Criminal Defense
Image Credit: Organization of American States
James Connell has handled some of the most complex and challenging criminal cases in the world, including defending one of the 9/11 defendants at Guantanamo Bay and the post-conviction case of the D.C. sniper. Mr. Connell has over twenty-five years of experience in a wide variety of criminal cases, ranging from white-collar offenses to murder.
Mr. Connell believes in staying on the offensive in criminal cases, with extensive investigation and motions practice. In Mr. Connell’s view, investigation is the most important element of criminal defense, allowing the defense to learn the real facts of what happened rather than a curated government version. Mr. Connell’s published opinions in criminal matters include:
Ali v. United States, 398 F. Supp. 3d 1200 (C.M.C.R. 2019)
United States v. Mohammad, 398 F. Supp. 3d 1233 (C.M.C.R. 2019)
United States v. Mohammad, 280 F. Supp. 3d 1305 (C.M.C.R. 2017)
Burns v. Commonwealth, 688 S.E.2d 263 (Va. 2010)
United States v. Le, 316 F. Supp. 2d 343 (E.D. Va. 2004)
At the same time, other legal proceedings can also reveal information useful in a criminal case. For this reason, Mr. Connell has conducted extensive litigation in forfeiture, Freedom of Information, habeas corpus, and Guantanamo Periodic Review Board matters. Mr. Connell’s opinions in criminal-adjacent matters include:
Connell v. Central Intelligence Agency, 2023 U.S. Dist. LEXIS, 2023 WL 2682012 (D.D.C. 2023)
Connell v. Southern Command, 2020 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 199327, 2020 WL 6287467 (D.D.C. 2020)
Muhammad v. Kelly, 575 F.3d 359 (4th Cir. 2009)
Blue v. Commonwealth, 644 S.E.2d 385 (Va. 2007)
Connell v. Kersey, 547 S.E.2d 228 (Va. 2001)
