Case Results

STATE VS. I.M. – ARMED ROBBERY/ HOME INVASION

Charge: Burglary of a Dwelling with Assault, Robbery Home Invasion (2018)
Judge: Hon. Barbara T. Thomas (Hillsborough County)
Description: Our client was arrested for alleged involvement in an armed robbery of a home where he allegedly aided three other individuals. At the time of the alleged home invasion our client was a juvenile. The case was turned over to the State Attorney’s office for a filing decision. If charged as an adult, our client faced a possible life sentence and a minimum-mandatory sentence of 10 years. Our Attorney immediately contacted the prosecutor handling the case and urged for our client to remain in the Juvenile Delinquency Division. We submitted mitigating factors and evidence to support our request.
Outcome: Client remained in juvenile division. Client received 12 months’ probation with early termination and a withhold of adjudication. The charge of Burglary of a Dwelling with Assault was reduced to Burglary of an Unoccupied Dwelling. The charge of Robbery Home Invasion was dismissed.

STATE VS. Y.C.P – CAPIAS/ WARRANT, SUSPENDED LICENSE

Charge: Operating While License Suspended (2018)
Judge: Hon. Lawrence Lefler (Hillsborough County)
Description: Prior to the retention of our firm, our client failed to appear for an arraignment on the charge of Driving with a Suspended License. A warrant was then issued for her arrest. Upon being retained in the case, our attorney successfully moved for a recall of the warrant and resolved the case without our client serving any jail time.
Outcome: Warrant Recalled.

STATE VS. R.P. – ATTEMPTED MURDER

Charge: Attempted Murder in the First Degree, Aggravated Battery (2 counts), Felon in Possession of a Firearm (2018)
Judge: Hon. Mark Kiser (Hillsborough County)
Description: Our client was charged with Attempted Murder in the First Degree (Premeditated), two counts of Aggravated Battery allegedly causing great bodily harm and Felon in Possession of a Firearm. The case lacked credible witnesses and was based on unreliable testimony. The case went to trial. The state dropped the charges of aggravated assault during trial. Felon in Possession of a Firearm was severed.
Outcome: Not Guilty Attempted Murder in the First Degree (Premeditation)

STATE VS. L.C.C

Charge: Expired Driver’s License (over 6 Months), Unlawful Speeding in School Zone (2019)
Judge: Hon. Louis H. Schiff (Broward County)
Description: Our client was charged with driving on an expired license after an officer conducted a traffic stop. Prior to retaining our firm, our client paid the speeding citation online and neglected to resolve the Expired License charge. Our client had pending Immigration issues, which prevented him from renewing his license. Immediately upon retaining our firm, we filed a Motion to Vacate his previous sentence and requested a hearing to resolve both charges simultaneously and waived his appearance.
Outcome: Motion to Vacate Granted, Fine reduced, Adjudication withheld.

STATE VS. R.S. – POSSESSION OF CANNABIS

Charge: Possession of Cannabis (2018)
Judge: Hon. Paul L. Militello (Sumter County)
Description: As charged.
Outcome: Case Dismissed Upon Successful Completion of Pre-trial Intervention program.

STATE VS. J.R. – GRAND THEFT/ FRAUD

Charge: Grand Theft Auto, Unauthorized Possession of Blank/Forged/Stolen Driver License (2 counts) (2018)
Judge: Hon. William H. Hallman (Sumter County)
Description: Our client was charged with Grand Theft Auto after allegedly using counterfeit Driver’s License to rent a vehicle from Enterprise Rental Company and failing to return it on the scheduled return date. The rental company reported the vehicle as stolen. Authorities tracked and located the vehicle. Subsequently, officers placed our client under arrest. Upon being retained in the case, our Attorney successfully negotiated for a Failure to return leased Property charge and dismissal of the remaining charges.
Outcome: Withhold of Adjudication. No jail. No conviction. Charges of Unauthorized Possession of Blank/Forged/Stolen Driver License Dropped.

STATE VS. J.R. – FRAUD

Charge: Possession of Fictitious/Counterfeit/ Unauthorized Driver License (2018)
Judge: Hon. William H. Hall (Sumter County)
Description: Our client was charged with two counts of Possessing Fictitious/Counterfeit/ Unauthorized Driver License. We gathered video surveillance footage, issued a subpoena to company personnel who confirmed they could not positively identify the perpetrator shown in the video footage as our client.
Outcome: All Charges Dismissed.

