First Degree Recklessly Endangering Safety - Dismissed 3 days before trial

This case involved a client of ours who was referred from a family member.  The client had gotten into an altercation at his residence which led to him stabbing someone in the stomach with a knife.

The client was arrested and charged with First Degree Recklessly Endangering Safety.  Once we got the discovery, we noticed huge holes in the case.  At the time of the incident, approximately five (5) other people were present in the residence.  We learned that police made zero effort to speak to anyone other than the complaining witness and the client.  So, we had our investigator locate the witnesses to the stabbing who provided statements which helped the case.  We also filed a jury instruction on the "castle doctrine" which was front and center in the case.  

The best part about the case was the state offered a disorderly conduct charge, a huge reduction from the original charge.  We went back to the DA and rejected that offer.  To his credit, the DA knew the difficulties with the case and only 3 days before trial, he dismissed the entire case.

Client Avoids Felony Charge, Conviction in Stabbing

Dane County law enforcement arrested a Chirafisi & Verhoff client on felony charges of reckless endangerment of safety during a disturbance in which the client, who was alleged to be high on drugs at the time, stabbed his roommate.  The client was taken into custody, but Attorney Verhoff was able to discuss the matter with prosecutors before formal charges were filed.  After our lawyer met with the District Attorney's Office and provided officials with additional information about the client and the situation, prosecutors agreed to file misdemeanor charges of disorderly conduct while armed and criminal damage to property. Prosecutors then agreed have the client participate in a deferred prosecution agreement, which will result in a dismissal of all charges upon the client's completion of the program.