Life Member Directory

Life members are attorneys who have made an extraordinary commitment to support the work of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. By supporting NACDL at the highest dues level, they are accorded a lifetime membership as long as they continue to meet the standards for NACDL membership. In addition, they are listed in this special expanded life member directory, including bio and photograph, and receive a special award in recognition of their support for NACDL’s work.

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  • Wendell Odom

    Wendell A. Odom

    Contact Information
    Biography
    1974- Former Assistant District Attorney –Harris County, Texas1978- Former Assistant United States Attorney, Department of Justice, Southern District of Texas.2002- Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association Attorney of the year.2005- President of the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association Member of the Texas State Bar’s Pattern Criminal Jury charge Committee.Federal Committee for the appointment of Attorneys under the Criminal Justice Act in the Southern District of Texas.
    Education
    • Undergraduate: University of Houston, , 1971
    • Law School: Baylor Law School, J.D., 1974
    Bar Information
    • U.S. Supreme Court, 5th Circuit, All Federal District Courts in Texas, Eastern District of Oklahoma,
    Practice Areas
    • Capital Defense
    • Controlled Substances
    • DUI
    • Federal Practice
    • White Collar Crime
  • J. Ogle

    J. David Ogle

    Contact Information
    Biography
    President, Oklahoma Criminal Defense Lawyers Assn.Member, Oklahoma Bar, Criminal Law Committee, Texas Bar
    Education
    • Undergraduate: Oklahoma State University, , 1991
    • Law School: Oklahoma City University School of Law, 1997
    Bar Information
    • US Supreme Ct., US Ct. of Appeals, 10th Cir., US Dist. Ct.
    Practice Areas
    • White Collar Crime
  • Michael Olewinski

    Michael Olewinski

    • Attorney, molewinski@grundycountyil.gov
    Contact Information
    Biography
    Education
    • Undergraduate: Illinois State University
    • Law School: John Marshall, JD, 1995
    Practice Areas
    • Controlled Substances
    • DUI
    • Forfeiture
    • Juvenile Defense
    • Sex Crimes
  • H. Eugene Oliver

    H. Eugene Oliver

    • Evans Oliver, PLC
    Defender Circle
    Biography
    Education
    • Undergraduate: College of William & Mary, B.A., 2005
    • Law School: George Washington University, J.D., 2008
    Bar Information
    • Virginia, District of Columbia, US District Court for Eastern and Western District of Virginia, US Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit, Supreme Court of the United States
    Practice Areas
    • Capital Defense
    • Controlled Substances
    • DUI
    • Federal Practice
    • Juvenile Defense
    • Mental Health Defense
    • Public Defense
    • Sex Crimes
  • Cynthia Orr

    Cynthia Eva Hujar Orr

    • Managing Partner, Goldstein & Orr
    Defender Circle
    Biography
    Past President, NACDLABA Criminal Justice Section past Chair,  House of Delegates Representative for NACDL,   President: International Society for the Reform of Criminal Law, Past-President, Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Assn.Founder and Past-President, San Antonio Criminal Defense Lawyers Assn.  CJA Panel Rep Western District of Texas and CJA Selection Committee member. Distinguished Law Alum, St Mary's University School of Law, AV Rated by Martindale-HubbellSuper Lawyer, Top 100 Trial Lawyers, Trial Lawyers of America, Best Lawyers in America, Woodward White, San Antonio Women's Hall of Fame, and ISRCL Medal. Board Certified in Criminal LawBoard Certified in Criminal Appeals.
    Education
    • Undergraduate: University of Texas, BBA, 1979
    • Law School: St. Mary's School of Law, JD, 1987
    Bar Information
    • United States Supreme Court
    Practice Areas
    • Appellate Advocacy
    • Capital Defense
    • Controlled Substances
    • Corporate Compliance
    • Federal Practice
    • Forfeiture
    • International
    • Juvenile Defense
    • Mental Health Defense
    • Military Defense
    • Public Defense
    • Sex Crimes
    • White Collar Crime
  • Rhidian Orr

