Speeding Ticket
Dismissed
The Defendant was traveling across the Hathaway Bridge at an actual speed of 70 mph in a 45 mph zone. The Florida Highway Patrol issued a traffic citation, choosing to cite the Defendant for only 64 mph in a 45 mph so as to decrease the fine amount. Nonetheless, the Defendant still wanted to fight the ticket received from FHP. Upon being hired, our office immediately requested a contested hearing on the matter. During the hearing the Court chose to dismiss the traffic citation in its entirety, resulting in zero points on our client’s driving record, zero fines, zero driving improvement courses, zero community service hours, etc.
Case Date: 08-12-2022
Driving While License is Suspended
On January 20th , 2022 the client was charged by the Bay County Sheriff’s Office with Driving While License is Suspended or Revoked with Knowledge. Such is a 1st Degree Misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and up to $1,000 in fines. While the case was pending, the client was charged with yet another Driving While License is Suspended or Revoked with Knowledge, this time on March 1st by the Panama City Police Department. Despite the client receiving such, we were not only able to keep the client from being placed in jail for receiving additional Criminal charges while the first case was pending, but we also kept the client from any conviction whatsoever. Through extensive discussions with the State, we were able to convince the State to dismiss not just one, but all of the Criminal charges pending against our client. Zero jail, zero probation, zero Court costs & fines, and total dismissal. Such is the ultimate win for a client.
Case Date: 06-13-2022
DUI and Possession Charges Dismissed Following Completion of a Pre-Trial Intervention Program
Charges Dismissed
The Defendant, a Medical School student, had just left the Gold Nugget Gentleman’s Club in Panama City and was stopped by law enforcement for suspected impairment. Upon being arrested, an inventory search of his vehicle was conducted prior to it being towed from the scene. A bag of Cocaine was located in the center console, approximately 2.9 grams in weight, with the Defendant as the sole occupant of the vehicle. He provided a breath sample which confirmed a blood alcohol level of 0.12, which is above the 0.08 legal limit. The Defendant argued the bag of cocaine was left behind by an unknown male with whom he was sharing a cigarette in the parking lot of the Gold Nugget. Notwithstanding the fact, there was absolutely zero evidence of this unknown male, and a blood alcohol level of 0.12, we were able to secure a dismissal of all Criminal charges upon successful completion of a Pre-Trial Intervention program. The Defendant has since had his record expunged, and is now continuing his education in Medical School.
Case Date: 03-18-2022
Major Drug Trafficking Charge Reduced to Mere Possession and Probation
Charges Reduced
The Defendant was arrested on September 24th , 2020 in unincorporated Panama City Beach – Bay County for a major drug trafficking offense, being charged with First Degree Felony Drug Trafficking in Methamphetamine (More than 200 Grams). The Defendant was caught red-handed, as they say, with well more than 200 grams of Methamphetamine while inside of a home, facing a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 calendar years in prison (up to 30 years in prison for the offense) and a mandatory fine of $250,000. The Defendant was also charged with Felony Possession of Heroin, Felony Possession of Fentanyl, and Possession of Paraphernalia. To make matters worse, the Defendant already had two separate Felony Domestic Violence charges as well as Felony Uttering of a Forged Instrument. His overall prison exposure was up to 55 years in prison. Through extensive discovery and many hours of working the case itself, our office was able to tear the case apart and negotiate a deal of only 24 months of Felony Probation, with the Drug Trafficking charges gone completely. The Defendant merely pled to Possession of Methamphetamine, and the other offenses listed as charged.
