On Wednesday, February 1, a Los Angeles county jury acquitted, a father of two of five counts of felony acts of lewd and lascivious acts against a minor, who was 15 years old. The defendant was alleged to have kissed the minor, touched the minor’s private area and forced the minor to touch his penis. The minor was a neighbor of the defendant who frequently visited the defendant’s home to play with defendant’s then 15 year old son.
The 12-member jury deliberated for about a day and half and unanimously voted “not guilty” on all five counts, which included Penal Code Section 288(c)(1). A conviction of just one count of section 288(c)(1) would carry with it a maximum sentence of 3 years in state prison. Most importantly, a conviction would constitute a strike on his criminal record, and lifetime registration as a sex offender in the state of California.
Through the extraordinary efforts of Wallin and Klarich, partner David Cohn was able to successfully defend our client and raise doubts in the prosecution’s case. Mr. Cohn reviewed every single detail of the case and thoroughly cross examined the prosecution’s witnesses. Through an aggressive cross examination, Mr. Cohn was able to highlight the alleged victim’s inconsistencies and poked holes in her untruthful testimony. Moreover, Mr. Cohn relied on logical arguments and challenged the evidence gathered by the police and their heavy handed tactics. With a compelling closing argument and a well-organized defense, Mr. Cohn achieved not guilty verdicts on all counts for our client.
Our client will now be able to return to his normal life instead of spending many years in state prison. He will be able to enjoy being with his family and free to travel anywhere instead of being required to register as a convicted sex offender. Wallin and Klarich is so happy for our client and his family. Our law firm takes pride in being able to provide the best possible legal defense when someone is accused of a serious crime. Many people have said that the difference between jail and freedom in serious criminal cases is Wallin and Klarich. This result proves that once again.
Being accused of a sex offense is the worst thing that can ever happen to an innocent person. We urge you to contact Wallin and Klarich if you are in need of our help. Call us toll free at 877-466-5245.
