Practice Areas
Some details about Ms. Wilson’s most common and popular practice areas. Check out the bottom frame of this site for other kinds of cases she can handle!)
Criminal Defense
Every person charged with a crime, no matter how serious, deserves an aggressive defense. A good defense attorney’s role is to make the government prove every element of the alleged crime beyond a reasonable doubt, or to help negotiate a fair plea bargain should the defendant believe that to be his or her best option. An aggressive and zealous defense for all of those charged with criminal offenses is the cornerstone of our our democracy. If you’ve been cited, arrested, or charged with any crime – misdemeanor or felony, your best course of action is to remain silent* and immediately contact an attorney. As an attorney trained to act aggressively and smartly on your behalf, Ms. Wilson can help you navigate the often complicated and troubling process of criminal investigation, arraignment, and prosecution.
*Under certain circumstances you are required under Vermont law to identify yourself and when stopped for a motor vehicle infraction, you must produce your driver’s license and registration.
State and Federal Appeals
While working first as a law clerk and then as attorney, Ms. Wilson has considerable experience researching and drafting appeals to the Vermont Supreme Court and the United States 2nd Court of Appeals. Good appellate attorneys comb carefully through the trial court record, identify potential issues and craft solid written arguments. If you’re a client or an attorney who thinks your case has appeal potential, contact Ms. Wilson. (It’s one of her favorite things to do!)
Personal Injury/Civil Litigation
The American personal injury system — often called “torts” — recognizes that often, the most vulnerable and powerless in our society need an aggressive advocate when injury strikes. A good civil litigator and trial lawyer can identify the issues, assess the weakness or strength of your case, help you negotiate with an insurance company’s attorney, and if warranted, work toward obtaining compensation for you and your family after an injury. All too often, large companies and corporations seek to avoid responsibility for any action or omission that hurts someone. A good personal injury attorney can help you seek some measure of justice, even when confronting some of the most powerful forces in our society.
Municipal Law
For Vermont selectboards, town managers, and other public officials, municipal law is an increasingly complex patchwork of state law, constitutional provisions, municipal ordinances, and case law. Even in the small to medium-size Northeast Kingdom municipalities, this patchwork of law can be daunting. With a background as a Town Clerk and Treasurer, and her focus on municipal law, Ms. Wilson understands those complexities and can assist town officials in navigating the municipal law arena, from public record and open meeting laws, to liability of public officials and employment issues.
Estate Planning
Planning for you and your family’s future can be complicated and sometimes overwhelming. Ms. Wilson will assist you on a broad range of estate planning issues, including powers of attorney, advance directives for health care, voluntary or involuntary guardianship, revocable and irrevocable trusts, and wills. She can tailor strategies for your unique circumstances, whether you seek to protect and pass on your assets, address concerns for end-of-life matters, or choose who will act as your health care proxy.
