Law enforcement arrested our client after he had an argument with his wife during which he was alleged to have damaged property in the residence. Although his wife did not want the client prosecuted, he was taken to jail. Prosecutors charged him with domestic disorderly conduct and criminal damage to property. Between the time of the arraignment and the final conference, the client took our lawyer's advice and enrolled in counseling. At the last hearing before trial, Attorney Tim Verhoff was able to convince the prosecution, who originally wanted the client to plead to the criminal charges, to dismiss the case outright. Both the client and his wife were extremely satisfied with the outcome.
Criminal Charges, No Criminal Convictions in DV case
A recent Chirafisi & Verhoff avoided criminal convictions after being charged in a domestic-related incident with a girlfriend. During an argument with his girlfriend, the client, who had been drinking, forced his way into a bedroom, breaking a door. The client spoke with police on the scene and confessed. He was arrested and charged with Disorderly Conduct and Criminal Damage to Property. He hired our firm and began working with Attorney Verhoff. Although the prosecutor initially wanted the client to plead to a criminal charge, Attorney Verhoff was able to convince the prosecutor to dismiss one of the charges outright and amend the remaining charge to a non-criminal ordinance violation, which is the legal equivalent of a parking ticket. Upon learning the news, the client simply said, "Am I so glad I decided to hire you."
Injunction Denied
Our client’s relative filed a petition requesting the court to issue a four-year harassment injunction against her. The relative alleged that our client engaged in a series of acts, including stealing from her and damaging property. After the petitioner testified, our lawyers presented evidence to support our argument that the relative was simply attempting to use the injunction process to bolster her case in a related legal proceeding. The judge agreed and dismissed the injunction petition against our client.