KRISTI M. ADAMS
*** * ******** **., *******, AZ 85020 602-***-**** adfv6r@r.postjobfree.com
http://linkedin.com/in/Kristi-adams-09499857
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Experienced, client-focused, criminal defense attorney with solid track record of litigation success in misdemeanor and major felony cases. Skilled advocate in criminal mental health, domestic violence, probation, drug and DUI courts. Seasoned litigator with excellent legal research, oral argument and persuasive writing skills.
SKILLS
Proven success in problem solving and high volume courts including drug, domestic violence, criminal mental health, probation and DUI courts
High quality, client-centered legal defense Major felony and misdemeanor cases Outstanding oral advocacy skills
Aggressive, creative trial and courtroom advocacy
Strong research and legal writing skills Expert case evaluation, including advanced investigative techniques, forensic testing and expert retention
Principal Attorney
Kristi Adams Law Group 02/2019 – Current
Criminal defense practice
Senior Attorney, 04/1999 - 02/2019
WORK HISTORY
Maricopa County Public Defender's Office – Phoenix, AZ
Litigate major felonies including Murder, Sexual Assault, Dangerous Crimes Against Children, Stalking, Armed Robbery, Aggravated Assault, Possession/Sales of Narcotic and Dangerous Drugs, Theft, and DUI.
Argue cases in high volume courts including domestic violence court, drug court, probation court and veterans court.
Negotiate plea agreements, “free-talks” with prosecutors, and settlement conferences. Mentor attorneys in trial advocacy, research, writing, oral argument, criminal and courtroom procedure.
Research, prepare and argue pre-trial, sentencing and post-conviction motions. Organize and maintain sex crimes law portal, documents and case files.
Adjunct Faculty, 01/2014 to 09/2018
University of Phoenix – Tempe, AZ
Instruct baccalaureate candidates in criminal law and criminal procedure with an emphasis on research, writing and case analysis.
Associate Attorney, 02/1998 to 04/1999
Patricia Gitre, PLC – Phoenix, AZ
Prepared witness, discovery, pleading, and trial binders for argument and depositions. Prepared concise and comprehensive memoranda summarizing key research.
EDUCATION
Arizona Academy Of Forensic Science Basic - Graduate: 2018
Arizona Attorney General's Office - Phoenix, AZ
Juris Doctorate: Law
University of North Dakota - Grand Forks, ND
Bachelor of Arts: Management
University of Phoenix - Tempe, AZ
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
2014 - 2016 - Faculty, Arizona Sex Crimes College - Realities of Sex Offender Probation
2013 - 2015 - Faculty, Arizona Public Defender Association - Sex Offender Probation: What You Should Really be Telling Your Client
2009-2017 - Faculty, Maricopa County Public Defender's Office, Defending the Sex Crimes Offender
2003-2005 - Coach, Arizona State Bar High School Mock Trial Competition - Peoria High School 2002 - Faculty, Arizona Attorneys for Criminal Justice - Cybercrime and Forensic Defense Strategies
ADMISSIONS
1998 State Bar of Arizona
1998 United States Supreme Court
AFFILIATIONS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS
President's Commendation - Arizona Attorneys for Criminal Justice 2006
Lead counsel - Dale Allen Wright v. The Hon. Pamela Gates, 243 Ariz. 118, 402 P.3d 1003, in a Child Sexual Exploitation/Luring case involving an undercover police officer posing as a minor child, the Arizona Supreme Court held that A.R.S. § 13-705(P)(1) requires an actual child victim for DCAC enhanced sentences to apply to enumerated offenses.
Lead counsel - State of Arizona v. Steven Miller - Where police seized Miller's computer but failed to forensically search the computer for many months, the Arizona Court of Appeals, Div. 1, held that a valid computer search must have a close temporal connection to the time of seizure.
Arizona Veterans Stand Down - 2009 - present - Volunteer lawyer for veterans with unresolved criminal matters who require legal and social services
Arizona Association of Public Defenders - 2009 to present Arizona Attorneys for Criminal Justice - 1998 to present
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers - 1998 to present