Michael Vick: Unfairly Blackballed or Being Treated Like Everybody Else

As an avid NFL fan and Criminal Defense Attorney, I have watched and listened with great interest to the debate raging about whether or not Michael Vick should be allowed to resume his NFL career now that he has been released from prison. I find it very interesting that many of the same people who are howling that Vick has "done his time" and is now being "unfairly treated" because no team has signed him apparently fail to realize that, as compared to the "average joe", Vick is actually very lucky that he is even being considered for employment at his "old job."
Being involved either as a prosecutor or defense attorney for roughly the last 15 years has allowed me to see many different people who have ended up as convicted felons. The vast majority of first-time felons do not end up in prison, as Vick did, because their offenses were not considered as serious (ie. low level drug offenses, theft, etc.). Nevertheless, the mere presence of a felony conviction on a background check permanently disqaulifies most of these people from most jobs that are considered "desireable" for the REST OF THEIR LIVES. That is an unfortunate byproduct of a felony conviction that I for one, did not adequately appreciate during my years as a prosecutor.
Now when we consider that Vick not only is a convicted Felon, but also has done prison time, it should come as no surpirise to anyone that he would not be at the head of the list of job applicant call-backs if he were like most average Americans, black, white, brown, etc. However, because Vick is famous and incredibly gifted, he is not only being considered for further employment at his "old job" but he has average citizens championing his cause who would not get anywhere near the same consideration that Vick is getting if they possessed his same record. But Vick is "getting a raw deal."
I wish that every good person who made a mistake and ended up with a Felony conviction, including Vick (assuming he is a good person - which I don't know), could at some point truly "do their time" and then permanently put their past behind them and move on with their life. But the reality is that unless you are exceedingly rich and famous or extraordinarily athletically gifted, if you do what Vick did you will likely never get a decent job again. You will have trouble renting an apartment, getting accepted to college or qualifying for student loans. In short, Vick apologists should relaize that Vick is getting opportunities that 99% of Americans wouldn't even dream of getting if they were similarly situated. Vick is lucky. We should all be so lucky. We are not. And so that is why it is so important that if you find yourself accused of a crime, it is SO IMPORTANT to find a good criminal defense attorney. A Felony conviction can, and likely will, ruin your life. That is, unless you are an NFL superstar. So, if you are not, look me up at ellmannpc.com, or find another top-notch defense attorney. Just don't take a criminal charge lightly. We do not all enjoy the benefits of being Michael Vick - one of the luckiest Felons I have ever been aware of.
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Not all criminal defendants are "criminals"

I received an e-mail today from one of my clients which reminded me why I enjoy doing what I do. As a former prosecutor, I have a healthy respect for law enforcement... yet I am still able to represent my clients because I don't represent just anybody. I represent good people who made a mistake and innocent people. This client is an example of someone who is both and I think her words summarize the feelings of many of my clients. She writes as follows:

I, like most people being charged with a DUI was embarrassed and felt like it was the end of the world. I have a very high profile job and having this type of offense on my record would be extremely detrimental. I went online and researched attorneys and found Kevin. He actually took time to meet me on the weekend and explained the process of how he handled cases. He treated with me with respect and professionalism. He was able to get my case dismissed with the court system and treated the police officer who issued me the ticket with respect. I actually witnessed the police officer, after our DMV hearing, patting him on the back and telling him he asked the right questions and letting him know it was a good learning experience for him as well. Kevin knows the law and his background as being a district attorney makes him aware of how the system works. In my particular case there were certain things that were not handled correctly that Kevin was able to expose and protect my rights as an individual. I highly recommend Kevin to anyone who is looking for legal counsel and representation. My name has been cleared and I will not get behind the wheel with any alcohol in my system again. I want to thank Kevin for not only clearing my name but, for helping me make better choices in the future.

Welcome

Welcome to the Colorado Criminal Law Blog of Ellmann & Ellmann PC. WE have been practicing Criminal Law since 1995. Kevin Ellmann was a former Senior Deputy District Attorney, so he knows both sides of the Criminal Justice system and has the knowledge and experience to help guide you through your legal issues. You can learn more about Ellmann & Ellmann, PC at the website at www.ellmannpc.com/ or you can call us directly at 303-814-2600.