Results:
June, 2018 Dismissal Assault 4 domestic violence. Ms. Kauffman convinced the prosecutor to dismiss the case very quickly after it was charged where other dismissals take several months. The client continues to have a clean criminal record and the no contact order with her husband was lifted.
May, 2018. Exceptional sentence down allows client to keep job, avoid prison. Ms. Kauffman convinced the State to allow the client to plead to reduced charges and still allow her to ask for an exceptional sentence outside the standard range. The State was requesting 31 months in prison. Ms. Kauffman secured an expert and put together a compelling mitigation brief. Judge Vanderwood went with Ms. Kauffman's recommendation for local, work-release time.
http://www.columbian.com/news/2018/may/24/vancouver-man-gets-work-release-in-child-porn-case/
April, 2018 NOT GUILTY felony sex offense. The client was looking at significant prison time, registering as a sex offender and a conviction that could never be removed from his record. At trial, Kauffman argued there was not enough evidence to find a sex offense was committed and the jury acquitted the client of the sex offense. He was left only with a misdemeanor conviction and a bail jump conviction for missing a mandatory court date without a good reason.
https://barrarlaw.com/blog/kauffman-saves-client-from-felony-sex-conviction.html
Not Guilty Verdict, Assault 4 domestic violence. January 2018. The client was charged with assaulting his wife by swinging a pair of pants with a belt on them and striking her in the face, causing a bloody nose. He maintained it was an accident and after a cooling off period, the wife indicated she thought it may have been an accident as well. The prosecutor offered nothing but plead guilty as charged to assault. Ms. Kauffman advised the client to take the case to trial. The jury deliberated for two hours before returning a verdict of NOT GUILTY. http://barrarlaw.com/blog/kauffman-wins-domestic-violence-assault-trial.html
Possible life sentence on sex offense - case dismissed. November 2017. The client was charged with indecent liberties with force, a class A felony that carries up to LIFE in prison and lifetime registration as a sex offender. He was alleged to have sexually assaulted his wife. He vehemently denied the allegations, had no criminal history and owned a small business in the community. Ms. Kauffman rejected offers made by the State and was able to get the charges dismissed completely.
Dismissals - 5 in October, 2017. All five cases involved domestic violence assault allegations. Ms. Kauffman was able to get each dismissed in the month of October. Several of the client had, and continue to have, no criminal history. Assault 4 domestic violence carries a maximum of 364 days in jail and would make it a felony for one to possess a firearm.
Not Guilty - Violation of a No Contact Order Domestic Violence. August, 2017. Both the client and the protected party indicated they though the temporary no contact order had been lifted. Even so, the State refused to dismiss the charge. The prosecutor had to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the client knowingly violated a provision of the no contact order. Kauffman pointed out in closing argument that nothing in evidence corroborated that requirement. The jury deliberated for 45 minutes before handing down a NOT guilty verdict.
4 Dismissals, 1 Morning in court. August, 2017. Three cases where the clients were charged with one count of assault 4 domestic violence and one case where the client was charged with malicious mischief domestic violence and assault 4 domestic violence were dismissed. Four clients were free to leave the courthouse, ALL pleased with the outcome.
Not Guilty - Assault 4th Degree Domestic Violence with Immigration consequences at stake. August, 2017. An independent witness called 911 and reported a male was punching a female in the parking lot outside her work. The man, charged with assault 4, claimed he actually was protecting his coworker against his jealous ex-girlfriend, who showed up at his working looking for a fight. The co-worker testified the alleged victim was the aggressor and Kauffman's client protected her; ultimately aiding her in getting away. The client testified he only touched his ex in defense of the co-worker and defense of himself. Kauffman argued to the jury that sometimes things aren't what they seem upon first glance and that the 911 caller could have been mistaken, which was corroborated by video evidence. The jury found the client not guilty. Had he been convicted, he could have faced deportation. Blog link: http://barrarlaw.com/blog/kauffman-wins-another-not-guilty-verdict.html.
Dismissal - Violation of a No Contact Order - Domestic Violence. June, 2017. The State could not locate the alleged victim and without her the case would be difficult, if not impossible to prove. Kauffman opposed the prosecutor's motion to continue the case to try to locate the alleged victim and the case was dismissed. The client maintained his right to possess a firearm.
Not Guilty - Telephone Harassment Domestic Violence. May, 2017. The client was accused of threatening his mother's life over the phone outside of a busy Safeway. The client indicated he certainly yelled at her but never threatened her in any way. The mother testified against her son. The jury acquitted the client after a short deliberation.
