Meet The Attorneys For Freedom Team

Practice Limited to Self-Defense Cases

Marc J. Victor is the founder and owner of The Attorneys For Freedom Law Firm, which was established as a pro-freedom law firm in 1997. Marc is a Certified Criminal Law Specialist by The Arizona Board of Legal Specialization and is admitted in Arizona & Hawai‘i. Marc has been zealously representing clients in state and federal major felony criminal law matters for over thirty years. He often represents clients in many different state and federal courts throughout the United States.

Marc has represented clients in more than a thousand major felony cases including first and second-degree murder, sex cases, gun-related self-defense cases, major drug cases, complex white-collar cases, state and federal appeals, high-profile civil rights, personal injury, and other complex state and federal matters. He has appeared to argue at the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals on many occasions. His jury trial experience includes several death-eligible first-degree murder trials as well as complex self-defense-related, sex, drug, and white-collar cases in both state and federal courts. During his career, Marc has successfully represented clients in many high-profile and media attention cases, including his representation of  Elizabeth Johnson in the nationally televised “Baby Gabriel” case.  Marc has also been repeatedly quoted locally, nationally, and internationally on radio, television, and in print. Several local and national media outlets turn to Marc for his legal commentary and expertise on high-profile criminal cases. Marc was one of the more prominent televised legal commentators on the Jodi Arias case and regularly appears in the media as a legal commentator on firearms-related self-defense issues.

As a long-time freedom activist, Marc is regularly invited to speak to audiences across Arizona and in other states on a variety of pro-freedom related issues including the right to self-defense, ending the drug war, the free market, criminal justice issues as well as a variety of other criminal law-related issues. Marc has also spoken to audiences in many different foreign countries advocating for a variety of freedom-related issues. Marc founded The Live and Let Live Global Peace Movement which has members throughout the world. He authored a book in support of the movement entitled, “The Live and Let Live Philosophy: How We Can Achieve Global Freedom, Peace, and Prosperity by Consistently Applying Two Fundamental Principles.” on the Live and Let Live Principle, the foundation upon which he has established The World’s Only Real Peace Movement. Marc often speaks in support of the Movement to audiences throughout the world.

Marc has publicly debated often on issues such as self-defense and the rights of firearms owners, the drug war, and other criminal justice-related issues. He has twice publicly debated Bill Montgomery, who now sits as a Justice on the Arizona Supreme Court, on the issue of marijuana legalization and personal freedom. In 2022, Marc ran for the United States Senate against incumbent Senator Mark Kelly and candidate Blake Masters. Marc accepted an invitation to participate in a nationally televised senatorial debate held on October 6, 2022. He also previously ran for the United States Senate in 2012 against incumbent Senator Jeff Flake and candidate Richard Carmona. Marc proudly served in the United States Marine Corps and is a combat veteran of Operation Desert Storm where he earned a commendation for his service while stationed in Saudi Arabia near the border of Kuwait.

Click here → to learn more about Marc J. Victor’s USMC career

Click here to view Marc J. Victor’s stance on Freedom and the 2nd Amendment!

Practice Limited to Self-Defense Cases

Andrew C. Marcantel is a criminal defense attorney with a passion for freedom, individual rights, and government accountability. With a background in legal philosophy and constitutional law, Andrew excels at applying an out-of-the-box approach to contemporary criminal law issues in all of our client’s cases. As an attorney for The Attorneys For Freedom Law Firm, Andrew avidly serves his community by defending its citizens’ rights and holding the government to the standards imposed by the state and federal Constitutions.

Andrew earned his B.A. in Philosophy from the Barrett Honors College at Arizona State University, graduating with honors and receiving seven Dean’s List Recognitions throughout the course of the program. Andrew completed the Philosophy, Politics, and Law Certification Program through the Honors College, and worked with various faculty members to serve as a student mentor in the Honors program. Throughout his undergraduate years, Andrew published several articles on the subjects of moral philosophy, ethics, and literature, receiving notable recognitions and scholarships sponsored by the University.

Upon completing his undergraduate degree, Andrew earned his Juris Doctorate from Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University, receiving a CALI Excellence for the Future Award for his achievement in the subject of Philosophy of Crime and Punishment. While in law school, Andrew worked for two years as a Certified Limited Practice Student and Legal Research Specialist at a respected Scottsdale, Arizona law firm, and gained experience on hundreds of state criminal and civil matters, all before even graduating from law school.

Since joining The Attorneys For Freedom Law Firm in 2014, Andrew has aggressively defended our clients in hundreds of cases, including major federal felony trials, state felony cases in every county in Arizona, and misdemeanor cases in numerous municipal and justice courts. Andrew has been featured in numerous national news outlets for his work on high-profile cases and is regularly called to speak at local events, schools, gun shows, legal conferences, and national podcasts on a variety of legal topics. In addition, Andrew is a member of several highly respected national defense organizations, including the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

After practicing law in Arizona for six years, Andrew became certified to practice in Hawaii state and federal courts, and now advocates for our clients in both Arizona and Hawaii cases. In assisting our clients with their criminal matters, Andrew furthers the firm’s tradition of passionate, insightful, and proficient representation in each and every case.

