Success Stories
COGAN LAW OFFICE CELEBRATES VICTORY IN WASHINGTON COUNTY HIGH STAKES TRIAL
Our client was charged with sexual abuse in the first degree, stemming from an allegation that our client sexually touched a young cousin while babysitting. Our client steadfastly maintained their innocence. At the conclusion of a hard fought non-jury trial, the judge found our client Not Guilty, resulting in our client leaving the courtroom without a criminal record, and without the stigma of being a convicted sex offender. This outcome was even more rewarding considering the client had been convicted at the first trial, tried by a different firm, and the outcome was overturned on appeal. We appreciate our client and family for entrusting our firm with this important case.
COGAN LAW CELEBRATES VICTORY IN JESSICA’S LAW TRIAL
In 1994, Oregon voters passed Ballot Measure 11, which imposes severe mandatory prison sentences for a host of serious crimes, including Rape, Sodomy, Robbery, and Attempted Murder. Subsequently, Oregon enacted an even harsher law, called Jessica’s Law, which requires 25-year minimum sentences for persons convicted of First Degree Rape and Sodomy, where the victim is under 12 years of age. Jessica’s Law has been called Measure 11 on Steroids, because of its extremely severe punishments. Our law firm recently won a Not Guilty verdict for a client who was facing Jessica’s Law and Ballot Measure 12 charges in Jackson County. Kudos to the jurors who held the State to the rigorous standard of Proof Beyond a Reasonable Doubt, relieving our client of serving the rest of his life in prison.
NOT GUILTY VERDICT FOR CLIENT CHARGED WITH RUNNING A RED LIGHT
Our client was pulled over by a sheriff’s deputy for allegedly running a red light at an intersection. The offense is technically classified as Failure to Obey a Traffic Control Device (ORS 811.265). We challenged the citation by issuing a subpoena to an ODOT traffic engineer and proved that the traffic signals at that intersection were timed incorrectly. We also brought an expert to trial who demonstrated through complex scientific data that it would not have been safe for our client to stop when the light turned yellow. Our team earned a hard fought NOT GUILTY verdict at the end of this trial, showing again how we go the extra mile for all of our clients—even traffic citations.
AGGRAVATED THEFT DISMISSED
Our client faced charges of AGGRAVATED THEFT arising from an alleged workplace embezzlement amounting to more than $50,000. Under pressure of Loss Prevention, our client hand-wrote and signed a full confession. We thought something smelled bad about the situation, so we hired a Forensic Accounting Expert. After reviewing the accounting records in question, our expert concluded that our client was innocent. In order to prepare our defense of this being a case of a FALSE CONFESSION, we retained an esteemed psychology professor to provide insight into the situations in which an innocent person might be likely to confess to a crime they did not commit. Our client exhibited specific traits in which a person would be likely to make a false confession, including compliance and suggestibility. We submitted a detailed letter to the DA, advocating for dismissal. Our efforts were rewarded by the beautiful words: MOTION TO DISMISS FILED BY THE STATE. This victory is even more satisfying than a NOT GUILTY verdict at trial, because it relieves our client of the considerable anxiety and expense, and risk of conviction and severe punishment, that our client would have faced had the case proceeded to trial.
GREAT RESULT FOR CLIENT FACING SEX CRIMES AND DEPORTATION
Our client AS faced prosecution for Sexual Abuse in the Third Degree stemming from a workplace incident. Along with the serious charges our client was facing, there was also a risk of deportation since the client was in Oregon on a work visa. Our team worked hard to acquire videotapes of the incident, sent our private investigator to conduct his own analysis, and stayed in constant contact with the executives of the workplace so that our client could keep his job while the case was pending. Due to our advocacy, we were able to reduce the initial charges of Sexual Abuse in the Third Degree to a Class B violation. Our client was able to keep his job and avoided all criminal liability.
