ZMS

Criminal Defense

ZMS is devoted to vigorously defending individuals charged with criminal offenses. Our lawyers invest considerable time and resources to investigating and challenging the government's allegations and evidence, from misdemeanor offenses to serious felonies. In addition to developing cutting edge defenses and legal arguments, our lawyers are experienced in confronting scientific data including DNA, computer and other forensic evidence. We believe that any prosecution must be attacked at both the pretrial phase and during trial, and we engage in a heavy motions practice to challenge the government's proof and contest the admissibility of the government's evidence.

White Collar Defense

ZMS represents individuals and corporations facing financial and fraud related criminal allegations at all stages of the investigatory and potentially criminal process. Our former clients have included individuals charged with illegal structuring, unauthorized use of company or government resources, money laundering, health care fraud and patent/trademark infringement among others. These cases are often characterized by extensive discovery and require an attorney with a sophisticated understanding of complex financial practices and procedures. In addition to investigations and potential criminal charges, our lawyers represent individuals on both criminal and civil forfeiture proceedings. ZMS attorneys have the necessary experience to navigate individuals and corporate clients through these issues in an efficient and cost-effective manner.

Post-Conviction Proceedings

ZMS attorneys have extensive experience litigating complex legal issues before both state and federal appellate courts. We are often called upon to handle appeals where we were not trial counsel and to represent individuals who have exhausted their appeals and must pursue other avenues to challenge their convictions. We have successfully overturned convictions or sentences in the Virginia Court of Appeals and Supreme Court as well as several federal circuits and the United States Supreme Court. In addition to direct appeals, our lawyers represent clients in habeas corpus proceedings and have succeeded in overturning convictions as well as reducing previously imposed sentences. Our ability to formulate and articulate creative, concise and persuasive legal arguments allows us to achieve favorable results for our clients. ZMS maintains a steady appellate practice with several cases often pending in multiple jurisdictions at any given time. For information on some of our previous cases click on Cases of Note.

Traffic Defense

ZMS represents individuals charged with all levels of traffic offenses from simple speeding to DUI and reckless driving. We recognize that traffic offenses, while not as serious as many of the cases we handle, can have severe consequences for our clients including their ability to keep their driving privileges as well as their need to maintain security clearances. Traffic offenses can also impact an individual's ability to work as well as create financial burdens through the imposition of fines and increased insurance rates. Our lawyers approach traffic cases in the same manner in which they handle felony offenses – with zealous representation at all stages of the proceedings.