Not Guilty - Assault 4th degree Domestic Violence. April 2017. A man was accused of assaulting his ex-wife during an altercation in a vehicle. The alleged victim changed her story several times and admitted she lied about part of the incident when questioned by defense investigator Stephanie Rice. She maintained she was assaulted. Ms. Kauffman was able to convince the judge to allow a prior conviction of a false statement to a police officer into evidence. The client was found not guilty and avoided any immigration consequences that would have followed a conviction, including the possibility of deportation. Link to blog: http://barrarlaw.com/blog/jury-doesn-t-believe-convicted-liar-acquits-kauffman-s-client.html
Not Guilty - Assault 4th degree Domestic Violence. March 2017. This mother was charged with assaulting her ex-husband after a dispute over their son's Christmas gifts. The alleged victim refused to give the toys to the client, saying that their son would have to play with them at his house or not at all. He then started recording with his cell phone, which is illegal to do without the other party's consent. He claimed he was assaulted. She claimed self-defense. On cross examination, Ms. Kauffman elicited inconsistencies, pointed out impossibilities of his story and impeached him with a prior conviction for lying to law enforcement officers. The jury acquitted her quickly. Link to blog: http://barrarlaw.com/blog/woman-acquitted-of-assaulting-ex-husband.html
Assault 2nd degree of a child - DISMISSED. March 2017. The client was alleged to have assaulted her 1-month old child. She indicated it was an accident. The child was taken away from her for over two years while she was prosecuted. An expert was obtained to evaluate the medical records of the infant. That doctor, who is an expert in child injury cases and based in California, indicated the injuries could very well have been sustained the way the mother claimed. The client was looking at 33 - 43 months in prison, a conviction for a strike offense felony and her daughter being put up for adoption. The prosecutor went over the defense expert's report with the ER doctor who initially evaluated the infant. That doctor could not dispute the expert for defense. The case was dismissed a week and a half prior to trial. When told the news, the client broke down in tears. - blog post by firm: http://barrarlaw.com/blog/felony-assault-charges-dismissed-mother-hopeful-she-ll-regain-custody-of-daughter.html
Dismissal - Assault 4 domestic violence, March 2017. The client had no criminal history and asserted she was the actual victim of her ex-husband. Ms. Kauffman was able to verify this through police reports and interviews with family and friends. The case was dismissed.
NOT GUILTY - Assault 4 domestic violence, Feb. 2017. A mother was accused of assaulting her adult daughter after a verbal altercation at the mother's home. The client indicated her daughter attacked her and she only held her down in self-defense. The jury deliberated for about 90 minutes and acquitted the client of domestic violence assault charges. - Firm blog post: http://barrarlaw.com/blog/mother-acquitted-of-assaulting-adult-daughter.html
Dismissal - Violation of a No Contact Order Domestic Violence, Dismissal - Civil Anti-Harassment Order, Jan. 2017. The client had no criminal history and was diversion eligible. Rather than enter diversion, which lasts at least a year and carries fines and treatment, Ms. Kauffman negotiated a dismissal. The client went to a few counseling sessions and the both the criminal charge and civil no contact order were dismissed.
Dismissal - Kidnapping 1st Degree Domestic Violence (DV), Assault 2 DV Strangulation, Felony Stalking DV, Felony Violation of a No Contact Order DV. Plea to one count misdemeanor violation of a no contact order, Dec. 2016. The client was looking at 10+ years in prison when he was alleged to have kidnapped his ex-girlfriend, taken her against her will to a secluded wooded area and tortured her all night. Ms. Kauffman was able to show that this chain of events did not make sense based on cell phone tower records. The client plead guilty to one count consensual violation of a no contact order (since they had been exchanging phone calls) with credit for time served. Were he to be convicted of a 1st Degree Kidnapping, he would be facing indeterminate sentencing - where he would have to go before a parole board who would decide after he served him 10+ years whether he was actually rehabilitated and fit to be released. The client broke down in tears when Ms. Kauffman told him he was going home with no felony charges. - Firm blog post: http://barrarlaw.com/blog/multiple-felonies-reduced-to-single-misdemeanor.html
Dismissal - Assault 4 Domestic Violence, Dec. 2016. Ms. Kauffman indicated she would call the case ready for trial and asserted self-defense. Rather than take the case to trial, the prosecutor dismissed two days before the scheduled trial date.
Not Guilty - Assault 4 Domestic Violence, October, 2016. The client was alleged to have spit in his wife's face after a verbal fight. He indicated that he only did it to get her away from him and that she had torn his shirt down the middle while intoxicated and upset. Ms. Kauffman went to trial and asserted self-defense, arguing the spit was the least amount of force possible to get the wife to stop and the spit did just that: she stopped. The jury agreed and found him not guilty. The client had no criminal history.
Not Guilty - Malicious Mischief 3 Domestic Violence, Oct. 2016. The client was charged with kicking his ex-girlfriend's car after a fight and causing a dent. He indicated he kicked the car as she backed out of a parking spot and almost hit him. Ms. Kauffman argued self defense and the jury found the client not guilty after a one day trial.
