Sample Results From A Clearwater Lawyer’s Cases
This page lists some of my recent successes. These are sample results only and not a guarantee of similar results. These results demonstrate the types of criminal defense cases I typically handle. Not all results are included. Results depend on a variety of factors, including the specific charges and the facts of each case. Please see my Media page for information about additional cases that have received news coverage.
Please call me at 727-202-4418 or send an email to schedule a meeting so we can discuss the details of your case and the potential outcomes.
Sex Offense Cases
These are just a few examples of some of the successful sex offense cases I have handled.
State of Florida v. X.A. – client charged with twenty (20) counts of Possession of Child Pornography, second degree felony charges. The discovery included multiple video files constituting evidence of the charges. The client was facing a minimum of 22 years in prison, up to a potential 300 years (or life in prison). I undertook extensive investigation, secured the assistance of a computer expert, and engaged in mitigation work on behalf of the client. After a lengthy presentation to several prosecutors in the Sex Crimes Unit of the State Attorney’s Office, I achieved a significant sentencing departure for the client. The client ultimately was sentenced to 2 years in prison followed by 5 years on probation.
State of Florida v. K.S. – client charged with ten (10) counts of Possession of Child Pornography, third-degree felony charges. I conducted a lengthy mitigation investigation into the client’s life and background, as well as mitigation regarding the facts of the case and evidence. I convinced the State Attorney’s Office to agree to a straight probation sentence with no jail or prison time served by the client.
State of Florida v. V.B. – The charge: two counts of sexual battery and one count of false imprisonment. The client was facing 35 years in prison if convicted. The outcome: I was hired by another law firm as co-counsel on this case. We were able to have the charges dismissed by the prosecutor and client released from jail.
State of Florida v. D.D. – The charge: two counts of capital sexual battery, which are first degree felony charges where client was facing a mandatory life sentence if convicted. The outcome: I investigated the case, conducted discovery and took depositions of state witnesses. I presented the state with information, mitigation, and an offer memo which resulted in the state reducing both counts to child neglect. My client received a sentence of time served and probation.
State of Florida v. R.C. and T.C. – Clients were being investigated for sexually abusing a family member. After discussions with law enforcement, I was successful in getting the charges opened in juvenile court as opposed to adult court. After further negotiations, the charges were later dismissed against both clients.
State of Florida v. U.Y. – Client was being investigated for capital sexual battery charges after allegations were made by the mother of his child during a contentious family law case that he sexually abused his young daughter. With the help of reports from a polygrapher and guardian ad litem, I was able to meet with the prosecutor and establish that the accusations were false and done as retaliation. The investigation was closed with no charges being filed.
Sexual battery charges – Evidence was provided to the prosecutor regarding the victim as well as the defendant which resulted in the State Attorney agreeing to reduce the case to a child abuse charge. The client did not have to register or be designated as a sexual offender, which would have had lasting repercussions.
Transmission of harmful materials to a minor charges – Information was provided to the State Attorney that convinced their office to reduce the charge from one that required sexual offender registration, to the charge of Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communication Device. This prevented the client from having to register as a sexual offender and they were sentenced to probation.
Solicitation of prostitution charges – Client was arrested for 2 counts of Soliciting for Prostitution. Evidence was presented to the State Attorney which led to no charges being filed and the case against the client being dismissed.
Violent Crime Cases
These are examples of successful murder, assault and other violent crime charges I have handled.
State of Florida v. D.B. – client charged with Murder in the Second Degree (Life Felony and Armed Robbery (PBL Felony); client was a Prison Releasee Reoffender- meaning the State of Florida filed for a sentencing enhancement making the mandatory sentence Life in Prison if convicted. I conducted independent investigation and engaged in extensive discovery. Successful plea negotiations resulted in the murder charge being dismissed and client entering a plea to the lesser charge of Robbery (no firearm) for a sentence of 15 years in prison.
State of Florida v. S.R. – four counts of Aggravated Assault with a Firearm and one count of Battery were dismissed after thorough pre-filing investigation by Finkelstein Firm and a memorandum presented to the investigating prosecutor which convinced the State Attorney’s Office that charges were not warranted.
State of Florida v. Z.Q. – The charge: assault on a law enforcement officer. The outcome: after presentation of mitigation to the state, they agreed to file no information (no charges). This will allow my client, a medical professional, to maintain licensure and have the arrest expunged.
Domestic Violence Cases
These are examples of some of the successful domestic violence cases I have handled.
