Virginia criminal attorney

Virginia criminal Attorney Jonathan R. Oates wins complete acquittal on DUI and two other misdemeanor for client facing immediate deportation

In early May 2014 in Spotsylvania County, Virginia, attorney Jonathan R. Oates fought for a client who had been detained for immigration purposes for nearly two months on charges of DUI. The case involved open alcohol bottles in the car, an accident, the clients confession to the state trooper, and a blood alcohol content more than twice the legal limit. With the clients freedom from immigration on the line, attorney Oates fought the charges at trial. Following his cross-examination of the officer, the judge sided with Mr. Oates’ argument that the prosecutor had failed to show the defendant had been even driving at all and dismissed all charges.

Having defeated all criminal charges, the defendant was able to be released from immigration custody to return home with his family after two months of incarceration.

Fairfax criminal lawyer

criminal defense attorney Jonathan R. Oates wins extraordinary no jail result for client facing six counts of felony drug distribution in Fairfax County Circuit Court in May 2014.

Mr. Oates’ client had touched an illegal substance or had a sip of alcohol, six felony drug distribution charges from Fairfax County continued to haunt him. Up against six felony drug distribution charges, Mr. Oates’ representation widdled them down to only two in the Circuit Court. Even with only two felonies at sentencing, the client was still facing sentencing guidelines of a minimum of 9 months, and as much as 18 months in a Virginia state penitentiary.

With odds stacked heavily against them, Mr. Oates and his client kept hope for a no jail sentence that would allow the client to keep working, return to college, and continue his remarkable rehabilitation from drugs and alcohol as a free man.

On the day of sentencing, with the prosecutor pushing for more than one year of penitentiary time, Mr. Oates presented the judge with a courtroom packed full of support, evidence of clients progress and commitment to being drug and alcohol free, and the argument that this was a person who is moving forward beyond past demons and is better suited progressing as a free man. The judge was persuaded by Mr. Oates ‘ argument and presentation. Ruling against the strong recommendation of the prosecutor, and looking beyond the sentencing guidelines, the judge granted Mr. Oates’ request that the defendant not receive any active jail sentence.