    Rhidian D.W. Orr

    • The Orr Law Firm, L.L.C.
    Contact Information
    Biography
    Memberships:•DUI Defense Lawyers Association - Charter Member & Board Member•National College for DUI Defense - Sustaining Member & 2013-14 Colorado State Delegate•Colorado Criminal Defense Bar – Lifetime Member•Colorado Bar Association•Denver Bar Association•National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers - Lifetime Member•Better Business Bureau•Tom Martino's Troubleshooter Network•Super Lawyers•Team Dave Logan•Trial Lawyers College - Ranch Clubï
    Education
    • Undergraduate: University of Denver, Bachelor of Arts, 1994
    • Graduate: University of Denver, M.B.A., 2002
    • Law School: University of Denver College of Law, Juris Doctorate, 2000
    Practice Areas
    • DUI
  • Lucky Osho

    Lucky T. Osho

    Contact Information
    Biography
    Member, American Civil Liberties UnionMember, NAACPMember, North Carolina Advocate for JusticeHonor Roll, NC Central Univ.Listed, National Dean's List, NC Central Univ.Listed, Who's Who Among Students, NC Central Univ.
    Education
    • Undergraduate: North Carolina Central University, , 1985
    • Law School: University of North Carolina Sch. of Law, , 1988
  • William Osterhoudt

    William L. Osterhoudt

    Contact Information
    Biography
    Former Member, Board of Governors, CA Attorneys for Criminal JusticeLawyer Delegate, 9th Cir. Judicial ConferenceListed, Best Lawyers in America (1987-2013),A-V Preeminent Rated by Martindale Hubbell, Listed, Super Lawyers (2005-2013),Author, "Grand Jury Representation," ABA Litigation Magazine
    Education
    • Undergraduate: University of Washington, , 1961
    • Law School: Hastings College of Law, 1968
    Bar Information
    • US Supreme Ct., 9th, 2nd Cir.
    Practice Areas
    • Federal Practice
  • Joseph Oteri

    Joseph S. Oteri

    Contact Information
    Biography
    Frequent Lecturer at NACDL meetings and other CLE programs
    Education
    • Undergraduate: Boston College, , 1952
    • Law School: Boston College Law School, 1957
  • C. Owen

    C. Melissa Owen

    • Partner, Tin Fulton Walker & Owen
    Defender Circle
    Contact Information
    Social Media
    Biography
    C. Melissa Owen is a founding partner of Tin Fulton Walker & Owen, a mid-sized North Carolina law firm with offices in Charlotte, Chapel Hill, and Raleigh. Missy Owen’s personal practice areas include state and federal criminal defense, with a focus on white collar matters, financial crime, sex offense prosecutions, and Title IX representation. Missy has served NACDL in numerous capacities, including as a program co-chair in the CLE Institute and a member of the Women in Criminal Defense Committee, the White Collar Committee, the Title IX Committee, and the Bylaws Committee. She is also active on numerous bar associations and community groups, including service on the Board of Governors of North Carolina Attorneys for Justice and the Ethics Committee at the North Carolina State Bar, which publishes Advisory Ethics Opinions for North Carolina attorneys. Missy Owen earned her undergraduate degree from Miami University in Ohio and her law degree at Duquesne University School of Law in Pittsburgh. 
    Practice Areas
    • Federal Practice
    • Sex Crimes
    • White Collar Crime
  • Ryan Pacyga

    Ryan M. Pacyga

    • Ryan Pacyga Criminal Defense
    Contact Information
    Biography
    Super Lawyers annually since 2007Top 40 Under 40 by National Trial Lawyers 2013Top 100 Trial Lawyers by The National Trial Lawyers 2014Recipient, Who's Who in Criminal Defense, MN Law and Politics
    Education
    • Undergraduate: University of Minnesota, B.A., 1999
    • Law School: William Mitchell Law School, J.D., 2002
    Bar Information
    • Minnesota; 8th Cir.; US Dist. Court, D.C.; US Dist. Court, Central Dist. Illinois
    Practice Areas
    • Controlled Substances
    • DUI
    • Federal Practice
    • Juvenile Defense
    • White Collar Crime
  • Hector Padilla

    Hector G. Padilla

    Contact Information
    Biography
    Member, Mexican American Bar Assn.Member, Assn. of Trial Lawyers of AmericaMember, American Bar Assn.
    Education
    • Undergraduate: St. Mary's College, , 1978
    • Law School: American College of Law, , 1989
    Bar Information
    • Cent., Fedl. Dist., US Supreme Ct.
    Practice Areas
    • Controlled Substances
    • DUI
    • Federal Practice
    • White Collar Crime
  • Michael Palmer