State of Florida v. E.B. – client charged with Domestic Battery. Very complex family situation led to significant litigation and a case that was open for several years prior to the successful resolution which included a plea in absentia to Disorderly Conduct, no conviction (withhold of adjudication) and payment of a fine.
State of Florida v. R.C. – Client charged with Domestic Battery by Strangulation. Prior criminal history of the client mandated a conviction. The state attorney was seeking incarceration to resolve the case short of trial. Negotiated the disposition with the prosecutor and was able to achieve a probationary sentence with no formal felony conviction (withhold of adjudication).
State of Florida v. P.C. – client charged with Domestic Battery. I presented evidence contradicting the claims of the alleged victim to the prosecutor which resulted in a dismissal of the charge.
State of Florida v. S.F. – client charged with Domestic Battery. I presented evidence contradicting the claims of the alleged victim as well as the lengthy history between the parties. After some litigation and discussions with the prosecutor, I was able to achieve a dismissal of the charge against my client.
State of Florida v. A.G. – client charged with Domestic Battery by Strangulation. I presented evidence contradicting the claims of the alleged victim, which included photos, text messages, and other pertinent evidence to the prosecutor. The felony charge against my client was ultimately dismissed.
State of Florida v. K.L. – client charged with Domestic Battery. After negotiations with the prosecutor, the charge was dismissed.
State of Florida v. D.P. – client charged with Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon. I was able to get this serious felony charge dismissed by engaging in discussions with the state and presenting a strong mitigation report on behalf of my client.
State of Florida v. C.S. – client charged with Aggravated Stalking, among other charges. I reviewed discovery provided by the State of Florida and conducted legal research. Based on that investigation and work, I filed a Motion to Dismiss arguing that under the Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure 3.190(c)(4) there are no material disputed facts, and the undisputed facts do not establish a prima facie case of guilt against the defendant. The motion was set for hearing, however prior to that hearing, the state conceded the motion and dismissed the charge.
State of Florida v. N.T. – client charged with Burglary w/ Battery, a felony punishable by life in prison. I presented evidence contradicting the claims of the alleged victim and contesting their credibility to the prosecutor. I was successful in having this PBL felony dismissed prior to filing.
State of Florida v. M.Y. – client charged with Domestic Battery on a Person Over 65. I was able to convince the state attorney’s office to not file this felony charge against my client and they were released from custody.
State of Florida v. R.C. – The charge: domestic battery. The outcome: I was able to get no information filed (no charges filed). No charges, no penalties and the client was able to expunge the arrest record.
State of Florida v. N.G. – The charge: domestic battery. The outcome: I was able to get no information filed (no charges filed). No charges, no penalties and the client was able to expunge the arrest record.
State of Florida v. A.M. – The charge: domestic battery. While I was working on that, the client was also arrested for felony possession of marijuana. The outcome: I got the domestic battery reduced to disorderly conduct for an adjudication and a fine. After lengthy negotiation with the state, the felony was reduced to a misdemeanor for a withhold of adjudication (no conviction) and a fine. My client avoided a felony conviction and loss of driving privileges.
State of Florida v. C.R. – The charge: domestic battery. The outcome: I convinced the state to file no information (no charges) and my client was never formally charged with a crime.
State of Florida v. W.S. – The charge: domestic battery. The outcome: I convinced the state to file no information (no charges) and my client was never formally charged with a crime.
State of Florida v. J.S. – The charge: domestic battery. The outcome: after I investigated and presented information during negotiations with the state attorney, the state dismissed the case by filing a nolle pros. My client will be able to have arrest expunged from record.
State of Florida v. T.S. – The charge: domestic battery. The outcome: I convinced the state to file no information (no charges) and my client was never formally charged with a crime.
Injunction Cases
Here are some examples of my ability to successfully fight or obtain injunctions.
Petition for Injunction for Protection Against Stalking – Client J.H. – I researched and filed a motion to dismiss the injunction. After the court denied the motion, I sought to take depositions of the Petitioner and witnesses. Based on the evidence that would be presented, the Petitioner filed a Voluntary Dismissal of the case against my client.
Petition for Injunction for Protection Against Repeat Violence- Client N.P. – I represented the Respondent in this case. I investigated the claims of repeat violence by the Petitioner and organized defense evidence for the case. At the hearing, after a thorough cross examination of the Petitioner, the court dismissed the petition without the need for any other witnesses or evidence to be presented.
Petition for Injunction for Protection Against Domestic Violence- Client A.G. – I conducted discussions and negotiations with the Petitioner on behalf of the Respondent. I was able to achieve an extension of the temporary injunction for 90 days with an automatic dismissal at that time. This outcome means that there will be no Final Injunction granted against the Respondent and on their record.
