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Sexual Abuse of Step Daughter - CHARGES DISMISSED - PENALTY REDUCED
Our client was facing multiple felony charges relating to alleged sexual abuse of his step-daughter for several years, with convictions on some or all charges carrying the possibility of life in prison. After negotiating with prosecutors, we were able to secure a plea agreement in which all of the charges were DISMISSED and our client was found guilty, pursuant to his plea, of one offense and was sentenced to less than two years in prison.

Child Molestation Charge - CHARGE REDUCED TO MISDEMEANOR
After several years of having no contact with his daughter, our client was arrested on eight felony warrants alleging forcible sodomy and sexual molestation of his daughter thirty years ago.  At the preliminary hearing, after aggressive cross examination of our client's daughter, we were able to secure a dismissal of five warrants, however three warrants were certified to the grand jury, and a direct indictment was issued for a fourth felony office.  As the case progressed towards trial, we were able to acquire some records of counseling from out of state which had some conflicting information as to the time frame of the alleged sexual assaults.  Although that information, together with a transcript from the preliminary hearing, during which additional conflicting information was developed during cross examination of the daughter, placed the case in a strong defense position, the fact remained that if there was not a complete acquittal of all charges, our client could easily spend the rest of his life in prison and be required to register as a sexual offender.   After repeated efforts to negotiate a resolution of the case to eliminate the risks of felony convictions, imprisonment and sex offender registration, we were finally able to secure the prosecutor’s agreement to dismiss  all felony charges upon an Alford guilty plea to a misdemeanor offense (the defendant enters a guilty plea in order to secure a plea agreement, while advising the court that he did not commit the offense in question).  After a 5 minute hearing in court, our client was able to move on with his life, with only a misdemeanor conviction, a suspended jail sentence and no sex offender registration.

Rape - Sodomy - Sexual Assault Charges - NOT GUILTY
Our client was charged by the military with the rape, sodomy and sexual assault of his stepdaughter over a period of several years. The accusations came out when our client was in Afghanistan and upon his return to the country; he was immediately placed into pretrial confinement.  In addition to the sexual offenses against the child, our client was also charged with sexual assault upon his wife, possession of child pornography, assault and battery on two of his other stepchildren and assorted other offenses that involved theft, transportation and possession of military explosives and ammunition. In addition, the prosecution notified us that they intended to present evidence of a prior child sexual assault allegedly committed by our client 17 years earlier. Prior to trial, several charges were withdrawn including the alleged sexual assault of his wife, as well as the child pornography offense. Several weeks before trial, the prosecution provided us with notice of evidence that on its face, appeared to be devastating to our case - that the child's DNA was found on some adult sex toys that the child was at that point saying our client used on her. Prior to trial, we negotiated a pretrial agreement that provided for entry of guilty pleas to some of the military related offenses in exchange for a confinement cap of 17 years if our client was convicted of the sex offenses, yet allowing us to take the sex offenses, as well as the assault and battery charges to a jury. After several days of trial, and four hours of deliberations, the jury returned with a verdict of NOT GUILTY of all charges related to the sexual abuse of the stepdaughter, as well as the assault and battery of the other stepchildren – we secured those acquittals without our client testifying and we presented no evidence in our defense case.

Rape - Sexual Abuse Charges - ACQUITTED
Our client was charged by the military with raping and sexually abusing his stepdaughter while photographing and videotaping the sex acts. Two independent witnesses testified that they allegedly saw the video tape of the accused having sex with the child. Client was offered a seven year pretrial agreement, but we rejected it and took the case to an enlisted jury, where he was ACQUITTED of all charges.

Child Sex Abuse - Other Criminal Charges - NOT GUILTY
Our client was charged by the military with rape, sodomy and indecent acts upon his 10 year old step-daughter, in addition to assorted charges related to opening mail, fraudulent use of credit cards and fraudulent enlistment. We negotiated a pre-trial agreement wherein our client agreed to plead guilty to the non-sex charges, in order to reduce our client's maximum exposure in the event of conviction on the sex charges from life without possibility of parole, to 15 years. We then took the charges of rape, sodomy and indecent acts to a contested trial, with a jury. After extensive cross-examination of the alleged victim and another relative, we rested our case without presenting any evidence. The jury deliberated for only 54 minutes and returned a verdict of NOT GUILTY of all of the sex charges. We then proceeded to the sentencing phase on the remaining charges to which our client entered a plea of guilty and the jury sentenced him to only minor military punishment, with no confinement.