Not Guilty - Assault 4 Domestic Violence - 8-minute jury verdict, Sept. 2016. A woman alleged her boyfriend and father of her child had punched her in the face and kicked her after an argument about her feeding their infant pizza. The client indicated he never laid a hand on her. After establishing on cross examination that the alleged victim gave several different stories, several of which did not match up with what she told the police and lied about what she had said in a 911 call, the jury acquitted the client after only EIGHT minutes of deliberation. - Firm blog post: http://barrarlaw.com/blog/not-guilty-verdict-delivered-faster-than-a-pizza.html
3 Felony Charges Dismissed - Residential Burglary, Malicious Mischief and Felony Bail Jump, Sept. 2016. An adverse reaction to a mental health prescribed medication led to the client breaking down a neighbor's door and barricading himself in their apartment. He later missed a court date and the State added a count of Felony Bail Jump for missing court. Ms. Kauffman had an expert evaluate the mental health defense and Dr. Litman opined the client had diminished capacity and could not form the required mental states to commit residential burglary and malicious mischief. The client was able to provide medical documentation showing he was in the hospital during the alleged bail jump. ALL felony charges were dismissed.
Felony Assault 2nd Degree and Unlawful Imprisonment amended to one count misdemeanor assault, Sept. 2016. The client had been represented by two attorneys previously and did not feel either took his claims of self-defense seriously. The alleged victim was on board with the prosecutor and indicated she felt he had attempted to murder her. She refused to be interviewed by Ms. Kauffman because she had been previously interviewed by a prior attorney. Ms. Kauffman obtained a court order she be deposed. After pointing out numerous inconsistencies with the alleged victim's accounts of the incident, Ms. Kauffman was able to secure the client an offer for credit for time served on one count of misdemeanor assault. Had the client been convicted of the felony charges he would have been looking at over a year in prison and having a Class B serious "strike offense" on his record. He now will be able to have his record vacated after 3 years if he chooses.
Dismissal - Assault 4 Domestic Violence, August 2016. Ms. Kauffman took on a client who again had no criminal history and was charged with assaulting her boyfriend. She indicated she never assaulted him and he had actually assaulted her and locked her out of the house. The case was dismissed after Ms. Kauffman indicated her client would not take any plea deals.
Dismissal - Violation of a No Contact Order x 2, August 2016. The client had two 2014 allegations of violations of no contact orders. He came to Ms. Kauffman and indicated there would be no deals: he would only accept dismissal or would take the cases to trial. After negotiating and pushing the prosecutor to produce their witnesses, Ms. Kauffman attempted to call the case ready for trial. Upon hearing the cases would be called ready for trial the prosecutor filed dismissals on both cases.
Dismissal - Assault 4 Domestic Violence, August 2016. A woman was charged with assaulting her husband. She indicated that she never assaulted him but that she had only broken up a fight between him and her teenage son. Ms. Kauffman indicated they would call the case ready for trial and would not be entering into diversion. The case was dismissed at the readiness hearing.
Dismissal - Assault 4 Domestic Violence AND Violation of a No Contact Order (separate incident dates), July 2016. The client had no criminal history and was charged with assaulting her boyfriend. She indicated she only acted in self-defense. Ms. Kauffman indicated it would be a dismissal or trial. The State dismissed.
Because of the pending Assault 4 there was a no contact order in place while the case was pending. She was alleged to have violated the no contact order. There was a 911 call about a "disturbance". When the officer responded he found the client with the protected party boyfriend. Ms. Kauffman drafted a motion to suppress arguing the officer had no reason to contact her client. The prosecutor agreed to dismiss the charge without having any oral argument.
Dismissal - Assault 4 Domestic Violence, July 2016. The alleged victim was still on board and the client was diversion eligible. The client did not want to acknowledge guilt, which is required to enter diversion and maintained she acted in self-defense. Ms. Kauffman indicated the client rejected the offer and called the case ready for trial. The day prior to trial the prosecutor dismissed the charge.
Dismissal - Harassment Domestic Violence, May 2016.
Dismissal - Theft Domestic Violence, May 2016.
Assault 4 Domestic Violence - NOT Guilty verdict, April 2016. One witness, the alleged victim's mother, and the alleged victim indicated the client had punched the father of her child in the head during a child exchange. The client indicated she never punched anyone but had been frantic when the alleged victim tried to drive away with her child in an improper and dangerous car seat. The alleged victim and his mother's motive and bias were heavily cross-examined by Ms. Kauffman. The jury returned a verdict of not guilty after only 18 minutes. The client had, and continues to have, no criminal history.
Assault 2 Domestic Violence Strangulation reduced to misdemeanor non Domestic Violence Assault 4, March 2016. The client was charged with strangling his mother's live-in boyfriend. Assault 2 is a violent class B felony and a "Strike" offense. The client had criminal history, but nothing assaultive in nature. After Ms. Kauffman conducted many interviews and successfully obtaining past metal health records of the alleged victim, there were clearly issues with the alleged victim's credibility. The client was offered lesser charges but Ms. Kauffman indicated the case would go to trial unless a misdemeanor was put on the table. After several months Ms. Kauffman was able to secure the client's desired offer, a misdemeanor non domestic violence assault, with credit for time served.
Malicious Mischief 3 Domestic Violence - dismissed, March 2016. The client did not have any criminal history and was alleged to have broken his girlfriend's cell phone during an argument. He was offered several amended charges but Ms. Kauffman pushed for a dismissal and finally secured one right before trial. The client continues to have a clean record.
