Partner
A seasoned trial and appellate attorney, Mr. Sloan brings more than 30 years of experience defending clients in federal and state courts. His practice covers serious criminal matters and injury cases, and his appellate work has reached the United States Supreme Court.
Biography
David Sloan is an experienced litigator, a former state prosecutor, and a partner at Keith & Lorfing. He practices federal and state criminal defense and brings more than three decades of courtroom experience to every matter he handles. Before joining Keith & Lorfing, Mr. Sloan served as an Assistant Federal Public Defender and was called on as faculty to teach other lawyers how to defend sensitive federal cases. Earlier, he served as a state public defender in Wisconsin, where he represented hundreds of people charged with virtually every kind of crime. He began his career as a prosecutor in Waxahachie, Texas, trying cases for Ellis County and the District Attorney’s office, where his courtroom ability moved him from misdemeanor prosecutor to lead counsel on murder trials in less than three years.
Mr. Sloan has built a substantial appellate record, with wins in the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit and the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. As trial counsel in United States v. Cuellar, he identified the crucial issue that led to a significant victory in the United States Supreme Court.
Over the course of his career, Mr. Sloan has defended thousands of clients and is widely regarded as a leading defense lawyer for federal child exploitation charges, among the most difficult and sensitive matters in federal practice. His service to the broader legal community includes:
In addition to his criminal practice, Mr. Sloan handles the firm’s personal injury litigation. After more than 30 years representing clients in the courtroom, the move to civil trial work was a natural one, and he takes particular pride in representing working people who count on the firm to see that they are fairly compensated for their injuries.
Mr. Sloan is driven by a strong sense of fairness and the conviction that every person deserves a vigorous defense, whatever the accusation. He approaches each case with sincerity, and holds himself to a simple standard: to be the kind of lawyer he would want if he were the one accused. He believes in redemption and second chances, and in the capacity of people to change.
When he takes on a case, Mr. Sloan treats over-preparation as the job, gathering every fact he can and keeping his clients informed of the details and the strategy from the outset, so nothing takes them by surprise. He is straight with the court, with opposing counsel, and above all with his clients. Judges know his cases will be handled professionally, and courts have called on him to assist other attorneys who were struggling. Courteous and thorough, his reputation for honest case assessment has been known to get a case dismissed in a single conversation. As one Assistant U.S. Attorney put it, “he is always reasonable, and never tries to blow smoke or put on a frivolous show.”
Representative Results
Successfully defended a client facing federal criminal prosecution. Through aggressive advocacy and strategic legal maneuvering, the defense secured a complete dismissal of all federal charges prior to trial. United States v. Glisson (1:20-CR-069-H)
Client had served 15 years in prison for a crime he did not commit. The federal government sought to re-incarcerate him for refusing to admit guilt during mandated therapy. We fought back and secured his freedom. United States v. Hagan (1:08-CR-0058-H)
Client, an elected official, was charged in connection with public corruption allegations and maintained actual innocence. We demonstrated to the government that the charges were not supported by the evidence. United States v. Martin (1:22-CR-071-H)
Education
Brandi is a proud Red Raider graduating from Texas Tech School of Law where she served as a Senator on the Student Senate. Like her father, uncle, and brother she obtained her undergraduate degree from Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas.
Baylor University School of Law
Baylor University at Waco
Credentials
Confidential Consultation
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