Domestic Assault Case, Dane County
A constellation of bad facts presented an uphill battle when the client called us about this case. For starters, it was not the first time the client found himself in trouble with the law. Attorney Tim Verhoff represented him in two, separate criminal cases a few years ago. In each of those matters, our attorney was able to obtain outstanding results. One case was dismissed outright prior to trial. The second case was amended from a criminal charge to a non-criminal citation on the eve of trial. The second challenge in this matter was that the client, who was alleged to have been drinking heavily when he grabbed a baseball bat, threatened his wife and slapped her legs, admitted his conduct when police arrived on scene. Prosecutors charged him with domestic battery and disorderly conduct while armed. The DA could prove this case if it went to trial. Was there any way to avoid a criminal conviction yet again? Yes, there was. Due to the client's prior history, the prosecutor initially wanted him to be convicted and supervised on probation. But through negotiations, Attorney Verhoff was able to convince the prosecutor why a deferred prosecution agreement made more sense for everyone involved. Ultimately, the DA agreed. Both charges now are scheduled to be dismissed as soon as he completes the deferred agreement.