Case Results

Being charged with a crime is always a scary situation. If you find yourself in a position involving criminal accusations or even handcuffs, it is always best to consult a criminal defense attorney. You can count on a skilled lawyer to work towards clearing your name and their experience will prove invaluable with navigating the daunting criminal justice system. Not long ago, a man from Palmyra, NJ awoke to a voicemail from a Pennsylvania State Trooper regarding a traffic accident, possibly involving his car. Apparently, a witness claimed to see a hit and run accident on I-95 and took down the driver’s license plate before the individual fled the scene. The man did not recall being involved in such an accident and since he did not see any damage to his vehicle, he hired Philadelphia criminal defense attorney Michael Fienman to address the officer’s concerns.

Fienman was successful in convincing the state police that felony or misdemeanor charges were inappropriate, however, the overzealous trooper ultimately cited Fienman’s client with a long and superfluous list of charges including hit and run, leaving the scene of an accident, failure to maintain control, following too closely, reckless driving, driving without insurance, and driving without valid registration. Attorney Fienman prepared to defend his client in court and in preparation, advised his client to procure paperwork showing his car was properly insured and registered as well as to document that there was no damage to his car. During his initial traffic court appearance, these documents were presented to the court and attorney Fienman argued that even if a witness claimed to see his client’s car, it couldn’t be proven that his client was driving at the time. Despite ample evidence establishing that the citations were improper, the traffic court hearing officer found his client guilty of all the listed offenses.

Attorney Fienman recognized the injustice but was undeterred and continued to press the case, appealing the hearing officer’s baseless ruling. It is unfortunate that the appeal process is the first time that the Commonwealth is represented by a trained lawyer, but once the prosecutor reviewed the facts and the supporting documentation, attorney Fienman negotiated to have all the hit and run related charges withdrawn. This relieved his client of legal concern and due in large part to the man’s sensible decision to seek passionate legal intervention from attorney Fienman, the man could move on with his life.

The outcome of an individual case depends on a variety of factors unique to that case. Case results do not guarantee or predict a similar result in any similar or future case.