Darrick X. Banda

Darrick X. Banda has a state-wide practice that is exclusively focused on criminal defense, including everything from civil traffic infractions to murder. Darrick is currently one of the most-if not the most-active criminal litigators in the state, having tried well over 200 criminal jury trials to verdict in Maine, and having favorably resolved countless other matters for clients with either reduced charges or outright dismissals. In an era when many lawyers call themselves "trial lawyers," Darrick has indisputably earned that distinction. Whether your criminal case is in Augusta, Portland, Bangor, the coast, or anywhere in between, Darrick is likely not only personally familiar with all of the involved parties (prosecutors, police officers), but also very skilled at achieving the best possible results for his clients while navigating the local nuances of each jurisdiction.

Darrick's specialization in criminal law began on the other side of the aisle as a prosecutor for the State of Maine. Working as an Assistant District Attorney as a young lawyer, Darrick developed an intimate knowledge of the criminal justice system from the inside. He eventually would become a supervising prosecuting attorney in Kennebec & Somerset counties (central Maine). His responsibilities included acting as legal advisor to several law enforcement agencies, including the Augusta Police Department, the Kennebec County Sheriff's Office, the Maine Warden Service and the Maine State Police; teaching annual law enforcement training and re-certification classes as well as 4th Amendment law at the Maine State Police Canine School; and extensive criminal litigation work, comprising well over one hundred bench trials in the District Court and over two dozen criminal jury trials in the Superior Court. Darrick authored approximately one dozen appellate briefs filed in the Maine Supreme Judicial Court on behalf of the State of Maine. He had the opportunity to attend three specialized trial advocacy training sessions at the renowned National Advocacy Center in Columbia, South Carolina, focusing on general courtroom advocacy, gang violence, and motor vehicle homicide cases.

Transitioning in 2008 to private practice, Darrick mentored under famed criminal defense attorney Daniel G. Lilley where he co-chaired several high-profile homicide and serious felony level cases. Now based in Augusta with long-time friend and colleague Ronald Bourget, the firm's criminal practice spans virtually every corner of the state, in both State and Federal Court. Darrick is often sought out for comment by media outlets on trending criminal law issues, and has been asked to speak at several continuing legal education seminars on various topics, including being invited to talk with Maine judges about current OUI law issues. When there is an active criminal jury trial list, you will likely find Darrick trying a criminal case.

In short: Darrick is relentless fighter for his clients. If you are just looking for someone to hold your hand so you can plead guilty, perhaps you should find another attorney. But if you are looking for someone who has the ability and courage to win, you have found the right law office.