Rape - Forcible Sodomy Charges - ACQUITTED
Our client was charged in state court with rape and two counts of forcible sodomy of his step-daughter. Prior to trial, we secured a favorable ruling from the Court which prevented the prosecution from presenting evidence obtained during a physical examination of the child. Extensive defense cross-examination of the child developed significant issues as to the credibility of the child. After the prosecution rested its case, we concluded that the best course was not to present any evidence, so we rested our case. The jury returned an ACQUITTAL on all charges in 50 minutes.

Child Rape - ACQUITTED
Our client was charged with the rape of his young step-daughter. The prosecution directly indicted our client which meant that we had no preliminary hearing to access the evidence against our client. In a jury trial, we secured an ACQUITTAL without our client ever taking the witness stand.

Rape - Sexual Assault Charges - NOT GUILTY
In a military trial, our client was charged with the forcible rape and sexual assault of his twelve-year-old stepdaughter. Prosecution witnesses alleged that our client drugged the child before raping her. Extensive evidence was presented by prosecution and defense expert witnesses on the "rape trauma syndrome."  Our client was found NOT GUILTY of the rape and sexual assault charges by the jury.

Rape of a Minor - ACQUITTED
A sailor was charged by the military with raping a fourteen-year-old with a couple of his friends. The girl named our client as the rapist, and after hours of interrogation by investigators our client signed a sworn statement wherein he admitted to being the rapist. At trial we were able to convince a jury that his confession was not reliable and that the girl misidentified the client. He was ACQUITTED of all charges.

Sex With a Minor - CHARGES DISMISSED
A young man was charged by local police with several offenses related to engaging in sexual relations with underage girls. We secured the DISMISSAL of all charges prior to the preliminary hearing.

Aggravated Sexual Battery - Indecent Liberties Charges - NOT GUILTY - MISTRIAL
Our client was charged by local police with Aggravated Sexual Battery and Indecent Liberties with his step-daughter. After a jury trial, he was found NOT GUILTY of the Indecent Liberties charge and the jury DEADLOCKED on the remaining charge resulting in a MISTRIAL. Several months later, the Aggravated Sexual Battery charge was nolle prossed.

Multiple Criminal Charges - REDUCED SENTENCE - CHARGES DISMISSED
Our client was charged by the military with 26 offenses against his wife, to include rape, maiming, 5 specifications of forcible sodomy and 11 specifications of assault. After the preliminary hearing, we were able to negotiate a plea agreement which resulted in a Guilty plea to only 4 specifications (maiming, two assaults and communicating a threat) which significantly limited his confinement exposure from life without parole to 11 years. The prosecution asked for a seven year sentence and although the judge imposed a 5 year sentence, our client's confinement was limited to 15 months under the terms of the plea agreement we negotiated. The remaining 22 specifications were DISMISSED.

Rape - Sexual Assault Charges - NOT GUILTY - NO CONFINEMENT
Our client was charged by the military with rape and indecent assault of a junior soldier in the barracks. Upon questioning by the authorities, our client gave significantly contradictory versions of events. One of his "friends" appeared at trial and testified as to differing stories that our client gave to him - from nothing happened, to they had sex. Our client's DNA was found on the woman's shirt after the alleged rape. Although our client was convicted of the indecent assault on an earlier occasion, the jury found our client NOT GUILTY of rape. Our client never took the witness stand. On sentencing, although he was sentenced to be discharged from the military, he was NOT SENTENCED TO CONFINEMENT.

Rape - Abduction Charges - CHARGES WITHDRAWN
Our client was charged by local authorities with rape and abduction of a co-worker. He acknowledged to the police that he did have sexual relations with the woman, at the work place, but contended the acts were consensual. At the trial in Circuit Court, we prevailed on a motion to preclude the prosecutors from putting on evidence related to alleged injuries which resulted in the WITHDRAWAL of the charges by the office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney. We were then able to secure an expungement of the arrest records in the Virginia Court.