In his free time, Andrew is an avid hiker and backpacker, regularly traveling across the country in search of his next adventure. He also plays keyboards in several bands and loves to play classical piano. But perhaps his favorite pastime is spending time with his English bulldog named Beefy.

EXPERIENCE

Criminal Defense Lawyer Arizona – Civil Rights Restoration Cases, Misdemeanor and Aggravated Driving Under the Influence, Reckless Driving, Driving on Suspended License, Possession of Marijuana and Narcotic Drugs, Manufacture of Marijuana and Narcotic Drugs for Sale, Federal Drug Trafficking, Misdemeanor, and Aggravated Assault, Domestic Violence, Violation of Order of Protection, Disorderly Conduct, Gun Crimes, Probation Violations, Manslaughter, Murder, Conspiracy, Solicitation, White Collar Crimes, Fraud, Theft of Property, Theft of Identity, Burglary, Robbery, Sex Crimes, Kidnapping, Endangerment, Felony Flight, Resisting Arrest.

ADMISSIONS

State Bar of Arizona
United States District Court, District of Arizona
State Bar of Hawai‘i
United States District Court, District of Hawai‘i

EDUCATION

Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, Arizona State University
J.D., Law – 2011-2014
Barrett Honors College, Arizona State University
B.A., Philosophy, Cert. Philosophy, Politics, and Law – 2005-2009

Practice Limited to Self-Defense Cases

Attorney Emma K. Wittmann is a criminal defense attorney passionate about fighting for her client’s freedom.

Emma attended W.P. Carey School of Business, Arizona State University, where she was awarded the Academic Merit Award Scholarship, New American University Scholar-Dean’s Award Scholarship, and ASU Solutions Grant. She completed her degree in 3 ½ years, earning a B.A. in Business Law, with a minor in Dance.

Emma went on to pursue her passion of becoming an Attorney. She earned a full-tuition scholarship upon starting law school and also earned a CALI award during her first year.

During law school, Emma worked in the immigration clinic, representing children in the foster system in need of immigration services. Throughout law school, Emma completed an internship with the City of Mesa, where she worked in a wide variety of practice areas including employment, real estate, construction litigation, civil litigation, and liability defense.

Emma also worked for two years as a Law Clerk and Rule 38 Limited Practice Certified Student for Attorneys For Freedom, gaining invaluable criminal defense and courtroom experience before graduating law school.

Emma graduated from Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, Arizona State University in May 2020, receiving her Juris Doctorate. She thereafter was admitted to the Arizona State Bar to practice law as a licensed attorney.

Since joining the Attorneys For Freedom, Emma has aggressively defended hundreds of clients in a wide range of cases including state misdemeanors and felonies in every county of Arizona, and federal felonies.

In her free time, Emma enjoys hiking, traveling, and spending time with family, friends, and her dog.

EXPERIENCE

Criminal Defense – Civil Rights Restoration Cases, Misdemeanor and Aggravated Driving Under the Influence, Reckless Driving, Driving on Suspended License, Possession of Narcotic Drugs, Narcotic Drugs for Sale, Federal Firearms Trafficking, Aggravated Assault, Domestic Violence, Violation of Order of Protection, Disorderly Conduct, Gun Crimes, Probation Violations, Manslaughter, Conspiracy, Solicitation, White Collar Crimes, Fraud, Theft of Property, Theft of Identity, Robbery, Sex Crimes, Kidnapping, Endangerment, Felony Flight, Resisting Arrest, Embezzlement, Forgery.

ADMISSIONS

State Bar of Arizona
United States District Court, District of Arizona

EDUCATION

Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, Arizona State University. J.D., Law
Arizona State University – Bachelor of Arts in Business Law.

Practice Limited to Self-Defense Cases

Rachel is a passionate advocate, dedicated to defending her clients and supporting the liberty movement.

Rachel earned her B.A. in Communication Studies from the James Madison University Honors College in 2018, graduating with Latin honors and receiving Dean’s List or President’s List recognitions each semester. Rachel concentrated in Advocacy Studies and minored in Spanish, Political Communication, Sports Communication, and Honors Interdisciplinary Studies. At graduation, Rachel was honored as Political Communication Student of the Year. Throughout college, Rachel was selected for numerous conference presentations, focusing on topics in communication and rhetoric. In 2015, Rachel studied abroad in Spain, where she was able to refine her Spanish. Rachel is most grateful for her legal communication class, which she signed up for by accident, because it allowed her to discover her passion for law.

In 2021, Rachel graduated from the Arizona State University Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law with a Juris Doctorate. During law school, Rachel earned the CALI Excellence for the Future Award for her achievement in Litigation Experience. Upon graduation, Rachel was awarded the Janet S. Mueller Oral Advocacy Award, which is awarded to one student each year. In 2021, Rachel was among only ten ASU students appointed to The Order of Barristers in recognition of achievement in courtroom advocacy. At graduation, Rachel was also recognized for her achievement in pro bono service.

During law school, Rachel interned at the Cato Institute’s Project for Criminal Justice. This experience helped Rachel develop her passion for both criminal defense and the liberty movement. Rachel also served as the Executive Articles Editor for the Arizona State Sports and Entertainment Law Journal and as a member of the ASU mock trial team.

