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05/10/11 - Domestic Battery
Client accused of battering his ex-wife by striking her in the face, arms, back of the head, and buttocks. Client and the alleged victim were spending time with the parties’ two (2) minor children in client’s house when the supposed beating occurred. Lopez points out at jury trial that the alleged victim had a motive to lie and concoct a false story of Domestic Battery, including the fact that Lopez’s client rejected her request to reconcile their marriage and had sexual relations with her sister among other things. Additionally, Lopez points out to jury that if alleged victim had truly been battered that evening the Hollywood police would have seen visible marks or bruises on her person on the night she called police which they hadn’t.
Case# 10-023276MM10A - Result: NOT GUILTY
12/13/10 - Driving Under The Influence, Leaving the Scene of an Accident
Client accused of DUI and leaving the scene of an accident in an after-hours I-95 crash that allegedly occurred after a night of partying at a nightclub. Witnesses testified that a car alleged to have been driven by client ran into or “clipped” two cars on the highway before rear-ending the third and final car. The third collision results in a vicious crash where the other vehicle lands upside down causing serious injuries to the driver. At jury trial, Lopez points out to the jury that no witness ever viewed his client drive the vehicle in question, and that his client was a passenger in a vehicle whose driver fled at the scene of the final collision. Thus, at the wrong place at the wrong time and Not Guilty.
Case# 5990XBP - Result: At the conclusion of all the evidence and right before closing arguments were to begin in this jury trial the Office of the State Attorney makes an offer client cannot refuse. Client pleads no contest to a reduced charge of Reckless Driving and pleads no contest to Leaving Scene of Accident. Client avoids any jail time and avoids a DUI on his record as he accepts a sentence of six (6) months probation.
09/03/10 - Possession of Cannibis with Intent to Deliver
Client accused of possession of marijuana with the intent to sell. Based on information supplied by a confidential informant, Broward Sheriff’s Office Drug Task Force Detectives obtain a search warrant and raid a house in Deerfield Beach, Florida while client and his friend and co-defendant are sitting on the front porch of house. As a result of searching the house and the area surrounding the house Detectives locate large volumes of marijuana packaged for supposed delivery in the bushes surrounding the property. Lopez and the attorney for the co-defendant argue that said marijuana should be thrown out of court as the result of an illegal search and seizure. It turns out that the search warrant obtained by the police only included the inside of the house and not the surrounding area or “cartilage” of the house and thus exceeded the boundaries of the area they were allowed to search.
Case# 09-017373CF10B - Result: CASE DISMISSED. In a true example of why our courts are so effective at ensuring that the police are taken to task for illegal activity, and in this case an illegal search, the marijuana confiscated by the police is thrown out after judge rules that it was the product of an illegal search and seizure. Without any evidence, the Office of the State Attorney is forced to voluntary dismiss their own case.
04/30/10 - Trafficking in Oxycodone, Possession of Hydrocodone, Possession of Alprazolam.
Some clients need jury trials and some clients need their lawyer to work the best deal possible as was the case here as client was charged with unlawfully possessing pills and for pill trafficking after a traffic stop. In the State of Florida, the drug laws are draconian as they call for minimum mandatory prison sentences based on the amount of pills found regardless of whether the accused has a prior criminal record or not. Here, Lopez’s client had no prior criminal record yet faced a mandatory three-year prison sentence because of the amount of Oxycodone pills found in his possession.
Case# 09-013128CF10A - Result: Lopez files a Motion to Suppress Evidence based on an illegal search and seizure because the Officer stated he asked client to step out of the car because “it was too noisy” even though he did not suspect him of having a committed a crime but only a traffic violation. On the day of the hearing, Lopez negotiates a sentence of 1 year county jail followed by 3 years probation. More importantly the client receives an Adjudication Withheld which means that he will be able to avoid being labeled a convicted felon if he is able to successfully complete his probation.
04/27/10 - Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
The Hollywood Police Department arrested Lopez’s client for DUI after he allegedly hit a mini-van from the rear. In what has become a famous term used by one of Hollywood PD’s finest, Lopez argued that the arresting officer pulled a “Walt Disney” by concocting a story of rear-ending a van so that he could cover the fact that he used excessive force while throwing client out of the vehicle and unnecessarily “leg-sweeping” him to the ground causing client to fall face first into the parking lot concrete.
