Prosecutors in Rock County charged our client with criminal disorderly conduct after he made comments about shooting someone while he was in his workplace. The client admitted his statements reflected poor judgment, but he claimed he never actually intended to engage in any violent acts and the comments were taken out of context. During lengthy negotiations with the prosecution, our attorney was able to explain our client's side of the story. Our lawyer argued that the client was remorseful about conduct, and he suffered a punitive sanction in the form of termination from his job. The prosecutor agreed without our argument and amended the case from a criminal charge to a non-criminal violation of the county ordinances (essentially the legal equivalent of a parking citation). The client, who is in his mid-60s and had never been in legal trouble in his life, was thrilled to avoid a criminal conviction.
Acquittal Marks 7th Consecutive Jury Win
A Rock County jury deliberated less than 15 minutes before finding a Chirafisi & Verhoff client not guilty, marking the seventh time in a row the firm has prevailed for our clients at a jury trial. In this situation, our client was originally charged in three separate cases for incidents involving a neighbor. The first case was a damage to property claim that our lawyer, Attorney Tim Verhoff, convinced the prosecution to dismiss before trial due to a lack of evidence. The second case, which went to trial, was a disorderly conduct charge in which the prosecutor alleged that our client harassed his neighbor with a strobe light. At trial, Attorney Verhoff argued that it was actually a misunderstanding involving a security light our client was attempting to install that had malfunctioned. Due to a shoddy police investigation and a lack of communication between our client and his neighbor (who each have injunctions against the other), the neighbor, law enforcement, and the prosecutor wrongly assumed the worst. The highlight came after the jury rendered its verdict in the disorderly conduct matter. The judge asked the prosecutor what he wanted to do about the last case that remained pending, an allegation of a weapon violation. The prosecutor replied that "considering the circumstances," he was simply throwing in the towel and dismissing that case, too. Two dismissals and a not guilty verdict a trial was a complete win for our client.
Felony Charge of Maintaining A Drug Dwelling Dismissed
Our client and his housemates were charged with maintaining a drug trafficking dwelling in Rock County after law enforcement raided their home. Our attorneys reviewed the search warrant and found problems with certain aspects that allowed us to file a motion to challenge the validity of the warrant. In speaking with prosecutors in advance of the hearing on the motion to challenge the search warrant, the prosecution made an offer to dismiss the felony and have the client plead to a simple possession of marijuana with expungement of the case after one year of probation. The client, who accepted this offer, was very pleased with the outcome.
Felony Methamphetamine Charge Dismissed in Rock County
Our client was stopped for a traffic violation in Rock County, which resulted in his arrest for drug possession. Prosecutors charged him with felony possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia. A professional businessman with a successful career and family, the client was understandably concerned. As the preliminary hearing approached, Attorney Verhoff attempted to convince the prosecutor that the pills suspected to be methamphetamine were not, despite a presumptive positive test result. Due to witness unavailability, the preliminary hearing had to be adjourned multiple times. Attorney Verhoff used this to the client's advantage and continued to press the issue regarding the felony charge. Ultimately, the prosecutor agreed to dismiss the felony charge. But there was still more work to be done. As an out -of-state resident, any sentence imposed on a misdemeanor conviction would lead to complications for the client. Transfer of probation was a poor option, and one that was not guaranteed. Jail time would cost the client his job. Through a series of efforts, our attorney was able to secure a resolution that worked for the client. He agreed to be convicted of a simple possession of marijuana and pay a small fine.
Felony Drug Manufacturing/Maintaining Charges Dismissed in Rock County
What started as a seemingly benign "unlawful fishing" case rapidly turned into a multi-count, felony drug case for one recent Chirafisi & Verhoff client. DNR wardens contacted the client on suspicion that he was illegally trapping and transporting minnows. After contacting him, the wardens asked if they could go to his property to "have a look around." The client felt pressure and consented. Once on the property, authorities smelled the strong odor of marijuana coming from a shed. They then obtained search warrants and located a marijuana grow operation. After authorities took the client to jail, prosecutors charged him with two felony crimes, manufacturing THC and maintaining a drug trafficking dwelling. The client was particularly concerned because a felony conviction would jeopardize his long-time job. Through the course of negotiations, Attorney Verhoff was able to point out evidence to prosecutors to support his argument that while the client grew marijuana, he did so only for personal use to manage pain symptoms. Ultimately, Attorney Verhoff was able to convince the prosecution to dismiss the felony charges and allow the client to be convicted of low-level, misdemeanor possession of marijuana charges.