by David HarveyRay Faller’s Retirement Party – May 13, 2026
by David HarveyCelebrating Christie Lee Griffin’s Dedication to Community Service
We are incredibly proud of Christie Lee Griffin for her unwavering dedication to serving our community, both through her work with the Public Defender Office and now as a board member with Caracole. Christie’s commitment to justice, advocacy, and community engagement shines brightly in every role she undertakes.
Caracole provides essential services in prevention, medical care, pharmacological support, and housing assistance, all of which are crucial for supporting at-risk and infected individuals in our community. As a board member, Christie will contribute her expertise and passion to help Caracole continue its vital mission.
Christie’s involvement with Caracole exemplifies the core values of our office. Her dedication reflects our collective commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of those we serve. We are confident that Christie will bring valuable insights and a strong sense of justice to Caracole’s board, further enhancing their impact on the community.
We look forward to seeing the positive changes and continued support Christie will help bring about in her new role. Her work stands as a testament to the importance of community service and the profound impact that dedicated individuals can have on those in need.
by David HarveyMallory Reed Secures First Jury Trial Win for Theft Charge State Dismisses Assault and Menacing Charges
Congratulations to Mallory Reed on securing her first jury trial win for a theft charge on May 2nd. Additionally, the State chose to dismiss the two charges of assault and menacing, Mallory’s successful defense strategy centered around highlighting the lack of crucial evidence and inconsistencies in the prosecution’s case.
Mallory expressed gratitude to her colleagues, particularly Karinne Hill, for their support during the trial process. She also acknowledged the contributions of Darceny Winston and Ben Ranz in developing effective trial strategies and analogies that resonated with the jury.
Overall, Mallory’s successful defense underscores the importance of thorough preparation, effective advocacy, and strategic trial presentation in securing favorable outcomes for clients facing serious charges.
by David HarveyClay Achieves First Jury Trial Victory in OVI Case, Secures Not-Guilty Verdict for Client
Clay secured his first jury trial win in a marijuana OVI case with Mike Welsh assisting him. Their client, N.P., had crashed his truck during a seizure, and a subsequent blood test showed active marijuana despite his medical marijuana card. Initially hesitant due to his injuries, N.P. proceeded with the trial after Mike’s reassurance and a judge’s flexible schedule.
The prosecution’s witnesses could not conclusively link the client’s condition to marijuana impairment, and their expert acknowledged that frequent marijuana users might not be impaired even with active marijuana in their system.
A significant legal debate centered on whether the medical marijuana defense was an affirmative defense. Clay successfully argued it wasn’t, leading to favorable jury instructions. The jury returned a not-guilty verdict, citing insufficient evidence of impairment and the expert’s testimony.
by David HarveyMax Londberg Secures Victory in Jury Trial, Proving Client’s Innocence in Alleged Theft of Groceries
Max Londberg, a member of our 2023 hiring class, successfully represented a client in a jury trial. The case involved an allegation of theft of $200+ in groceries.
In addition to challenging the police narrative, Max called several witnesses and used surveillance footage within the store to prove his client’s innocence. The jury agreed and found Max’s client not guilty.
Special thanks to the other members of the defense team for helping Max secure justice for his client. Congratulations, Max, on your well-deserved victory.
by David HarveyGabe Cripe Secures Victory in First-Ever Jury Trial, Showcasing Dedication to Justice
We are delighted to share exciting news regarding our team member, Gabe Cripe, who has won his first-ever jury trial. This achievement is a testament to Gabe’s dedication, skill, and unwavering commitment to justice.
Gabe’s successful representation in this case was one of the most challenging legal battles our team has faced. His meticulous preparation, strategic approach, and tireless advocacy played a pivotal role in achieving a favorable outcome for our client.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Gabe for this remarkable achievement. Additionally, we express gratitude to Scott Nazzarine, Gabe’s team leader and second chair, whose guidance and support were instrumental throughout the trial.
Gabe’s triumph highlights our team’s collective excellence and unwavering commitment to upholding justice and advocating for our client’s rights. As we celebrate this milestone, we reaffirm our dedication to serving our community with integrity, diligence, and compassion. Congratulations, Gabe, on this well-deserved victory, and may it be the first of many more to come.
by David HarveyTriumph in the Courtroom: Defense Attorney Darceny Winston Secures Not Guilty Verdict in Landmark OVI Case
Defense attorney Darceny Winston achieved a remarkable victory for her client in an OVI trial. The case originated in Green Township and presented a compelling narrative. Winston’s client was found asleep in the front seat of her car at an intersection.