Case# 07-016915MM10A - Result: Jury finds client NOT GUILTY of the DUI after deliberating for twenty (20) minutes.
03/11/10 - Burglary of Dwelling, Possession of Oxycodone
Lopez’s client accused of being one of two people who participated in the breaking and entering of a house. Upon being apprehended client is found with oxycodone pills in his possession which he does not have a prescription for. Burglary of Dwelling is a second degree felony punishable by up to fifteen (15) years in prison and carries a minimum punishment of twenty-one (21) months in prison if convicted. Lopez uses the fact that his client has a lack of a prior criminal record to negotiate a probationary sentence that avoids any jail time or any conviction on the client’s record.
Case# 09-014981CF10A - Result: Client enters plea of no contest to reduced charge of Burglary of Structure and Possession of Oxycodone. He receives a total of one (1) year probation and an Adjudication Withheld which means he will not be a convicted felon if he successfully completes his probationary sentence.
03/08/10 - Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Misdemeanor Domestic Battery, Misdemeanor Battery
It was the boyfriend against the girlfriend and her sister. Client accused of holding a machete to the neck of his girlfriend’s sister during a domestic dispute. When his girlfriend allegedly tries to intervene the client is accused of punching the girlfriend and then also committing a battery on the sister as she tries to get away. The consequences were severe as client not only faced the threat of prison but of deportation since he was not resident alien and not a U.S. Citizen. Lopez contacts the girlfriend and her sister and learns that both of them wish not to prosecute or testify in court.
Case# 09-011206CF10A - Result: CASE DISMISSED. Lopez makes strategic decision to announce ready for jury trial based on both of the victim’s stated desire to not prosecute and the likelihood that they would not present themselves in court to testify against client. Lopez’s client has his case dismissed on the morning of jury trial.
03/05/10 - Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer, Resisting Arrest without Violence
Client accused of striking a BSO deputy in the chest after a traffic stop, and then pulling the classic “tensing of his wrists” while being arrested which leads to a Resisting Arrest without Violence charge. Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer is a felony which carries a maximum of five (5) years in prison. Lopez is able to gather eight (8) witnesses who give sworn statements stating that his client never struck the BSO deputy.
Case# 09-011042CF10A - Result: Case dismissed on charge of Battery on a LEO. Client receives an adjudication withheld on the misdemeanor Resisting Arrest without Violence and only has to pay court costs.
12/16/09 - Possession of Cocaine
Client is one of four (4) people in a car that is found with cocaine in it after a traffic stop. Lopez’s client is backseat passenger. Client arrested for Possession of Cocaine because the vial of cocaine was found on the floorboard where client was seated.
Case# 09-021747CF10A - Result: Case dismissed without client having to go to court. As is often the case the police arrest when there is a lack of evidence to inconvenience the accused and with the philosophy that the Office of the State Attorney will handle it and decide what to do. Lopez speaks with prosecutor reviewing case prior to court and case dismissed for insufficient evidence. Thus, Lopez’s client avoids the stress of having to go to court on a felony.
12/11/09 - Felony Domestic Battery by Strangulation
In the State of Florida, it is a felony punishable by up to five (5) years in prison if you are convicted of committing a battery against someone by strangling them. Client was accused of wrapping his right arm around his girlfriend’s neck and putting her in a chokehold during a domestic dispute that started in the kitchen and ended in the bedroom. Shortly after the incident the alleged victim moves out of the State of Florida. Lopez announces ready for jury trial knowing that the Office of the State Attorney might have trouble producing their alleged victim for trial.
Case# 09-012502CF10A - Result: Office of the State Attorney dismisses charge on the morning of jury trial. Thus, client walks out of courtroom free and clear of any criminal record.
11/20/09 - Possession of Stolen Credit Card
Client charged with 2 counts of the criminal offense of Possession of a Stolen Credit Card. Lopez’s client
stopped by Weston Broward Sheriff’s Office for speeding on Interstate 75. Once client is pulled over the Broward
Sheriff’s Office Deputy states that client “consents” and gives permission to having his vehicle searched.
The only problem is that client doesn’t speak any English. Lopez files Motion to Suppress Evidence based on an
illegal search since the client did not speak English and therefore could not give permission to search his vehicle.