STUNNING VICTORY IN WASHINGTON COUNTY
Our client WK faced prosecution in adult court for multiple counts of Sexual Abuse in the First Degree based on an accusation of offending a playmate when he was merely 13 years old. This cruel predicament arose from a quirk in Oregon law, which allows a child to face prosecution in adult court, and potential prison time, many years after the alleged conduct, despite the fact that the accused was barely a teenager at the time of the alleged events. The DA, undaunted by the fact that our client passed two polygraphs confirming his innocence, took the case to trial. The jurors rewarded our efforts with NOT GUILTY verdicts. Kudos to lead counsel Jeffrey Turnoy, second chair Benjamin Scissors, and our entire team, for sparing our client from being stigmatized as a Sex Offender and likely imprisonment.
FIRST DEGREE RAPE ABSOLVED
A quarter century ago, Client (hereinafter “C”) was found within the jurisdiction of the Juvenile Court for committing the crime of Rape in the First Degree.
Lacking the ability to expunge this adjudication from his record, C retained our law firm to seek a court order setting aside this adjudication, effectively nullifying the stain on his record.
Our team gathered records of C’s adjudication, imprisonment, treatment, counseling, employment history and character reference letters, and presented all the materials to the judge.
After a contested hearing, the judge ruled that our client was fully rehabilitated and is no longer a danger to the community, and therefore granted our motion despite the DA’s opposition. The judge issued an Order and Judgment setting aside C’s adjudication for the crime of Rape in the Second Degree and dismissing the underlying Juvenile Delinquency Petition.
C woke up that morning an adjudicated sex offender for the crime of Rape in the First Degree and ended the day absolved of that crime.
We are very proud of what we accomplished for our client.
CLIENT SAVED FROM DISASTER FOR ONLINE SEXUAL CORRUPTION OF A MINOR.
MJ faced charges of online sexual corruption and luring a minor based on a sexual conversation with a decoy police officer. MJ faced a number of very harsh consequences, including prison time, unexpungeable felony charges, sex offender registration, among other permanent consequences. Due to our advocacy, we were able to achieve a resolution that avoided prison, avoided having the charge designated as a sex crime with sex offender registration, and will permit expungement in the future. This resolution preserves the client’s ability to remain free, off the registry, and to remove the matter from their record after probation. This is an outcome that is rarely accomplished in a situation such as this.
CLIENT FOUND NOT GUILTY BASED ON SELF-DEFENSE
Client MV had the misfortune to be driving over Mt Hood at night with an intoxicated passenger in the car. The passenger showed signs of mental disturbance and became physically aggressive toward MV. At a very dangerous stretch in the highway, the passenger started hitting MV in the head. In a desperate attempt to protect himself from being assaulted by the passenger, MV swung his arm toward the passenger, unexpectedly breaking the passenger’s nose. The DA prosecuted MV for assault. Fortunately the jury agreed with us that MV was merely protecting himself and trying to keep the car on the road. NOT GUILTY!
CHARGES DISMISSED AFTER A THREE-DAY TRIAL
Client SC was charged with two felonies and three misdemeanors related to an alleged domestic violence incident with their ex. The ex accused SC of strangling and assaulting the ex, and prevented the ex from making a police report. SC was steadfast that he committed no crime, shoved his ex in order to protect himself and their minor child, and that the ex was motivated by child-custody and related issues. SC opted to take the case to trial, and through the statements of the ex and SC, we were able to establish that the ex was acting very aggressively towards SC while SC held their child, the marks (and lack thereof) were inconsistent with a brutal, violent attack, and SC acted to prevent further harm. After a 3-day jury trial, the jury came back with NOT GUILTY on all charges.
OVER 2O YEARS PRISON SENTENCE REDUCED TO 80 MONTHS
Client AO’s family contacted our firm shortly after a New Year’s Eve shooting incident in Central Oregon, where AO had shot and paralyzed a man. AO was arrested for Attempted Murder, Assault in the First Degree, and several charges of Recklessly Endangering Another. When our firm first met with AO, the same day his family contacted our firm, he was facing well over 20 years in prison. We developed a strategy to best serve AO and hired a psychologist who could help explain AO’s actions. After months of work preparing mitigation materials, our office began negotiations with the State. We scheduled a settlement conference with a judge to advocate for our position. Ultimately, the DA agreed with our proposal and AO received 80 months in prison, a significant reduction from the punishment AO faced.