Drug Charge Cases
Here are some of the drug crime cases I have handled successfully.
State of Florida v. T.B. – The charge: three counts of felony possession of a controlled substances. The outcome: the charges were filed by the prosecutor and after investigation and negotiation with the state, I was able to get all three counts Nolle Prossed (dismissed).
State of Florida v. D.H. – The charge: DUI and felony possession of a controlled substance. The outcome: I was hired by another law firm as co-counsel. I investigated the case and ultimately drafted and filed motion to suppress the stop in this case. Just prior to the hearing on the motion, the state dismissed all charges.
State of Florida v. I.P. – The charge: possession of paraphernalia. The outcome: I investigated and filed a motion to dismiss, which resulted in the court granting the motion and dismissing the case.
Other Criminal Charges
State of Florida v. G.S. – The charge: violation of pretrial release. The outcome: dismissal of the charge after investigation of facts and presentation of the same to the state attorney.
State of Florida v. W.K. – The charge: dealing in stolen property. While that case was pending, my client was also arrested for racing on the highway as part of a Pinellas County sting operation. The outcome: I negotiated with the state and convinced them to file no information (no charges filed) on the dealing in stolen property charge. I also got the racing charge, a criminal charge, reduced to a civil citation just prior to trial. No conviction or points for that citation, minimum fine.
State of Florida v. M.L. – The charge: felony scheme to defraud (involving employer). The outcome: A probation sentence with no conviction.
Drunk Driving Charges
State of Florida v. D.A. – The charge: DUI second offense, plus an additional charge of driving while license suspended or revoked that was picked up while on bond. The outcome: I got my client released from jail after court set no bond. My client had to wear a continuous alcohol monitor, which my client allegedly violated leading to being arrested again and held without bond. I got my client released from jail after that violation of pretrial release. After all of this, the prosecutor wanted a lengthy jail sentence, but I was able to secure significantly reduced jail time and probation after presentation the case to the judge.
State of Florida v. R.C. – The charge: DUI and driving while license suspended or revoked and no insurance. The outcome: reduction of DUI to reckless driving, no conviction or points on the DWLSR charge, and dismissal of civil citation. Client received minimum sanctions and probation just prior to trial.
State of Florida v. C.G. – The charge: multiple allegations of violating probation on a DUI charge. The outcome: warrant withdrawn, violation of probation dismissed, and probation terminated.
State of Florida v. D.L. – The charge: DUI. The outcome: reduction to reckless driving for minimum sanctions and probation.
State of Florida v. A.O. – The charge: DUI second offense. The accused also had a child in the vehicle so was also charged with child neglect, as well as resisting arrest without violence. The outcome: I was able to get the felony DUI charge dropped, avoided jail time and secured probationary sentence with early termination.
Criminal Traffic Cases
State of Florida v. G.B. – The charge: driving while license suspended or revoked and speeding. The outcome: reduction of criminal charge to a civil citation, no conviction or points on either case, concurrent fine.
Civil Traffic Cases
State of Florida v. C.B. – The charge: failure to yield leading to a crash and injuries. The outcome: no conviction or points, minimum fine only.
State of Florida v. E.B. – The charge: two citations for speeding, issued close in time. The outcome: No conviction or points, fine only.
State of Florida v. A.D. – The charge: stop sign violation. The outcome: dismissal with no penalties.
State of Florida v. R.G. – The charge: improper U-turn involving a crash with fatality. The outcome: I investigated the case, hired an expert for defense, defended the case at a non-jury trial and the judge found my client not guilty.
State of Florida v. J.G. – The charge: red light violation. The outcome: no conviction or points, minimum fine.
State of Florida v. A.K. – The charge: speeding and driving with an expired registration. The outcome: no conviction or points, minimum fine.
State of Florida v. C.M. – The charge: speeding and failure to obey a traffic control device. The outcome: even though the client had a very bad driving record, I obtained an outcome of no conviction or points, only a fine and basic school.
State of Florida v. A.N. – The charge: speeding 30 mph or more over, a mandatory court charge. The outcome: no conviction or points, minimum fine.
State of Florida v. M.R. – The charge: failure to yield leading to a crash. The outcome: dismissed at hearing.
State of Florida v. J.R. – The charge: speeding. The outcome: no conviction or points, minimum fine.
State of Florida v. P.V. – The charge: speeding 30 mph or more over. The outcome: no conviction or points, minimum fine.