Case# 08-029269MM10A - Result: After a full evidentiary hearing the Judge grants Lopez’s motion and throws
out the evidence of the stolen credit cards in client’s car. Office of the State Attorney promptly dismisses
charges and client avoids jail and/or sentence of probation.
10/13/09 - Trafficking in Hydrocodone,
Possession of Ammunition by Convicted Felon, Possession of Cocaine, Possession of Propoxyphene, Possession of
Oxycodone, Possession of Marijuana
The odds of victory were difficult, and the consequences of losing at trial were great as client faced a
minimum mandatory sentence of 25 years in prison were he found guilty by a jury of Trafficking in Hydrocodone.
Likewise, with five (5) felonies the consequences were severe as a guilty verdict could mean up to a maximum
penalty of 55 years in prison. Client was found in a hotel room with various substances in large quantities,
and allegedly made a statement admitting that the ammunition in the hotel room and the marijuana belonged to
him. At trial, Lopez introduces receipt from hotel showing that room client was staying in was registered in
someone else’s name. Lopez argues that the drugs and bullets belonged to person in whose name the hotel room
was registered, and that client was just an unfortunate guest who got caught at the wrong place at the wrong
time. Lopez pointed out the lack of an audio-taped statement and inconsistencies in the police officer’s
statements as showing that police had fabricated a false statement to convict client at trial.
Case# 07-010414CF10A - Result: After spending over 2 years in jail awaiting trial Edward
Lopez walks client out of the front door of the courthouse. Client is a free man as the jury finds him
NOT GUILTY on all charges.
9/17/09 - Strong Arm Robbery
Lopez’s client is 20 year old male accused of participating in a robbery with two (2) other people. The victim
is punched in the face and money taken from his person. Client faced a minimum of 34 months in prison if
convicted of this charge. Lopez uses the available exceptions in the law to argue that client’s mental illness
and youth warranted that he be given a break. Lopez asks the judge to give his client probation with no jail
time due to his youth and mental illness.
Case# 08-0022628CF10B - Result: After a sentencing hearing, the trial judge gives Lopez’s client 4 years
probation with no jail time and no conviction on his record.
9/11/09 - Aggravated Stalking/Violation of Domestic Violence Injunction
Client originally charged with Aggravated Stalking for allegedly knocking on his girlfriend’s front door while
having a restraining order taken out against him by his girlfriend. Client hires Lopez and charges are reduced
to Misdemeanor Violation of Domestic Violence Injunction. Said charge is a 1st degree misdemeanor punishable by
up to 1 year in the county jail in the State of Florida. Lopez negotiates plea offer with the Office of the
State Attorney whereby client enters plea to reduced charge of Misdemeanor Disorderly Conduct, a second degree
misdemeanor.
Case#'s 09-002999CF10A, 09-005844MM10A - Result: client enters plea deal to reduced charge of Disorderly
Conduct and walks away with only paying court costs, no conviction on record, and no probation.
4/27/09 - Felony Domestic Battery by Strangulation
In the State of Florida, it is a felony if you are convicted of committing a battery against someone by
strangling them. Client was accused of throwing alleged victim on the bed and strangling her after an argument
over client’s alleged infidelity. Alleged victim calls the police and has client arrested over the bedroom
confrontation. Lopez takes alleged victim’s deposition and helps to reveal that alleged victim had no
strangulation marks on her neck, was angry at my client for having cheated on her, and three (3) weeks after
having allegedly been strangled asked client for money. Clearly, the alleged victim’s version of what happened
was questionable and the Office of the State Attorney agrees as they agree to reduce charges.
Case# 08-018201CF10A - Result: Office of the State Attorney reduces felony charge to Misdemeanor Domestic
Battery and an Adjudication Withheld. Thereby, client avoids threat of prison and conviction on his record.
12/16/08 - Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon
“Money is the root of all evil.” It has been known to cause misery, and in this case, it was sister vs. sister
as Lopez’s client stood trial for allegedly lunging at her sister with a knife after the live-in sisters had an
argument over money and the stove being left on. This case demonstrated the lengths through which family feuds
can go as the sister to Lopez’s client was willing to risk putting her own sister in prison over what normally
would have been considered a private family dispute. At trial, Lopez pointed out to the jury that this was a
case of self-defense and that his client picked up a knife to defend herself only after being choked, beaten,
and suffering a bite mark on her arm. With the pictures to prove the injuries suffered by his client, and the
victim having suffered no injuries, a jury clears and vindicates Lopez’s client after 38 minutes of deliberation.
