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DWI / DUI

Preparing your DWI defense now – Virginia DUI lawyer

June 17, 2019

Preparing your DWI case defense needs to begin with little delay. My preference as a Virginia DUI lawyer is that you not get prosecuted nor convicted in the first place. Consequently, it is ideal for people to know their rights with the police and risks...

Questioning Without Miranda – Fairfax DUI Lawyer on this Gray Area

June 15, 2019

Questioning by police is commonplace with investigations for possible DUI, felonies and misdemeanors. As a Fairfax DUI lawyer, I know that absence of Miranda rights is not always a bar to admitting the suspect's statements into evidence. At the same time, such rights do not...

Sobriety testing – Virginia DUI lawyer on challenging probable cause

June 13, 2019

Sobriety testing -- also known as standard field sobriety testing, SFST or FST -- is a tool relied on by police in deciding whether to arrest a person for DUI and reporting on such cases, and then relied on by prosecutors in trying to obtain...

Driving restriction hurdles for Virginia DUI convictions – DWI defense

June 11, 2019

Driving restrictions are onerous for a DWI conviction under Va. Code § 18.2-266 and pour salt in the wounds of already having such a conviction, and even more so for those receiving active jail time for such a conviction. As a Virginia DUI lawyer, I...

Intox EC/IR II Challenges in DWI Cases

June 9, 2019

Intox EC/IR II (Intox) testing is the sole breath test machine approved by the Virginia Department of Forensic Science (DFS) in DWI cases. As a Fairfax DUI lawyer, I know how essential it is to aggressively challenge the admissibility, reliability and meaning of such test...

Breath testing challenges in DUI cases – Virginia DUI defense

June 9, 2019

Breath testing is the preferred method of alcohol testing by police officers in Virginia DWI cases. As a Virginia DUI lawyer, I know that a full-court press needs to be pursued against breath testing results in such cases. Breath testing is fallible both with the...

Developing a persuasive defense story- Virginia DUI lawyer

June 7, 2019

Developing a persuasive defense story is vital for criminal defendants in all trials. As a Virginia DUI lawyer, I know that police in DWI trials often testify from a menu of a defendant's committing one or more moving violations; having an odor of alcohol; having...

Impairment is not usually shown by blood drug levels – Fairfax DUI lawyer

June 6, 2019

Impairment cannot usually be established by blood drug levels. As a Virginia DUI attorney, I know that the totality of the circumstances must be considered in determining whether a DWI defendant has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, rather than resorting to the overly...

Financial risks of a Virginia DUI conviction- Fairfax lawyer

May 26, 2019

Financial burdens from a Virginia DUI conviction always include attorney's fees, a court fine, court costs, VASAP, and the ignition interlock (initially) for restricted driving. As a Fairfax DUI lawyer, I know that other financial risks from a Virginia DUI conviction can include increased FR...

Videotape evidence – Virginia DUI lawyer on its benefits & limitations

May 24, 2019

Videotape evidence is essential for a DUI lawyer/ criminal defense attorney to obtain, except in the rare circumstances where the evidence can be sufficiently expected to be more harmful than helpful AND where the prosecution will not have such evidence absent the defense's seeking it....

Fearless Lawyer in front of the court

Amazing Lawyer, Jon has handled my case carefully and made all the necessary legal steps to negotiate my case with the Prosecutor. Contacted the complaint professionally and convinced to amicably settle the case. Gave me all the important staff that I need to do before he started dealing with the complaint and the prosecutor.
Fearless Lawyer in front of the court. Respected by both the Judges and the prosecutors.

Anon.
Source: Avvo
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 is top tier. Hands down.

I have known Jon Katz, as a friend and fellow criminal defense attorney for well over 20 years, and I can say without a doubt that his skills and temperament make him one of the best around. He is my go to referral for anyone in or near Northern Virginia. Not only does he know the law and possess the skills to try a case when the need arises, but he also brings a peaceful, balanced, and personable approach to dealing with cops, prosecutors, judges, witnesses, and everyone else involved in the system, which serves the best interests of the client. You will find, as well, that his personable and accessible approach extends to you, as a client. He is top tier. Hands down.

Chris Llinas
Criminal Defense Attorney
Source: Google