NO JAIL TIME FOR FELONY AND MISDENEANOR CHARGES
Client BD, like many individuals, has an unstable ex. BD was charged with a felony and seven serious misdemeanors. At the start of the case, the DA believed BD to be a dangerous individual who deserved a felony and significant jail time. BD’s case was not necessarily a case that would resolve short of trial, so we continued to prepare for trial while keeping lines of communication open with the DA. During the pendency of the case, BD’s ex harassed BD, BD’s pre-trial release officer, and the DA assigned to the case. With our help, the DA began to understand the realities of the relationship between BD and the ex. After multiple rounds of negotiations, the DA provided BD with a formal offer. The DA’s formal offer was unacceptable to BD, so we made a counteroffer to the DA. Over the ex’s vehement objections, the DA accepted our counteroffer. BD received one expungable misdemeanor, probation, and no jail time.
OVER A DECADE PRISON SENTENCE REDUCED
With a significant record, KM found himself in a difficult situation. KM had injured an individual while driving under the influence of intoxicants. The State indicted KM for Assault in the Second Degree, a Measure 11 crime. KM faced over a decade in prison based on the charges and KM’s criminal history. However, KM showed a desire to seek treatment and worked with our firm to put the strongest case forward for a probation sentence. Using the MCJRP program as our vehicle, we insisted to the DA that KM wanted treatment and was serious about bettering himself. After lengthy negotiations, the DA agreed, over an outspoken and angry defendant, to place KM on 36 months of probation with intensive treatment. This result not only saved KM from years in prison, but also sets KM up to succeed in treatment and life.
OVER 50 YEARS PRISON SENTENCE REDUCED TO 3.5 YEARS
Client SJ, a non-citizen legal U.S. resident, faced approximately 20 sex-crimes, including “Jessica’s Law” charges, in eastern Oregon. Ultimately, there were four alleged defendants and the charges SJ faced carried a mandatory minimum of over 50 years in prison if he lost at trial, which would effectively be a life sentence for SJ. Every several months, the DA would add another alleged defendant and additional charges. Unfazed, we continued to meticulously review the evidence for weaknesses. Sensing an opening for a negotiated outcome, we engaged in negotiations with the DA, which culminated in a full-day settlement conference with a judge. Presenting our strengths, the DA’s weaknesses, and strategic arguments to the judge resulted in a negotiated overall sentence of 3.5 years in prison, after good time credit, which is a 93% reduction in SJ’s punishment.
AGGRAVATED THEFT IN THE FIRST DEGREE DISMISSED
Client WR retained our firm for defense on a very serious charge of Aggravated Theft in the First Degree. If convicted, WR would have gone to prison. WR retained our firm because he was being prosecuted in a small county and did not trust the local lawyers to fight hard for him. The case involved many complications, including extreme bias on the part of local law enforcement. Over the course of many months, our team picked apart the State’s evidence and obtained documents that proved WR’s innocence. We exposed evidence of outrageous governmental misconduct. We filed motion upon motion and vigorously defended our client. In the end, the State has no alternative but to DISMISS the case. Total and utter vindication for our client! Thank you WR for turning to us in your time of need. We have had many victories for our clients but none is sweeter than this one.
FIRST DEGREE RAPE CHARGE REDUCED TO NON-SEX MISDEMEANOR
Never having been in trouble with the law previously, BC suddenly found himself facing a charge of Rape in the First Degree, which would have subjected him to 100 months in prison (with no time off for good behavior), having to register as a Sex Offender, and being a felon for the rest of his life. All this because of an intimate encounter with a female, at a frat party where both had been drinking. Our client was fully prepared to fight this case all the way to trial, but our diligent preparations finally paid off. The DA lost her nerve at the last moment, and offered our client the chance to resolve his case with a plea to two non-sex misdemeanors, and a few days in jail. We accepted the offer, and our client can now go through life not being a convicted sex offender, nor a felon. We are very pleased with the enormous victory we accomplished for this client!