Case# 07-024068CF10A - Result: NOT GUILTY
12/9/08 - Misdemeanor Domestic Battery
Lopez’s client is arrested and charged with Domestic Battery after allegedly pulling his live-in girlfriend off
the bed after she came home drunk after a night of hard partying. Lopez’s client gets arrested by the Davie
Police Department after he calls the police after being kicked in the testicles by his girlfriend when she
didn’t want to get off the bed! Apparently, the brain surgeons at the Davie Police Department felt this case was
worthy of an arrest. Lopez immediately makes contact with the alleged victim and live-in ex-girlfriend who
agrees to sign a sworn affidavit saying she does not wish to prosecute this case. Lopez writes letter to the
Assistant State Attorney reviewing the case and pointing out among other things that the alleged victim did not
want to pursue charges, that the alleged victim admitted to being inebriated on the night of the incident, his
client’s lack of a prior record, and the painfully obvious fact that client’s family jewels had already taken a
beating.
Case# 08-027691MM10A - Result: Client never steps foot in a courtroom as the Office of the State Attorney
declines to prosecute after reviewing case: CASE DISMISSED.
11/26/08 - Welfare Fraud
In the State of Florida, it is a third degree felony to knowingly receive welfare benefits when that person is
gainfully employed. This is because the law only permits people who are not gainfully employed and have a proven
medical need the ability to collect welfare benefits and receive help from the government. Lopez’s client was
accused of this very crime and faced the possibility of receiving up to 5 years in state prison if convicted of
this crime. Lopez is able to negotiate a favorable plea deal which allows his client to avoid a trial and avoid
having a felony conviction on record.
Case# 07-023251CF10A - Negotiated with the Office of the State Attorney agreeing to reduce felony charge to
the lesser included offense of Misdemeanor Petty Theft. Client receives a sentence of an Adjudication Withheld
and 6 months probation. Client not only avoids pleading out to a felony but also avoids a conviction on the
misdemeanor charge.
5/30/08 - Armed Burglary, Burglary of Dwelling, Possession of Burglary Tools, Grand Theft, Misdemeanor Battery
Client faced life in prison in a case that involved the heinous fact of 4 intruders going into the house and
holding one of the female victims at knifepoint. Prosecutors alleged that Lopez’s client was 1 of those 4
intruders. At first glance, the facts were damning as the keys to the truck parked in front of the burglarized
house with all of the stolen property was found in client’s pocket. Lopez argued to the jury that if his client
were involved that his fingerprints would be inside the house which was not the case. Additionally, Lopez
capitalized on the conflicting testimony of one of the victims who testified in court that client was never in
the house. This contradicted the testimony of the second victim who said that client was inside the house during
the home invasion robbery. Lopez argues to jury that lack of fingerprints and testimony of the first victim
proves that this was a case of mistaken identification and that his client was innocent.
Case# 07-0074748 - Result: After spending more than 14 months in jail awaiting trial, Lopez’s client is found
NOT GUILTY of all charges and leaves jail that same night a free man.
4/29/08 - Robbery With a Deadly Weapon/Aggravated Battery
The stakes were high as client faced a possible life sentence if convicted of Robbery With a Deadly Weapon. At
first glance, the facts were difficult to deal with as client was accused of striking a blind man in the face
with his walking cane and then robbing him after a heated argument over monies owed to him. Lopez thoroughly
investigates the case and tells the jury that the real perpetrator of this heinous crime is the eyewitness that
supposedly saw client pick up walking cane and strike the blind man after the argument and then took $100.00.
The jury learns that the chief eyewitness is a convicted drug dealer and Lopez points out to the jury that on
the date of the incident this eyewitness told the police a different story. This supposed eyewitness told the
jury that HE DIDN’T SEE BUT ONLY HEARD AN ARGUMENT. Lopez pounces on this point and explains to the jury that
this evidence of the eyewitness’ cover-up to hide and protect his own guilt.
Case# 07-016378CF10A - Result: Client avoids a potential life sentence and is a free man as the jury finds
him NOT GUILTY on both charges.
