Criminal Case | Violent Crime

State v. AF, (Hillsborough County-2003):

AF was charged with felony Criminal Restraint, Kidnapping, Robbery, and two counts of misdemeanor Simple Assault against his ex-girlfriend. The State’s evidence appeared overwhelming. Initially, AF was represented by a Public Defender with over 20 years experience who, not unreasonably, advised AF to accept a plea bargain. We inherited the case. On advice of counsel, as part of his trial strategy, AF took the rather unorthodox step of admitting to one of the misdemeanor Simple Assaults. After a three-day trial, the Jury found AF not guilty of all charges except the Simple Assault he admitted to prior to trial. 

Result: Not Guilty