Sometimes, we are not able to get our client’s charges completely dismissed. The next best thing is to carefully negotiate a plea bargain that still accomplishes our client’s main goals.
WS was a perfect example of this. He was charged with Aggravated Assault with a Firearm after being accused of pulling a gun during an argument with kids from his neighborhood in Crestview. He was in the Air Force and was very worried about the impact this case would have on his career, his family, and his freedom.
When I first met with WS and his wife, I could tell that these were very nice people—the kind of people who would usually never end up meeting with a criminal defense lawyer. They were devastated when I had to tell them that an Aggravated Assault with a Firearm charge carried a mandatory minimum sentence of three years in prison. I promised them that I would do everything possible to keep this from happening.
These Kinds of Cases Take Time
For the next 11 months, we worked on this case. We took depositions of the witnesses, visited the crime scene, talked to the neighbors, talked to the victim’s family. We also put together an extensive mitigation file of our client detailing his military service awards and achievements.
At one point, it looked like we were not going to be able to work the case out. The only other option was to set the case for trial, which I did. After we were set for trial, the prosecutor approached me and asked if I would consider a plea bargain. I reminded her that I had told her months ago we were willing to work the case out.
After a lot of back-and-forth negotiations, we were able to resolve the case. His charge was amended to a lesser offense with no jail time. He also received a withhold of adjudication, which means he was not deemed a convicted felon. In short, he was given the opportunity to continue serving in the military and to continue being there for his family.
We Will Work Just as Hard for You
If you are looking for this level of commitment and dedication from your criminal defense lawyer, do yourself and your family a favor and call me at (850) 398-8098. We don’t settle for the first offer. We dig in and continue working until we get the best result possible.
If you have been charged with Aggravated Assault in Crestview or anywhere in Okaloosa County, call Flaherty & Merrifield at (850) 398-8098 for a free and confidential consultation. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.