Rachel joined Attorneys for Freedom in 2020 as a law clerk, where she assisted the firm’s attorneys with criminal cases and postconviction relief matters. In January 2022, Rachel was licensed as an attorney in the State of Arizona, and rejoined the firm as a criminal defense attorney. Rachel is proud to have defended clients in state misdemeanor and felony cases, as well as helped clients regain their civil rights in court through set asides.

In her free time, Rachel enjoys hiking, spending time with her family, and watching her favorite TV shows. As a former group exercise instructor, she also loves taking boxing and weightlifting classes. Rachel is also passionate about volunteering for her church and organizations like Feed My Starving Children.

Practice Limited to Self-Defense Cases

Joey Hamby has been an attorney since 1994. Over the years he has personally represented clients in hundreds of felony and misdemeanor cases in state and federal courts. While he is passionate about all our freedoms Joey has a particular interest in self-defense cases and has represented numerous clients who have defended themselves or others with deadly force. This includes obtaining a complete acquittal after a 6-week jury trial for a client who was charged with First Degree Murder for defending himself against an attacker with a knife. It also includes multiple cases that Joey kept from being charged altogether or where he was able to get the cases dismissed after clients were charged.

Joey has worked with some of the leading experts in the area of self-defense, including ballistics experts, event-recreation experts, medical examiners, DNA experts, use-of-force experts, crime-scene investigation experts, and others.

When you or a loved one faces the crushing power of the government you need an experienced defense attorney to stand between you and the threat of a conviction and a sentence. Joey has helped his clients deal with the massive threats and force of prosecution by the government.

Joey began working on death penalty cases in 2003 and he has represented numerous clients charged with first degree murder and facing the possibility of capital punishment. He has also been a Post-Conviction Relief expert on a capital case.

Joey is a Certified Specialist in Criminal Law through the State Bar of Arizona. Joey received his Bachelors degree through the Justice Studies Program at Arizona State University and he received his J.D. from the University of Dayton in Ohio. Between college and law school Joey worked as a probation officer in Maricopa County.

Practice Limited to Self-Defense Cases

Pierre thrives in adversity, and supports the Live and Let Live Philosophy. 

Pierre earned a B.A. in Political Science from Arizona State University in 2005.  While attending Arizona State University, he worked for credit union where he led training for new and existing employees with the aim of improving quality and efficiency of service delivery.   

In 2009, Pierre earned a Masters in Business Administration from University of Phoenix where he focused on accounting and financial statements.  He used this degree advance within the financial industry.  Pierre acquired financial certification that included Series 6, Series 63, and Arizona Insurance License.   

In 2014, Pierre graduated from Michigan State University College of Law with a Juris Doctorate.  During law school, Pierre worked for the Alvin Storr’s Low Income Taxpayer Clinic where he helped various taxpayers resolve tax issues ranging from foreign taxes, business taxes, and offers in compromise. 

Pierre passed the New York bar exam in 2016.  He began his legal career with Miller & Milone, P.C. as a medical debt collection attorney.  In this role, he provided assistance within the Patient Accounts Department regarding litigation processes for multiple healthcare clients including hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and home health attendants. Perform detailed analysis to make informed recommendations regarding which accounts are appropriate for suit, following through entire lifecycle of process to judgment enforcement. Attend court conferences, argue motions, and prepare New Jersey complaints, judgments and stipulations under supervision of Managing Partner. 

Pierre has extensive experience working with and for insurance companies. While working for Costella & Gordon, LLP., he successfully represented doctors and medical providers through arbitration to recover medical expenses through no-fault litigation.  

In 2018, he was In-house Counsel for Progressive Insurance, and in 2023, when Pierre became a licensed attorney in Arizona, he worked for Liberty Mutual as Field Counsel. 

Pierre also is an attorney editor for Thomson Reuters.  In this role, he focuses on three areas that include legal research, editorial responsibility, and individual development.  This position involves creating and classifying legal information in the form of headnotes, historical notes, abstracts/synopsis, headings, analysis, indexes, highlights, and other text.    

In his free time, Pierre enjoys spending time with family and friends.  He enjoys watching sports, and, recently developed a renewed appreciation for stoicism.    

Jerald (Jerry) Schreck is an award-winning criminal defense attorney in private practice in Phoenix, Arizona. He has practiced exclusively in criminal defense for the past thirty years. During that time, in recognition of his commitment to legal excellence and the provision of high-quality legal representation, he has been awarded the A.P.D.A. Outstanding Performance Award and he was the recipient of the sixteenth annual Joe Shaw Award, in recognition and appreciation of his extraordinary dedication and efforts on behalf of his clients.

Jerry’s breadth of experience as a criminal defense attorney in Arizona can be matched by few practicing attorneys. He has been involved in the representation of thousands of people throughout the four corners of our state ranging from Yuma to Cochise to Mohave to Apache County. He has argued before city court commissioners and Arizona Supreme Court justices. He has represented law enforcement officers, probation officers, pilots, teachers, doctors, lawyers, athletes, religious leaders, college students and corporate executives. The hundreds of jury trials he has been involved in have included issues of self-defense, defense of others, justification, mistaken identity, alibi, and accident for a wide variety of offenses like murder, aggravated assault, disorderly conduct, and sexual assault.