    Michael G. Palmer

    • Palmer | George PLLC
    Contact Information
    Biography
    Education
    • Undergraduate: North Idaho College, AA & AS , 1991
    • Law School: University of Idaho, JD, 1996
    Practice Areas
    • Controlled Substances
    • DUI
    • Federal Practice
    • Forfeiture
    • Juvenile Defense
    • Sex Crimes
  • Michael Pariente

    Michael D. Pariente

    • The Pariente Law Firm, P.C.
    Contact Information
    Biography
    Education
    • Undergraduate: University of New Mexico, BBA, 1990
    • Graduate: Baylor Law School, Juris Doctor, 1998
    • Law School: University of Texas at Austin LBJ School, Mstr of Pub. Affairs, 1995
    Practice Areas
    • Controlled Substances
    • DUI
    • Federal Practice
    • White Collar Crime
  • Joseph Passanise

    Joseph S. Passanise

    • Mr., Wampler & Passanise Law Office
    Contact Information
    Biography
    Past-President, Missouri Assn. of Criminal Defense LawyersMember, Natl. Coll. Of DUI Defense (2004-Present)Recipient, Best Lawyers in America, Super Lawyer in Missouri, Who's Who, Top 100 Trial Lawyers, The American Trial Lawyer Assn.
    Education
    • Graduate: Washburn University, School of Law, , 1997
    • Law School: Washburn University, School of Law, 1997
    Bar Information
    • MO
    Practice Areas
    • DUI
    • Federal Practice
    • Juvenile Defense
    • Mental Health Defense
    • Sex Crimes
    • White Collar Crime
  • Thomas Pavlinic

    Thomas A. Pavlinic

    • Attorney, Premier Defense Group
    Contact Information
    Biography
    Attorney Thomas A. Pavlinic is a nationally recognized sex crimes trial lawyer. Created and lead by Tom, Premier Defense Group is a unique law firm that specializes exclusively in defending individuals across the country who have been charged with sexual crimes, in particular said crimes involving children.
    Education
    • Undergraduate: University of Marlyand, BS, 1969
    • Law School: George Washington Law School, JD, 1973
    Practice Areas
    • Sex Crimes
  • Neal Pedowitz

    Neal Pedowitz

    Contact Information
    • Las Vegas, NV
    Biography
    Forfeiture Commendation, California Attorneys for Criminal Justice and ACLU
    Education
    • Undergraduate: C.W. Post University, , 1977
    • Law School: San Joaquin College of Law , 1982
  • Bryan Penick

    Bryan K. Penick

    • Sebaly Shillito + Dyer
    Contact Information
    Biography
    Selected to the The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers, Ohio Rising Stars Super Lawyers 2006, Ohio Rising Stars Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers 2020-2025. Member of the American Bar Association, Federal Bar Association; Ohio State Bar Association, Ohio Association for Criminal Defense Lawyers, DUIDLA; 
    Education
    • Undergraduate: Wright State University, B.A., 1996
    • Law School: University of Dayton School of Law, J.D., 1999
    Bar Information
    • Ohio
    Practice Areas
    • Appellate Advocacy
    • Controlled Substances
    • DUI
    • Federal Practice
    • Juvenile Defense
    • Sex Crimes
    • White Collar Crime
  • Matthew Pennell

    Matthew J. Pennell

    • Clark County Public Defender Office
    Contact Information
    Biography
    Education
    • Undergraduate: UNLV
    • Graduate: University of Wyoming
    Bar Information
    • Nevada and Oregon
    Practice Areas
    • Public Defense
  • John "Jay" Perry

    John "Jay" Fletcher Perry

    Contact Information
    Biography
    Practice Areas
    • Controlled Substances
    • DUI
    • Federal Practice
  • Michael Petro