Assault 4 Domestic Violence - dismissed, March 2016. Instead of risk going to trial when Ms. Kauffman asserted a claim of self defense, the prosecutor dismissed the case several days prior to trial.
Arson 2nd Degree - dismissed, Feb. 2016. The client had no criminal history and was charged with a class B felony. He had ambitions of owning his own company. Ms. Kauffman was able to get the arson charge completely dismissed.
Felony Possession of a Controlled Substance and Felony Bail Jump - all reduced to misdemeanors, Feb. 2016. The client was charged with possession of methamphetamine and bail jump for missing a court date. Both charges were felonies. Ms. Kauffman indicated he would proceed to trial unless both charges were reduced to simple misdemeanors. The prosecutor would not make the offer but finally relented the day before Ms. Kauffman called the case ready for trial. The client continues to have no felony history.
Not Guilty - Assault 4 domestic voilence. Jan., 2016. A Clark County District Court jury deliberated only 30 minutes last week before returning a verdict of not guilty in a misdemeanor assault case.
My client, who was charged with assaulting his brother, had admitted to police that he hit his brother in anger because his brother had wrecked his vehicle. A witness indicated she did not see the assault, but did see my client raise his fist toward the alleged victim. When I first met with my client, he told me that his brother had advanced on him and he only struck him in self-defense. So that was going to be our defense at trial.
In a self-defense case, the alleged victim's history of violence, or lack of history, becomes relevant. For example, if you're in a screaming match with someone you've known for years, and that person has never been violent, you probably aren't going to be worried the argument will turn physical. But if you know the person has a history of being arrested for assault, you're going to be prepared to protect yourself.
In this case, the alleged victim has a history of assault and I was able to present that to the six-member jury during the Jan. 27 trial.
The alleged victim chose not appear at trial. The Vancouver assistant city attorney was still able to present evidence from the victim, including photographs of injuries allegedly caused by my client. My client was the only witness for defense. He testified that he was very upset after the incident, and because of this he did not explain to police that he acted in self-defense.
Once evidence of self-defense is presented a trial, a defendant is entitled to an instruction - by law - explaining that one has the right to defend himself when it appears there is a threat of force from another. The prosecution must disprove this defense beyond a reasonable doubt.
Since the jury found my client not guilty, he avoided jail time and fines and any mandatory treatment that may have been required because it would have been a domestic violence conviction. Also, a no-contact order that prevented him from seeing his brother while the charge was pending was dismissed.
Arson 2nd Degree reduced to misdemeanor Reckless Burning - November 2015. The client was charged with a newsworthy felony Arson. He was looking at a maximum of 10 years in prison on the class B felony. After meeting with the client, Ms. Kauffman knew there were mental health issues present. She had him evaluated by a doctor who indicated at the time of the incident the client was suffering from a mental health issue that essentially negated the required mental state under the arson statute. Based on everything Ms. Kauffman presented to the assigned prosecutor and several of his bosses, the State agreed to amend the charge to Reckless Burning, a misdemeanor. The client was given credit for time served of a little over 60 days and was required to do a mental health evaluation and follow through with any treatment recommendation.
Two counts Violation of Domestic Violence No Contact Order reduced to one count Disorderly Conduct non Domestic Violence - November 2015. The client indicated he wasn't aware there was any no contact order in place and had not been served with any order. The prosecutor provided documentation indicated he had been served. The client was offered a job while the case was pending but it would not be held for him if he was convicted of a No Contact Order or any Domestic Violence offense. Ms. Kauffman was able to get him a reduction to one count Disorderly Conduct, a non-violent, non-domestic violence simple misdemeanor that allowed the client to secure work immediately.
Dismissal - Violation of Domestic Violence Protection Order - November 2015. The client was restrained from going within 300 feet of the protected party. He was found outside on the street over 200 feet away and indicated he thought he was far enough away and simply visiting a convenience store. Ms. Kauffman indicated to the prosecutor the client sought and dismissal and if the case wasn't dismissed the client wished to proceed to trial. The case was dismissed.
Reduction from 9+ Financial Felony charges to 3 counts Criminal Impersonation with credit for time served and no probation - October 2015. The client was charged with almost a dozen felonies. Based on the charges and his criminal history he was looking at well over 6 years in prison if convicted. After several offers the prosecutor was willing to offer a deal for a little under 2 years. The client rejected the offer and Ms. Kauffman indicated the case would go to trial or the client would take unranked felonies with credit for time served or misdemeanor charges. The day before the readiness hearing, the prosecutor indicated she would offer 3 counts of Criminal Impersonation - an unranked felony with a maximum of 365 days in custody - and credit for time served of about 40 days. The client agreed to the offer and was given credit for about 40 days when he was looking at over 6 years in prison.
Dismissal - Assault 4Domestic Violence and Display of a Weapon - September 2015. After reviewing reports and anticipated evidence it became clear the State's witnesses had reliability and credibility issues. Ms. Kauffman indicated the case would proceed to trial. The prosecutor dismissed rather than try the case.