Jerry’s work in criminal defense is not limited to the representation of his own clients. Over the past several decades he has been sought after as a lecturer, consultant, and expert witness on a wide variety of criminal defense topics. He has taught continuing legal education courses for the Maricopa County Bar Association, the Mohave County Bar Association, Maricopa County Public Defender’s Office, Pinal County Public Defender’s Office, the Arizona Attorney’s for Criminal Justice, the City of Phoenix Public Defender’s Office. He has also been invited as a guest speaker at the Arizona Attorney General’s Office Victim’s Rights Institute, Arizona State University Law School, and the Maricopa County Adult Probation Office. He has been sought after as a consultant on various criminal defense topics by Arizona lawyers and others from around the country. He has also been retained as an expert witness in criminal cases in Pinal and Mohave County.

Prior to obtaining his undergraduate degree in Political Science at the University of California at Los Angeles, and his Law Degree at Southwestern University, Mr. Schreck was a non-commissioned officer in the United States Marine Corps. While in the Marine Corps his primary military occupation specialty was as a field artillery battery man and he spent some time away from his artillery unit as a cold weather survival instructor, after graduating from the Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center in Bridgeport, California. Schreck’s time in the Marine Corps serving his country gave him a unique perspective on freedom and justice, and that is why his motto for his approach to criminal defense is “I don’t ask for justice, I make it!”

Education & Certifications

Southwestern Law School – J.D. (1994) | Law

University of California – Los Angeles – B.A. (1992) | Political Science

Certificate of Completion of Adult Assessment Track

National Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers – 2008

Certificate of Completion of the Intervention, Treatment, Management of Youth who Engage in Sexually Abusive Behavior Track

National Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers – 2007

Completion of the Defender Impact Leadership Conference

National Legal Aide & Defender Association – 2005

Diploma in Advocacy Skills

National Institute for Trial Advocacy – 2004

Completion of the Trial Practice Institute

National Criminal Defense College – 2001

Certificate of Completion of DWI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Training Program

National Highway Safety Administration Approved Program – 1996

Elizabeth Mullins is a second-generation native Arizonan. She earned a full scholarship to Arizona State University where she competed for ASU Swimming (then Division I, Pac-10 Conference). In 2003, Elizabeth earned her Bachelor of Science in Justice Studies with a concentration in Psychology. While an undergraduate student, Elizabeth worked as a law clerk for a national law firm in Phoenix, Arizona, in its White Collar Crime and Special Matters Group.

Elizabeth was awarded a scholarship to attend Vanderbilt University Law School where she was named the Executive Chief Justice of the National First Amendment Competition sponsored by the John Siegenthaler First Amendment Center and Freedom Forum. Elizabeth was also one of only four students selected to the Cal Turner Program on Professional Moral Leadership and she served on the Trial Advocacy Society, the Moot Court Board, and as President of the Criminal Law Society.

Upon earning her Juris Doctor in 2006, Elizabeth quickly solidified her reputation as an organized, diligent, and fearless advocate for her clients, regardless of the severity of their charges. As only a third-year attorney, she was selected to serve as co-counsel for one of the first “Honor Killing” prosecutions in the United States. The trial was nationally televised and has been discussed in multiple books and news programs such as 48 Hours. Elizabeth and her co-counsel successfully convinced the jury to find their client not guilty of first degree murder and not guilty of attempted murder. Although he was convicted of lesser included offenses, the verdict was nationally touted as a significant win for the defense.

In 2015, Elizabeth became a Certified Criminal Law Specialist by the Arizona Board of Legal Specialization. Elizabeth has appeared in nearly every court in Arizona, including city, justice, superior, and federal courts. She has also appeared in the United States District Court for the Central District of Los Angeles and is licensed in Maryland.

Elizabeth is fluent in Spanish and conversational in European Portuguese. In her free time, Elizabeth competes internationally in Masters swimming. She is a multiple-time Spanish national masters champion and is world-ranked in her age group. When she’s not swimming fast, Elizabeth enjoys scuba diving and making friends with sharks and octopuses.

Robert Tsigler is a lifelong resident of New York who is dedicated to client satisfaction. Mr. Tsigler represents clients in courtrooms throughout New York, New Jersey and the United States.

He skillfully handles administrative, civil, and criminal proceedings. Mr. Tsigler has experience on both sides of the courtroom from his time interning at the Kings County District Attorney’s Office, where he assisted in the prosecution of hundreds of misdemeanor and felony cases. He further honed his litigation skills representing clients in over a thousand Removal Hearings in New York and across the United States.

As a nationally recognized attorney, individuals and corporations come to Mr. Tsigler’s firm for representation in all state and federal criminal matters including murder, wire fraud, white collar crimes, drug trafficking, assault, gun possession, sex crimes, grand larceny, domestic violence, DWI and other serious crimes. Mr. Tsigler and his top rated team are also renowned for their work on immigration and deportation matters, with a particular focus on criminal immigration matters.

Mr. Tsigler graduated with honors from the State University of New York at Albany with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and Psychology and went on to receive his Juris Doctorate from New York Law School. As a member of the New York Law School Fellowship Program, he fought against the debt collection practices of large banks and credit card companies. Robert prides himself on making sure clients receive the aggressive legal representation they deserve.

