Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence charges are often filed when two adults with a current or prior living or dating relationship are suspected of having a physical argument. Usually one of the participants or a neighbor calls the police. These cases are more prevalent now. That's because law enforcement no longer considers such cases a family matter and the District Attorney's offices are resistant to dropping them. These cases can still be dropped. It's just harder to make it happen.

These cases should not be taken lightly. Domestic violence can be charged as a felony or as a misdemeanor. That means that the accused could be facing time in State Prison. Furthermore, conviction could have unexpected future consequences such as not being able to vote or possess a gun. Counselling, restitution and a fine may also result. We have been successful in getting these cases dropped prior to filing, dismissed and in other instances reduced from felonies to misdemeanors.

We defend murder and attempted murder cases. These are very serious felonies which require a lot of attorney and investigation time. Do not wait until the last minute to hire counsel. These cases can also get dismissed or reduced to lesser crimes. Conviction could mean jail, state prison and the inability to possess weapons, among other things.

Assault and battery

Assault and battery can be charged as a misdemeanor or as a felony depending upon the seriousness of the act. Battery on a peace officer poses many challenges. It is not unheard of for an officer to use excessive force and attempt to cover it up by charging the victim with battery. We look for excessive aggressiveness in the officer's history. Often that is instrumental in getting a good result for the client. Conviction could involve jail or prison time and the inability to possess a weapon. We have successfully defended these cases by preventing the filing of charges, gaining dismissals and reduced charges.

We defend murder and attempted murder cases. These are very serious felonies which require a lot of attorney and investigation time. Do not wait until the last minute to hire counsel. These cases can also get dismissed or reduced to lesser crimes. Conviction could mean jail, state prison and the inability to possess weapons, among other things.

Weapons

Illegal possession of a firearm (or other weapon) cases can also be dismissed depending upon the circumstances. The results in these cases are largely dependent upon the facts. Search and seizure issues are of focus here.

• How did the police become aware of the weapon?

• Where was the weapon?

• Who owned the place where it was found?

• Who was present when it was found?

We have successfully gotten these cases dropped before filing, dismissed and in other cases. Conviction usually results in the weapon being destroyed. A fine, probation (subjecting the person to searches of their person, home and vehicle), jail or prison time, and restitution could also result from a conviction.