Case Date: 03-05-2021
168 Counts of Child Pornography Dismissed
Case Dismissed
The Defendant was arrested by the Lynn Haven Police Department on June 3rd , 2020 for 168 counts of Possession of Child Pornography. The bond amount was $1.75 million, as the Defendant was a known child predator facing up to 840 years in prison. While the photos did include juveniles exposing gentiles and breasts, not every photo of a nude child is actual Child Pornography. Such is a very little known fact, and why you must hire an expert who specializes in Child Pornography cases. An internal struggle began between the Lynn Haven Police Department and the State Attorney’s Office which is responsible for the prosecution of the case, as that very issue was disagreed upon by both agencies. With relentless pressure from our office upon the State, we were successful in having the State file a No Information which dismissed all 168 counts of Possession of Child Pornography. Instead of sitting in jail on a $1.75 million bond and facing up to 840 years in prison if convicted, the Defendant is set free with zero Child Pornography cases pending.
Case Date: 02-04-2021
Four-Year-Old Shoots Himself
Case Dismissed
The Defendant was on vacation in Panama City Beach during June of 2020, enjoying our beautiful beaches and sunny weather with her four-year-old grandson. Unfortunately, the Defendant forgot that she had left her loaded firearm laying under the seat, and not secured in a locked compartment away from the grandson. Her grandson located the firearm, and shot himself in the abdomen. The grandson was rushed away to the hospital in Panama City Beach and survived. The Defendant, however, was arrested by the Panama City Beach Police Department for 2nd Degree Felony Child Neglect, as well as Unsafe Storage of a Firearm. Through months of negotiations with the State, we were able to achieve an outright dismissal of all Criminal charges, without even so much as a formal Pre-Trial Intervention program. The Defendant simply produced a certificate of completion of a firearms safety course, and all was dismissed forever.
Case Date: 01-27-2021
Battery and Trespassing
Dismissed
The Defendant was driving home to his Bay County subdivision in Panama City Beach and observed an individual who was speeding through his neighborhood, even driving the wrong direction in a roundabout. The neighborhood has many young children, and observing this driving pattern irritated the Defendant. When the Defendant saw the victim pulling into a driveway only a few houses down the road from his own, the Defendant chose to head down to the neighbor’s driveway and have a few words with the individual. After walking up the neighbor’s driveway and starting to yell at the victim, who was inside of the victim’s own vehicle, the victim became upset and a fight began. Despite the Defendant looking for trouble by traveling down the road to the neighbor’s home, even trespassing on the neighbor’s driveway to confront the victim while the victim was inside of the victim’s own vehicle, we were able to have all charges dismissed by the State. It was our position the fight was a mutual combat, as there were no witnesses to the fight other than the Defendant and the victim, with no security cameras nearby. This dismissal saved the Defendant’s career in the military, and the Defendant remains eligible to have the record Sealed or Expunged.
Case Date: 10-30-2020
Misdemeanor Assault
Case Dismissed
The Defendant was charged with Misdemeanor Assault during the heart of the Coronavirus outbreak in March 2020, as the Panama City Beach Police Department alleged the Defendant to have threatened the Pharmacy staff at the Breakfast Point Publix in Panama City Beach with infecting them with Coronavirus. The Defendant had recently returned from New York, and needed her prescriptions refilled upon arriving home to Panama City Beach. At the time, the pharmacy staff was unable to fill them as quickly as desired. As such, the Defendant allegedly threatened to come into the store and cough on all of them to give them Coronavirus. There were many problems for the State, such as the fact the Defendant was never in the store and the Defendant did not have Coronavirus. Thus, it was impossible to carry out the threat. Additionally, the alleged threat was a conditional threat. After much discussion with the State, a Motion to Dismiss was filed, and the State voluntarily dismissed the case prior to an actual hearing on the Motion, in exchange for the Defendant paying the State $280.00 as a costs of Prosecution fee, and completing a questionnaire on-line. The Defendant has a completely clean record, and is eligible to have the charge Sealed or Expunged.
