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Jury trial victory only can follow a not guilty plea- Fairfax criminal lawyer

May 29, 2019

Jury trial practice is the ultimate of criminal defense. As a Fairfax criminal lawyer I know that great criminal defense and cross examination teacher Terry McCarthy may have overstated that a non-jury trial is akin to a slow plea, but I have nonetheless experienced the...

Clearing the obstacles to opening and closing in the first person at trial

October 21, 2016

I have experienced firsthand the power of my presenting closing argument storytelling to the jury in the first person of my client. Doing so in the right circumstances transports me outside my lawyer role into the very person of my client, in the moment in...

Gutting the Sixth Amendment’s guarantee of a jury trial for “petty offenses”

November 5, 2015

The United States Supreme Court has long maintained that somehow the Sixth Amendment does not mean what it says, in that the Constitution generally does not guarantee the right to a jury trial for a "petty offense,"

Jon since the beginning was ready to help me, making me feel I was in the right hands
Jon since the beginning was ready to help me, making me feel I was in the right hands, and he did his best to get the best results in my case working very hard answering all my questions and letting me know everything I need to know before and after go to court.
Illich
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 the kind of lawyer that other lawyers go to for representation
I have known Jon for many years, and know him as a tireless advocate. He is the kind of lawyer that other lawyers go to for representation. I have recommended Jon to many of my clients who needed his help as I know that they will be well taken care of. Five Stars!
Daniel Barrera
Source: Google

jury trial

Jury trial victory only can follow a not guilty plea- Fairfax criminal lawyer

Clearing the obstacles to opening and closing in the first person at trial

Gutting the Sixth Amendment’s guarantee of a jury trial for “petty offenses”

Jon Katz Practices in the Following Courts and Beyond