Dismissal - Assault 4 Domestic Violence - September 2015. The alleged victim and two of his family members asserted the client, the mother of his child, had assaulted him while he sat in a vehicle. The client indicated this simply didn't occur and that he drove away with her partially in the car during a child custody exchange, causing her to fall in the road. The client rejected all offers and Ms. Kauffman indicated she would call ready for trial. The case was dismissed.
Dismissal - Assault 4 Domestic Violence - August 2015. The alleged victim was the girlfriend of Ms. Kauffman's client and a friend of the alleged victim was present during the alleged assault. The client had no criminal history and was also facing immigration consequences because of his citizenship status. The client asserted self-defense and indicated the witness only came upon the middle of him defending himself. The prosecutor offered to amend the charge to disorderly conduct - domestic violence. The offer was rejected and Ms. Kauffman indicated the case would be called ready for trial. The case was dismissed at readiness. The client has no pending charges and therefore faces no immigration consequences either.
Dismissal - Assault 4 Domestic Violence - July 2015. A young mother was charged with assaulting her mother. She indicated it was an accident. The alleged victim indicated alcohol had been involved. Ms. Kauffman had the client evaluated for diminished capacity. A doctor found the client did indeed have diminished capacity at the time of the incident, which meant she could not form the required intent to assault. The prosecutor was not willing to dismiss but Ms. Kauffman indicated she would take a dismissal or go to trial. At readiness the prosecutor dismissed the case. The client continues to have a clean criminal history.
Jury trial - Dismissal after trial began - Assault 4 Domestic Violence - July 2015. A woman was charged with assaulting her husband after she learned of his infidelity. She had no criminal history and therefore was diversion eligible. The client indicated she had only slapped her husband after he had scared her by yelling in her face and putting her in apprehension of bodily harm. Ms. Kauffman asserted a claim of self-defense and interviewed the alleged victim, who did not recant but who did give inconsistent statements and admitted he had "embellished" some of what he told officers. Ms. Kauffman called the case ready for trial and arrived morning of trial prepared to proceed. The alleged victim had not yet appeared and Ms. Kauffman pushed the process along so a jury could be selected. Once a jury is selected jeopardy attaches and if the case is dismissed, it can never be filed again. A jury was quickly selected and the alleged victim was still not present. The prosecutor requested a one day continuance, which Ms. Kauffman objected to. Ms. Kauffman requested the case be dismissed. The judge agreed and dismissed the case With Prejudice - meaning it can never be refiled again. The client and her husband are working on reconciliation.
Dismissal - Assault 4 Domestic Violence - July 2015. A verbal fight between a father and son ended in assault charges for the son. The father had indicated the son had assaulted him while intoxicated. The client indicated he would not take any offers. Ms. Kauffman prepared the case for trial and noticed many inconsistent statements from the alleged victim. Once this information was reviewed by the prosecutor the case was dismissed.
Dismissal - Assault 4 Domestic Violence - July 2015. The client was charged with assaulting his wife and was not a U.S. citizen. Any charge, let alone an assault or domestic violence offense, can have very serious consequences for immigration issues. The client indicated he would not take a plea because he had never touched his wife in a violent way. Ms. Kauffman interviewed all involved parties and was prepared to call the case ready for trial unless the State would dismiss. The morning of readiness the State dismissed the charges. The client maintains a clean criminal background and is not in danger of negative immigration consequences from having been convicted of a crime.
Dismissal - Assault 4 Domestic Violence - July 2015. The client was charged with assaulting the father of her child. She admitted to the minor assault and was diversion eligible since she did not have any criminal history. After investigation it was clear the alleged victim was not on board. Ms. Kauffman advised the client to take the case to trial so the prosecutor would be forced to decide if it was a case worth taking to a jury. Ms. Kauffman was prepared to call the case ready for trial but the case was dismissed the morning it was scheduled to be called ready. The client maintains a clean criminal record.
Dismissal - Assault 4 Domestic Violence, Interfering with Domestic Violence Reporting - July 2015. The client was accused of assaulting the mother of his child and not allowing her to call 911 to report the alleged assault. He was not willing to take any offers - even for a very low level Disorderly Conduct non domestic Violence - because he indicated he had acted in self-defense and never interfered with any call she tried to make. Several offers were turned down and Ms. Kauffman prepared the case for trial. The case was dismissed the afternoon before the trial date.
Dismissal - Violation of a Domestic Violence No Contact Order - July 2015. The client was charged with being within 250 feet of the protected party's residence. He indicated he thought he was outside of the distance required by the order and the officer even admitted he was over 200 feet away. The prosecutor would not dismiss the case until Ms. Kauffman indicated she would just take it to trial. The case was dismissed two days before trial.
Dismissal - Assault 4 Domestic Violence - June 2015. The client had criminal history and was charged with assaulting a male relative. The police officer witnessed the middle of the alleged assault. The client indicated he had been defending his father from an assault and the officer had come in the middle of the fight. After interviews with witnesses the officer had neglected to interview, Ms. Kauffman was able to secure a dismissal for the client.