Case Date: 10-06-2020
Possession of Marijuana With Intent to Sell or Distribute
Reduced Charge
On June 15th , 2020, the Bay County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant on North Harris Ave. Law enforcement found the Defendant inside of a vehicle near the residence, with a digital scale in plain view and a shoe box full of numerous sandwich baggies full of fresh marijuana ready for distribution. The Defendant confessed post-Miranda, admitting to owning the Marijuana and selling much of it to various customers for large profits. With that, the Defendant was arrested and charged with Possession of Marijuana With Intent to Sell or Distribute, as well as Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. The Defendant was a regular drug dealer, holding eight prior Felony convictions as well as three prior convictions for Marijuana related offenses. Nonetheless, after extensive discovery and negotiations with the State, we were able to secure the Defendant a plea to Misdemeanor Marijuana < 20 Grams and Possession of Paraphernalia, avoiding any prison and any jail, as well as avoiding any Felony conviction.
Case Date: 08-24-2020
Selling Synthetic Marijuana within 1,000 Feet of a Public Park
Reduced Charge
The Defendant was charged with Selling Synthetic Marijuana within 1,000 Feet of a Public Park in Calhoun County. Specifically, the Defendant was at Cooper’s Park in Blountstown, where he sold drugs to a Confidential Informant. This offense was captured on video, and the synthetic marijuana was provided to law enforcement as soon as the purchase was completed. Selling Synthetic Marijuana within 1,000 Feet of a Public Park is a First Degree Felony, punishable up to 30 years in prison. Through extensive plea negotiations with the State, and unexplainable delays in sending the drugs to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the State agreed to reduce the charges from a First Degree Felony punishable by up to 30 years in prison all the way down to a mere Misdemeanor Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and a time-served sentence imposed. As such, the Defendant escaped any prison, any Felony conviction whatsoever from being on his Criminal history, saved a tremendous amount of money in Court costs and fines, and was even able to save his driver’s license by avoiding the DHSMV administrative suspension associated with his original charges.
Case Date: 07-28-2020
Careless Driving Citation Involving Crash with Extensive Property Damage
Dismissed
The Defendant was cited by the Florida Highway Patrol with Careless Driving after crashing his vehicle in Bay County, causing more than $3,000.00 in property damage. There were eyewitnesses to this crash, although the FHP Trooper did not witness such. Upon being hired, Counsel scheduled this matter for a contested Traffic Hearing. On the day of the hearing, the FHP Trooper appeared for Court, but did not bother to subpoena the actual eyewitnesses to the crash itself. After extensive argument before the Court, Attorney Sauline was able to secure an outright dismissal of the entire case. Zero points on the Defendant’s driver’s license record, zero Court costs & fines, zero community service hours, and zero driving improvement school hours, as the matter was completely dismissed by the Court after argument from Attorney Sauline.
Case Date: 06-26-2020
Federal Drug Trafficking Investigation Reduced to Mere Probation in State Court
Reduced Charge
The Defendant was arrested by the Department of Homeland Security and Jackson County Sheriff’s Office following a joint effort to investigate drug smuggling into the United States from Belgium. While at the Cottondale post office, the Defendant was observed picking up a package known by drug agents to contain illegal substances. Shortly after leaving, law enforcement swarmed the Defendant while the drugs and his young daughter were in his vehicle. Making matters worse, the Defendant was already on Felony Probation for Felony Cultivation of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. The Defendant was charged in State Court with Trafficking in MDMA, more than 10 Grams but less than 200 Grams, which has a mandatory prison sentence (up to 30 years in prison) and a mandatory $50,000 fine. Through intense depositions Homeland Security, the United States Postmaster General for the Tallahassee Region (which includes Jackson County), and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office officials, we were able to have the charges reduced to mere 3rd Degree Felony Possession of MDMA, avoiding any prison whatsoever, as well as the mandatory $50,000 fine. The Defendant was sentenced to a mere four years of Felony probation, and his outstanding Violation of Probation from the prior Cultivation of Marijuana matters was dismissed with unsuccessfully terminated of said probation.
