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Field Sobriety Testing

VA DWI Comes to Review in High State Court says Fairfax DUI Lawyer

July 25, 2020

VA DWI law is not pretty even though acquittals can be achieved. As a Fairfax DUI lawyer, I know that 0.08 is a ridiculously low per se threshold for mandating a conviction. I also know that driving under the influence without a blood alcohol reading has a...

Field Sobriety Refusal is not Consciousness of Guilt

December 25, 2019

Field sobriety tests ("FSTs") are routinely requested by police investigating DWI suspects. As a Fairfax DUI lawyer, I know that even the most sober person can perform poorly on such FSTs as standing on one leg while holding the other at least six inches off...

Excellent Criminal Defense Attorney

Excellent criminal defense attorney in Fairfax. Jon represented me on 3 very unfair misdemeanor charges the County was insistent on pursuing, including assault. In court Jon was able to get 2 of the charges dropped and a not guilty verdict on the assault charge without even having to put me on the stand (which helps for any potential parallel civil matters). His staff was a pleasure to work with and incredibly professional and responsive. Jon’s direct style and approach is efficient and I was very thankful for it when I received a refund at the end that I wasn’t expecting! Very glad that I chose him.

JM
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 kept it real with me throughout the entire process and treated me with utmost respect.

Back in October last year I was arrested and charged with a DUI, and honestly thought my life was going to fall apart (lose my license, job etc). My mom searched really hard for the best lawyer for my case and when she stumbled on Jon’s page we both knew we had to meet with him. After one meeting all the lost hope was returned and I was immediately motivated to do whatever he asked of me and made sure to pay close attention to everything he told me. His knowledge of the law is almost unreal. Things you would never even expect to think he has an answer for everything. He kept it real with me throughout the entire process and treated me with utmost respect. My DUI was dropped to a reckless and it was the best possible outcome I could have asked for. If you’re in need of a criminal defense attorney Please do yourself a favor if you are fortunate enough and hire Jon Katz I will never forget my experience with him. THANK YOU JON

N.I.
Source: Avvo

Field Sobriety Testing

VA DWI Comes to Review in High State Court says Fairfax DUI Lawyer

Field Sobriety Refusal is not Consciousness of Guilt

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Jon Katz Practices in the Following Courts and Beyond