All criminal cases are unique, and a particular outcome can never be assumed. Benjamin has devoted his entire legal career to fighting for defendants who are facing criminal and traffic charges, but he cannot promise or guarantee a specific result. His only promise is complete devotion to his clients, and to explore all possible options and defenses. The following are just a fraction of the cases that Benjamin has defended:
- Client was charged with attempted murder and aggravated assault with a firearm after he shot a young man who was throwing fireworks at his home. Benjamin was first able to have the attempted murder charge dismissed, and then went to jury trial on the aggravated assault charge after the State would not offer a reasonable plea. Benjamin argued that his client was not certain whether the young man and his friends had fireworks or firearms, and was permitted to defend his home under Florida’s castle doctrine. The client was facing a 25-year mandatory prison sentence, but the jury found him not-guilty on all counts.
- Client charged with rape after the victim claimed their encounter was non-consensual. Benjamin worked diligently to provide the state with pictures, text messages and call logs that showed the victim had not been entirely truthful to police investigators. The state ultimately was convinced to dismiss the entire case prior to formal charges being filed.
- Benjamin’s client was charged with narcotics delivery within 1000 feet of a school, and most of the transaction was caught on video. The client was facing a 3-year mandatory sentence, and the state refused to negotiate. Benjamin argued that that there was no objective proof the defendant actually delivered narcotics to the undercover officers, as there was no close-up video footage of any drugs. The officers were the only witnesses, and Benjamin argued their testimony was not credible because they lured the defendant to the location through multiple dishonest text messages. The jury came back with a not-guilty verdict on all counts.
- Client was charged with resisting arrest with violence and during jury trial the police officer stated he “redirected” the defendant to the ground. On cross examination the officer was caught in a lie, and basically admitted he initiated the physical altercation. The jury came back with a not-guilty verdict in less than 15 minutes.
- Client was charged with prostitution after responding to an online add, and arranging to meet with an undercover cop at a hotel. The client was a federal contractor with a security clearance, and Benjamin was able to convince the state to drop the charges after the client performed 10 hours of community service.
- Client was a juvenile who was charged as an adult with aggravated assault and armed robbery. Benjamin was able to transfer the case to juvenile court and then convince the State to reduce the charge to a misdemeanor. The defendant was placed on probation and did not have to complete any type of residential program. He is now enrolled in a four-year college, and on his way to a successful career.
- Client was charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana after police arrested him as he was attempting to deliver over 15 pounds of marijuana to a contact at a hospital loading dock. The State was asking for jail time, and the guidelines called for jail time, but Benjamin was able to convince the judge to only sentence his client to probation.
- Client was enrolled at a prestigious military college, and was charged with underage drinking and possession of an open container. Any type of plea would have resulted him from being dismissed from school, but Benjamin was able to secure a nolle pros. The client was not disciplined by his school.
- Client was charged with theft after stealing gift cards from her employer. Benjamin convinced the state to drop the charges after the client completed community service and completed an online theft class. The Judge could not believe the state agreed to dismiss the case, and asked the client if she “walked on water”.
- Client was charged with armed robbery of a pawn shop. The victim of the robbery picked the client out of a photo lineup, and told police he had a firearm. Benjamin obtained camera footage of a similar type of robbery, and compared it to his client’s case. He noticed that a unique type of gun was used in both robberies, and that gun was found on a different person a week after his client was arrested. The robbery detectives refused to reopen their investigation due to the victim’s positive identification, but Benjamin convinced the prosecutor that the robber was not his client. The charges were dropped and the client was released from jail that same day.
- Client was charged in federal court with failing to obey a law enforcement officer. The case began as disagreement at a security checkpoint, and escalated into an argument. The client was a federal employee with clearances, and the government agreed to dismiss the charge after Benjamin argued the potential impacts a conviction would have on the client far outweighed any alleged wrongdoing.
- Client was charged with attempted first-degree murder after a man was shot in the back during an altercation. Benjamin was able to demonstrate that the client was not in the group of people where the shots came from, and the charge was dismissed by the State.
- Client was charged with over 60 counts of animal cruelty, including several felonies. Benjamin was able to have the felonies dismissed, and the client received a sentence of probation for a misdemeanor violation.
- Client was a young college student who was charged with felony burglary after taking a bicycle from a neighbor’s garage. Benjamin convinced the State to allow the client to perform community service and all charges were eventually dismissed.
- Client was on probation for DUI and was arrested for another DUI charge less than 1 year later. Benjamin was able to find an ideal alcohol education program for his client, and thoroughly prepared her for court during numerous meetings. At the VOP hearing the judge was convinced that additional jail time was unnecessary despite the State requesting the maximum penalty.
- Client was active duty armed forces and was charged with carrying a concealed firearm. Benjamin was able to convince the state to drop the charges, which allowed the client to avoid punishment or possible separation from the military.
- Benjamin appeared at an initial bond hearing for a client who had violated a no-contact order from a domestic battery case. Benjamin was able to secure the release of his client by demonstrating to the judge that the alleged victim convinced the client to come to the house.
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.