Not Guilty Verdict!

Few lawyers routinely win “not guilty” verdicts at trial. The attorneys with LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. do everything possible to achieve the best result possible for every client.

Another Big Victory for the Defense Team at LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C.

Last week, LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. secured another NOT GUILTY verdict for one of the firm’s clients, a man accused of assaulting his daughter. Although it was an act of parental discipline, he was charged with domestic violence. This crime carries a lot of baggage, including a lifetime ban on owning firearms, restrictions from eligibility for certain jobs, and the permanent label of “abuser.” The defense lawyers with LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. do whatever it takes to achieve not guilty verdicts at trial.

In the client’s case, he was charged with assault and battery of his young daughter. She told her school counselor that her father had attacked her, and the counselor informed the police. Child Protective Services (CPS) began its investigation to determine whether a petition to terminate his parental rights was warranted.

The criminal charge and CPS investigation began because the client is a devoted father. His daughter had not been doing well in school and started getting into trouble misusing her phone. Concerned over her falling grades and phone use and faced with an increasingly defiant child, the client spanked his daughter. Once.

The Law

In Michigan, Domestic Violence is defined as an assault or assault and battery that one commits against a spouse, romantic partner, family member, or other person living with the accused. Michigan allows parents to use corporal punishment so long as it is reasonable. Parental discipline is legal and a valid defense against assaultive criminal charges if (1) the defendant can demonstrate that the force was used for disciplinary purposes and (2) the prosecutor fails to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the force used was unreasonable. Reasonableness is subjective, so it is essential at trial that any defendant affirmatively assert the reasonableness of the force, even though the burden of proof is supposed to lie with the prosecution. Consistently achieving not guilty verdicts at trial on domestic violence and parental discipline cases takes a combination of skill, savvy, experience, and zealousness.

The Case

After securing an outstanding resolution of the CPS investigation (the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services determined, by a preponderance of the evidence, that no abuse had occurred), LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. senior trial attorney George MacAvoy Brown sought a just conclusion to the criminal case. He negotiated with the prosecutor and secured the best deal possible short of dismissal: a reduced plea to Breach of the Peace with dismissal after six months of non-reporting probation under MCL 771.1. It was an incredible deal, but the client had to make the call. He simply couldn’t bring himself to take the safe way out. He knew he was innocent. It was good that he hired a firm that’s NOT AFRAID TO WIN. Some lawyers routinely fail to achieve not guilty verdicts at trial, but not the experienced, influential lawyers with LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C.

What to Expect When Working With LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C

When you hire LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C., Michigan’s premier criminal defense law firm, to defend against felony or misdemeanor charges, you can expect dedication and expertise unmatched in the legal field. Our team is committed to providing aggressive, comprehensive defense strategies tailored to your unique case. From the moment you entrust us with your defense, here’s what you can expect:

Personalized Attention: We understand that every case is unique, with its own set of facts and circumstances. Our attorneys take the time to listen to your story, understand your goals, and develop a personalized strategy that addresses your specific needs and concerns.

Expertise and Experience: With decades of combined experience in criminal defense, our attorneys bring a wealth of knowledge to your case. We are well-versed in Michigan’s laws and have a deep understanding of the criminal justice system, ensuring that your defense is both sophisticated and effective.

Proactive Advocacy: Our team doesn’t wait for the prosecution to make the first move. We proactively investigate your case, gathering evidence and identifying weaknesses in the prosecution’s arguments. Our goal is to stay several steps ahead, positioning us to negotiate from a place of strength or, if necessary, to prevail at trial.

Open Communication: Legal proceedings can be confusing and stressful. We prioritize clear, open communication, keeping you informed every step of the way. You’ll never be left in the dark about where your case stands or what your options are. Our attorneys are always accessible to answer your questions and address your concerns.

Compassionate Support: Beyond legal representation, we offer you and your loved ones compassionate support. We understand the emotional toll that criminal charges can bring, and we’re here to provide reassurance and guidance through this challenging time.

Fierce Representation in Court: Should your case go to trial, you can expect fierce, unwavering representation in court. Our attorneys are skilled litigators who are not afraid to fight for your rights and freedoms before a judge or jury.

Commitment to Your Best Outcome: Above all, when you hire LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C., you can expect an unwavering commitment to achieving the best possible outcome in your case. Whether it’s seeking a dismissal of charges, negotiating a favorable plea deal, or securing a not-guilty verdict at trial, our ultimate goal is to protect your future.

At LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C., we’re not just your attorneys but your advocates, defenders, and partners in navigating the criminal justice system. With us by your side, you can face your felony or misdemeanor charges with confidence, knowing that you have Michigan’s premier criminal defense team fighting for you.

The Verdict – A Not Guilty Verdict at Trial

After a challenging trial that involved testimony from multiple witnesses, including the man’s young daughter, the verdict was announced: NOT GUILTY! The charge was dismissed, the no-contact order was lifted, and the client walked away with a clean record. One of the lessons of this case was that you should ALWAYS ASK TO SPEAK WITH A LAWYER. Every citizen has a right to counsel and to be free from self-incrimination. Another lesson is that innocence may be presumed but not guaranteed.

What is it like to be found not guilty at trial?

not guilty verdict in court innocent defense attorney

In one heartbreaking case, LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C.’s Defense Team stood by a client wrongfully accused of criminal sexual conduct against his stepdaughter. Our client was devastated, yet unwavering in his innocence. He took and passed a polygraph test, but despite his truthfulness, the prosecutor pressed forward. The accusations were so intense, and the stepdaughter and her mother were so determined to see the case go to trial that all efforts to have the charges dismissed were denied.

For a week, he endured a difficult and emotional trial. But when the jury finally returned its verdict, they found him not guilty. The relief was enormous, but the emotional scars remained.

Two years later, the stepdaughter contacted our office, asking to reconnect with her former stepfather. She confessed that she needed to apologize for her false accusation. When they met, she tearfully explained that her mother had manipulated her into making the claims and that she couldn’t live with the guilt any longer. She needed to make things right.

Reflecting on his acquittal in such a charged and painful case, our client shared the overwhelming sense of vindication he felt—a feeling of finally being seen and believed when it mattered most.

If you have been falsely accused of a violent offense after lawfully disciplining your child or being charged with any other crime, call LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C., and we will take the time to talk with you, answer your questions, and address your concerns. We will not let you down if you trust us with your representation. Although no lawyer can ethically guarantee any particular result, we assure you that we do whatever it takes to give our clients the best chance of getting not guilty verdicts at trial. Call us for a free consultation today!

Call us today at (248) 263-6800 for a free consultation or complete an online Request for Assistance Form. We will contact you promptly and find a way to help you.