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I listened to a talk radio personality recently say that he wonders how criminal defense attorneys live with themselves and are happy. "Most the people they represent are guilty and how could they (defense attorneys) feel good about representing such scum?"
Below is my response to that question:
My career as a criminal defense attorney happened somewhat by accident. I was a prosecutor for 8 years and believed most of those years that I would prosecute for the rest of my life. I loved being a prosecutor and I was good at it. I received meaningful awards, unsolicited letters of support and praise from victims of crime. I felt that it was my calling in life- until I left to enter private practice to try and make a better living for my family and me.
I have made a better living in private practice but that’s not why I love being a criminal defense attorney and strongly feel that God has placed this particular call in my path to learn, grow and bless others to do the same in a very meaningful way.
What I lacked, however, as a prosecutor was a personification of the Defendant. I definitely had the victims’ interests but the Defendant was a person who I read about what he or she did in a police report. I didn’t read about who they were. It’s very different. The comment that “these people [in the criminal justice system] are scum” is very much an objectification, rather than a personification, of the individual- and for the most part is inaccurate. None of my clients believe that they are scum. In fact many people who have felt that way change their tune real quickly when they come to me to represent them, their sons or daughters or grandchildren for serious mistakes, misjudgments, bad decisions that have led them to my office.
Are some people un-deserving of advocacy? Perhaps that’s not for us to judge.
I do, however, screen and assess every potential new client who comes in or contacts me. And I make a determination of whether or not that person is someone whom I can help.
It is the main job of a criminal defense attorney to be an advocate for the Defendant and that often means personifying the Defendant to a prosecutor.
I am fortunate to know how to negotiate and litigate through a very stressful system that is foreign to most people living in our country. That knowledge and skill provides for my family and I am proud of it. I strongly believe in the constitutional principles. I have seen these principles in action when juries have returned "not guilty" verdicts for my clients
As for the cases that don’t go all of the way to a jury, they are generally a negotiated resolution where prosecutors and defense attorneys wrestle (figuratively) between justice and mercy, strengths and weaknesses of a case.
So that’s the long answer to the question. The short answer is: I sleep well. I am happy. I wake up refreshed and excited to face a new day.
I hope I have enlightened anyone who wonders at least how this criminal defense attorney lives with himself.
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Chat withState: Arizona
Acquired: 1997
No misconduct found
505 W. Ray Road, Suite 2, Chandler, AZ, 85225
5 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
Posted by Jeorge Blanco | January 07, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Excellent Lawyer
Mark was my lawyer in a legal situation that I was involved Mark was very professional and kept me informed during the whole case I would recommend him to any one that needs legal help.
Posted by Kim | March 05, 2014 | Lawsuits & Disputes
Highly Recommended and Endorsed--Exceeded Expectations
My daughter attends college in Arizona and was involved in an incident that required legal representation. As I am in another state, I did not have the luxury of a personal recommendation regarding an attorney and was at the mercy of the internet. I spoke with several attorneys and found Mr. Anders...
Posted by Logan | February 09, 2014
incredible lawyer for any situation.
Mr. Anderson was exceptional not only from the begining but even after my case had been resolved, he made many points to say that i coukd always reach him for any reason. Mark helped me in ways i know would not have been possible if i had gone another route. I would reccomend him to anyone who is see...
Posted by Ted | February 07, 2014 | Criminal Defense
Great lawyer.
I hired Mark to represent me in a criminal case. He kept me informed, and handled my case in a very professional manner. I would recommend Mark to anyone who needs a great lawyer.
Posted by anonymous | February 06, 2014 | Family
Excellent Legal Defense
Mr. Mark Andersen is an outstanding attorney. I found myself in a very sticky legal situation. I hired a different attorney from Mr. Andersen, and he quickly ran up fees in the thousands of dollars, and we were not any closer to resolving my problem. (in fact, things were WORSE!!!) I then consulted ...
"I have known Mark since he prosecuted felonies. He was a competent trial attorney then and has only become more passionate and more creative an attorney as he switched to the defense and as the years have passed. I endorse this attorney."
"I have known Mark for almost my entire career and have always admired his skills and work ethic. He's a great attorney that goes the extra mile for all of his clients."
"Mark is an an excellent attorney. He is very well respected and liked by judges, prosecutors and his peers. He has extensive criminal law experience both as a prosecutor and criminal defense attorney. If you select Mark as your attorney, you are in very good hands."
"Mark is an excellent lawyer. He is the first person I call when I have a question. He is also the first lawyer I refer a case when I cannot take the case. Most importantly Mark is who I would call if I were in trouble. I have known Mark for over fifteen years. I first met Mark when we worked together in the County Attorney's Office as prosecutors. Mark has extraordinary people skills. I have tried cases with Mark both as a prosecutor and as a defense attorney. I feel very comfortable recommending him. In fact if I could not represent a family member I would want Mark to do it."
"I endorse this lawyer - I have known Mark Andersen for many years and he is an excellent lawyer whom I recommend without hesitation."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mark is a great guy and cares about his clients. He is knowledgeable and friendly."
"Mark is my go-to guy for all matters criminal. I have seen Mark turn a hopeless case into a manageable case (or even a winner) with his knowledge and insight into the world of criminal law. None of the clients that I have sent Mark have ever been dissapointed. I highly endorse Mark."
"Mark, is an outstanding lawyer, in every sense of the word. Bright, hard-working, thoughtful, tenacious and caring. I have no problem sending my clients to him if they have a criminal matter that needs attention."
"Mark is an ethical and principled lawyer, whose knowledge and experience help his clients receive fair treatment in the criminal courts."
"It is always a pleasure to collaborate and work with Mark on complex cases and to see firsthand his depth of experience and knowledge that he brings to his practice. Mark has assisted me and my famliy law clients several times, and I know that I can count on mark professionally."
"Mark is an excellent attorney. His counsel to clients is wise. He is skilled in the courtroom. You can trust Mark to give the best defense possible."
"Mark is an excellent attorney and does a great job on his cases. He really cares about his clients and getting the best results possible for them."
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2004
Prosecutor of the Year, Pinal County Attorney's Office
2004
2004 Vertical Prosecutor of the Year, Arizona Auto Theft Authority
2013 - Present
Partner, Davis Miles, PLLC
2006 - 2013
Attorney, Law Offices of Mark J. Andersen P.L.C.
2003 - 2006
Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, Pinal County Attorney's Office
1997 - 2003
Deputy County Attorney, Maricopa Country Attorney's Ofc
1997
JD - Juris Doctor
1991
BA - Bachelor of Arts
2014
2013
2013
2013
2013
English
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