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Bruce Lee: Don’t think, feel – Be water

My work as a Fairfax criminal lawyer heavily involves neutralizing and overcoming negative energy, including false and unjust accusations and prosecutions against my clients; prosecutors who try to railroad me and my clients away from fair days in court, and judges when they go along with that; and police and prosecutors who spout negative words about my clients and the causes I proudly defend.

I am not on this planet to please anyone, and am here to persuade on behalf of my clients. I have no need to have prosecutors, police and judges as my friends, nor to repel them if they want to be my friends. My professional obligation is to fight for my clients as best I can within the bounds of law and professional and personal ethics.

Martial arts and martial artists continue inspiring me to stay on the path of fighting effectively for my clients, without distraction from the negative and sometimes even underhanded words and actions of police, opponents and judges. When I treat those negative words and actions merely as water rolling off my back and as challenges to take on as needed, I am in the best shape to help my clients and to feel whole.

Practices and ideas that inspire me on the foregoing path include the following:

– My daily taijiquan practice.

– None other than television’s Kung Fu underlines such an approach to trial battle and all other battle, through Master Kan: “Perceive the way of nature and no force of man can harm you. Do not meet a wave head on: avoid it. You do not have to stop force: it is easier to redirect it. Learn more ways to preserve rather than destroy. Avoid rather than check. Check rather than hurt. Hurt rather than maim. Maim rather than kill. For all life is precious nor can any be replaced.”

– Yoda underlines “Do. Or do not. There is no try.”

– Bruce Lee said: “Don’t think. Feel.”

– Bruce Lee also said: “Empty your mind. Be formless, shapeless, like water. ” He said that water becomes the cup, the bottle, and the teapot. Water can flow or
crash. “Be water, my friend.”

Fairfax criminal lawyer Jonathan Katz pursues your best defense against Virginia DUI, felony and misdemeanor prosecutions. Call 703-383-1100 for your free initial in-person confidential consultation with Jon Katz about your court-pending case.

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Posted in Criminal Defense and tagged Fairfax criminal defense, Policve, Virginia Prosecutors

He has a long record of success - and I am happy I made that choice.

Jon was able to negotiate a settlement with the prosecutor that was initially a plea to a lesser charge; then a dismissal of that charge, without admission of guilt, and without conviction . He also negotiated several thousand dollars in fines, down to only paying a one hundred dollar court cost. This result was quite a lot more than I had thought possible. Jon had settled a case that potentially would lead to serious jail sentence – down to essentially no serious penalty at all. This is what Jon did:

1. Over multiple weekly phone conversations, he interviewed me about all relevant factors of the case.

2. He aggressively sought and obtained – thru “discovery”, and “Brady” — multiple bodycams from arresting officers. He spent about 12 hours reviewing these videos carefully. He used the term “inside the four square corners”. This was a term that reflects a careful search for precisely what was used by police to obtain consent to search, and all aspects of the arrest – and if the provided video evidence supported or challenged – the eventual charges. He carefully looked for any details from the scene, or from dialogue, that were exculpatory.

3. He assigned me multiple tasks, beginning on day one – that forced me to focus on the charges, weigh my culpability, and make strong behavioral changes that may possibly indicate to prosecution that I recognize the problems I have created, and am taking direct actions to counter the damage I have done- and obviate future injury or harm. This was additionally helpful because it provided me with a sense of some control over my situation.

4. He spoke to me on numerous occasions, by phone, to give a detailed plan for my defense. He informed me in a firm but also supportive way – seeking my consent – and he was realistic – but also allowed some hope and dignity for the position I was in.

5. He did an extensive literature and case review to find any prior cases that could act as precedent in my case. He was able to find a recent, high profile case, that was settled in a Virginia Court. Its main elements were similar to mine. Jon obtained the transcript of the cross-examination in that case. When Jon had reviewed those elements, he was then able to hire an expert witness who could address the discovered vulnerabilities.

6. Jon showed an extensive knowledge of case law. He also showed expertise in the plea negotiation process.

7. The day of trial, Jon was able to show the prosecutor, and the judge, that he was prepared to offer a methodically laid out defense, with recent precedent, and expert testimony. Also, he was able to present me in a context a little broader that just a person attached to these charges. He showed this event in a broader sense of my life, and convinced the judge that I had taken steps to correct my problems, and that I had been of service to society for many decades. He presented what I believe to be an accurate and FAIR assessment of my situation.

I can look back over the past several months since I hired Jon. It started as a google search for “Best Virginia Lawyer”. The first search results, at the top of the page- I knew these were paid advertisements. I generally skip these ads, trying to find the most accurate reviews. But – and I am happy I did – I also reminded myself that these ads are PAID FOR and whoever is paying for the ads likely IS SUCCESSFUL , so I gave Jon a shot.

He has a long record of success – and I am happy I made that choice.

Anon.
Source: Avvo
He was exceptional

John represented me 9 years ago and he was exceptional. Just recently I contacted him due to a job change and needed his expertise. Even though I requested for an urgent meeting he was able to accommodate me and within 15 minutes was able to provide me the guidance. He also gave me a supporting letter which turn around time was less than 24 hours. If you are looking for an attorney who is attentive to details, extremely knowledgeable and is willing to go above and beyond, then look no further than John. Thank you for everything!

C K
Source: Google
A truly nice guy who made me feel like my case was a priority

Jon handled my case with attention and care, from start to finish. He kept me informed every step of the way and charged me a more-than-reasonable rate. Best of all, he got me a great result. That would have been enough, but he’s a truly nice guy who made me feel like my case was a priority. I can’t recommend him enough.

J.E.
Source: Google

Bruce Lee: Don’t think, feel – Be water

Jon Katz Practices in the Following Courts and Beyond