Case:
State v. G.O.
Charges:
Felony Theft-by-Swindle: Over $35,000
Outcome:
All charges dismissed
G.O. was employed at a municipal liquor store. After she worked there for years, she was accused of stealing a significant amount of money. The state accused her of conducting fraudulent returns and taking cash out of the of the register on over 120 occasions. G.O. was adamant she never processed a fraudulent return.
In our very first conversation, we determined we would take the case to trial. My client refused to plead guilty to a crime she did not commit. The state provided us with discovery, which revealed many red flags. The liquor store manager insisted my client was at work every time a bottle was returned. The state failed to provide proof. Instead, they relied almost entirely on the store manager’s word.
As the trial approached, I spoke to the prosecutor several times. He tried to apply pressure, threatening to pursue prison time if my client refused to plead guilty. Fortunately, my client stuck to her principles and refused to accept a plea deal. On the Thursday before the trial, I sat down with the prosecutor to discuss the case. I pointed out what I believed were the weaknesses in his case. Ten minutes after that conversation ended, the prosecutor filed a notice of dismissal. All charges against my client were dismissed.