Rape - Forcible Sodomy Charges - ACQUITTED
Our client was charged by the military with rape and forcibly sodomy of a female shipmate. The alleged victim contended she was intoxicated and asleep at the time of the repeated assaults. Our client was subjected to 3 interrogations where he gave conflicting statements after a polygraph examination. We secured a complete ACQUITTAL by the jury of all charges, without putting on any evidence in our case.

Sexual Assault Charges - CHARGES DISMISSED
A young man was charged with forcible sodomy and forcible object penetration. Prior to the preliminary hearing, we secured the sworn admission from the alleged victim that all sexual acts were consented to and thereafter secured a DISMISSAL of the criminal charges.

Rape - Sexual Assault Charges - CHARGES WITHDRAWN
Naval Academy Midshipman in his senior year was accused of rape, sodomy and assorted offenses against another Midshipman. After the Art. 32 Investigation, apparently as a result of discovery issues which we raised, all charges were WITHDRAWN before trial.

Rape - Sexual Assault Charges - REDUCED TO MISDEMEANOR
A sailor was arrested and charged with rape and object sexual penetration of another sailor by local authorities. He had been at a party at a shipmate's home with several other sailors where some sexual activity occurred. After our client engaged in sex with the female at the apartment, she contacted the local police department with a claim that she had been raped and digitally penetrated by our client. Our client later turned himself in, at which time he was arrested and put in jail on the two charges. Despite the strenuous objection of the prosecutor, we were able to secure a bond for our client and he was released from jail pending the outcome of his trial. We continued to aggressively defend our client and ultimately, when the case went to the preliminary hearing, we secured an agreement resulting in the dismissal of the rape and object penetration charges, in exchange for our client's plea to a misdemeanor charge of simple assault and battery. Our client was able to continue in his military career.

Rape - Sexual Assault Charges - CHARGES DISMISED
Our client was arrested and charged with rape and object sexual penetration.  He had been at a party at a friend’s home with several other friends where some sexual activity occurred. After our client engaged in sex with the female at the apartment, she contacted the local police department with a claim that she had been raped and digitally penetrated by our client. Our client later turned himself in, at which time he was arrested and put in jail on the two charges. Despite the strenuous objection of the prosecutor, we were able to secure a bond for our client and he was released from jail pending the outcome of his trial. We continued to aggressively defend our client and ultimately, when the case went to the preliminary hearing, we secured an agreement resulting in the DISMISSAL of the rape and object penetration charges, in exchange for a plea to a simple assault and battery offense.

Felonious Sexual Assault Charges - CHANGE OF VENUE - NO CONVICTION
Our client was charged with several felonies related to alleged sexual assault of his wife. In an effort to secure a more favorable jurisdiction for disposition of the case, we successfully secured the transfer of jurisdiction to the military where the case was resolved without any convictions on our client's record.

Rape - Forcible Sodomy Charges - AVOIDED CRIMINAL PROSECUTION
Our client was charged by the military with forcible sodomy and three counts of rape related to an incident where several soldiers were drinking in a motel room. The prosecution had witnesses ready to testify that the alleged victim was highly intoxicated and that our client repeatedly kept engaging in sexual activity despite being pulled off of her and told to leave her alone. Prior to the preliminary hearing, we submitted a request for discharge in lieu of Courts-Martial which the prosecution staff effectively laughed at due to the seriousness of the charges. Despite upper level chain of command recommendations that the discharge request be denied, we were able to secure approval of the request and our client totally AVOIDED CRIMINAL PROSECUTION on charges that easily could have put him in prison for life.

Felonious Sexual Assault Charges - NOT GUILTY
Our client was a military physician charged with sexually assaulting a female patient while examining her alone in his office. Our client was found NOT GUILTY of all charges by a General Courts-Martial jury.

Sexual Assault Charges - ACQUITTED
Navy corpsman was charged with sexually assaulting two female patients under his care. Both victims positively identified our client as having committed the sexual assaults. Our client made a statement to the investigators to the effect that he did “massage” one of the patients and a search of his barracks resulted in recovery of potentially damaging evidence. Pre-trial negotiations were attempted without success, so the case proceeded to an enlisted jury, which ACQUITTED our client of all charges.

