About Christopher

Biography

Chris is one of the founding partners of OPLaw, a law firm located in Bristol that serves clients all over Vermont. While OPLaw helps people with many legal matters, their practice is focused on DUI Defense, Criminal Defense, Divorce and Child Custody, Wills and Estate Planning, and Bankruptcy.

Before forming OPLaw with his law partner Rebecca Otey, Chris spent 15 years serving his community as a criminal prosecutor with the Addison County State's Attorney's Office. Having successfully argued more than 100 trials, Chris is one of the more experienced criminal trial attorneys in Vermont. He has shepherded criminal cases from their start at arraignment, through motion practice and jury trials, and has even argued before the Vermont Supreme Court a number of times. Chris is completely familiar with all aspects of any criminal law case.

A native Vermonter, Chris grew up in South Burlington and graduated from South Burlington High School in 1988. He earned a B.A. in Sociology from UVM in 1992 and his Juris Doctorate from Syracuse University College of Law in 1996.

After graduating, Chris started his law career in Oregon, working first for the Klamath County District Attorney as a domestic violence prosecutor, then as a Deputy District Attorney in Umatilla County, Oregon. After nearly four years, Chris returned home to Vermont to be closer to his family, and joined a general law practice in Bennington, Vermont, then a family law firm in Burlington.

In 2004, Chris was deputized by State’s Attorney John Quinn and began his 15-year run as an Addison County prosecutor. During his tenure, he taught new officers at the Vermont Police Academy, served on legislative committees relating to criminal justice, and prosecuted thousands of criminal cases from minor cases like shoplifting to multi-day trials involving sexual violence or homicide. Chris is one of the most experienced attorneys in Vermont in juvenile law and is one of the few attorneys who has completed Drug Recognition Expert training, which trains police officers to recognize when drivers are impaired by drugs other than alcohol.

When not working, Chris enjoys spending time with his wife Dorothy and their son sailing on the lake, hiking, and skiing at the Snow Bowl.

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 25%

After 15 years as a career criminal prosecutor, I am ready to use my skills and experience on behalf of my clients. From traffic tickets to serious felonies, our firm stands ready to vigorously defend your rights.

25%

Divorce and Separation 25%

25%

Estate Planning 20%

20%

DUI and DWI 15%

DUI law is the fastest changing area of criminal defense. If you are charged with a DUI, you want someone who has handled every aspect of DUI cases, including the new DUI - drug issues.

15%

Child Custody 10%

10%

Wills and Living Wills 2%

Child Support 1%

Juvenile Law 1%

For 15 years, I have handled thousands of cases in Juvenile Court. For families divided by DCF, I can put that experience to work for you.

23 years

Marriage and Prenuptials 1%