Dismissal - Assault 4 Domestic Violence - June 2015. An assault charge stemmed from a mother - daughter fight. After investigation Ms. Kauffman was concerned the client had possibly been slipped some kind of pill in her drink. Funds were obtained for a diminished capacity evaluation. The client was evaluated by a doctor and the doctor found the client could not have formed the required intent to commit the crime of assault. The charges were dismissed.
Dismissal - Assault 4 Domestic Violence, Reckless Endangerment Domestic Violence, Malicious Mischief Domestic Violence. Plea for one count Bail Jump - June 2015. The client was charged with several offenses involving the father of her child and the child. Her offer was to plead as charged and later for reduction in some of the charges. The client could not take any offers for domestic violence offenses or assault offenses and keep her job in the medical profession. Ms. Kauffman was able to secure an offer dismissing all underlying charges in exchange for a plea to Bail Jump for missing a court date with credit for time served and no conditions.
Dismissal - Assault 4 Domestic Violence - May 2015. A Christmas Eve dinner lead to charges of fourth degree assault for a mother of three with no criminal history. She was diversion eligible but did not want to take any offers or deals. After investigation and several offers for reduced charges the client rejected, the case was dismissed.
Plea to amended charge of Possession of a Controlled Substance with Credit for Time Served - May 2015. The client was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute and was facing over two years in prison. After investigation and much negotiation with the prosecutor Ms. Kauffman was able to secure a plea offer dropping the "Intent to Distribute" with credit for time served. The client avoided significant prison time and was released.
Dismissal - Assault 4 Domestic Violence - May 2015. The client was charged with an assault against a roommate. The offer was plead guilty as charged. On the day of readiness the case was dismissed and the client avoided a conviction for a domestic violence assault without having to go to trial.
Dismissal: Violation of a No Contact Order Domestic Violence - May 2015. The client was diversion eligible but was not interested in entering the program. After interviews and negotiations Ms. Kauffman secured a dismissal of the charge.
Dismissal: Felony Unlawful Imprisonment, plea to misdemeanor Assault 4 Domestic Violence with credit for time served - May 2015. The client had no felony criminal history. Ms. Kauffman was able to get him an offer dismissing the felony charge and an agreement not to file an additional felony count of Assault 2nd Degree (Class B Felony, strike offense) iwith credit for time served of 30 days.
Dismissal: Assault 4 Domestic Violence, Attempted Unlawful Imprisonment Domestic Violence - May 2015. The client did not have any criminal history and indicated he would not enter diversion even though eligible. After several interviews with the alleged victim and rejection of all offers, the prosecutor dismissed the case at the readiness hearing.
Dismissal: Malicious Mischief 3rd Degree - April 2015. The alleged victim had not changed her story and indicated she would testify. Ms. Kauffman was able to negotiated with the prosecutor for a dismissal after the client paid the alleged victim for the damage.
Dismissal: Assault 4 Domestic Violence x 3 and Interfering with Domestic Violence Reporting. Plea to 1 count Bail Jump - March 2015. The case had been set for trial many times and was over 6 months old when Ms. Kauffman came on board. All underlying Domestic Violence charges were dismissed and the client pleaded guilty to one count Bail Jumping for missing court with credit for time served. The no contact order that had been in place with the client and 3 of his immediate family members was lifted and the client was able to be reunited with his family after almost 9 months of no contact.
Dismissal: Assault 4 Domestic Violence - March 2015. The client indicated he had acted in self defense. Ms. Kauffman tried to track down the alleged victim but was unsuccessful. The prosecutor asked what the client was willing to plead to and Ms. Kauffman indicated it would have to be a dismissal or the case would be called ready for trial. The case was dismissed at the readiness hearing.
Assault 4 Domestic Violence x 3 and Malicious Mischief plead down to 1 count Disorderly Conduct Non Domestic Violence - March 2015. The client was charged with assaulting 3 different family members and breaking property of one of those family members. After investigation and interviews Ms. Kauffman was able to get an offer for 1 count Disorderly Conduct Non Domestic Violence with credit for time served.
Dismissal: Assault 4 Domestic Violence AND separate Harassment Domestic Violence - March 2015. The client had been representing himself and discussing the case with the prosecutor. Ms. Kauffman later took on the case when negotiations between him and the prosecutor would not fruitful. The two cases were set for trial a few days apart and the client wanted dismissals on both charges. Ms. Kauffman was able to get both cases dismissed prior to calling the cases ready for trial after investigation and discussion with the assigned prosecutor.
Dismissal: Violation of a No Contact Order, plead to Bail Jump with 1 year Deferred sentence - February 2015. The underlying case was dismissed after many months of negotiations and the client was given a deferred sentence on the bail jump charge. This means that after one year and payment of a fine her case would be dismissed.
Dismissal: Violation of a No Contact Order - February 2015. The client and Ms. Kauffman were able to provide evidence to the prosecutor that the client was not present at the protected party's residence on the alleged incident date. The case was dismissed after being called ready for trial. The client also had a probation violation based on the new law violation. Since the case was dismissed the client was not sanctioned on the probation violation.
