Not Guilty Verdict in Battery Case

January 2012

Michael A. Goldstein’s client was charged with battery following an altercation with his neighbor. A criminal protective order was thereafter issued by the Judge. The City Attorney offered a deal wherein Michael’s client could enter a guilty plea to a lesser charge and avoid community service and jail. Michael’s client rejected the offer. During trial, Michael impeached the LAPD officer with her report that included statements by the alleged victim admitting that he had been drinking all morning and was intoxicated when he confronted the defendant. Michael impeached the alleged victim with his own prior statements and the jury returned a not guilty verdict in less than 20 minutes.