In the field of criminal defense, where every case carries immense weight, Mariell Lehman is a relentless advocate for justice. Her commitment to defending the rights of those accused of society’s most serious crimes sets her apart as a legal force to be reckoned with.
Mariell is owner and Attorney at Lehman Law Firm, PLLC and has dedicated over a decade to championing the rights of individuals facing the most severe criminal charges. Known for her unwavering dedication, Mariell has earned a reputation as a tenacious attorney who will go to great lengths to help her clients avoid prison, ensuring they receive the best possible defense in their pursuit of justice.
At Lehman Law Firm, Mariell takes on a wide range of responsibilities, overseeing both the daily business operations and the legal aspects of her practice. Her role encompasses more than just administrative tasks; it involves appearing in court, meeting with clients, drafting legal motions, and maintaining communication with both clients and opposing counsel. However, Mariell emphasizes that none of this would be possible without the support of a dedicated and skilled team that plays a crucial role in ensuring that the work is done efficiently and effectively. Together, they work to provide high-quality legal services to their clients.
The Legal Journey
Mariell’s legal journey began in 2010, but it wasn’t until late 2011 that her reputation as a formidable defense attorney truly took off. Known for her fearless commitment to justice, Mariell’s career trajectory was shaped by early aspirations and transformative experiences.
“From as early as second grade, I aspired to be a lawyer,” Mariell recalls. “Initially, I was drawn to the role of a prosecutor, where I believed justice was solely about incarcerating wrongdoers.” However, her perspective evolved as she delved deeper into the legal world, completing internships at police agencies and working with a county prosecutor’s office.
These experiences exposed her to the flaws in the justice system, sparking a passion for defense work. “I became a defense attorney because I wanted to fix the system based on the belief that everyone deserves a great defense,” she explains.
Since 2011, Mariell has focused her legal career on criminal defense, specializing in complex Federal and State cases. Her expertise lies in defending clients accused of Manslaughter, Murder, Organized Crime/RICO, and other serious offenses carrying life sentences. While these high-stakes cases define her practice, she also brings extensive experience to less severe matters.
Outside the courtroom, Mariell holds life with the same passion she brings to her work. She cherishes time with her family, often retreating to their vacation home, and remains an active athlete. A lifelong sports enthusiast, she enjoys playing softball with her husband and friends, balancing her demanding career with her love for fitness and community.
Personalized Legal Representation in High-Stakes Cases
Mariell’s law firm stands out in the field of criminal defense, particularly in high-stakes cases involving capital or life sentences, where the industry is predominantly male. She ensures that each client receives personalized attention throughout the often-overwhelming legal process, setting her firm apart from others. Known for her vigorous and relentless defense strategies, Mariell is committed to providing her clients with the best possible representation. While her practice primarily focuses on retained cases, she also represents individuals who cannot afford such fees, driven by her belief that everyone deserves access to strong and effective legal advocacy.
Significant Legal Victories
Throughout her career, Mariell has achieved several notable legal victories, including numerous acquittals, cases where charges were dismissed, and instances where cases did not proceed to prosecution. One of the most significant and recent cases she handled was representing James Crumbley, the father of the Oxford High School shooter. Crumbley faced manslaughter charges related to the tragic deaths of four students.
Before the Crumbley case, Mariell worked on a high-profile case involving a client charged with first-degree premeditated murder, the most severe charge in their state. This case initially led to a hung jury, as the jurors could not agree on a verdict. However, in the subsequent trial, Mariell’s client was acquitted after the jury accepted the defense’s claim of self-defense. The case was significant for two reasons: the client did not testify despite the self-defense argument, and the client had initially been sentenced for actions later deemed justifiable. This ruling led to an appellate decision that has since influenced case law, aiming to prevent similar issues in future trials.
Another important achievement was successfully appealing a case where Mariell’s client, charged in the death of a child, had their right to counsel violated during a police interview. By challenging the trial court’s decision to deny a motion to suppress the client’s statements, Mariell secured a favorable ruling from the Court of Appeals.
