Gregory J. Ward
Attorney at Law
Recent Results in Court
Experienced lawyers do not make promises to clients about what will happen in their case. No one knows how the evidence will shake out over the course of the case or at trial. Although we cannot guarantee anyone a specific result, we can say that we get more than our share of wins and excellent resolutions. Below are a few recent examples. Courts and docket numbers are not posted in sensitive cases. Docket numbers in other cases will be posted if permission is obtained from the client.
Year: 2002
Principal Charges: First Degree Murder and Use of Deadly Weapon
Court and docket: Withheld pending permission of client
Maximum possible penalty: Life in Prison
Result: Client acquitted of all charges but one. Jury hung on remaining court. Before resetting the case for trial, client admitted a non-strike lesser charge (involuntary manslaughter) and received disposition releasing him from custody. Client is currently living at home and working for major department store chain.
Year: 2003
Principal Charges: Several Armed Robberies, all with Use of Firearm
Court and Docket Number: Withheld pending permission of client
Maximum possible penalty: 27 years state prison
Offer at Trial: 12 Years state prison
Result: Jury hung on all counts, 9 to 3 for Not Guilty. Before resetting the case for trial, client admitted minor charge and was released from custody that day. Client is currently on probation living at home.
Year: 2002
Principal Charge: Child Molestation
Court and Docket Number: (Withheld)
Maximum possible penalty: 16 years state prison
Offer at Preliminary Examination: 6 Years state prison
Result: At the conclusion of a contested preliminary examination, at which the prosecution presented their witnesses, the court found the evidence insufficient and dismissed all charges. Client was released from custody that day and is currently living in Mexico.
October 20, 2003
Principal charges: Possession of drugs for sale and ex-felon in possession of a gun and ammunition
Court and Docket Number: Withheld pending permission of client
Maximum possible penalty: 3 years, 8 months state prison
Pretrial Offer: 1 Year in the county jail with 5 years felony probation
Result: At the conclusion of a contested preliminary examination, in which the prosecution presented its witnesses and evidence, all charges were dismissed. Client was already out on bail and continues to live at home with no loss of liberty.
December 18, 2002
Principal charge: Felony probation violation alleging that client fired a shotgun into an inhabited dwelling.
Court and Docket Number: Withheld pending permission of client
Maximum possible penalty: 5 years state prison
Offer prior to hearing: 3 years state prison
Result: At the conclusion of a contested probation violation hearing, in which the prosecution presented its witnesses and evidence, all allegations were found to be unproven. Petition to revoke probation was dismissed and client was released from custody that day.
June 13, 2003
Charge: Carjacking with Use of Firearm
Court and Docket Number: (withheld)
Maximum possible penalty: 12 years in state prison
Pretrial Offer: 6 years state prison
Result: Case dismissed at preliminary examination for insufficient evidence.
February 26, 2002
Charge: Driving with blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08% or more and Hit and Run
DMV Hearing
(Details withheld)
Maximum possible penalty: 12-month license suspension
Result: Suspension set aside
September 19, 2002
Charge: Simple Possession of Narcotics (Base Rock Cocaine)
Maximum Exposure: 3 years state prison
Result: Dismissed at pretrial hearing for insufficient evidence
October 27, 2003
Charge: Armed Robbery with Use of Weapon (three counts)
Maximum Exposure: 13 years state prison
Pretrial offer: 3 years state prison
Result: Dismissed on day of trial.