Local Success: Trial Court Success: July, 2016

Below are trial court victories of our subscribers as reported on SADO’s Forum—an online community for criminal defense attorneys. Subscribers are encouraged to submit their stories of success on SADO’s Forum and/or directly to Associate Editor Neil Leithauser at nleithauserattorney@comcast.net. SADO’s CDRC Subscription information is available by contacting Heather Waara at hwaara@sado.org.

Gary D. Strauss  secured a favorable disposition for his client July 6, 2016, in the 6th Judicial (Oakland County) Circuit Court, where a PWID over 50 grams conviction – with a 10 to 20 year sentence – was vacated, and a less than 50 grams conviction was entered; the new sentenced imposed was time-served (about 18 ½ months).

Susan K. Walsh secured a favorable result for her client at a resentencing July 11, 2016, in the 1st Judicial (Hillsdale County) Circuit Court, where the minimum sentence was reduced from 57 months to 38 months.

Jennifer J. France won a not guilty verdict in an assault and battery case July 12, 1016, in the 91st Judicial (Chippewa County) District Court. 

Ms. France also won a motion to quash a prisoner in possession charge July 19, 2016.

Scott R. Bigger won suppression of evidence July 15, 2016, in the 7th Judicial (Genesee County) Circuit Court; the evidence had been seized during a traffic stop.

James B. Schlaff won not guilty verdicts from a jury in a case charging assault with intent to murder and lesser offenses in the 3rd Judicial (Wayne County) Circuit Court.

James S. Lawrence successfully negotiated an OWI2d charge down to a civil infraction July 22, 2016, in the 43rd Judicial (Madison Heights) District Court.

Melissa K. Wangler won dismissal of an abuse charge following preliminary examination July 28, 2016, in the 81st Judicial (Arenac County) District Court.

James R. Samuels -- in a hard-fought, difficult case -- won dismissal of two CSC counts against his client; the client was convicted of two remaining counts.

by Neil Leithauser
Associate Editor