Attorney Michael Fienman helped an elderly client avoid conviction after she broke into her former home. By getting to know the woman without judgment, as he does with every client, Fienman was able to advocate for her fully.
The senior lived in a Radnor Township home for 40 years, but after her husband’s death, could no longer afford to keep the property and was forced to sell. The home where she had raised a family and happily resided for decades was soon boarded up and set to be demolished. She was broken hearted and devastated so she stayed in the vacant home until the demolition crew found her and called police.
She was charged with criminal trespass, burglary, defiant trespass, and criminal mischief. Her bail was set at one dollar, but without anyone to pay it, the woman sat in jail for a month. After being released, she called attorney Fienman.
The prosecution offered an alternative adjudication program, but Fienman successfully argued at the preliminary hearing that his client had been punished enough. His balance of passion and logic convinced the judge to throw the case out entirely. This meant no additional jail time, no fines, and no criminal record for the senior woman.
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.
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