CRIMINAL CHARGES DISMISSED
Client SM came to us after a fight with his significant other, in which there was mutual combat. That fight resulted in SM being charged for several different crimes listed as domestic violence, some of which were felonies. SM, who was in law school at the time, faced potentially fatal consequences to his legal career, in addition to the regular consequences of a domestic case. Through hard work and persuasion, we were able to convince the District Attorney that SM, a client with no criminal history who is also a disabled military veteran, should be given an opportunity to engage in treatment for his issues, and dismiss the criminal charges. After completion of treatment and community service, all charges against SM were dismissed, preserving his ability obtain a license to practice law, and continue his efforts without a criminal record. This case is a reminder that victories often come by a team effort, as we were able to use outside forensic experts to assist the Court and District Attorney understand the struggles of our veteran client.
CIVIL COMPROMISE ACHIEVED IN DIFFICULT ASSAULT CASE
R.P.’s case was not a “normal” assault case. What began as a misdemeanor assault charge, quickly turned into a Ballot Measure-11 felony assault, and was then downgraded back to a misdemeanor assault, but with felony unlawful use of a weapon added as the most serious crime. R.P. was accused of using a BB gun to strike the alleged defendant in the head during an altercation.
After conducting extensive investigations with the alleged defendant and the witnesses, we were able to reach a civil compromise settlement with the alleged defendant. However, our work was not done, as we received pushback from the Court as to whether the case could and/or should be dismissed as a civil compromise. After researching the issues presented and preparing the documents for the Court to review, our Motion to Dismiss was granted, and expungement papers were filed right away.
This case could have destroyed our Client and the Client’s family, but due to our diligent and “never say die” efforts, we were able to achieve the best outcome possible.
VICTORY IN FELONY SEX-CASE
BT, a military veteran in a faraway county, faced felony sex-charges due to a relationship with an underage girlfriend. After their breakup, the girlfriend and her family wanted nothing more than to see BT locked away for many years, and accused him several times with untruthful acts that landed him in jail on multiple occasions throughout the case. Our quick and resourceful actions got BT out of jail, as we were able to prove his innocence in regards to release violations and show law enforcement’s rush to judgment in blaming him for acts he had not done.
Due to our work and hard-fought negotiations, in tandem with the evaluations of our psychologist and sociologist, we were able to work out an agreement with the District Attorney’s office to allow for a resolution of misdemeanor non-sex-crimes. Such a resolution will allow BT to have all records of the matter expunged, and prevent the life-long consequences that can come from a conviction for a sex-crime.
When it came time for sentencing, the District Attorney’s office, as a result of many factors, argued for the maximum possible sentence. However, after hearing our advocacy, the judge sentenced BT to time-served and probation, freeing him with no further jail-time, and allowing him to return home.
Cases like these are a reminder that a team approach is necessary in many cases, particularly felony sex-cases. Our team was able to secure an outcome that resulted in no more pain and suffering on the part of BT. A case like BT’s is also a reminder that our office can go anywhere around the State of Oregon, to counties large and small, and achieve outstanding results.
SUCCESSFUL SETTLEMENT OF FRAUD CASE AVOIDS PROSECUTION FOR OUR CLIENT.
We have had much success protecting our clients from prosecution in theft and embezzlement matters.
AB retained our firm because of threatened criminal prosecution arising from a series of overpayments of governmental benefits.
We immediately attacked the problem and worked out a financial settlement saving AB from criminal prosecution.
Because of our work, AB will not face the considerable damage that criminal prosecution would have caused.
No humiliating arrest. No costly trial. No jail sentence. No criminal record. No damage to future employment prospects. Client’s reputation and standing in the community is protected.
A stunning victory for our client!
RAPE ALLEGATIONS DISMISSED!
CA had a one night fling with a female acquaintance. Upon discovering that CA is married, the female felt she was used and abused, and reported a rape to the police. CA feared that, as a black man who had sex with a white woman, he would feel the wrath of the legal system. We arranged for CA to take an exculpatory polygraph, which he passed. CA will not be prosecuted.