Case Date: 06-09-2020
Drugs Within 1,000 Feet of a Children’s Park and Firearm Charges - Bay County
The Defendant was walking along his Mother’s property, near a children’s playground public park, while surveying damage from Hurricane Michael when he was approached by Lynn Haven police. The police questioned him, and confirmed the property belonged to his Mother. However, law enforcement suddenly claimed to smell Marijuana from his car, despite all windows being up and doors closed, and conducted a rather questionable search of the Defendant’s vehicle. The Defendant was arrested for Felony Carrying a Concealed Firearm, Felony Possession of Marijuana > 20 Grams within 1,000 of a Public Park, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. After full discovery and thorough depositions, we were able to secure a dismissal of the Felony Carrying a Concealed Firearm charge, a dismissal of the Misdemeanor Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and a reduced plea to only Misdemeanor Possession of Marijuana < 20 Grams, as the Defendant received a mere $550 fine with no prison, no jail, no probation, no drug classes, no Court imposed driver’s license suspension, etc.
Case Date: 02-14-2020
Speeding Citation in a School Zone
Driving Record Clean
The Defendant was driving through a 20 mph school zone on Hutchinson Blvd. (aka “Middle Beach Road”) while elementary and middle school students were being released from their school day. Unfortunately, the Defendant was driving 31 mph in the 20 mph school zone, zooming past children walking along sidewalks and the crosswalk area. The Panama City Beach Police Department issued a speeding citation for such. Through scheduling a contested traffic hearing, we were able to secure a withhold of points, keeping the driving record completely clean. Likewise, the Defendant avoided any sort of driving improvement school and received zero community service hours.
Case Date: 02-05-2020
Serious Traffic Citation - Bay County
License Kept Clean
The Defendant was visiting from Virginia while driving his cargo van delivery
truck for work purposes and passed through a school zone on State Route
77 in rural Bay County traveling 60 mph. The school zone speed on State
Route 77 in rural Bay County is only 35 mph (four-lane highway), so the
Defendant received a serious traffic citation from the Bay County Sheriff’s
Office. Upon hiring our office, we were able to secure a withhold of points
from the Defendant’s driver’s license, keeping the Defendant’s
driving record clean despite traveling 60 mph in a school zone. The Defendant
simply had to pay the Court costs & fines, and complete a four-hour
online driver’s improvement class, but his license was completely
clean with zero points despite traveling at 60 mph in a school zone.
Case Date: 05-02-2019
Speeding Ticket - Springfield
License Remains Clean
The Defendant was traveling near US Hwy. 98 and Cherry Street in Springfield when he sped up to change from one lane to another. Unfortunately, the Defendant increased to a speed of 68 mph in a 35 mph zone and was observed by the Springfield Police Department. As such, the Defendant was issued a speeding ticket with a mandatory Court appearance. Upon hiring our office, the Defendant was able to have his driver’s license remain clean, with zero points assessed to his license, instead merely paying a fine and completing a four-hour online driver’s improvement course, despite traveling 33 mph above the speed limit.
Case Date: 05-02-2019
Civil Traffic Citation for speeding - Panama City
Dismissed
The Defendant was issued a Civil Traffic Citation for speeding 67 mph in a 45 mph while crossing the Hathaway Bridge from Panama City Beach into the mainland (i.e. Panama City). Initially, the Trooper was willing to reduce the offense from 67 mph (actual speed) down to 54 mph for a lower fine. However, after correspondence with the Florida Highway Patrol Trooper, we were able to have the Trooper agree to voluntarily withdraw the citation, resulting in an outright dismissal of the speeding ticket. Thus, we were able to have the Florida Highway Patrol Trooper agree to zero fine, zero Court costs, zero points on the Defendant’s driver’s license, and an outright dismissal notwithstanding the Defendant was traveling 67 mph in a 45 mph zone while crossing the heavily patrolled Hathaway Bridge.
