We invite you to browse some of our recent case results to learn more about our past successes and how we have helped people in situations similar to yours.
Truck Driver Not Guilty, Career Saved
Our client, a dedicated truck driver, faced serious allegations of leaving the scene of an accident. A conviction would not only have cost him his job but could have ended his career in trucking.
Throughout the case, our client maintained his innocence. He placed his trust in us, and we were determined to fight tirelessly against the state's charges. After a robust defense and a thorough cross-examination of the evidence presented by the state, justice prevailed!
The court, acknowledging the lack of sufficient evidence, delivered a verdict of Not Guilty. This outcome not only reinforces the principle of innocent until proven guilty but also means our client can breathe a sigh of relief, keep his commercial driver's license, and continue his career on the road.
"You're a ghost, a shadow ... nobody's going to believe you."
The jury found my client not guilty on seven counts, including Rape, Aggravated Criminal Sodomy, Attempted Rape, and Kidnapping. The defense presented evidence of no struggle or injuries corroborating the “victim’s” story. The "victim," would taunt my client, telling him "You're a ghost, a shadow ... nobody's going to believe you."
Elicited powerful mitigation testimony highlighting client’s youth. This defeated an upward departure motion in felony murder trial. This simony occurred during the upward-departure phase of the jury trial of teens who tried to rob the gun store “She’s a Pistol.” Under the upward departure, client faced 46 years to life, but I was able to reduce his “hard time” by 10 years.
“One of the best closing arguments I have ever heard”
Not guilty of felony aggravated battery, client faced a 5-year prison sentence. Client was accused of punching “victim” causing substantial facial injury, and a broken ankle upon collapsing. Case theory: client never hit “victim” and injuries were caused when she drunkenly fell. Trial included cross examining emergency room doctor, who was also allowed to testify as a “martial arts expert.” Defense retained a plastic surgeon expert witness. After trial, the Judge told me that I gave “one of the best closing arguments she has ever heard.”
Not guilty of criminal threat. Client was incarcerated in solitary confinement, where he allegedly threatened a correctional officer. During jury trial the State was able to come up with little evidence to support their allegations. During the Defense's case, jurors heard from two witnesses who showed that no threats were made. Opening statement, involved recreating a solitary confinement cell with limited props, verbal imagery and storytelling.
Not guilty of possession with intent to distribute. Facts: after a brief car chase, client was charged with drug distribution. Police found 9 baggies of drugs around the corner from the stop/arrest. Through cross examination I was able to highlight the sloppy evidence preservation by officers, which ended up being a crucial factor in the jury’s decision.
Successfully suppressed evidence in two separate cases with similar facts. Essentially, police responded to underage parties where they detained all party guests, forcing them to submit to breath tests before being allowed to leave.
Successfully suppressed search of client. Here, officers responded to a “disturbance” in an apartment’s parking lot. Upon arrival, they saw no signs of current or prior illegal activity. Nonetheless, officers approached my client, who was helping a friend move in, and demanded ID. A subsequent illegal search revealed drugs. Judge suppressed all evidence.
Successfully suppressed client’s consent to search and statements. Client was present at someone else’s house when a search warrant was executed. Police illegally detained, questioned and obtained consent to search her car. Court suppressed all evidence.
During a felony DUI hearing, the State attempted to introduce a breath test result of .152. However, while the State was laying foundation, I asked to inspect the Officers certification, it turned out that the Officer was not certified to operate the Intoxilyzer 8000 at the time of the arrest. Felony charges dismissed.
Only one year out of law school, Mr. Rivera represented a client who had 4 codefendants, all codefendants had council with 10+ years of experience. All codefendants plead to criminal charges. Noting the lack of evidence I encouraged my client to take the matter to a hearing, where judge dismissed charges.