STATE VS. C.O. – NO VALID LICENSE

Charge: No Valid Driver’s License, Resisting Officer Without Violence (2019)
Judge: Hon. Richard Weis (Plant City)
Description: As charged. Our Attorney challenged the legality of the initial traffic stop, as well as the subsequent detention.
Outcome: Case Dismissed.

STATE VS. U.C. – LOITERING/PROWLING

Charge: Loitering/Prowling (2019)
Judge: Hon. Robert Dittmer (Pinellas County)
Description: Our client was accused of Loitering and trespassing after a citizen reported to an officer that our client had been walking around the parking lot of her apartment complex. The case was turned over to the State Attorney’s Office for a filing decision. Upon being retained, our firm immediately contacted the prosecutor handling the case, discussed several issues with the initial stop, search and arrest. We pushed for the State not to pursue charges.
Outcome: Pre-filing Disposition – No Information (Charges) Filed.

STATE VS. I.S.M. – DRIVER LICENSE SUSPENSION / FAILURE TO APPEAR

Charge: Failure to Stop – Red Light Camera (2019)
Judge: Hon. Foster (Hillsborough County)
Description: Prior to retaining our firm, our client received a Red-Light Camera Citation to which he requested a hearing to contest the citation. He failed to appear. His license was subsequently suspended. Our attorney immediately filed a Motion Requesting a New Hearing.
Outcome: Case Dismissed. Driving Privileges restored. License Reinstated.

STATE VS. I.S.M. – RED LIGHT CAM

Charge: Failure to Stop – Red Light Camera (2019)
Judge: Hon. Foster (Hillsborough County)
Description: As Charged.
Outcome: Dismissed.

STATE VS. J.A.C.C. – UNASSIGNED PLATE

Charge: Attaching tag not assigned. (2019)
Judge: Hon. Artemeus Elton Mcneil (Hillsborough County)
Description: Our client was charged with attaching an unassigned license plate. Prior to retaining us his license remained suspended for 6 years as a result of his failure to appear on this charge. Upon retaining us, we successfully dismissed his case for lack of prosecution. His driving privileges were fully reinstated.
Outcome: Case Dismissed.

STATE VS. Y.C. – DRIVING WHILE LICENSE SUSPENDED

Charge: Operating While License Suspended (2019)
Judge: Hon. Paul T. Jeske (Hillsborough County)
Description: As charged. Upon being retained in the case, our firm contacted out-of-state agencies to inquire as to the cause of our client’s suspension. Upon extensive research, our Attorney advised our client on appropriate steps to rectify her suspension. Based on our client’s lack of knowledge of the suspension, the State agreed to drop all charges.
Outcome: Case Dismissed.

STATE VS. M.G. – AGGRAVATED ASSAULT

Charge: Aggravated Assault with Deadly Weapon (2019)
Judge: No Judge Assigned (Pre-Filing Disposition)
Description: Our client charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill for allegedly brandishing a firearm towards multiple alleged victims. The case was turned over to the State Attorney’s Office for a filing decision. Prior to the filing of charges, our law firm submitted mitigating evidence to the prosecution showing that our client was in fact being targeted and was merely attempting to act in self-defense and protecting his family.
Outcome: All charges Dropped.

STATE VS. V.G. – BATTERY

Charge: Battery (2019)
Judge: No Judge Assigned (Pre-Filing Disposition)
Description: Client accused of battery following an incident in her neighborhood. As a result of conflicting witness accounts, we successfully negotiated for a complete dismissal of the charges.
Outcome: All charges Dropped.

STATE VS. J.J. – VIOLATION OF PROBATION

Charge: Violation of Probation (Possession of Cannabis / Use or Possession of Drug Paraphernalia) (2019)
Judge: Hon. Philip James Yacucci (St. Lucie County)
Description: Our Client was charged with Violation of Probation after testing positive for Methampethemine during a routine urinalysis. A no bond warrant was issued for his arrest. Upon being retained in the case, our firm filed a Motion to Surrender or in the Alternative to Withdraw the Warrant and advised our Client to complete all of his probation requirements prior to the scheduled hearing. At the subsequent hearing, the Judge initially denied the Motion and our client was taken into custody. Our attorney immediately negotiated additional terms with the State and successfully had our client Released on his own recognizance within a few minutes.
Outcome: Modification and reinstatement. No jail. Probation terminated at the following hearing.

