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Criminal Defense

On representing “those people”, George Zimmerman, and the power of effective jury consultants

August 1, 2013

On July 18, I discussed the state of racial injustice and racial justice in America in the aftermath of George Zimmerman’s trial, and said to stay tuned for my views on the criminal defense aspects of the case. George Zimmerman’s complete acquittal has led to...

Band together, criminal defense lawyers, or suffer the consequences

July 31, 2013

One day, I called a criminal defense lawyer colleague in another county to ask about how to overcome some procedural hurdles peculiar to his county’s District Court judges in obtaining a trial date postponement. When I did not reach him, I spoke with colleague II in...

Chalk it up to the jury — not the judge — for chalking acquittal

July 3, 2013

If you have not before decided that the United States’ criminal "justice" system is overcriminalized, look no further than the recent San Diego vandalism prosecution against chalk protestor Jeff Olson. How can chalking be a crime, when it just washes away with the rain? How...

Trial judges must beware allowing cops to interpret others’ conversations

June 25, 2013

Our tax dollars pay extraordinary amounts of money for law enforcement officers and prosecutors to spend countless hours each year to the tune of millions of dollars (if not billions of dollars) to further pursue the drug war that is a failure and an excessive incursion...

The amazing SunWolf’s newest book is available for pre-order

June 13, 2013

Courtesy SunWolf: A criminal defense lawyer’s criminal defense lawyer, showing lawyers the powerful path to humanizing our clients, through storytellng, kindness to all, summoning our inner magic, and a reminder that “reality is no obstacle.” Dr. SunWolf — the great storytelling lawyer who proclaims that...

Beware mandatory minimum sentencing for a substantially similar conviction

May 21, 2013

In criminal law, “three strikes and you’re out” refers to severe mandatory minimum jail sentencing, and not baseball, other than that mandatory minimum sentencing, for the defendant, can feel like being slammed on the skull with a baseball bat and smashed in the eye with a high-speed...

Clients and I are all in this together, and Wallace Shawn spotlights people beyond their roles

May 15, 2013

I once got a glimpse of how clients feel trusting me to fight for them when I frantically called for help to a former client who became my contractor, to fix what became a temporary burp in an important part of my firm’s administrative/technological operations. I have ended...

A drug dog’s positive alert, by itself, does not justify searching the car’s passengers

May 3, 2013

A drug dog’s positive alert, by itself, does not justify searching a car’s passengers, where the police have no particularized suspicion to believe that the passenger possesses drugs or is acting criminally together with the others in the car. Whtehead v. Virginia, 278 Va. 300,...

“Doctor, do something!!!” – “Lawyer, do something!!!”

April 11, 2013

What is it like for a doctor handling a life-or-death emergency when the patients’ relatives are pleading, even screaming "Doctor, do something!" "Doctor, what is my relative’s situation?" "Doctor, why are you not doing a better job?" As a criminal defense lawyer, I also face...

Being human, judges can make even severely damaging mistakes

April 10, 2013

A recent Virginia appellate opinion reminds us what we already know: Being human, judges can make serious mistakes. Parties’ lawyers, must be at the ready to prevent and remedy those mistakes. Latasha Gordon was convicted at trial for two counts of unlawful wounding (each count...

He fought hard for me

Jon was an amazing help. Was my first time dealing with any legal issues and he got me through it. Jon was a HUGE help, he explained things to me and broke them down so I would understand, he was honest with how things would go and he fought hard for me…which was the most important. 100% recommend Jon!

Sebastian
Source: Google
His care and dedication can be seen in the results that he provides for his clients

Jon Katz is a Top-Notch defense attorney who is dedicated to his clients. He understands that each case is unique and uses his knowledge of DUI, Reckless Driving, and Criminal Law to ensure the best possible outcome regardless of the situation. He is always willing to share his knowledge of the law and the court system, which benefits those around him. He is easy to work with. His care and dedication can be seen in the results that he provides for his clients, and for other attorneys who frequently refer clients to him.

Dawn Beebe
Source: Google
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