Case Date: 01-14-2019
Domestic Violence - Panama City Beach
Dismissed
The Defendant was on vacation in Panama City Beach in April 2018, at which
time law enforcement was called after numerous witnesses reported observing
the Defendant become physical with his girlfriend in public. His girlfriend
and he became in an argument when his girlfriend tried to take the vehicle
keys away from the Defendant due to the Defendant’s intoxication
level. The Defendant was not only observed being violent towards his girlfriend
but even shut the door on his toddler’s head. Through extensive
negotiations with the State, and completing thorough discovery on the
matter, we were able to convince the State to drop all charges against
the Defendant, giving the Defendant a completely clean record with no
jail, no probation, no Court costs or fines, and no Criminal conviction.
Instead, we achieved an outright dismissal of all Criminal charges.
Case Date: 09-05-2018
Speeding, Passing in a No Passing Zone, and Turning Without Use of a Proper Signal
Not Guilty
The Defendant, who is an Uber driver, was stopped by the Springfield Police
Department at around 4 pm on May 14th, 2018 for Speeding, Passing in a
No Passing Zone, and Turning Without Use of a Proper Signal. Although
the Defendant could have simply paid the three Civil Traffic Citations
and received points on his driver’s license, or alternately to have
requested to pay a fine in lieu of points, the Defendant desired to schedule
a contested traffic hearing, and retained our law office. During said
Civil Traffic Hearing, the Court found the Defendant to be Not Guilty
on all three Civil Traffic Citations, which means no fines, no points
in the driver’s license, no driver improvement school, no community
service, nor any other punishment. The Defendant’s driving record
remains clear of any points as a result of the Civil Traffic Hearing.
Case Date: 08-07-2018
Simple Battery - Panama City Beach
Dismissed
The Defendant, who is a former Major League Baseball player that previously
played with the Atlanta Braves, Philadelphia Phillies, Milwaukee Brewers
and Arizona Diamondbacks, is now enjoying life as a baseball coach with
a little league team. During a baseball tournament in Panama City Beach,
the Defendant became upset with a bad call made by the umpire. The witnesses
stated that the Defendant approached the umpire, yelled about the bad
call, and pushed the umpire as the umpire was turning around to walk away,
causing the umpire to fall to the ground and lead to scratches the umpire’s
face. Thus, the Defendant was charged with Simple Battery in Florida.
Through extensive plea negotiations and discovery with the State, we were
able to achieve a dismissal of all Criminal charges, allowing the Defendant
to complete a three-month Pre-Trial Intervention (i.e. Diversion) program
with no restitution, no probation, no jail, no anger management, and no
Criminal conviction.
Case Date: 06-19-2018
Felony Probation - Bay County
Absconding – Probation Revoked
The Defendant was placed on Felony probation in May of 2005 for the offenses
of Possession of Cocaine and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Upon starting
probation, the Defendant committed her first violation of probation only
two months after starting probation and received reinstatement in July
of 2005. Upon being reinstated, the Defendant absconded and remained on
the run for 13 years until turning herself into law enforcement in early
2018. Naturally, by absconding for 13 years, the Defendant failed to complete
most every single requirement of probation. Having said, the Defendant
had stayed out of trouble during that 13 year period, not even receive
so much as a civil speeding citation. The Defendant is now disabled and
needs to be home with her family. Through extensive negotiations with
the State, and through an extensive explanation of circumstances to the
Court, we were able to have the Defendant’s probation revoked and
the Defendant received a time served sentence. Thus, after 13 years of
being on the run while absconding, the Defendant walked away with no more
probation and a time served sentence.
