Michael Ramsdell and Robert Carey are well respected and well known former state and federal prosecutors, who now are experienced criminal defense attorneys. Before departing for private practice thirteen years ago, Michael served terms as the New Hampshire Department of Justice's Associate Attorney General for the Division of Public Protection, Head of the Homicide Unit, Director of the Office of Public Integrity and Chief of the Criminal Justice Bureau. Before joining Orr & Reno, Bob also prosecuted homicide, white collar and public integrity cases for the New Hampshire Department of Justice. Michael and Bob share almost 40 years experience as former prosecutors and criminal defense attorneys.

Michael and Bob represent businesses and individuals in a broad array of investigations and prosecutions ranging from complex federal white collar crimes, securities violations and other fraud charges, environmental crimes, drug crimes, pornography and firearms charges to state charges including murder, negligent homicide, sexual assault, theft, DWI and lesser offenses. They represent Orr & Reno's clients against federal and state prosecutors, agents and police throughout New Hampshire in matters of all magnitudes. If a matter is at the investigative stage, they strive to resolve it quietly and effectively before it becomes a prosecution. Their clients who were the subjects of publicly scrutinized criminal investigations and against whom no criminal charges were brought include a former New Hampshire Supreme Court Justice and a former New Hampshire Constitutional law enforcement officer. Other clients, like one of New Hampshire's largest employers, have been the subject of federal grand jury investigations and Michael or Bob resolved the matter without a prosecution or publicity. On the other hand, if the matter involves a criminal prosecution, they strive to win the case or minimize the damage from the prosecution regardless of the adverse publicity surrounding the case. Most recently, Michael and Bob represented the architect of the largest Ponzi scheme in New Hampshire history.

Michael and Bob have built their significant reputations on more than just hard work and successful verdicts. They are well respected by federal and state judges and prosecutors. They recognize that successful criminal defense work involves a rapid response, careful fact finding, skillful negotiation with prosecutors and law enforcement, and persuasive courtroom advocacy. They recognize that when clients face potential criminal penalties, their futures are at stake. They understand that whether a client is a potential target of an investigation or a criminal defendant, the client is comforted to know that his or her attorney has been there before – and has succeeded. Michael and Bob understand each client's position and forge relationships with our clients to place them at ease. They appreciate that the attorney/client relationship creates a special bond that can make the difference for a client's future.

Orr & Reno's clients who find themselves the subject or target of a criminal investigation or prosecution also benefit from being represented by a full-service law firm. Sometimes the best resolution to an investigation or prosecution requires activity outside the criminal justice system. Our criminal defense attorneys not only maintain active commercial litigation practices themselves, but also draw on the talent and experience of some of the best corporate, business, real estate, environmental and government relations attorneys in New Hampshire. At Orr & Reno, it is about achieving successful results for our clients and our criminal defense attorneys take advantage of the firm's resources when necessary to achieve success.

Practice Focus

• Federal and State investigations and prosecutions
• White collar crime
• Banking and securities violations
• • Fraud and cybercrime
• Environmental crimes
• Murder and negligent homicide
• Child pornography and internet solicitation
• Drug and firearms offenses
• DWI and other major motor vehicle offenses and violations

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