Overcoming Gender Challenges in Criminal Defense
Representing clients accused of the most severe offenses in the criminal justice system presents unique challenges, particularly when the cases involve life-altering consequences. For Mariell, one of the additional complexities she faces is being a woman in a field where the majority of practitioners, especially in high-stakes criminal defense, are men. This gender dynamic can sometimes lead to being underestimated by others. However, Mariell embraces this challenge, seeing it as an opportunity to demonstrate that such assumptions are mistaken. She uses this underestimation as fuel to prove her capabilities, building a strong, relentless defense for her clients while navigating the legal intricacies of their cases. This approach not only showcases her legal expertise but also challenges stereotypes and reinforces the strength of her advocacy.
Mastering the Art of Courtroom Advocacy
For Mariell, effective advocacy in court demands a blend of thorough preparation, strategic thinking, and skilled communication. Her approach is built on a set of meticulously honed strategies designed to deliver the best possible outcomes for her clients.
Key Strategies in Advocacy:
- Building a Rapport with the Court: Establishing credibility and professionalism with judges and court personnel fosters an environment conducive to fair proceedings.
- Meticulous Case Preparation: Every detail matters. Mariell delves deep into evidence, case law, and procedural nuances to construct compelling defenses.
- Client Communication: Actively listening to clients is paramount. “Often, individuals accused of crimes feel overlooked or dismissed,” she explains. Mariell prioritizes understanding her clients’ stories and ensuring they feel heard.
- Utilizing Expert Witnesses: Expert testimony often plays a crucial role in dismantling prosecution narratives or reinforcing defense arguments.
- Motion Practice: Filing well-crafted motions can shape the course of a trial, from suppressing inadmissible evidence to seeking case dismissals.
- Strategic Jury Selection: Identifying and selecting impartial jurors can significantly influence trial outcomes.
- Continuing Legal Education: Staying updated on the latest legal developments ensures her advocacy remains sharp and informed.
A Defense Built on Listening
Mariell’s first step with every client is to listen. “It’s important to recognize that accusations can be incorrect or false, and a person can be inappropriately charged for their alleged conduct,” she emphasizes. This understanding drives her to approach each case with compassion and objectivity.
“My clients are not inherently bad individuals; they may have made poor choices or might be wrongfully accused,” Mariell shares. Building trust through attentive listening and honest dialogue creates a foundation for collaboration. This bond not only strengthens her ability to advocate effectively but also empowers her clients to actively participate in their defense.
Vision for Justice
Mariell’s short-term goals are focused on expanding her practice and strengthening her legal expertise. She aims to increase her client base while enhancing her legal skills to provide even more effective representation. Additionally, she plans to expand her digital presence by increasing social media engagement and publishing informative content related to criminal defense, positioning herself as a trusted resource in the field.
In the long term, Mariell envisions significant growth for her firm. She aims to open additional offices in other cities and states, allowing her to access new markets and expand her client base. She is also committed to fostering the next generation of criminal defense attorneys by creating internship and mentorship programs, ensuring a continuous flow of skilled lawyers into the firm. Additionally, Mariell seeks to engage in advocacy and reform efforts to improve the criminal justice system, positioning her firm as a leader in critical legal and ethical discussions.
Inspiring Future Legal Minds
Mariell’s advice to aspiring legal professionals who are interested in pursuing a career in the legal sector is clear and encouraging: Absolutely go for it! Being a defense attorney is truly her dream job, and she couldn’t imagine doing anything else. Her key advice is to discover what you love about the legal profession and chase it relentlessly. She recommends seeking out professionals in the field whom you admire or who specialize in areas that intrigue you. Interning or shadowing these professionals will provide valuable insight. Gathering as much information as possible before committing to a specific area of interest will help aspiring lawyers make informed decisions and guide their careers in the right direction.