Case Date: 06-11-2018
Lewd or Lascivious Molestation on a Child Under the age or 12
Dismissed
The Defendant, a 44-year-old male, was arrested for Lewd or Lascivious
Molestation on a Child Under the age of 12, which is a Life felony in
Florida. The alleged victim was his step-daughter, who was mad at the
Defendant’s wife and him for moving the child away from their previous
home outside of Florida. Throughout the prosecution of the case, the State
of Florida would not provide discovery, stating they were still in the
“investigative” stage despite the fact the Defendant had been
arrested, his Mugshot placed all over the news, and out of the money paid
in bond. In other words, an Information (i.e. formal charging document)
had not been filed. As time went by, it became apparent the State was
overlooking the timeline for filing formal charges against a Defendant,
as the State Attorney only has 175-days from the date of arrest to file
a formal charging document, and the State failed to do such. Therefore,
on the 176th day following the Defendant’s arrest, Attorney Sauline promptly
filed a Motion to Dismiss Due to a Speedy Trial Violation. The State,
knowing time had expired and as a matter of law the case was already dismissed,
filed only 29 minutes later a No Information document, trying to explain
the situation and that the time lapse which occurred was always intentional,
even though we all know a No Information is normally filed within the
175-day speedy trial period, and once day 176 arrives the case is automatically
dismissed if no formal charging document has been filed. Thus, by closely
watching the procedure of the State’s case, Attorney Sauline was
able to secure a dismissal by allowing the State to drop the ball, figuratively
speaking. As such, the Defendant walked free from all charges and is eligible
to even have his record Sealed or Expunged.
Case Date: 05-21-2018
Aggravated Assault with a Knife 3rd Degree Felony - Panama City
Misdemeanor Assault & Withhold of Adjudication
The Defendant was present at the No Name Lounge in Panama City, consuming
alcohol with other customers, at which time he was escorted out of the
bar by management due to the Defendant’s excessive intoxication.
This was the second time the Defendant had been escorted out of the No
Name Lounge, as once before such occurred within the past few weeks. This
time, however, while the No Name Lounge Manager was offering to call a
taxi to drive the Defendant home, the Defendant decided to pull a knife
on the No Name Lounge’s Manager, all while arguing in the parking
lot. Panama City Police arrived and arrested the Defendant for Aggravated
Assault with a Knife, a 3rd Degree Felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
Following extensive discovery, including numerous depositions, and intense
plea negotiations, we were able to secure a Misdemeanor Assault and a
Withhold of Adjudication, which means no prison, no jail, no Felony on
the Defendant’s record, no loss of civil rights or voting rights,
and not even a Misdemeanor conviction since it was a Withhold of Adjudication.
The Defendant literally walked away with zero conviction(s) on his Criminal history.
Case Date: 05-16-2018
Accessary After the Fact to Second Degree Murder - Bay County
Early termination of Probation - No Prison Time
The Defendant was arrested for Accessary After the Fact to Second Degree
Murder, as the Defendant drove one of two shooters away from Bay County,
all the way down to Central Florida, in an effort to avoid a Murder prosecution.
Upon receiving a search warrant for her home, as the shooter had been
living with her and the Murder weapon was suspected to be hidden in her
house, law enforcement found Cocaine, Marijuana, Phenobarbital, and Drug
Paraphernalia. Through extensive discovery and plea negotiations over
the course an entire year, we were able to secure only 36 months of Probation,
with an early termination of Probation after only 18 months, and a withhold
of adjudication on all charges. Thus, the Defendant has no Criminal convictions
for any of the offenses listed above, as the State even agreed to dismiss
the Cocaine charge. Zero prison was issued, and zero convictions were
placed on the Defendant’s Criminal history.
Case Date: 03-28-2018
2nd DUI - Panama City Beach
Reduced To Reckless Driving
The Defendant was arrested for his 2nd DUI, as he previously had a DUI conviction from when he was only 18 years
old. The traffic stop for his 2nd DUI was made by the Panama City Beach Police Department, and was based
merely upon his headlights were off just after pulling out of a popular
nightclub in Panama City Beach after 2 am. There was no weaving, no speeding,
nor any other basis for the traffic stop. Upon being pulled over, the
Defendant refused to provide any breath, blood or urine sample, as well
as refused to perform any roadside Field Sobriety Evaluations. However,
on the ride to the Bay County Jail, he did state he was sorry for messing
up and asked to talk to the police officer off the record. After extensive
and intense negotiating with the State for nearly an entire year, including
discussions with supervisors in the State Attorney’s Office, we
were able to secure a Reckless Driving despite it being the Defendant’s 2nd DUI offense.