STATE VS. R.C.C. – DUI

Charge: Driving Under the Influence (2020)
Judge: Hon. Paul Thomas Jeske (Hillsborough County)
Description: Our client was charged with Driving Under the Influence (DUI) after being stopped for speeding. During the traffic stop, our client allegedly exhibited indicators of impairment during field sobriety exercises (FSE’s). Upon being retained in the case, our attorney carefully reviewed the State’s evidence, including a dash cam video showing our client’s demeanor and FSE performance. The video revealed a degree of exaggeration by the arresting officer and showed an acceptable level of performance. Based on these factors, our firm was able to negotiate for a reduction of the charge to Reckless Driving. Our client received a withhold of adjudication (no conviction) and retained his driving privileges.
Outcome: DUI Charge Reduced to Reckless Driving

STATE VS. Y.R.V. – SEXUAL BATTERY

Charge: Sexual Battery (Force Likely to Cause Injury) (Specified Circumstances) (2020)
Judge: Hon. Michelle Sisco (Hillsborough County)
Description: Week-long trial on two counts of Sexual Battery (Force Likely to Cause Injury) (Specified Circumstances) (Felony Life). Our client was facing a mandatory 50-year sentence.
Outcome: Not Guilty.

STATE VS. R.H. – CRIMINAL TRAFFIC

Charge: Disobeying a Police Officer or Fire Department Official
Judge: Hon. John N. Conrad (Hillsborough County) (2020)
Description: As charged.
Outcome: Dismissed.

STATE VS. J.L.U – HOME INVASION ROBBERY

Charge: Home-Invasion Robbery (Life Felony) (2020)
Judge: Hon. Luis F. Calderon (Orange County) (2020)
Description: Our Client was charged with Home-Invasion Robbery after allegedly acting as a “look out” for acquaintances who had forcefully entered a residence to steal belongings and allegedly held victims at gun point. Our Clients vehicle was allegedly seen entering and exiting the vicinity. Our Attorney immediately requested nearby surveillance. The State had weak circumstantial evidence that our Client was in the area during the incident. Evidence was insufficient to prove our client knew of friend’s activities or intended to aid or encourage those activities. On these grounds, our attorney successfully negotiated for a dismissal of the charges.
Outcome: Case Dismissed. All charges dropped.

STATE VS. H.B.O – PROTEST DEMONSTRATION

Charge: UNLAWFUL ASSEMBLY (2020)
Judge: Hon. Cathy Ann Mckyton (Pinellas County) 2020
Description: As charged.
Outcome: Case dismissed. All charges dropped.

STATE VS. S.P – PROTEST DEMONSTRATION

Charge: UNLAWFUL ASSEMBLY (2020)
Judge: Hon. Eric Myers (Hillsborough County)
Description: As charged.
Outcome: Case dismissed. All charges dropped.

STATE VS. C.P – PROTEST DEMONSTRATION

Charge: UNLAWFUL ASSEMBLY (2020)
Judge: Hon. Eric Myers (Hillsborough County)
Description: As charged.
Outcome: Case dismissed. All charges dropped.

STATE VS. S.B – PROTEST DEMONSTRATION

Charge: UNLAWFUL ASSEMBLY (2020)
Judge: Hon. Eric Myers (Hillsborough County)
Description: As charged.
Outcome: Case dismissed. All charges dropped.

STATE VS. S.P – PROTEST DEMONSTRATION

Charge: UNLAWFUL ASSEMBLY (2020)
Judge: Hon. Eric Myers (Hillsborough County)
Description: As charged.
Outcome: Case dismissed. All charges dropped.

STATE VS. J.L. – VIOLATION OF PROBATION

Charge: Offender of Special Concern (2020)
Judge: Hon. Linda H. Babb (Pasco County)
Description: Client was on probation for Aggravated Assault with Deadly Weapon without intent to kill. While on Probation, Client is arrested and charged with alleged technical violations. While in custody, Client violates no contact order and an existing injunction by having consistent and frequent contact with victim of underlying offense, committing a subsequent offense. Our firm immediately contacts State Attorney for resolution. After extensive mitigation discussion our client is released.
Outcome: Probation terminated. Time-served. No further penalties.