Dismissal: Assault 4 Domestic Violence - February 2015. The client did not want to take any offers and the case was dismissed a few days after Ms. Kauffman called it ready for trial.
Dismissal: Assault 4 Domestic Violence - February 2015. The client was in custody and could not bail out. The prosecutor wanted him to plead gulity as charged for 60 days in custody. Ms. Kauffman advised the client to set for trial and work towards a dismissal. The case was dismissed a few days before trial and the client was released.
Dismissal with Prejudice: Assault 4 Domestic Violence - January 2015. The State was having problems securing one of the officers who had questioned the client. The prosecutor waited until the day before trial to request a hearing to ask for a continuance. On the day of trial the prosecutor asked for a continuance and it was denied. The prosecutor then requested to dismiss the case without prejudice (meaning the case could later be refiled). Ms. Kauffman objected based on prosecutorial mismanagement of the case, as well as Speedy Trial issues, and the judge dismissed the case with prejudice. The case may never be refiled again.
Not Guilty: Assault 4 Domestic Violence - January 2015. The offer was to plead guilty as charged with jail time. The client had immigration consequences and Ms. Kauffman could not advise him to plead guilty to an Assault 4 Domestic Violence under those circumstances. The case proceeded to trial and the jury returned a verdict of not guilty after a few hours of deliberation.
Dismissal: Malicious Mischief 3 Domestic Violence - January 2015. The client was held in custody and could not bail but was adamant she wanted a trial. An nterview was done with the alleged victim and the prosecutor agreed to dismiss the case a week before trial.
Dismissal: Assault 4 Domestic Violence - January 2015. The client was charged with assaulting his daughter and wanted triall even though he had admitted to the assault. After interviews Ms. Kauffman was able to get the case dismissed, as the State did not have a credible alleged victim.
Dismissal: Assault 4 Domestic Violence - December 2014. The client had domestic violence so the prosecutor's only offer was plead guilty as charged. The client maintained he had acted in self defense when his girlfriend assaulted him. The case was dismissed the evening before trial.
Dismissal: Assault 4 Domestic Violence - December 2014. The client did not have any criminal history. He did not want to take any offers or do diversion. Ms. Kauffman had interviews with witnesses and alleged victims. These interviews brought new evidence to light: the client was acting in defense of his girlfriend. The case was dismissed the evening before trial.
Dismissal: Malicious Mischief 3rd degree Domestic Violence - November 2014. The case went to trial a few months prior and the result was a hung jury. The court declared a mistrial and the prosecutor decided to continue to prosecute the client. Ms. Kauffman was able to get the case dismissed rather than go to trial a second time.
Dismissal: Assault 4 Domestic Violence - November 2014. The client had no criminal history and was eligible for diversion. He did not wish to enter diversion and had a good claim of self defense. Rather than take the case to trial the prosecutor decided to dismiss the day before.
Dismissal: Assault 4 Domestic Violence - October 2014. The client was looking at an offer to plead as charged with 60 days jail. After several interviews with the alleged victim it was clear she was recanting. The prosecutor made several new offers with less jail time and less serious charges. The client did not wish to take any of these offers. The case was dismissed the evening before trial.
Dismissal: Assault 4 Domestic Violence - October 2014. The client had no criminal history and was diversion eligible. She did not want to pay fines and fees to do diversion and claimed self defense. Ms. Kauffman called the case ready but was told the day before trial that the case was being dismissed, along with the case below (Assault 4 and Bail Jump).
Dismissal: Assault 4 Domestic Voilence and Bail Jump - October 2014. The client was charged with an assault against his then-boyfriend. There were witnesses present during the incident. The client then missed a court date and a charge of bail jumping was added. Ms. Kauffman called the case ready for trial with a self defense claim. The day before trial the City dismissed both the Assault and the Bail Jump charge.
Dismissal: Assault 4 Domestic Voilence - October 2014. Ms. Kauffman called the case ready for trial. The client was diversion eligible but had a claim of self defense. The State decided to dismiss the day before trial. The client kept a clean record and did not have to pay any fines or fees.
Two Felony Assault 3rd degree against police officers pled down to one misdemeanor Assault 4th degree - September 2014. Three days before trial the prosecutor offered a plea to one count misdemeanor assault 4 with credit for time served due to the expert hired by Ms. Kauffman and other mitigating circumstances brought to light in investigation by defense. The client avoided having any felony on her record and any more jail time.
Hung Jury: Malicious Mischief 3 Domestic Voilence - September 2014. The july deliberated and counld not reach a decision after presentation of witnesses from the State and argument between the State and Defense. The court declared a mistrial. The prosecutor must now decide if he wishes to try the case again.
Dismissal: Assault 4 Domestic Violence & Malicious Mischief 3 Domestic Violence - August 2014. Ms. Kauffman called the case ready for trial after conducting interviews. The client had no criminal history and was diversion eligible. A few days before trial the State dismissed all charges. The client has a clean criminal history and did not have to pay any fines or costs to the State.