Case Date: 03-14-2018
DUI - Panama City
Reduced Reckless Driving With No Jail
The Defendant had finished drinks at Outback Steakhouse on 23rd Street in Panama City and decided to drive up to Northwest Florida Beaches
International Airport to pick up a loved one who was flying in that evening.
While in the airport parking lot, she backed into another parked vehicle
while maneuvering to park. The Defendant left the scene, entered the airport
and ordered an alcoholic drink at the bar. Airport Police made contact
with her, brought her back to the scene of the accident, informed her
a person in the parking lot saw her driving, hit the other vehicle and
leave the scene. The Airport Police detected the alcohol and subsequently
arrested the Defendant for Driving Under the Influence. The Defendant
had a breath alcohol level of 0.12, which is well over the 0.8 legal limit.
Through extensive plea negotiations with the State, we were able to secure
her a Reckless Driving with no jail, no probation, no DUI School, no Victim
Impact Panel, no driver’s license suspension, no ignition interlock
device, no community service, no vehicle impound, and no adjudication,
as the Court agreed to withhold the adjudication. Therefore, the client
did not even have a Criminal conviction on her record, and simply had
to pay $550.00 to the Clerk of Court.
Case Date: 03-02-2018
3rd Degree Felony of Uttering a Forged Instrument - Jackson County
Dismissed
The Defendant, who was a college student from Kazakhstan, had been in Jackson
County while visiting the United States on a J-1 Work Visa. The Jackson
County Sheriff’s Office received complaints of a group of foreigners
visiting truck stops throughout Jackson County, and the entire state of
Florida for that matter, engaging in a scheme to defraud. Specifically,
the group was Uttering Forged Checks which were supposed to be used by
truckers who were in need of funds from their trucking companies. Instead,
the forged documents were being used by a group of foreigners. The Defendant
was arrested while in a vehicle with a group of other foreigners, and
formally charged via an Information for the 3rd Degree Felony of Uttering a Forged Instrument. Though extensive plea negotiations
with the State, we were able to secure an outright dismissal of all Criminal
charges in exchange for the Defendant being formally deported from the
United States and returning home to college in Kazakhstan, which is exactly
where the Defendant intended to return just the same. Thus, the Defendant
has a completely clean record regarding his time in the United States.
Case Date: 02-23-2018
Aggravated Battery with a Firearm
The Defendant was arrested for Aggravated Battery with a Firearm, allegedly
having shot her boyfriend in the shoulder during an argument. The Defendant
had shot her boyfriend once before on a prior occasion, but was not prosecuted
for such. Thus, this was the second time the Defendant had shot her boyfriend.
The Defendant was facing at least 25 years in prison, up to Life in prison,
per Florida’s 10-20-Life statute. However, through extensive discovery
and lengthy plea negotiations with the State, we were able to secure a
reduced charge of Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon and mere probation
with a suspended prison sentence, rather than the lengthy mandatory prison
sentence required by Florida’s 10-20-Life statute.
Case Date: 01-29-2018
Burglary with Firearm & Probation Violation Case - Bay County
The Defendant was subject to an investigation by the Springfield Police
Department, and subsequently was formally charged by the Office of the
State Attorney with Burglary while Armed with a Firearm, an offense punishable
by a minimum of 10 years day for day in prison with no early release,
up to a maximum of Life in prison, per Florida’s 10-20-Life statute,
and fines up to $15,000. This allegation also violated the Defendant's
felony probation, as the Defendant had been on probation for 3rd Degree
Felony Grand Theft, punishable by up to five years in prison and up to
a $5,000 fine. Thus, the Defendant faced a maximum sentence of Life plus
five years in prison and up to $20,000 in fines. In negotiating with the
State, we were able to keep the Defendant out of prison all together,
having the possible Life sentence felony charge of Burglary while Armed
with a Firearm reduced to mere 2nd Degree Felony Burglary, and having
the Defendant’s Violation of Probation resolved without prison.
