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Criminal Defense

SCOTUS bars capital sentencing recommendations from victims’ families

October 11, 2016

Today's Bosse decision is more monumental than might first meet the eye. The United States Supreme Court has at least three justices that are very friendly to preserving the death penalty.

Getting a theft case dismissed through teamwork with my client

September 30, 2016

Early on with my criminal defense clients, I develop an action plan for the work ahead for me and my client, with the goal of improving our chances with case negotiations, any trial, and any possible sentencing.

A Criminal Defense Lawyer Needs to Help the Jury Avoid Buyer’s Remorse

September 29, 2016

The right criminal defense lawyer truly can make the difference between a favorable and unfavorable trial outcome, not only through case preparation, but by fully internalizing and well-executing the importance of the lawyer's role in swaying the jury in the right direction.

Criminal defense clients are not to be kept at arms’ length

September 28, 2016

If I keep distant from a client, I do not fully know my client. If I do not fully know my client, I cannot fully and persuasively convey to myself, the jury, the judge and the prosecutor who my client really is.

The importance for police and all people to practice de-escalation

September 27, 2016

The aftermath of the September 20, 2016, fatal Charlotte police shooting of Keith Lamont Scott includes police insistence that Mr. Scott was displaying a handgun, and his family's claiming the opposite. (Finally released police video footage of the shooting is here.) Even assuming for argument's...

Justice Dept & FBI trash PCAST forensic evidence report for findings they did not want to hear

September 26, 2016

The Justice Department's and FBI's trashing of PCAST's Report is the very definition of confirmation bias, through trashing a Report whose findings the Justice Department and FBI did not want to hear.

Beware having criminal defense clients testify

September 23, 2016

A testifying criminal defendant is on the witness stand only to answer the posed questions and tell the truth. Certainly, the criminal defense lawyer is obligated fully to prepare his or her client to testify

Fairfax County’s former chief prosecutor said Virginia prosecutes “on the cheap”

September 22, 2016

Then-recently retired chief Fairfax prosecutor Robert Horan said that "Virginia has this longstanding desire to do criminal prosecution on the cheap.

Terence Crutcher is Another Victim of an Unmanageably Overgrown Police State

September 21, 2016

Sadly, so long as the United States continues to have an overgrown criminal justice system and police state, Terence Crutcher's killing will be far from the last instance of wrongful police killings.

A trial lawyer must constantly re-examine and improve courtroom performance

September 18, 2016

Successful courtroom performance necessitates a combination of thorough preparation and improvisation. The preparation is needed just as any battle requires preparation.

He is always prepared and has thoughtful arguments for the Court to consider

Jon is one of the most experienced and knowledgeable lawyers in the Area. He is always willing to help and teach younger attorneys the ins and outs of the good practice of law. He is always prepared and has thoughtful arguments for the Court to consider.

Terry Adams
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
The perfect experience!

Jon Katz and his team go above and beyond with their excellent effort, timely communication, and sharp professionalism. The moment I met with Jon I knew he was the right choice for the job, and both he as well as his staff were relentlessly helpful every step of the way. I truly cannot recommend them enough!

Anon.
Source: Avvo