SUBORDINATE EMPLOYEE’S RAPE ALLEGATIONS DROPPED!
LA, a high caliber professional, had consensual sexual contact with a subordinate at an office party. The woman then cried ‘rape’ when he rejected intercourse. This exposed our client to criminal prosecution. As a result of our prompt and proactive investigation, including gathering witness statements, we were able to demonstrate to law enforcement that what occurred was a non-criminal, consensual encounter between consenting adults. Our client was rewarded by not being prosecuted for any criminal charges and suffered no loss to his career.
CONVICTON REVERSED IN STATE OF OREGON VS. RAMIRO QUIROZ HERNANDEZ!
The Oregon Court of Appeals just issued an important victory for the defense in a case handled by our office. A Washington County judge refused to allow cross examination of the alleged defendant in a sex case, specifically related to the alleged defendant’s motivation for making a false charge against our client. The defense sought to explore her potential motive as it relates to gaining permanent residence status via a U-Visa application as a result of a conviction in this case. The Court of Appeals reversed our client’s conviction and remanded the case for a new trial!
FELONY DRUG CHARGES DISMISSED AFTER LENGTHY LITIGATION
CD hired our office after law enforcement seized marijuana and money from his vehicle in The Dalles. CD was charged with felony delivery of marijuana, tampering with evidence, and criminal trespass. CD maintained that they never delivered marijuana nor tampered with text message evidence that allegedly showed the intent to deliver. After more than a years’ time, we were able to persuade the prosecutor that there was no evidence of delivery or tampering. We resolved the case with a plea to criminal trespass, whereby CD would do some community service and be on unsupervised probation. This resolution kept CD from a felony conviction, prison time, a license suspension, and all the other harsh consequences of a major felony drug conviction.
CHARGES DISMISSED FOR FATHER PROTECTING HIS FAMILY
GD was charged with Harassment after a fight with his adult son. Law enforcement arrested and charged GD knowing that GD was merely protecting his family from the violent behavior of his son. After thoroughly negotiating with the prosecutor, we were able to convince the prosecutor that the case against GD was not worth proceeding with. The case was dismissed and the record expunged. GD was spared from going to jail, having to be on probation, have a conviction on his record, and all the other problems that come with a criminal conviction. GD’s case is one that shows how getting to a lawyer early on is very important. Had we not been in contact with the prosecutor at an early stage, we may not have achieved the total success that we did.
VICTORY IN UNDERAGED GIRLFRIEND, NO SEX OFFENDER LABEL
Our office frequently represents young men accused of having sex with underage females. Typically, our client is 18 to 22 years of age with an underaged girlfriend who was not coerced or pressured into the relationship, nor does she view herself as a defendant. Despite this, the legal consequences can be extreme. The young man faces jail or prison, mandatory registration as a sex offender, and a felony conviction that never qualifies for expungement.
Read more about Victory In Underaged Girlfriend, No Sex Offender Label
NO JAIL TIME FOR HIT & RUN DRIVER IN MULTNOMAH COUNTY
RJ hit a pedestrian and immediately fled the scene. He came into our law firm the next day and we enacted a pro-active strategy that kept him out of prison even though the pedestrian’s injuries had been life-threatening. This case perfectly shows how valuable it is to retain our firm at the earliest possible opportunity.
SENIOR CITIZEN SAVED FROM JAIL TIME
Our client was charged with multiple crimes that risked sending him to prison for 3 years or more. We persuaded the judge to place our client on probation, which would spare the client potential loss of his home and life as he knew it. One strategic move was to get our client into counseling immediately to address underlying causes of his conduct and to show good faith to the court. We submitted a psychological evaluation to the judge and worked hard to rally our client’s supporters who ultimately attended court and drafted character reference letters on his behalf. The result is that this man remains free, avoided any prison, is continuing helpful counseling sessions and has grown closer to his family.
