From Life Felony To Dismissed Charges: How We Saved A College Graduate’s Future After A Spring Break Mistake
DISCLAIMER: The results are specific to the facts and legal circumstances of each of the clients’ cases and should not be used to form an expectation that the same results could be obtained for other clients in similar matters without reference to the specific factual and legal circumstances of each client’s case.
A Spring Break Trip That Took a Dangerous Turn
We recently resolved a case involving a young college graduate who traveled to Key West to enjoy Spring Break.
But like many Spring Break stories, things didn’t go as planned. Impairment, confusion, and a lapse in judgment led him to walk into the wrong house, thinking it was the Airbnb he was staying in.
Unfortunately, the home was rented by another couple, and a physical altercation broke out between our client and the people inside.
What sounded like an honest, if embarrassing, mistake quickly turned into something far more serious under Florida law.
Facing a Life Felony for an Honest Mistake
Despite the lack of intent or criminal mindset, our client was charged with burglary with battery, a punishable by life felony in Florida.
Even worse:
- He was initially held without bond
- The minimum sentence under his guidelines was more than 40 months in prison
- The State wanted jail or prison time
- A conviction would have ruined his career, record, and future opportunities.
All of this, for a 21-year-old who had never been in trouble before and was weeks away from graduating college.
We Acted Fast and Fought Hard
We got a call from his family and a New York attorney the morning of his arrest, just hours before his bond hearing.
We immediately got to work.
That same afternoon, we were able to secure bond, ensuring our client was released immediately instead of sitting in jail while awaiting trial.
But the bond hearing was just the beginning. The real battle was avoiding the mandatory prison sentence and clearing his name.
We Told His Story and Found a Better Way
We took the time to truly understand his story. We didn’t treat it like just another case. We treated it like just another case we treated it like someone’s life was on the line. Because it was.
Instead of allowing the case to move toward a conviction, we worked closely with prosecutors to secure a spot for him in a diversion program, something rarely offered in life felony cases.
He completed a few minimal requirements, and as a result:
- No prison
- No jail
- No probation
- No conviction
- No criminal record
“We weren’t just trying to close a case; we were trying to save a young man’s future,” said Attorney Daniel Izquierdo.
“No one should serve prison time for a mistake made under the influence and confusion. We fought to make sure this one didn’t.”
Today, He’s Back on Track
Our client is now free to pursue the life he worked so hard for. He’s graduating college, applying for jobs, and leaving this traumatic experience behind without a single charge on his record.
All because his family took immediate action and called the right legal team to fight for him.
Do You Need a Miami Criminal Defense Lawyer?
If you find yourself charged with a crime in Miami, you need to speak with an experienced DUI attorney as soon as possible. Please contact me online or call my Miami office directly at 305.707.7345. You should also download my free book “State of Florida v. YOU”. This free download provides valuable information and answers to questions about criminal charges that can give you the best chance at winning your case.