Sexual Assault - Medical Setting - NOT GUILTY
Our client was a male oral surgeon who was charged by the military with sexually assaulting three junior enlisted men in a health care setting. Our client acknowledged having contact with the genitalia of two of the men, however defended his actions as being medically necessary. Our client was found NOT GUILTY of all charges by a General Courts-Martial jury.

Attempted Rape Charges - SEVERELY REDUCED CHARGES - MINIMAL SENTENCING
Coast Guard enlisted man was charged with attempted rape and indecent assault upon a female crew member after he was found in the female's rack on the ship. Both the alleged victim and our client were intoxicated, however our client later gave a very damaging statement to the investigator. Before the preliminary hearing, we were able to negotiate a pre-trial agreement which provided for dismissal of the attempted rape charge and a plea of guilty to a lesser offense on the sexual assault charge - that plea would eliminate the requirement of our client to register as a sexual offender. The deal provided for the government to suspend any confinement in excess of one year. At trial, despite the prosecution's argument for an 18 month sentence, we secured a sentence of only 30 days of confinement and other minor military punishments.

Forcible Sodomy - Sexual Assault Charges - CHARGES DISMISSED
Our client was charged with forcible sodomy and forcible object penetration in state court. Prior to the preliminary hearing, we secured the sworn admission from the alleged victim that all sexual acts were consented to and thereafter secured a DISMISSAL of the criminal charges.

Rape Charges - SEVERELY REDUCED CHARGES - MINIMAL SENTENCING
Our client, who was on probation for a larceny conviction, was arrested and charged with rape of a Russian immigrant who reportedly worked at go-go bars, and who also had her own pornography website.  Despite her background, the rules of evidence under what is commonly known as the “rape shield law” strictly limits the admission of such evidence at trial in defense of a rape charge.   Due to our client's significant criminal record, as well as the statement he made to the police upon his arrest, putting our client on the stand to testify in defense would have been an unwise move.   At the preliminary hearing, we were able to develop significant issues that would assist us at trial, and which brought into question the underlying credibility of the complainant.   Despite these issues, our client was at grave risk of being convicted of rape if the case went to trial.   A physical examination of the complainant immediately after the alleged rape revealed multiple abrasions, as well as a very large bruise on her arm.  Although our client was held in jail pending trial on a no bond status, we were able to resolve an unrelated probation violation which enabled our client to serve his confinement time on that offense while pending trial on the rape charge.   After extensive pre-trial investigation and negotiations with the prosecutor, we were able to finally secure a resolution of the case with the rape charge being dismissed in exchange for our client’s guilty plea to a reduced charge of simple assault and battery (grabbing her by the arm, which is a misdemeanor offense with no sex offender registration requirement), with 90 days of jail to be served, with full credit for time served awaiting trial.

Forcible Rape Charges - ACQUITTED
A man was prosecuted by state authorities for forcible rape of a woman in a motel room. The prosecution had a video tape of our client, and of his friend, which showed the girl in the motel room, passed out from alcohol, lying in a pool of vomit. Our client was ACQUITTED of the charge.

Child Pornography Charges - CHARGES DISMISSED
A former teacher was indicted by Federal authorities and charged with 34 felony counts of offenses related to alleged illegal video recording of children and possession of pornography related to children. In our efforts to negotiate a plea agreement with the prosecutor, we were faced with the prosecutor taking a very firm position that our client would have to plead guilty to several charges, which would expose him to a period of confinement under the sentencing guidelines that could effectively be longer than our client's life expectancy due to his age. Despite the risks related to the case, we rejected the plea agreement offer, advised the prosecutor we were preparing to go to trial, but continued our negotiation efforts. We eventually secured the prosecutor's agreement to dismiss all but one count of the 34 count indictment, significantly reducing the confinement potential.

Indecency Charge - CHARGES DISMISSED
Our client faced charges by the military involving a co-worker who alleged that he exposed himself and masturbated in front of her on numerous occasions at work. After the preliminary hearing, all charges were DISMISSED.

Indecent Exposure Charge - CHARGES DISMISSED
A Navy Lieutenant, who was also a college student, was charged with indecent exposure and masturbation after a female student said she observed him masturbating in the school's library. The incident allegedly occurred around noon on a weekday. The Lieutenant was adamant that this did not occur and was extremely upset and worried, since a conviction of this nature would surely mean the end of his Naval career and carried the possibility of up to 2 years in jail. After taking on the case, we had our investigators contact school security to take pictures of the alleged scene. The pictures were helpful to show that our client was sitting on a sofa chair which was in full view of two of the library's main pathways and adjacent to numerous study desks. Armed with this and other evidence, we appeared for trial. At trial, the police officer's evidence was insufficient to prove her case and the judge dismissed both charges. The Lieutenant was able to return to active duty and continue his career without retribution from the Navy.

