Construction Worker Avoids Felony Convictions for Illegal Home Entry

The Zuckerman Law Firm recently represented a construction worker accused of Criminal Trespass, a felony of the third degree punishable by up to 7 years in jail. He stood accused of entering another person's home without permission while under the influence of alcohol. As a gainfully employed construction worker with a past criminal record, a conviction for this offense could have led to his incarceration and loss of employment. 

The client was represented by Attorney Zuckerman, who referred the client for a drug and alcohol assessment. On the preliminary hearing date, a deal was worked out where the client plead to simple trespasser and public drunkenness summary offenses, receiving credit for time served. In short, the felonies were dropped to the lowest possible criminal offenses where no additional fines became due. 

This resolution was ideal under the circumstances, eliminating the need for a costly and stressful trial. 

College Student's Felony Criminal Trespass Charges Dismissed

Our office was retained to represent a college student with no criminal history accused of breaking into a fellow student's apartment. The client was charged with Criminal Trespass, a felony of the second degree, punishable by a maximum prison sentence of up to 10 years in jail. Along with jail time, this student faced a permanent criminal record and expulsion from the university. 

This case posed significant challenges for the defense, as there was more than ample evidence to convict if the case went to trial. Our firm's representation of the client centered around damage control - showing the prosecution that this was a good person who deserved a second chance. 

At the preliminary hearing, our firm successfully advocated on our client's behalf with the arresting officer and District Attorney, who agreed that based upon the circumstances, that prosecution of the felony charge was not necessary. The felony charge was dropped in return for the client's guilty plea to a summary disorderly conduct for fines and court costs only. Based upon this successful result, the client is eligible to pursue an expungement of the dismissed criminal trespass charge.