OUR CLIENTS BECOME OUR CAUSES

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.

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 search of defendant’s home, where the officers and prosecutor tried to use the emergency exception to the warrant requirement.

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.