Crucially, upon exiting the vehicle, the client displayed no signs of impairment. Throughout the trial, Winston and co-counsel Sharonda Hunter meticulously challenged the prosecution’s narrative, highlighted inconsistencies in the officer’s testimony, and asserted that the client’s condition was due to exhaustion.
After only a few hours of deliberation, the jury delivered a Not Guilty verdict. Winston & Hunter’s triumph stands as a beacon of hope for those facing similar challenges and underscores the critical role of skilled defense attorneys in safeguarding the rights and liberties of individuals.
by David HarveyAcquittal Against Odds: Dallas Guttman and Sarah Vanderhoff Secure Not Guilty Verdict in DUI Trial, Protecting Mother’s Freedom
Dallas Guttman and Sarah Vanderhoff won a jury trial for a client who was accused of drinking and driving.
She faced a minimum of 20 days in jail and maximum of 180 days. The client is a mother of school-age children and could not afford to go to jail for 20 days for something she did not do.
The case turned on whether the client was drunk. The police claimed client failed the field sobriety test.
Dallas and Sarah successfully argued that the officer performed the tests incorrectly and that the client acted normally under the circumstances. The jury agreed and came back with a not guilty verdict within an hour.
by David HarveyUpholding Constitutional Rights: A Legal Victory in Springfield Township
In a recent legal battle that underscores the importance of protecting individual rights, attorney Rachel McKay achieved a significant victory for her client. The case, which unfolded in Springfield Township, centered on a traffic stop initiated by a police officer, leading to charges of driving under an OVI suspension against her.
The woman, whose car was titled to her daughter, found herself facing legal trouble after the traffic stop. However, McKay swiftly took action, filing a motion to suppress on behalf of her client. In her argument, McKay contended that the officer lacked reasonable suspicion or probable cause to initiate the stop, thereby violating her’ Fourth Amendment rights.
During the suppression hearing, the officer’s testimony proved to be vague and lacking in substantial justification for the stop. Unable to provide a concrete reason for initiating the stop, the officer’s testimony cast doubt on the legality of the entire encounter. Despite the state’s objections, McKay’s detailed motion to suppress stood strong, effectively highlighting the absence of reasonable suspicion.
In a notable turn of events, the First District Court of Appeals sided with McKay’s argument, recognizing the validity of the motion to suppress. The appellate court determined that Watts’ Fourth Amendment rights had indeed been violated due to an unreasonable search and seizure. As a result, the court reversed the previous judgment and instructed the trial court to grant the motion to suppress.
This legal victory serves as a testament to the importance of diligent legal representation and the unwavering commitment to upholding constitutional rights. Through McKay’s advocacy, her client was able to secure justice and protection from unlawful government intrusion. The case not only highlights the critical role of defense attorneys in safeguarding individual liberties but also underscores the need for accountability within law enforcement practices.
by David HarveyTriumph in the Face of Adversity: A Remarkable Jury Trial Victory
In the world of criminal defense, some cases stand out as true tests of skill, dedication, and belief in the principles of justice. This week, one such case came to a remarkable conclusion as a legal team secured a triumphant victory in a challenging jury trial. While the specifics of the case must remain confidential, we can shed light on the key elements that made this victory extraordinary.
The client in question, aged over 40, had a history of extensive interactions with the criminal justice system. Despite their familiarity with legal proceedings, they had never taken a charge to a bench trial, let alone faced a jury trial. This case would prove to be a pivotal moment in their life.
Behind every legal triumph are dedicated individuals who work tirelessly to ensure justice prevails. In this case, special recognition goes to Jesse Laurens & Emily Medosch, who provided invaluable support as the second-chair and ensured the proper introduction of exhibits.A special shout out to Mariah Woeste’s legal research expertise played a crucial role in advocating for the right jury instructions. The entire legal team and other team leaders also deserve commendation for their commitment and teamwork, stepping up to cover other cases while this pivotal jury trial unfolded.
In the end, this victory stands as a testament to the power of a determined legal team, a credible client, and unwavering belief in the principles of justice. It is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, truth and justice can prevail.