilty, shrugging the charge off as a minor inconvenience. He fails to notice that he is being charged as a repeat offender (class IV felony) rather than the misdemeanor he was convicted of previously. During sentencing, the judge admonishes Jim for his repeated law violations and disregard for court orders. He is sentenced to eighteen months at the Nebraska Department of Corrections. While incarcerated, he is evicted from his apartment and fired from his long-term job due to his new felon status.

3. Thorough Case Investigation

We never rely solely on the prosecution's version of events. Our team conducts a detailed, independent investigation, which may include:

●      Reviewing body cam and surveillance footage

●      Interviewing witnesses

●      Analyzing evidence

●      Visiting the scene of the alleged incident

●      Analyzing law enforcement procedures for errors or violations

We look for in consistencies, missteps, or gaps in the prosecution’s case that can be used to your advantage.

4. Examining the Evidence with a Critical Eye

We scrutinize every piece of evidence presented against you. This includes physical evidence, digital records, witness statements, and forensic reports. If evidence was improperly obtained or if there are credibility issues with a witness, we challenge its admissibility in court. We review your entire file to ascertain what is *not* there. Oftentimes, the key piece of evidence is something that was withheld or not collected. To account for the missing evidence, we work with expert witnesses to provide testimony that supports your defense or discredits the prosecution’s claims.

5. Exploring All Legal Defenses

Every case is unique, and so are the defenses we build. Depending on the circumstances, we may pursue:

●      Self-defense or defense of others

●      Lack of intent

●      Mistaken identity

●      Illegal search and seizure

●      Violation of Miranda rights

●      Fleeting/ proximal/ knowing possession

●      Racial or ethnic profiling or bias

●      Malicious prosecution

We tailor the legal strategy to the specific facts of your case, always aiming to reduce or eliminate long-term implications.

6. Open and Honest Communication

We believe in transparency. Throughout the legal process, we keep you informed, answer your questions, and provide realistic expectations. You’re not just a case number to us, you’re a partner in your own defense. We won’t promise you the moon to get you to sign the representation agreement and then treat you like a stranger after you pay. We will explain potential outcomes and put you in a position to make informed decisions.

7. Strategic Negotiation and Aggressive Trial Advocacy

When it makes sense, we negotiate with prosecutors to seek reduced charges or alternative sentencing options. But when trial is the best course of action, we will be prepared. Our courtroom strategy is backed by meticulous preparation, persuasive argument, and a deep understanding of criminal law. We feel strongly that you do not have a negotiation strategy until you have a trial strategy.

8. Support Beyond the Courtroom

A criminal case affects every part of your life. We connect clients with resources like counseling, ignition interlock providers, and addiction treatment programs when appropriate. These efforts cannot only help in court but also help you rebuild and move forward. Our firm’s model is not based on repeat clients. We, honestly, do not want repeat clients. We cheer our clients on as they build successful lives after resolving their legal issues. This mentality is reflected in the numerous referrals we receive from happy clients.

Your Defense Starts Now

If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges, don’t wait to get help. Your opportunity for a strong defense starts the moment you receive your citation or complaint. By teaming with us as early as possible, we can gather evidence and take back control over your life. Contact us today for a confidential consultation. Let us fight for your rights, your freedom, and your future.