Visit his website at www.TsiglerLaw.com.

For Mike Panella, the concept of zealous advocacy developed at an early age – fueled by what he perceived to be an unjust resolution in a personal family legal matter. Mr. Panella would later attribute his passion to defend the rights of those who stand accused to those inequities in the legal system he observed, and considered unjust.

Mr. Panella went on to graduate at the top of his class at UCF and spent several years working for the United States Senate, where he assisted Senators in rectifying constituent concerns involving state and federal agencies.

At the University of Florida College of Law, Mr. Panella earned the highest possible grade in several courses including Criminal Law and Family Law. He was unanimously elected the President of Phi Alpha Delta, a legal fraternity. Mr. Panella also worked closely with a respected criminal defense firm while in law school, and earned certificates in Criminal Justice, pro-bono work, and community service. He graduated from the University of Florida College of Law with honors.

From there, Mr. Panella joined the small defense team in the State v. George Zimmerman case, and became a critical member contributing to two successful appellate writs, overall strategy, and self-defense issues. After seeing that case through to a successful resolution, Mr. Panella spent time as a partner in a criminal appellate firm, where he worked on both capital and non- capital appeals. Mr. Panella also helped initiate a class-action lawsuit focused on prison abuse.

Mr. Panella has been a guest law school lecturer on Florida’s Justifiable Use of Force laws.

Before opening Panella Law Firm, Mr. Panella served as an Assistant Public Defender for Florida’s 18th Judicial Circuit Public Defender’s Office and worked hundreds of cases in both Brevard and Seminole Counties. Mr. Panella was undefeated at trial.

Panella Law Firm is ready to devote the time and effort necessary to achieve the best possible outcome for your criminal trial or appellate matter.

Dr. Jeffeory G. Hynes, Ed.D., retired as a Phoenix Police Commander after 32 years of dedicated service on September 9, 2011, before transitioning to a career as a full-time professor at Glendale Community College. During his tenure with the Phoenix Police Department, he was actively involved in over 1,000 internal and criminal investigations scrutinizing police employees’ conduct and performance, use of force incidents, and police shootings. Through this extensive experience, he has emerged as a Federal & Arizona State court recognized subject matter expert for Law Enforcement Practices & Procedures, Use of Force, and Police Shooting cases, boasting a 97% successful outcome in 59 plaintiff and defendant civil and criminal offense cases over the past five years.

Dr. Hynes has conducted interviews and provided training to thousands of police officers, supervisors, and command staff on a diverse array of topics including Use of Force, Police Shooting Investigations, Defensive Tactics, Report Writing, Proficiency Skills, Tactical Deployment, Crisis Team Response, Dealing with Homelessness and Mental Illness, and Community Policing. He has authored, developed, researched, and overseen the implementation of police department policies/procedures and training pertaining to Crisis Team Response, Dealing with Homelessness and Mental Illness, and Use of Force issues. As a nationally recognized expert in law enforcement Use of Force Incidents and Defensive Tactics for police and security matters, Dr. Hynes has been actively involved in training on these topics for more than 40 years.

In addition to his law enforcement expertise, Dr. Hynes has provided corporate training encompassing Defensive Tactics, Security Procedures, Problem-Solving, and Leadership for esteemed clients such as W.L. Gore and Associates, Banner Health Systems, Mayo Clinic, Red Development, and Macerich corporations. He has also delivered law enforcement and security industry courses for line-level and executive management police professionals nationally and internationally, including in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Dr. Hynes holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Police Science, a Master’s in Educational Leadership, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University. Additionally, he is a Certified Public Manager certified by Arizona State University.

Education

Certified Public Manager, CPM – Arizona State University (May 2008)

Doctoral Degree (Ed. D.) – Educational Leadership Northern Arizona University (December 2007)

Masters Degree (M. Ed.) – Educational Leadership, Northern Arizona University (August 1999)

Bachelor of Science (BS) – Police Science, Northern Arizona University (1979)

Associate of Arts – Administration of Justice, Phoenix Community College (1977)

Clint Broden graduated magna cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania and obtained his law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law where he graduated in the top ten percent of his class. He is a board-certified specialist in criminal law and criminal appellate law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.

Mr. Broden’s practice is devoted exclusively to criminal defense in both state and federal courts at both the trial and appellate levels. In addition to his home state of Texas, Mr. Broden has handled cases in Arkansas, California, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Vermont, and Virginia.

Despite a conviction rate of over ninety percent in federal court, only forty-five percent of the cases Mr. Broden has tried in federal court have resulted in final convictions; more than a forty-five percent differential. In addition, he has handled more than ninety-five appellate cases before various United States court of appeals, and he has argued before the before various United States courts of appeals on more than forty occasions. He has handled numerous post-conviction death penalty cases and has handled several cases before the United States Supreme Court.

Mr. Broden is very familiar with the law surrounding a citizen’s right to defend themselves and others as well as their property. He is also very familiar with the rights of gun owners and has been involved in several high-profile self-defense cases at the trial and appellate levels.

