S&B Client Facing Life in Federal Prison, Found Not Guilty on All Counts by a Federal Jury
In another astounding victory, New York criminal defense lawyer, Steven Brill, obtained an acquittal of all charges for a client that was charged with Conspiracy to Commit a Hobbs Act Robbery, Conspiracy to Possess and Distribute over 5 kilograms of Cocaine, Intention to Possess and Distribute over 5 Kilograms of Cocaine, and Possession of Firearm in furtherance of a Felony in Brooklyn Federal District Court in the Eastern District of New York.
The client was facing a life sentence if convicted, given his history of 19 similar offenses. The case involved a sting operation in which the United States Government, working with New York Police Department Task Forces, used an informant to conspire with Sullivan & Brill's client and 3 other individuals to rob a drug dealer of cocaine. Prosecutors presented evidence that the defendants possessed 2 weapons, a map, tie wraps, a stocking hat, and gloves. However, despite some overwhelming evidence, including audio tapes and videotapes of the defendants planning the robbery, we were able to cross-examine the government's witnesses and exposed major weaknesses in their case.
The jury returned a not guilty verdict on all counts in less than 3 hours. There was pandemonium in the courtroom as the defendant's and their families were overwhelmed with emotion and the government's attorneys scurried in disbelief.