    Michael J Petro

    • Federal Criminal Defense Attorney, Michael J. Petro Federal Criminal Defense Attorney
    Contact Information
    Social Media
    Biography
    I have been a Federal Criminal Defense Attorney in Tampa and Chicago since 1989.  MDFL, NDIL, DCDC, CDIL, SDFL, NDFL, SDIL.  I have been lead counsel on forty-four Federal jury trials.  I have also been lead counsel on thirty Fifth, Seventh, and Eleventh Circuit Appeals briefs.  I also practice in Florida and Illinois State Courts. Call me if you need help in Tampa or Chicago.  312-913-1111
    Education
    • Undergraduate: Indiana University Bloomington, B.S., 1985
    • Law School: Indiana University Bloomington, J.D., 1988
    Bar Information
    • Illinois, Florida, NDIL, CDIL, NDIN, 7th Circuit, USSCt
    Practice Areas
    • Appellate Advocacy
    • Federal Practice
  • Paul Petruzzi

    Paul D. Petruzzi

    • Law Offices of Paul D. Petruzzi, PA
    Contact Information
    Biography
    Among other distinctions, Mr. Petruzzi is a Life Member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers-Miami Chapter, and he has been on the legal committee for the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws for over ten years. Mr. Petruzzi has been recognized as one of the "Top 100 Trial Lawyers" by the American Trial Lawyer's Association. He has a 10.0, “Superb,†rating by AVVO which is the highest rating available.
    Education
    • Undergraduate: Hamilton College, B.A., 1990
    • Law School: University of Miami, J.D., 1993
    Bar Information
    • Mr. Petruzzi is admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court and many federal courts.
    Practice Areas
    • Appellate Advocacy
    • Capital Defense
    • Controlled Substances
    • Corporate Compliance
    • DUI
    • Federal Practice
    • Forfeiture Reform
    • International
    • Juvenile Defense
    • White Collar Crime
  • Sonya Pfeiffer

    Sonya Pfeiffer

    • Pfeiffer Rudolf Attorneys at Law
    Defender Circle
    Contact Information
    Social Media
    Biography

    Sonya Pfeiffer is a partner with Rudolf Widenhouse in Charlotte, North Carolina, where she represents clients in white collar federal criminal cases, wrongful conviction and civil rights cases, and serious state-court criminal cases. Pfeiffer joined the firm after working in the business litigation division of Womble, Carlyle, Sandridge and Rice, where she was involved with both civil and criminal cases in the firm’s Charlotte office. In particula

    Education
    • Undergraduate: Ohio University, B.S. in Journalism
    • Law School: UNC Chapel Hill School of Law, J.D.
    Practice Areas
    • Controlled Substances
    • Federal Practice
    • Juvenile Defense
    • White Collar Crime
  • A. Phillips

    A. Brian Phillips

    • A. Brian Phillips, P.A.
    Contact Information
    Biography
    DOJ Tax Division (1990-94)US Attorney's Office, MD FL (1994-99)Adj. Prof. of Law, Barry Univ. Coll. of LawAdj. Prof. of Law, Univ. of FL Levin Coll. of Law, LLM in TaxationRecipient, Outstanding Attorney, USDOJ, Tax Division (1993)Director and Treasurer, George C. Young Inn of Court
    Education
    • Undergraduate: Vanderbilt University, BS, 1985
    • Graduate: University of Florida, LLM, 1990
    • Law School: University of Tennessee, JD, 1989
    Bar Information
    • US Tax Ct., USCA, 11th Cir, USDC, ND, MD, SD, FL
    Practice Areas
    • Federal Practice
    • Forfeiture Reform
    • White Collar Crime
  • James Phillips

    James Harrison Phillips

    • Law Office of J. Harrison Phillips, III
    Contact Information
    Biography
    Past Director, Maryland Criminal Defense Attorneys Assn.Life Member, NORML Natl. Legal Comm.Member, Louisiana Criminal Defense Attorneys Assn.Past Chairman, Criminal Law Section, Maryland Bar Assn.Former Asst. State's Attorney, Worcester Co., MDMember, Natl. Coll. for DUI Defense; MD Chapt. Past Member, Maryland Trial Courts Judicial Nominating CommissionRecipient, Maryland Volunteer Lawyer of the Year (2001)
    Education
    • Undergraduate: Eastern College, , 1962
    • Law School: Mount Vernon School of Law, 1965
    Bar Information
    • US Dist. Ct. & 4th Cir.
    Practice Areas
    • Controlled Substances
    • DUI
    • Juvenile Defense

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