Christopher M Trotter

After numerous phone and in person consultations, I decided to hire Chris to represent me in my DUI case. I was arrested for DUI, had BAC 0.33 and I had two minors in the vehicle. DA charged me with DUI, two counts of reckless endangerment and reckless driving. Chris was able to negotiate with DA ...a plea bargain of guilty plea to DUI and for state to drop remaining 3 charges. While it is not ideal to walk away with DUI charge, all evidence were against me and I don't believe I stood a chance of winning this in trial. Chris laid out facts very clearly of how my case would be presented in a trial by DA and it didn't look pretty. So considering my situation (state does not go kind on you with minors in the car!), one DUI charge with enhanced fine of $2000 (because BAC was over .15) plus all other fees and 80 hours community service is an extremely favorable outcome. Chris maintained communications channels very open, was very honest and upfront. He was also very kind and was able to handle me very professionally in a few erratic situations where I was pushing him to get DA to get me into diversion program (I do not have any prior criminal history at all, not even speeding tickets but having two kids in the car and high blood alcohol content puts one in a different game). But to get into diversion, you have to petition to the judge and I realized that no judge would grant me diversion with two minors in the car and high BAC. Chris was very patient with me until I was able to come to that realization (with his help). It was a very stressful situation and Chris handled it very professionally and in a respectful manner. I would not hesitate to recommend Chris to anyone needing legal defense. Once my two year probation is up (standard probably period after DUI), I will be contacting Chris to have 3 dismissed charges expunged from my record (something that I didn't know so maybe good FYI to someone reading this as well -- just because charges are dismissed, they are not automatically removed from your record and must be expunged. Oregon DUI could never ever be expunged. DUI and subsequent diversion will still stay on your record as DUI dismissal but still can never be expunged).

I was arrested for "publicly drinking" by Washington Square Mall. This offense was a huge, nerve-wracking shock to me. Never in my life have I spoken to a policeman or been around the Law; never could I have guessed I would be arrested, let along for a drinking problem. And in one moment, I was thro...wn into this world. My father gave me the name of Short Law Group, a firm he was aware of as a work retainer. I called and was assigned a consultation appointment. I spoke with Chris. Chris was thoughtful and meticulous in explaining my options, projecting realistic outcomes from the judge ranging from mild to harsh, based on his past experiences with cases like these - alcohol involved - as well as the experiences of the other members of the team. Chris offered full transparency and honesty at all times, when he spoke with the district attorney, he would call me up immediately and share what he spoke to him about. He offered me a suggestive path that would aid my case (AA meetings, Drug / Alcohol Assessment), and the names and locations of places that he had worked with prior. Of course, I followed his advice (depending on if it was financially possible for me). This minor offense was not at the top of his list (as it would be silly to think he would give it as much attention as other hefty cases he was working on). But he was incredibly responsive. I would call him and he would respond within 24 hours (if not him - another member of the team who was aware of the case). His fee was incredibly reasonable and fair. He was always conscious and concerned with the things that I was conscious and concerned with - mostly finances. If he had a concern - he would voice it. He gave me his advice for the court appearances, and what to plan for (keeping me well-informed and prepared). With his work, the charges were dropped, and the arrest has been removed from records. But more importantly, Chris helped me not spiral into the system. I have become aware of a major problem in my life - my drinking. And instead of my first offense being a huge stone I have to carry around with me, Chris took it away and gave me an opportunity to never fall back into that system. I couldn't recommend him and his firm more highly.