4/7/08 - Burglary of Dwelling/Strong Arm Robbery
Client is accused of entering his lover’s apartment in the early morning hours without permission for a sexual
encounter. Alleged victim rebuffs his advances and claims that he gives him money for a taxi cab out of fear for
his own safety. Lopez investigates case by taking depositions of all the witnesses involved in case. Client
avoids trial after it is learned that first officers on the scene did not see any signs of forced entry on the
front door, despite other officers claims that the front door was pried open with a hand-rake and had noticeable
forced entry marks.
Case#07-012990CF10A - Result: Case Dismissed without client having to go to jury trial.
3/28/08 - Carrying Concealed Firearm/Resisting Arrest without Violence
This was the classic case of “suspicious” young black male being harassed by police for no valid reason. Client
is walking his dog in the middle of the night when the Lauderhill police ask client to show his hands. He
doesn’t do so fast enough and he is tackled to the ground. While being tackled to the ground a gun allegedly
falls out of client’s shorts, and client supposedly resists arrest by “tensing” his wrists while being
hand-cuffed. Lopez files Motion to Suppress Evidence based on an illegal search and seizure.
Case#07-011550CF10A - Result: Case Dismissed
3/20/08 - Possession of Cocaine
Client is pulled over for the common infraction of “FAILURE TO SIGNAL TURN PROPERLY”. Client is a spanish
speaker who doesn’t speak any english, yet somehow he gives his consent to search his vehicle. Cocaine is found
underneath the steering wheel column of truck driven by client. Lopez files Motion to Suppress Evidence based on
fact that police did not have probable cause to search vehicle, and client never consented to search.
Case#07-015213CF10A - Result: Case Dismissed
3/13/08 - Misdemeanor Domestic Battery
Client is accused of slapping her girlfriend in the face and is arrested for Domestic Battery. Lopez is hired
and immediately points out to the State Attorney that the alleged victim changed her statement after she found
out her girlfriend was going to be arrested. Based on this information, and a sworn affidavit by alleged victim
saying she doesn’t want to prosecute, client is able to avoid going to court and facing this charge.
Case#08-003520MM10A - Result: Case Dismissed
3/6/08 - Aggravated Assault with Firearm, Felony Battery
Client accused of pointing gun at his live-in son during an argument and subsequently is accused of battering
his wife. Under Florida Law, Agg. Assault with a Firearm carries a minimum mandatory 3 year prison sentence if
person is convicted of said offense. Lopez is able to prove that client never pointed gun at son and this was a
false allegation. Lopez is able to negotiate a plea offer with the State Attorney to save client from going to
prison and save client’s criminal record.
Case#07-016966CF10A - Result: Client avoids prison time and saves his criminal record as Lopez negotiates a
plea deal of 2 years probation and an Adjudication Withheld on the reduced offense of Misdemeanor Domestic
Battery and Misdemeanor Improper Exhibition of Firearm. Client’s felonies are reduced to misdemeanors and he
walks away without any convictions on his records.
2/22/08 - Misdemeanor Stalking
Client faced a criminal case of misdemeanor stalking and a separate case of a Petition for Protection vs.
Domestic Violence (Restraining Order). Allegation involved harassing phone calls and throwing rocks at alleged
victim’s window. Lopez subpoenas alleged victim and takes her deposition. During deposition Lopez grills the
alleged victim on her immigration motives for accusing client of stalking since she was an illegal immigrant,
and being a battered spouse could be her ticket to staying in the country.
Case# 08-000647DOM - Result: Both cases are dismissed after victim decides not to show up for court.
9/18/07 - Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding a Law Enforcement Officer
In the State of Florida, the above charge is a third degree felony with a maximum of
5 years state prison and the loss of your Drivers License for up to 2 years. Client was
driving his vehicle when he comes upon a funeral procession. Broward Sheriff’s Deputy
makes a hand motion for client to pull over to the side. Client mistakenly believes he
merely wants him to switch lanes but that he can keep on driving. Less than a minute
later he is pulled over and charged for Fleeing and Eluding a Police Officer.
Case#05-016865CF10A - Result: Lopez reaches a plea agreement where the charge is
reduced to a Misdemeanor Reckless Driving and 6 months probation. Client avoids felony
conviction, loss of Drivers License, and the stress of a jury trial.