Child Pornography Charge - REDUCED SENTENCE

Enlisted member of the Navy was the subject of FBI investigation for child pornography. An undercover FBI agent conducted a search on a peer-to-peer sharing program using a known child porn related search term, which gave the agent access into our client's computer via the peer-to-peer program, allowing the agent to obtain multiple images of suspected child porn from our client's computer without his knowledge. Our client had retained the services of another attorney, who had been in contact with the federal authorities; however that attorney had apparently not promptly responded to the federal authorities.

Our client terminated that attorney and retained our firm at which time we immediately contacted the federal authorities to learn that our client's case was going to be presented to a Grand Jury for indictment that week on a charge of distribution of child pornography.

After reviewing the evidence in the case with the US Attorney's office, we were able to secure a plea agreement for a plea to one count of possession of child pornography, rather than distribution which was a much more serious offense. Under the sentencing guidelines, our client was facing 97-120 months of prison for possession of child pornography. Upon presentation of an exceptionally large sentencing package regarding our client's character, to include 39 character letters and numerous supporting documents, we secured a sentence of 66 months, significantly less than the applicable sentencing guidelines of 97-120 months. Had our client been faced with the distribution conviction as he was heading for with the other attorney, he would have faced guidelines of 151-188 months.

Child Pornography Charge - REDUCED SENTENCE
Our client's home was searched by federal authorities after an investigation revealed he had purchased a month's membership in a pornography website that involved child pornography. Upon forensic examination of the computer and media seized during the search, 31 images and 21 videos of suspected child porn was recovered. Under federal law, each video is deemed to contain 75 images, equating to over 1600 "images". Upon receipt of the "target letter" several months after the search, the intended charge of "receipt of child pornography" was reduced to "possession", which lowered our client's exposure to confinement under the federal sentencing guidelines. Our client entered a plea to one count of possession of child pornography and a pre-sentence report was prepared by the probation officer, which advised the court that due to the length of one of the videos, the guideline range of 51-63 months was subject to being increased. In our meeting with the probation officer, we were able to secure removal of consideration of that subject video, in addition to a second video from the report, thereby eliminating the basis for an increase in the guidelines above 63 months. At the sentencing hearing, we were able to secure a sentence of only 24 months, which was 27 month below the low end of the sentencing guidelines. In the federal court system, it is extremely rare that a judge will sentence below the applicable guidelines.

Child Pornography - Computer Sex Crimes - PROBATION
Client was charged in state court with distribution of child pornography, attempted indecent liberties and use of a computer for solicitation of a child; he was facing 20 years of prison. In a negotiated plea agreement, we were able to get the solicitation charge withdrawn, upon a guilty plea to the two remaining offenses, with a sentencing cap of 4 years. Sentencing guidelines called for a confinement range of 1 year, 2 months to 5 years, 3 months. Upon presentation of our case in sentencing, we were able to secure a ruling from the judge that he would defer imposition of any sentencing for a period of 15 years on both charges, with a 15 year period of probation. Despite full expectation by our client and his family that he would be going to prison that day for up to four years, our client walked out of court with his family, avoiding any sentence being imposed upon him.

Soliciting A Minor Over the Internet - REDUCED TO MISDEMEANOR
Our client, a Navy Petty Officer, was charged with two counts of soliciting a minor over the internet for sexual purposes and was facing twenty (15) years in prison. Through negotiations with the Commonwealth's Attorney, his charges were reduced to two non-sexual misdemeanors and 30 days in jail.

Soliciting A Minor Over the Internet - REDUCED TO MISDEMEANOR
Our client was charged with two counts of soliciting a minor over the internet for sexual purposes and was facing twenty (20) years in prison. Through negotiations with the Commonwealth's Attorney, his charges were reduced to two non-sexual misdemeanors and 30 days in jail.