ADULT SON CLEARED OF FINANCIAL CRIMES ALLEGED AGAINST ELDERLY MOTHER
JC faced felony charges alleging that he embezzled the funds of his elderly mother. After a failed guardianship proceeding, he became the object of police investigation relating to his care of and financial responsibility for his mother. The client’s family, livelihood and freedom were threatened as a result of bogus prosecution. We prepared a strong defense for trial, utilizing testimony of the client’s wife, ex-wife and other character witnesses, in order to show that he was not guilty of the crimes. In the end, faced with a likely win for our side, the prosecution dismissed the case on the eve of trial, ending our client’s long and overwhelming ordeal in the criminal justice system.
NATIVE AMERICAN CASE VICTORY
We defended a Native American client from an activist family on a high-profile criminal matter arising from our client’s actions in rescuing her son from danger. Our client faced serious charges of Burglary in the First Degree and Custodial Interference in the First Degree for violating a Tribal Court order. Our client had removed her son from a home in Portland where she believed her son was being sexually assaulted. We traced out the complex history of Tribal Court litigation, and fully analyzed the legal relationship between the Tribal and State Court jurisdictions. Our investigators gathered crucial documentation concerning wide ranging law enforcement investigations in two States. Our defense team included professional investigators and forensic scientists, including a renowned forensic psychologist.
Read more about Native American Case Victory
SEX-OFFENDER REGISTRATION RELIEF
Client BQ came to our office seeking to be relieved of having to report as a Sex Offender based on a conviction in another State from over 2 decades ago. Documentation established that BQ completed sex offender treatment, was fully rehabilitated, and is no longer a threat to anyone. We filed a motion with the court seeking to relieve BQ from having to register as a Sex Offender. The District Attorney opposed our motion on behalf of BQ, but we persuaded the court to grant our motion. BQ no longer is required to register as a Sex Offender.
Read more about Sex-Offender Registration Relief
JUVENILE’S BALLOT MEASURE 11 CHARGE REDUCED TO MISDEMEANOR, NO JAIL TIME
MM faced a Ballot Measure 11 charge in Washington County after she had slashed a former boyfriend on the neck with a razor blade. Even though MM was only 17 years old, and had never been in trouble with the law, she faced a potential sentence of many years in prison. Our advocacy on behalf of MM resulted in a plea to an expungeable offense, and not even a single day of jail time. Once MM completes probation, we will be able to erase her conviction and seal all records of her arrest and prosecution. By any measure, our work on behalf of MM was a stunning success.
Read More about Juvenile’s Ballot Measure 11 Charge Reduced to Misdemeanor
FAITH-HEALING & THE WORTHINGTON CASE
For many years, the Clackamas County District Attorney’s Office has been seeking to crack down on the Followers of Christ Church of Oregon City, which has been reported in the news media of following the religious practice of “faith healing” instead of modern medicine. Following the death of Ava Worthington, the District Attorney prosecuted Carl Brent Worthington and his wife Raylene Marie Worthington, for the crime of Manslaughter in the Second Degree. The State alleged that Mr. and Mrs. Worthington failed to provide adequate medical care to their daughter Ava, and that this was the cause of Ava’s death.
Read more about the Worthington case
TEENAGER’S BALLOT MEASURE 11 CHARGES REDUCED
Client CC was indicted for multiple charges of assault and robbery with multiple defendants. Despite the fact that CC lacked any criminal history, she faced a mandatory minimum prison sentence of many years under the harsh framework of Ballot Measure 11. When CC came to us, she was represented by a court-appointed attorney. We took over her case, and as a result of the work we did with our client over a period of several months, we were able to accomplish a vastly improved outcome. CC ended up not facing the severe consequences of Ballot Measure 11. When our client regains her freedom, her co-defendants will still have many years yet to serve in prison. Equally important, our client will be able to get all records of her prosecution expunged, and her conviction erased, while the co-defendants will be burdened by criminal convictions for the rest of their lives.
