Any investigation or arrest, even if for a minor offense, can have significant and long-lasting impacts on your life. The uncertainty can feel overwhelming and every decision is important. Whether you are facing the loss of a license, the loss of freedom, a stain on the reputation of your business or organization, or just the stress of the process, the criminal justice system is difficult to navigate effectively. In order to best defend yourself from state or federal criminal charges, smart choices need to be made with an experienced attorney and an aggressive legal team. BMF attorneys are dedicated to helping you understand what is at stake and protecting your future.
With nearly four decades of criminal law experience, investigatory acumen, and hundreds of successful trials in court, BMF Attorneys Mark Denney and Joe Grubb are known for delivering strategic, results-driven representation in complex and high-stakes cases. With a distinguished record of success and a deep understanding of the criminal justice system, BMF Attorneys provide disciplined, aggressive advocacy tailored to each client’s circumstances. From high-level negotiations to courtroom litigation, every case is approached with meticulous preparation and unwavering commitment.
Importantly, Mark Denney and Joe Grubb are uniquely qualified to represent clients facing investigation and administrative prosecution by the Delaware and U.S. Department of Justice. They take the time to listen, explain each step of the process, and develop a thoughtful defense strategy tailored to your situation. Clients can expect clear communication, careful preparation, and a commitment to safeguarding their future during one of life’s most stressful moments protecting your rights, your reputation, and your future.
Criminal Defense Services
DUI & Traffic Offenses
BMF Attorneys have prosecuted and defended hundreds of DUI cases over the past 20 years. They understand that many law-abiding citizens find themselves charged with Driving Under the Influence, which often casts a negative and unfair stigma that the motorist is an alcoholic or an irresponsible person. BMF Attorneys are uniquely qualified to evaluate whether or not the police often made a mistake, either by improperly stopping your car or lacking probable cause to take you into custody. BMF Attorneys are also skilled at identifying if the manner in which the intoxilyzer or blood draw was administered creates a defense. A DUI conviction can result in a mandatory loss of driving privileges and prompt interaction with the DMV at a hearing. Subsequent DUI offenders face enhanced punishments, including mandatory prison sentences while a third or greater DUI conviction in a lifetime is a felony offense.
Traffic offenses seldom result in a jail sentence, but they can result in losing your driving privileges as well as heavy fines and points, resulting in higher insurance rates.
- Aggressive driving
- Careless Driving
- Reckless driving
- Leaving the Scene of an Accident
- No Insurance
- Suspended License
College Student Offenses
At times, young adults seeking higher education find themselves charged with a criminal offense. That one incident could jeopardize a lifetime of hard work and cause expulsion or suspension, or become a hurdle in obtaining employment, gaining admission into post-graduate school, becoming a commissioned officer in the military, or traveling abroad. One mistake should never define one’s life. It is common for students to struggle with their newly gained independence, sometimes experiencing lapses in judgment that result in criminal charges.
BMF Attorneys have unmeasurable experience in handling common student issues such as:
- Underage Possession/Consumption of Alcohol
- Assault
- Disorderly Conduct
- Resisting Arrest
- Criminal Trespass
- Criminal Mischief
- Shoplifting/Theft
- Sexual Assault
Administrative Investigations
BMF Attorneys have successfully represented clients in over 100 administrative and internal investigations — before and by a variety of boards, officers, and commissions. Client deserve the highest level of advocacy and defense, no mater the stakes. BMF attorneys know how to safeguard the administrative and investigatory record to protect your interests.
White Collar Crime and Fraud
Facing criminal charges in Federal Court is serious. Federal Court is a different system that requires in-depth knowledge of the law and the ability to handle complex cases. BMF Attorneys know the rules and practices of federal court. Similarly, white collar criminal allegations can be equally serious and complex. They can be charged in State or Federal Court and can result in very serious penalties. It is important to work with a firm skilled in resolving white-collar crime charges such as BMF.
- Securities Fraud
- Embezzlement
- Health Care Fraud
- Bank Fraud
- False Statements to the Government
- Wire Fraud
Juvenile and School Offenses
Kids make mistakes. Sometimes, those mistakes result in court proceedings. In Delaware, anyone charged with a crime who is under the age of 18 is considered a juvenile. Juvenile prosecutions are brought in Family Court and depending on the crime, could be sent to Superior Court where your child is tried as an adult with adult consequences. Prosecutions against kids can be nuanced, complex and can even involve incarceration.
Felonies & Misdemeanors
A felony arrest and conviction can dramatically impact one’s life. Felony convictions reduce your of civil liberties like the right to vote or possess a firearm. A felony conviction can create obstacles related to travel and employment, and most importantly, expose one to substantial criminal penalties including imprisonment. In Delaware, some felony offenses carry mandatory imprisonment and specific statutes enhance someone’s penalties such as subsequent offenses or a habitual offender designation. BMF is adept and experienced in helping persons who are charged with felony-level offenses avoid being forever labeled as a convicted felon. Similarly, misdemeanor charges can carry jail sentences and have drastic, life changing consequences. In Delaware, you have a right to a jury trial for both felony and misdemeanor offenses.
Drugs & Firearms
In Delaware, Firearm and Deadly Weapon offenses carry severe penalties, many times encompassing minimum mandatory incarceration. Firearm and Deadly Weapon offenses are typically charged in conjunction with other offenses, as their own stand-alone offense. For example, robbery or drug deal with a gun will be two separate offenses. There are specific and strategic defenses we are adept at crafting in these types of cases, whether it’s challenging possession, the legality of a stop or search or advancing a complex legal challenge to the indictment. BMF Attorneys have supervised and administered thousands of firearm and drug prosecutions, so they are uniquely qualified to challenge and rigorously defend against such allegations.
Domestic Violence
Domestic Violence cases are unique, as there is often more going on than what the police report. Such cases are treated differently than other criminal cases. The State of Delaware Attorney General’s Office has a designated Domestic Violence Unit Criminal which handles all cases alleging Domestic Violence. These matters are aggressively prosecuted in Delaware, where prosecution can occur in Family Court, the Court of Common Pleas or Superior Court. Any behavior by one person in a relationship which is intended to hurt, frighten or dominate other(s) in the relationship is generally considered Domestic Violence. Domestic Violence charges may be filed as misdemeanors or felonies depending upon the seriousness of the case. Domestic Violence can take the form of physical violence, threatened violence, or any other form of abuse which occurs in certain type of relationships, such as families (parent-child, siblings, etc.) or married or formerly married couples, cohabiting couples where a child resides in the residence or even those who have a child or children in common
Cyber and Computer Crimes
One of the most fluid and evolving areas of criminal law is the investigation and prosecution of Cyber and Computer-related laws are still developing. The standard for seizing your phone or computer and obtaining your web searches or activity is incredibly high and complex. BMF Attorneys have been at the forefront of creating law in this challenging area as well as bare minimum requirements law enforcement must abide by when executing cyber or internet based search warrants.
Forfeiture Cases and Money Seizures
The police can seize your money or property if they think it is part of an ongoing crime. But they may not be able to legally keep it. There is a separate forfeitures process the police and prosecution must follow any time they seize one’s property. BMF Attorneys are well-versed in the rules and legalities for doing so, as well as negotiating the return of your property.