Mr. Broden lectures to other criminal defense lawyers on various criminal law topics and he has taught trial advocacy to law students at the SMU Dedman School of Law.

Brett J. Riegel, Esq., is a founding member of ARM Lawyers and a native of Berwick, Pennsylvania, who graduated at the top of his class in 1988 as a multi-sport letter athlete, Eagle Scout, and community activist. Following honors graduation from Dickinson College, with a double major in English and Dramatic Arts as preparation for law school, Brett, completed his legal studies at the Dickinson School of Law in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

At the Dickinson School of Law, Brett focused his attention on real world experiences, which would allow him to be an aggressive advocate for clients after completing his legal education. While in school, he served as a member of the Appellate Moot Court Board, The Trial Moot Court Board, the American Trial Lawyers Association Trial Team, and the Robert F. Wagner Appellate Moot Court Competition. In addition to these honors, Brett took all of the available trial advocacy and appellate advocacy courses the law school offered and graduated towards the top of his class. During his time at Dickinson, in addition to the academic and extracurricular activities schedule, Brett worked in the legal division of the Pennsylvania State Education Association, where he assisted staff and regional attorneys in their representation of unionized teachers and support staff in a wide variety of matters before administrative agencies, trial and appellate courts.

After law school, Brett relocated to Monroe County, Pennsylvania where he had a one (1) year Clerkship with Monroe County Court of Common Pleas Judge Peter J. O’Brien. In that role, Brett was introduced to most of the influential decision makers in Monroe County and received hands on experience allowing him to recognize what methods of advocacy are the most effective for clients charged with a crime or otherwise embroiled in a legal battle.

At the conclusion of his Clerkship, Brett formed a small firm, later known as Amori & Riegel, LLC where he practiced for nearly 16 years as the primary litigation partner in both criminal and family law.

Since January 1, 2012, Brett has handled hundreds of criminal matters, including many which proceeded to trial, in fourteen (14) different judicial districts in the Common Pleas Courts of Pennsylvania, and seven (7) different judicial districts in New Jersey, as well as the Federal District Courts of the Middle District and Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Brett has handled appellate matters before the Commonwealth, Superior and Supreme Courts of Pennsylvania and before the Federal 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals and United States Supreme Court.

In addition to the criminal matters, Brett has also focused his practice on family law and other civil litigation matters, including personal injury, business litigation, real estate litigation and appeals.

Licensed Investigator and Ballistics Expert

Larry Wakefield has amassed a remarkable career spanning over four decades in the firearms industry. Since 1995, he has served as a Master Firearms Instructor, renowned for his personalized training across various platforms. Recognized as a firearms expert, Larry has testified in numerous criminal court cases and conducted product evaluations for prominent brands like SureFire, Nightforce, Dillon Precision, McMillan and many others. His contributions extend beyond instruction, as Larry has authored firearms training manuals and specialized tools, showcasing his dedication to advancing the field of firearms education.

During his tenure as a Dealer Support Representative at FN USA, he provided crucial support and training to dealers and customers. His efforts significantly boosted product/brand awareness through intensive customer interactions and on-site promotions nationwide. His presence at major firearms shows emphasized his commitment to representing FN and ensuring range safety during live-fire events.

Prior to his role at FN USA, Larry served as a Firearms Instructor at McMillan Bros. Rifles. There he played a pivotal role in conducting precision rifle training courses and testing specialized weapons, solidifying his reputation as an authority in precision shooting.

In addition to his firearms-related roles, Larry has a distinguished background in law enforcement and security. Since founding his own detective agency in 1986, Gray Executive Service, Inc., he has specialized in criminal defense investigations and executive protection working cases all over the southwest. His experience with the United States Justice Department and as a State Criminal Investigator in Arizona further underscores his expertise in law enforcement and investigation.

Furthermore, Larry’s extensive education and training credentials validate his proficiency in various aspects of firearms instruction and security. With certifications from esteemed institutions such as the University of Illinois and the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, coupled with his expertise in martial arts, he exemplifies a multifaceted professional with a comprehensive skill set. His commitment to excellence is evident through his numerous instructor specialties, ranging from precision long-range marksmanship to personal protection and concealed weapons training.

Education & Certifications

Master Firearms Instructor – University of Illinois, Police Tactics Institute

Federal Firearms Instructor – Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, GA

Bachelor of Arts – Northern Arizona University

Flagstaff Police Academy – Flagstaff, AZ

Nuclear Weapons / Special Weapons Security Sea School – Marine Corps Depot, San Diego, CA

Use Of Force Forensic Interviewer/Investigator

J Douglas Parker retired after serving 30 years with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation having investigated thousands of violent felonies. Since 1984 he has investigated numerous police officer use of force cases involving the death of the suspect by law enforcement. Since retiring in 2012, he has assisted attorneys who represent officers and private citizens charged with crimes because of their actions defending themselves.

Parker has been certified as a forensic interviewer of persons involved in critical incidents having to use force in self-defense through The Force Science Institute understanding that “human factors” influence perceptions, memory and the five senses. Other certifications include Critical Incident Review- Certified as Force Investigation Strategies & The Cognitive Interview Process.