YOUNG MAN’S INVESTIGATION FOR SEX ABUSE HALTED, NO CHARGES FILED
Client MN came to us facing potential sexual abuse charges, arising from a consensual relationship with a co-worker. He faced many years in prison, lifetime registration as a sex offender, and exclusion from any employment opportunities in his chosen profession. Even if he was found not guilty, simply being arrested and prosecuted for this crime would have been devastating. We intervened strongly in the investigation stage and persuaded the authorities that the client was innocent and should not be prosecuted. Fortunately, MN came to us before he was indicted, so we had the maximum possible opportunity to avoid the worst. As a result of several months of diligent work, we were able to clear the client from suspicion. In the end, we persuaded the authorities that it would be a grave injustice to charge the client with any crime.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CHARGES REDUCED, NO JAIL TIME
Client DC was charged with Ballot Measure 11 assault of the client’s wife, and the District Attorney piled on charges of kidnapping and other offenses. DC and his wife saw the incident as an opportunity to address issues and improve their marriage. Together with the wife’s attorney, we formulated a strategy that resulted in the couple being reunited and the charges being drastically reduced to a level that did not cause the client to forfeit his career or spend any time in jail.
INNOCENT MAN’S BALLOT MEASURE 11 RAPE & SODOMY CHARGES DISMISSED
Client KW faced Ballot Measure 11 charges of rape and sodomy which may have resulted in many years of imprisonment without intervention. The client had previously been represented by a court-appointed attorney who did nothing to advance his defense. Our thorough investigation yielded evidence to clear KW of the crimes. We persuaded the prosecution to dismiss all charges and the client was set free.
WOMAN’S BALLOT MEASURE 11 ASSAULT REDUCED TO MISDEMEANOR, NO JAIL TIME
Client MM faced Ballot Measure 11 charges of assault and other offenses resulting from an encounter with an overly aggressive mall-cop, a volunteer for the Sheriff’s Office. Our investigation of the matter showed the volunteer failed to comply with his training and applicable regulations, and that the police investigation was flawed. We were able to achieve reduction to a low-level misdemeanor offense, with no jail time and no probation.
YOUNG MAN’S BALLOT MEASURE 11 SEX CHARGES REDUCED, NO JAIL TIME
Client CA faced Ballot Measure 11 sex charges arising from a failed relationship with his past girlfriend. With the help of an expert polygraph result, we persuaded the District Attorney’s Office to reduce the charges to a level that did not cause the client to be convicted of a Sex crime and have to register as a Sex Offender. Further, we negotiated an outcome that did not require the client to serve any time in jail. After a relatively brief waiting period, our client will be able to erase all records of his arrest and prosecution in this matter.
BALLOT MEASURE 11 ASSAULT & KIDNAPPING CHARGES REDUCED, NO PERMANENT RECORD
Client RV faced Ballot Measure 11 charges of Assault and Kidnapping. After a thorough investigation and evaluation by an expert psychologist, we were able to persuade the prosecuting attorney and the judge that our client did not deserve the full brunt of prosecution under Ballot Measure 11. We negotiated an outcome which resulted in the client being released from jail and a conviction that qualifies for expungement.
BALLOT MEASURE 11 RAPE CHARGE DISMISSED
Client SG faced possible prosecution for Ballot Measure 11 Rape. Swift investigation on our part, and a successful polygraph result, spared our client from the humiliation and devastating consequences that would have ensued as a result of being arrested and prosecuted for this crime.
BALLOT MEASURE 11 ASSAULT CHARGES REDUCED
AV was accused of multiple Ballot Measure 11 charges, based on a violent assault involving many defendants. The client had a good family background, and no prior criminal history, but faced a prison sentence of 10 years or more. Our work made use of an extensive psychological evaluation performed by our forensic psychologist. We used the services of two excellent investigators, who tracked one key witness down in Europe and also gathered important motion-picture archival information key to defense of our client. After many months of hard work we accomplished a non-Measure 11 outcome. AV will not have to serve the prison sentence that would otherwise have been his fate. Even more important, as a result of the successful outcome of this matter, our client will be able to erase all records of his arrest and prosecution. We are very proud of the success we accomplished for this client.