9/18/07 - Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon
Client faced a maximum of 15 years state prison for allegedly having stabbed victim
with a knife after victim allegedly refused to buy Xanax for him. To complicate matters
client was already on felony probation for another case, and therefore was held in jail
with no bond pending the conclusion of his case. After a thorough investigation, Lopez
takes the victim’s deposition where victim asserts that Client slapped him the face but
that he believes he may be mistaken as to who stabbed him with a knife.
Case#06-014958CF10A, #07-008909CF10A - Result: Aggravated Battery charged reduced
to a misdemeanor battery and client receives a sentence of time served for the time
he spent in jail. In exchange for his immediate release, client’s felony probation
is extended two additional years and he walks out of jail still being able to say that
he is not a convicted felon.
9/12/07 - Battery on Law Enforcement Officer/Resisting Arrest without Violence/Possession of Cocaine
Client faced 5-15 years state prison if convicted of the above felonies.
At jury trial, Lopez portrays the 2 arresting officers as liars who concocted
a story of Battery and planted cocaine in Client’s back pocket to justify their
own police brutality. Lopez brings out the police officers’ inconsistencies
during cross-examination as evidence that they are being untruthful, and that
client never hit any of the officers and never had cocaine in his possession.
Case#06-016592CF10A - Result: Client is found Not Guilty on all charges after
only 40 minutes of jury deliberations. Lopez gets privilege of walking his
incarcerated client out the front entrance of the courthouse.
8/20/07 - Aggravated Battery on Pregnant Victim
Committing a Battery on a pregnant woman is a second-degree felony
in the State of Florida which carries a maximum of 15 years state prison
if a person is convicted of such an offense. This is what Lopez’s client
faced for having slapped someone in the face whom happened to be 5 months pregnant.
Lopez gets a favorable plea deal for client which allows client to avoid the
felony and jail time by having charged reduced to a misdemeanor battery.
Case#07-007853CF10A - Result: Charge reduced to misdemeanor battery,
and client receives an adjudication withheld and 3 months probation
(client will not have misdemeanor conviction if successfully completes probation).
5/22/07 - Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Deliver
Client, a South Florida resident, was pulled over for speeding
on I-95 while passing through Flagler County, Florida (that is
Bunnell, Florida for people unfamiliar with that area). After
smelling the aroma of marijuana in client’s vehicle the client
is asked to step out, and during a search of the trunk of vehicle
a bucket with 6 pounds of marijuana is found. Client faced a
potential sentence of 5 years state prison and 2 years loss of his
Drivers’ License if convicted of this serious felony.
Case#07-00101CF10A - Result: Lopez is able to hammer out a
plea agreement with the prosecutor to an Adjudication Withheld
and probation, which means client avoids jail time and any felony
conviction on his record if he successfully completes probation.
5/12/07 - Armed Carjacking with a Firearm
This
was a classic case of what can happen when the police
fail to conduct a thorough investigation, and operate on
the theory of arresting first and then letting the judge
and jury ask questions later. The alleged victim in this
case concocted a creative tale of getting into a verbal
argument with client and then having client force her
into her car at gunpoint and kidnapping her. Armed
Carjacking with a Firearm is such a serious offense that
it is punishable by life and automatically comes with a
no bond hold. After months of investigation, Lopez was
able to take the alleged victim’s deposition where she
admitted that client had slapped her, but there was
never any gun involved. This was a malicious lie which
the police believed. In the end, justice prevailed and
client avoided a potential life sentence and minimum
mandatory 10 year prison sentence.
Case#06-011792CF10A - Result: charge reduced to
misdemeanor battery and client released with credit for
all time served in the county jail.
2/15/07 - Possession of Firearm by Convicted Felon
In
the State of Florida, it is illegal for convicted felons
to possess of firearms of any kind. Client was accused
of having brandished a gun during a house party after
getting into a verbal confrontation with a jealous
ex-boyfriend of the woman he was dating. Client faced
anywhere from 16 months to 15 years in prison if
convicted of this offense. At jury trial, Mr. Lopez was
able to expose inconsistencies in the single eyewitness’
testimony of whether or not the gun was actually in the
possession of his client. Additionally, through the
police department’s sloppiness Lopez was able to
capitalize on the fact that no fingerprints were taken
from the firearm in attempt to match client’s
fingerprints.