STATE VS. J.R. – DRIVING WHILE LICENSE SUSPENDED (HTO)

Charge: Driving with Suspended License as a Habitual Traffic Offender (2020)
Judge: Hon. Michael Jared Brown (Collier County)
Description: Prior to retaining our firm, our Client’s driver’s license was revoked for 5 years as a result of being classified as a Habitual Traffic Offender (HTO). The HTO classification occurred after he paid off several traffic fines, including prior citations for driving with a suspended license. The payment of the suspended license citation(s) resulted in an adjudication of guilt, which placed our client into the HTO criteria. Upon being retained, we immediately filed a Motion to Vacate the convictions and set aside his earlier pleas in order to restore our client’s driving privileges.
Outcome: Motion to Vacate granted in two separate cases, in distinct counties resulting in his HTO status being lifted. Driving privileges fully restored. Case Dismissed and Cash bond refunded to client upon successful dismissal.

STATE VS. J.R. – MOTION TO VACATE

Charge: DRIVING WHILE LICENSE SUSPENDED OR REVOKED (HTO)
Judge: Hon. Susan P. Bedinghaus (Pinellas County) (2020)
Description: On March 05, 2018, our client entered a plea for Driving While License Suspended. As a result of constant pleas to similar charges, our client reached Habitual Traffic Offender Status. He was unrepresented during any pleas. After being retained, our Attorney filed a Motion to Vacate or Set Aside Conviction and Sentence. The motion was granted, and our client’s disposition was amended to a Withhold of Adjudication, removing him from HTO status.
Outcome: Motion to Vacate Granted.

STATE VS. J.R. – MOTION TO VACATE

Charge: DRIVING WHILE LICENSE SUSPENDED OR REVOKED (HTO)
Judge: Hon. Steve Berlin (Pinellas County) 2020
Description: Our clients license was suspended until September 04, 2018. On September 04, 2018 our client entered a plea for Driving While License Suspended. He was unrepresented at the time, and unaware that the resulting adjudication would be used to classify him as a habitual traffic offender and revoke his driving privilege for a period of five years. After being retained, our Attorney filed a Motion to Vacate or Set Aside Conviction and Sentence arguing our clients license suspension was lifted on the same day of the new alleged offense. The judge agreed and granted our motion, lifting our Clients HTO status.
Outcome: Motion to Vacate Granted.

STATE VS. J.P. – OUTSTANDING WARRANT

Charge: No Motor Vehicle Registration
Judge: Hon. Betty Capote-Erben (Miami-Dade County)
Description: Our Client was issued three citations, and then failed to schedule a court date within the allotted timeframe. A capias was issued for his arrest and remained outstanding for over three years. Our firm succeeded in having the capias recalled, and helping our Client resolve the remaining citations and obtain his driver’s license.
Outcome: Capias withdrawn. Driving Privileges re-instated. No jail time.

STATE VS. S.A.G. – RECKLESS DRIVING

Charge: SPEED IN EXCESS OF 50 MPH (2020)
Judge: Hon. Rebecca Margaret Taylor (Hillsborough County)
Description: As Charged.
Outcome: Dismissed.

STATE VS. J.C.D – ARMED KIDNAPPING

Charge: Armed Kidnapping, Armed Robbery, Aggravated Battery Great Bodily Harm (2020)
Judge: Hon. Melissa M. Polo (Hillsborough County)
Description: Our client was charged with Armed Kidnapping, Armed Robbery, and Aggravated Battery Great Bodily Harm after allegedly assisting a friend and acquaintance commit the offenses charged. Our client’s friend (co-defendant) pled to 15 years Florida State Prison, followed by 10 years’ probation. Our Attorney filed a Motion for downward departure from sentencing guidelines, arguing mitigating factors. The State requested our client receive two life-sentences. After a four (4) hour open plea to the court, our client received a 12-year prison sentence. Our client’s acquaintance (co-defendant) received life in prison.
Outcome: Bottom of sentencing guidelines, including the 10-year minimum mandatory.