About Branden Bell

Branden approaches criminal defense with an inside perspective: He knows what it’s like to be accused of a crime you didn’t commit. When Branden was a teenager, he was arrested for something he didn’t do. He rejected a plea offer and insisted on a trial, where the judge dismissed the case against him. This life experience, coupled with 15 years in the courtroom, make Branden a thorough and tenacious advocate for people and businesses accused of wrongdoing. He describes his role as part trial attorney, part wartime consigliere.

Branden focuses his practice in federal court, where he defends clients against complex and aggressive prosecutions. Harnessing his methodical approach to detail, ability to organize thousands of facts, and motion practice with skilled trial presentations, Branden has secured numerous not-guilty verdicts after lengthy trials with dozens of witnesses and hundreds of exhibits.

Before joining Morgan Pilate LLC in 2019, Branden worked in private practice and more recently as a federal public defender. While at the Federal Public Defender’s office, Branden played a key role in fighting against prosecutorial misconduct, exposing it through cross-examination of several prosecutors in United States v. Black.

Branden has been published in the Federal Sentencing Reporter and frequently presents on trial tactics and trial preparation at continuing legal education seminars. He maintains an “AV” rating from Martindale-Hubbell.

When he’s not working, Branden keeps busy with his two sons, cheering on the Jayhawks, and going to as many Royals games as he can.