His expertise is interviewing clients shortly after the incident utilizing a framework of prompts, he created after 40+ years of investigating these types of cases. This process has enabled the client to document, from their perspective, much more detailed information about the incident from the beginning enabling the attorney to better understand “why” force was used thus strengthening the defense.

Over the many years of investigating cases, Parker has interviewed thousands of victims, witnesses and suspects and has processed many scenes by obtaining evidence in accordance with proper procedure to be admissible in a court of law.

Parker is a graduate of Georgia Southern University with a B.S. in Criminal Justice and has over 2000 hours of training both as a law enforcement officer and consultant. He is also a P.O.S.T. certified instructor and created a training curriculum on Use of Force Investigations.

Publications include:

“Statement Analysis in Criminal Defense” 2016 Attorney Law Magazine
Author of “A KillHer Plan, Behind The Crime Scene Tape” Published 2019
Use of Force Investigations, 2023 Peace Officer’s Association of Georgia Summer Magazine
Documenting Use of Force, 2022 Police One Magazine

Oregon Trial Attorney Michael G. Romano has been practicing since 2000. He’s a former felony prosecutor and current criminal defense attorney with expertise in self-defense and firearms cases. He’s tried over 200 jury trials to verdict. He’s been an active shooter since high school, is an NRA certified instructor, and builds ARs in his spare time.

Alex Kozinski served as United States Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals from 1985 to 2017, including as the court’s chief judge from 2007 to 2014. From 1982 to 1985, he served as the first chief judge of the United States Court of Federal Claims. In addition to his judicial service, he held several high-level governmental positions including a Senate-confirmed position as Special Counsel, Merit Systems Protection Board; Assistant Counsel to President Ronald Reagan; Deputy Legal Counsel, Office of President-Elect Reagan; law clerk to Chief Justice Warren E. Burger; and law clerk to then-Ninth Circuit Judge, later Associate Justice, Anthony M. Kennedy. In private practice, he was an attorney at Covington & Burling from 1979-81, and Forry Golbert Singer & Gelles from 1977-79.

Judge Kozinski has written countless opinions at both the district court and appellate court levels on constitutional law issues including the First, Second and Fourth Amendments and the Takings Clause, federal jurisdiction and procedure, and intellectual property law. He has authored numerous articles in the Yale Law Journal, the Harvard Law Review, the Stanford Law Review and other academic journals, as well as in popular publications such as the Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, The New Yorker, Forbes and The New Republic, writing on a wide range of subjects from criminal justice reform to the finer points of snowboarding. A full list of his publications can be found at https://tinyl.io/AOca. Judge Kozinski is retired from the federal bench and is now in private practice, serving as a consultant and expert witness on matters of practice and procedure in cases being litigated by other lawyers in the state and federal courts, as well as foreign jurisdictions. He also occasionally appears as counsel of record in selected cases.

Notable 2nd Amendment Cases:

• Silveira-v.-Lockyer
• US v Gomez

Greg Meyer retired in 2006 as a captain with the Los Angeles Police Department after 30 years of police service. His final assignment was as captain of the Los Angeles Police Academy. He chaired both the LAPD’s Use of Force Best Practices Work Group and the Tactics Training Review Committee.

Since 1989, he has been engaged as a police tactics and procedures expert in numerous use-of-force and other police procedures cases. While most of his work is for the defense of officers and agencies, he has also been engaged by plaintiffs and prosecutors (federal and local). He has been an expert witness in numerous high-profile cases including Rodney King, Oscar Grant (the Oakland BART murder case), and George Floyd. He has been engaged in more than 400 civil and criminal cases as well as conducting outside independent reviews of use of force cases for a federal prosecutor and several district attorneys and police chiefs.

From 2015-2017, he was the designated Law Enforcement and Policing Practices Subject Matter Expert for the US Department of Homeland Security–Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, to conduct independent investigations and/or reviews of selected public complaints and use of force incidents, and to assist with policy changes for the Border Patrol, ICE, and other DHS components.

Greg specializes in risk management issues including policy, training, equipment, tactics, supervision, investigation, documentation, review processes, and law as it applies to police officers, with a focus on injury reduction during lethal and nonlethal encounters. Widely published, he lectures on these subjects. His master’s thesis, “Nonlethal Weapons vs. Conventional Police Tactics: The Los Angeles Police Department Experience” was published in 1991.

He helped redesign California POST’s 40-hour investigation course for officer-involved shootings and arrest related deaths, and he was an instructor at the course. He authored the “tactical lessons learned” for each chapter of retired Los Angeles County District Attorney Steve Cooley’s series of books about the murders of dozens of peace officers in Los Angeles County. He holds the Certified Force Analyst credential of the Force Science Institute and qualified for the Certified Litigation Specialist credential of the Americans for Effective Law Enforcement (AELE). He is a member of AELE’s Faculty Advisory Committee and AELE’s Monthly Law Journal review panel.

Greg has more than 43 years of experience with TASER devices. He conducted LAPD’s research and testing of TASERs in 1979-1980. He used TASERs on the street when he was a sergeant. He trained and certified hundreds of TASER instructors around the country. Since 2001, he attended four TASER instructor certification courses. He has personally experienced the TASER effects several times. The “Greg Meyer TASER Collection” is archived at the Smithsonian Museum of American History in Washington, DC.

