The 17 year old client was on probation for 4 cases, with 5 separate new arrests in 3 different counties. What’s more, he was about to turn 18. With serious multiple charges, including violent charges, this child was a shoe in for a direct file to adult court. Jessica negotiated with the State in 3 counties to make sure that did not happen.

The client was arrested after his friend brandished a firearm in a public place, endangering the lives of several witnesses. Jessica filed a Motion to Dismiss, since the only reason the client ever possessed the firearm was to take it away from a dangerous person so that no one would get hurt. The State agreed and the case was dismissed. This was a particularly important victory since the client was not a U.S. citizen and would have been deported if he was convicted.

The client was involved in a car accident and the occupants of the other vehicle alleged that he fled from the scene. On the day of trial, Jessica was able to meet with the occupants and the prosecutor and demonstrate the inconsistencies their account and in the report, revealing that what really happened was that the client was simply driving away from a high traffic area so that they could speak and exchange insurance information. The case was dismissed. This was particularly important in that the client was on felony probation at the time of his arrest.

The client was arrested for DUI after the officer alleged that he was committing traffic infractions. The officer reported that the client smelled of alcohol, failed all roadside tests and refused to blow. The client had a prior DUI as well. Jessica requested an administrative hearing and obtained a temporary driving permit pending the hearing. The officers failed to appear at the hearing and the suspension was lifted and client’s driver’s license reinstated.

Even though the charge was relatively minor, the client was in a serious situation because he was on probation at the time of arrest. Officers claimed that the client ran from the scene of a car accident after a chase ensued when one of the occupants of the vehicle ran from a bank after attempting to cash a fake check. Even though 4 officers appeared in court on the day of trial, Jessica succeeded with a legal argument to the prosecutor that the alleged facts would not amount to resisting in front of a jury. The case was dismissed.

The client was an elderly gentleman who was renting a room in his home out to a transient young woman. The young woman / alleged victim accused the client of trying to run her over with his vehicle, after a serious argument, and while he was under the influence. The alleged victim was asking for the maximum sentence of 5 years in prison, the state attorney agreed with her, and the Judge declined to offer a better deal. To make matters worse, the client was in jail without bond, due to a violation of bond conditions. The day after the client went into custody Jessica filed a Demand for Speedy Trial. She presented evidence that the alleged victim was lying and blackmailing the client and his family for money, an that it all started because she did not want to move out of the room even though she was not paying rent. Jessica also determined that the State had improperly scored (too old) a prior for Drug Trafficking that was causing the client to score mandatory prison. On the day of trial, the State offered probation and the client happily accepted and was released the same day.