Soliciting A Minor Over the Internet - REDUCED SENTENCE - MILITARY CAREER RETAINED
Our client was the subject of an internet sting operation by military authorities. After several on-line instant message chats with a person he thought was a 14 year old girl, he arranged to meet the girl for the purpose of engaging in sexual relations. Upon arrival at the meeting place, he was apprehended by the authorities for on-line solicitation of a minor to engage in carnal knowledge. After his apprehension, he left his command without authority and missed ship's movement. Through extensive pre-trial negotiations we were able to secure a pre-trial agreement that called for the dismissal of a charge of attempt to communicate indecent language to a minor, as well as missing movement, with a sentencing limitation that would suspend all confinement in excess of one year. After presentation of evidence and argument at the sentencing phase of our trial, our client was sentenced to serve only 85 days of confinement, in addition to other military punishments. Our client was returned to military duties after the trial.

Soliciting A Minor Over the Internet - REDUCED SENTENCING
Our client was charged by the military with attempting to communicate indecent language to a child, as well four counts of using the internet to solicit a minor for immoral purposes, attempted transfer of obscene materials, as well as possession and distribution of child pornography. After our office was retained, we were able to negotiate a pre-trial agreement that provided for the case being referred to a lower level of trial and we were also able to secure the withdrawal of two of the counts relating to using the internet to solicit a minor and to attempt to transfer obscene material. Although the judge sentenced our client to 12 months of confinement, in addition to other forms of military punishment, as well as a fine of $10,000.00, we were later able to secure a reduction of the sentence to 6 months and the fine was not approved.

Solicitation For Immoral Purposes Charge - CHARGES DISMISSED
A local military member contacted us after being arrested in an undercover prostitution sting in Newport News. After responding to an online advertisement for sexual services, our client had met the purported prostitute at an area hotel, where, after confirming his requests, police officers entered the room and charged him with solicitation of prostitution, a Class 1 Misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail. A conviction of such an offense would have meant the end of our client's military career. Because our client had no prior criminal history, we were able to secure an agreement with the prosecutor, wherein our client must remain on good behavior and satisfy several other requirements over the course of the six months after his court date, and upon completion of those conditions, the charge will be DISMISSED. In addition, due to his military status, a deferral/finding under advisement would have had the same detrimental effect on our client's career as a conviction, so we were also able to secure a general continuance, wherein there was no presentation of evidence or plea entered. This outcome eliminates any potential negative effect on our client's military career that is normally associated with a deferral.

Solicitation For Immoral Purposes Charge - CHARGES DISMISSED
Our client was charged by civilian authorities with indecent exposure related to allegations of solicitation for immoral purposes in a public rest room. After an extended trial, the judge agreed to defer findings on the allegations for twelve months, after which the charges were DISMISSED. We were later able to get the criminal arrest record EXPUNGED.

Solicitation For Immoral Purposes Charge - CHARGES DISMISSED - RECORD EXPUNGED
A senior Naval officer was charged by civilian authorities with charges related to solicitation for immoral purposes. The charges were DISMISSED upon our motion after cross-examination of the undercover police officer. After trial, we secured an EXPUNGEMENT of the arrest record.

Solicitation For Immoral Purposes Charge - CHARGES DISMISSED
Senior military officer was charged by local police with solicitation for immoral purposes. We secured a DEFERRED DISPOSITION and eventual DISMISSAL of the charges.

Solicitation For Immoral Purposes Charge - CHARGES DISMISSED
Our client, a defense contractor, was arrested for soliciting prostitution. While there was an overwhelming amount of evidence to convict our client, the judge agreed to take the charge under advisement and later dismissed it.

Solicitation For Immoral Purposes Charge - ACQUITTED
Our client was charged with soliciting a prostitute. The prosecutor refused to drop or reduce the charge so we took it to trial. Although two police officers testified regarding the evidence, we successfully argued that there was insufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that our client was guilty. The judge ACQUITTED our client.

Solicitation For Immoral Purposes Charge - CHARGES DISMISSED
Our client was charged by local police with solicitation for immoral purposes and visiting a bawdy place. The arrest came as a result of an undercover sting operation where a police officer posed as a prostitute. The charges were DISMISSED upon our motion after cross-examination of the undercover police officer. After trial, we secured an EXPUNGEMENT of the arrest record.