He is a life member of the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF); a life member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP); and a member of the International Law Enforcement Educators and Trainers Association (ILEETA) and the California Force Instructors Association (CALFIA). He was a member of the National Advisory Board of the Force Science Research Center from 2006-2014. He is past vice chairman of the American Society of Law Enforcement Trainers (ASLET).

Greg chaired the Training Seminars Committee of the Peace Officers Association of Los Angeles County (POALAC) for ten years, and he continues to produce seminars on use of force, video issues, active shooters, and other topics for POALAC. He has served as a member of the POALAC board of directors since 2004, and he was honored to receive POALAC’s Career Achievement Award in 2012.

Nathaniel “Nate” Bernard is the Principal Attorney at Bernard Law. He received his Bachelor of Liberal Arts with a major in criminal justice at the University of Massachusetts Boston. After completing college, Nate obtained his Juris Doctor from the University of Chicago Law School. During his time at UIC Law, Nate competed in multiple trial advocacy competitions around the United States winning numerous awards.

After law school, Nate became a prosecutor working for the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office. As a prosecutor Nate tried hundreds of cases including felonies, DUIs, other misdemeanors and jury trials. Nate also worked for the Cook County Public Defender’s Office where he represented people charged with felonies, misdemeanors and DUIs.

Nate is extremely passionate in protecting the civil rights of every person and will fight until justice is served. Nate has a well-rounded skill set and a unique perspective with his experience.

Bar Admissions

Illinois, 2016 U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois, 2022

Mike Nelson left the public sector of Law Enforcement in 2023. His final assignment held was the local director of the agency law enforcement academy. After serving the public for over 25 years Mike decided to join the private sector, starting, and operating a Private Investigation and Executive Protection agency.

Since 2001, he has been engaged as a police tactics and procedures expert in numerous use-of-force and other police procedures cases. While most of his work is for the defense of officers and other local agencies, he has also been engaged by plaintiffs, prosecutors, and defense in civil litigation and criminal cases.

Mike has been deemed an expert in state court, superior court and in federal court in accident reconstruction, and Use of Force and Vehicle pursuit tactics. He has written and updated policies according to current case laws and that best meet the standards for the protection of people’s rights.

Mike has worked in several capacities such as undercover detective, specializing in gangs, guns, and drug cases, accident reconstruction, DUI Task Force, Training Unit, Street Crimes Unit, and more.

In 2002, Mike became an accident reconstructionist having worked over 300 fatality cases over his career and over 2000 severe injury cases. He holds a State of Georgia Accident Reconstruction Specialist certification.

Mike also holds over 40 instructor certifications including Firearms, Defensive tactics, Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT) as well as Vehicle Pursuit Driver Training Instructor.

Mike is highly trained in Defensive tactics, including Krav Maga, Gracie Jiu Jit Su Survival Tactics Instructor, Tactical Take Down Instructor, along with being a TASER instructor.

While assigned to the Training Unit, he reviewed every use of force, and vehicle pursuit that occurred within the agency. He reviewed the tactics, to ensure they were reasonable, within policy and within the training standards. He taught hundreds of hours of courses involving the use of deadly and nondeadly force based upon reasonableness standard.
Mike specializes in risk management issues including policy, training, equipment, tactics, supervision, investigation, documentation, review processes, and criminal law and case law as it applies to police officers, focusing on reducing injury to the law enforcement officer along with the suspect.

Mikes extensive training and experience makes him well versed in applying what he knows to protect the rights of people and to hold people accountable for their actions when they are excessive. Investigating and documenting evidence does just that. The purpose of this is to make people feel safe and when law enforcement makes a mistake, and it is brought to their attention, it makes them better suited and equipped to interact with the public and handle Uses of Force correctly and what is reasonable.

He holds the Certified Force Analyst credential of the Force Science Institute

Mike is also a member of the International Law Enforcement Educators and Trainers Association (ILEETA).

In his off-time Mike enjoys playing Tennis, golf, pickleball and traveling with his girlfriend and German Shepherd.

Harry Hall is a licensed Private Investigator in New Mexico, with over 32 years of experience in law enforcement, including serving as a Lieutenant in Corrections, Police, and Sheriff departments from 1986 to 2018. A Lifetime NRA Member, Mr. Hall holds multiple certifications in firearm safety and personal protection. 

With extensive law enforcement training and investigative experience, Mr. Hall is dedicated to providing reliable and thorough investigative services. 

Experience and Certifications: Retired Corrections/Police/Sheriff Lt. 32.7 years 1986 to 2018. Current Lifetime member NRA Home Firearms Safety Instructor, Metallic Cartridge Reloading Instructor, Certified Pistol Instructor, Certified Refuse to Be a Victim Instructor, Certified Shotgun Instructor, Shotgun Shell Reloading Instructor, NRA Armorer, and Personal Protection in The Home Instructor. Former NRA Law Enforcement Instructor held Advanced I & II, Immediate I & II, First Line Supervisor, & Command Staff, High Risk Firearms Instructor & General Police Officer Certifications for the State Of New Mexico Police Academy until 2018, in 10/21/24 Licensed Private Investigator State of New Mexico.