Dismissal: Assault 4 Domestic Violence - July 2014. The client was charge with assault againsther boyfriend. After interviews, Katie planned to call the case ready at a hearing the week before trial. Based on the interviews with the alleged victim, the prosecutor dismissed rather than continue to proceed to trial.
Dismissal: Assault 4 Domestic Violence - July 2014. The client was charged with an assault against an immediate family member and had no criminal history. He was offered diversion or a plea to a lesser crime of disorderly conduct non domestic violence. Katie set the case for trial and the case was dismissed 1 day before trial, after being called ready twice by defense.
Dismissal: Assault 4 Domestic Violence - July 2014. The client was charged with an assault against his sister and had no criminal history. There was an offer to plead to a lesser crime of disorderly conduct, non domestic violence. Katie set the case for trial and the charges were dismissed at the readiness hearing, where she planned to call the case ready for trial.
Dismissal: Malicious Mischief 3rd degree, June 2014. The client was charged with malicious mischief for spray painting. Ms. Kauffman worked out an agreement with the owner of the property that if the client completed 6 hours of community service the case could be dismissed. Case was dismissed day of trial.
Dismissal: Hit and Run - Unattended, June 2014. Even though the client had several related priors, Katie was able to get the case dismissed after the insurance had paid for the damage. The client avoided a trial and possible conviction that would have led to jail time.
Dismissal: Resisting arrest, Reduction to infraction: obstructing an officer, Feb., 2014. The afternoon before trial, Ms. Kauffman was able to get one count dismissed and the other amended to an infraction of peace and quiet violation with a $138 fine. The client was able to keep a clean record without risking a trial.
Not Guilty, Jury trial. Harboring a Minor & Obstructing a Law Enforcement Officer, Feb., 2014. After selecting a jury and prevailing on all pretrial motions, the City had to dismiss the harboring a minor charge but continued to pursue the obstructing charge. The jury deliberated for less than 20 minutes, finding the client not guilty of obstructing.
Reduction to unrelated nominal traffic infraction from Vicious Dog criminal offense. Jan., 2014. The day before trial, after months of extensive investigation and discovery of numerous witnesses, the City of Vancouver offered to dimiss the criminal charge if the client would accept an infraction (under $50). The client wanted to resolve this way rather than risk conviction at trial. She maintains a clean criminal record in Washington.
Reduction to infraction: MIP (minor in possession). Dec., 2013. Prosecutor offered an infraction 3 hours before motion hearing on two issues filed by Ms. Kauffman. Client kept clean record without having to go to trial.
Dismissal day before trial: Driving while suspended 3rd degree. Dec., 2013. The afternoon before trial, the City agreed to dismiss the case because of defense alibi witnesses.
Jury trial: Not guilty minor in possession. Nov., 2013. In mid November Katie took a minor in possession case to trial. The trial lasted one day. The client was found not gulty by a jury of six people.
Dismissal: Unlawful issue of bank checks x 2. Sept., 2013. Both counts dismissed.
Dismissal: Criminal trespass. August 2013.
Dismissal: Hit and Run attended, pled guilty to driving while suspended 3rd degree with two days work crew. Sept., 2013.
DIU refusal amended to Negligent driving 1st degree after motion to suppress filed. August, 2013. A DUI refusal is a gross misdemeanor, carries mandatory minimum jail time and many fines and court costs. Katie filed a motion to suppress based on a bad police officer stop of the vehicle. The prosecutor, a few days before the motion was to be argued, offered an amendement to a Negligent driving 1st degree, a simple misdemeanor, with a few days of community service, no jail, and a much lower fine.
Dismissal: Assault in the fourth degree. June, 2013.
Dismissal: Assault in the fourth degree x 2. June, 2013. Both counts dismissed.
Dismissal: Theft. Pleaded guilty to one count bail jump with one day credit for time served. June 2013.
Dismissal: Theft. Pleaded guilty to one count bail jump with credit for time served. May, 2013.
Dismissal: Theft. April, 2013.
Dismissal: Assault in the fourth degree x 4. All four counts dismissed. March 2013.
DUI amended to a non-criminal traffic infraction, Negigent driving 2nd degree. Feb., 2013
Jury trial: Not guilty obstructing a law enforcement officer. Feb., 2013. The client was diversion eligible but wanted a trial, which he has a constitutional right to have once charged with a crime. After a one day trial with several witnesses, from the City and from defense, the man was found not guilty by the jury.
Jury Trial: Not guilty malicious mischief, third degree. Feb., 2013. After a one day trial, the client was found not guilty by a six person jury, even after the alleged victim came in and testified the client had damaged his property and he had seen the client do it.
Dismissal: Theft. Jan., 2013.
Dismissal: Malicious mischief third degree. Pleaded guilty to one count minor in possession. Oct., 2012.
Dismissal: Theft of rental property. Pleaded guilty to one count bail jump with one day work crew. Aug., 2012.
Dismissal: Hit and run - attended vehicle. May, 2012.