Case#05-019155CF10A - Verdict: NOT GUILTY
1/30/07 - Attempted Burglary of Structure
Client
accused of having trying to break and enter a KMART in
the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The lesson to be
learned from this case is that eyewitness
identifications are error prone and often lead to the
arrest of innocent people. This case went all the way to
trial where the judge dismissed the case without even
letting the jury decide for lack of credible evidence.
Case#07-000455CF10A - Verdict: CASE DISMISSED BY JUDGE
12/12/06 - False Imprisonment / Battery
Client accused of hitting his girlfriend in the head
with a dumbbell and holding her vs. her will in his
bedroom. At jury trial, Lopez exposed alleged victim’s
inconsistent statements given to the police and at her
deposition, including the fact that she was drunk and
high on cocaine on the night of the alleged incident.
Case#05-016324CF10A - Verdict: NOT GUILTY
10/26/06 - Attempted Robbery with Firearm
Client accused of robbing a car wash in Lauderhill,
Florida. The stakes were high as Lopez’s client faced 15
years in prison if convicted of this serious offense.
The state's star witness testified at jury trial that
client gave her a loaded gun and forced her under threat
of bodily harm to go inside and rob the car wash. At
trial, Lopez exposed state’s star witness for the lying,
thieving, crack smoking prostitute that she was.
Case#06-007049CF10A - Verdict: NOT GUILTY
10/12/06 - Grand Theft
"Hell hath no fury than that from a woman scorned". That
was the case as client's ex-girlfriend accused him of
stealing her jewelry from the house that they had
shared. Lopez slices and dices girlfriend on the witness
stand by exposing her inconsistent statements and motive
to lie.
Case#06-002391CF10A - Verdict: NOT GUILTY
9/27/06 - Aggravated Battery
Lopez's client, a gas station attendant, was accused of
throwing hot scalding coffee at a customer and causing
massive facial injuries. Lopez argued this was a case of
self-defense as alleged victim had cursed and called his
client a racial epithet, thus causing him to fear bodily
harm when he saw alleged victim go towards him in a
verbal confrontation. After 3 hours of deliberation, a
mistrial was declared as the JURY DEADLOCKED 4-2 in
favor of acquittal.
Case#05-004826CF10A - Client currently waiting for his
retrial in which Lopez fully expects to clear his client.
9/5/06 - Possession of Cocaine / Possession of Paraphernalia
Client accused of having been caught up in a Broward
Sheriff's Office drug raid, being knocked to the ground,
and then miraculously having a crack pipe in his hand as
he lay on the ground unconscious. Enough said.
Case#03-016268CF10A - Verdict: NOT GUILTY
5/12/06, 7/21/06 - Tampering with Evidence / Driving Under the Influence
This was a case that went to jury trial two times. The
first time the jury deadlocked, and the second time the
jury came back NOT GUILTY on both charges. Client was
pulled over for speeding and initially arrested for
Driving Under the Influence and barely blowing over the
legal limit at .0089 (.008 legal limit). Expert witness
testified as to margin of error and variables that could
affect breath sample. Subsequently, client supposedly
swallowed a bag of cocaine in front of three police
officers at the jail when they found cocaine in his
shoe. The only problem is that these three officers
couldn’t get their stories straight. Thus, client
walks out of court a free man.
Case#05-014093CF10A
5/17/06 - Possession of Cocaine / Paraphernalia
Client accused of dropping a crack pipe on the
floorboard of the car he was driving while parked on the
street. At trial, Lopez exposed the inconsistent
statements of both eyewitness police officers and
pointed out that many other people had access to
vehicle. Especially, since vehicle did not belong to
client. Additionally, the windows to the car were rolled
up with tinting that was dark as coal, so Lopez argued
it was unlikely officers saw what they claimed to have
seen.
Case#05-013618CF10A - Verdict: NOT GUILTY
4/25/06 - Possession of Cocaine / Paraphernalia
"Officer, go (add expletive of choice) yourself." Client
accused of having a crack pipe in his shoe that was
recovered after he was detained for running away from an
officer after he tried to write him a ticket for not
walking on the sidewalk?! (Yes they really do have a
ticket for that in Fort Lauderdale). Client yells
expletives at officer and runs away when officer tries
to write him the ticket. Lopez argued to the jury that
crack pipe in client’s shoe was a fabrication made up by
the police officer because he was angry at having to
chase client 3 blocks and being told to go (expletive) himself.
Case#05-016899CF10A - Verdict: NOT GUILTY |