By the Defendant working with the State, having an open dialogue between
both sides and exchanging pertinent information my client wished to exchange,
we were able to resolve the Defendant's case with no prison, receiving
only two years of community control, followed by three years of standard
probation, as well as required court costs & fines, and other standard
conditions.
Case Date: 10-12-2017
Felony DUI Case - Holmes County
The Defendant was charged with Felony Driving Under the Influence (3
rd
offense – priors) by the Florida Highway Patrol after wrecking his
vehicle in Holmes County. The Defendant had two prior DUI convictions,
and was driving westbound on Interstate 10 at 8:00 am when his vehicle
went off the side of the roadway and landed in the woods, striking a tree.
The arresting officer did not suspect a DUI until noticing an ignition
interlock device installed in the Defendant's vehicle, as such are
common when someone has multiple prior DUI’s so that the individual
must blow into the device before driving the vehicle. Suddenly, the arresting
officer began a DUI investigation. A blood sample was taken at the hospital,
and the Defendant was clean for alcohol, but was found to have Alprazolam
in his system. After much negotiating with the State, we were able to
secure a misdemeanor Reckless Driving with no driver’s license suspension,
no prison and no jail time whatsoever. Such a successful outcome was able
to save the Defendant’s career, permitting him to continue traveling
for work to care for his family. Such is an example of working through
the process, maintaining a reasonable approach when negotiating with the
State, and holding credibility through integrity when advising the State
to take a closer look when analyzing a particular case to determine what
is really going on with the situation.
Case Date: 08-18-2017
Federal Misdemeanor No Valid Driver's License - Bay County
The Defendant was an illegal immigrant driving on Tyndall Air Force Base
in Bay County, Florida at which time he wrecked his vehicle by flipping
it upside down in a single car accident. The Defendant had no valid driver's
license, nor even a pass from Tyndall to be on base, though he was not
behind any gated areas, just on a side street off of US HIghway 98. The
military police arrived to the crash scene and cited the Defendant for
misdemeanor No Valid Driver's License. With the offense occurring
on base, however, the Defendant was required to appear in Federal Court.
By working diligently with the United States government, we were able
to secure a mere $65.00 fine with no jail, no probation, and no immigration
hold, despite the fact the Defendant was in the United States illegally,
driving with no valid driver's license on an Air Force base, and did
not even have a pass to be driving down the side roads off of US Highway 98.
Case Date: 08-10-2017
Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon and Probation Violation Case - Bay County
The Defendant had been arrested by the Bay County Sheriff’s Office
for 2nd Degree Felony Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon, punishable
by up to 15 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine, for allegedly striking
an individual with a baseball bat. Said allegation, as well as an allegation
of absconding, led to a Violation of Probation, as the Defendant was already
on felony probation for 3rd Degree Possession of a Controlled Substance,
punishable by up to five years in prison and up to a $5,000 fine. Thus,
the Defendant faced up to 20 years in prison and up to $15,000 in fines.
In negotiating with the State, we were able to have the State not pursue
(dismiss) the Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon, and have the Defendant’s
Violation of Probation resolved with no prison and no new felony conviction
or new conviction at all, despite the absconding allegation being pursued
by the State. In fact, by the Defendant working with the State, having
an open dialogue between both sides and exchanging pertinent information
my client wished to exchange, the Court reinstated the Defendant’s
probation with all previous conditions and only a $250.00 court costs
& fines assessment, as if no violation occurred with respect to punishment
other than paying said court costs & fines.
Case Date: 07-18-2017
Two Civil Traffic Citations with a Bad Driving Record - Bay County
The Defendant was traveling northbound on Florida’s State Route 79,
near the West Bay Bridge in Bay County, where the speed limit is only
45 miles per hour. Unfortunately for the Defendant, this is a high targeted
area for traffic violations, and a Florida Highway Patrolman was running
laser radar that afternoon, clocking the Defendant at a rate of 77 mph.
Upon getting pulled over, it only became worse for the Defendant, as he
was also cited for failing to change his legal name / address on his driver’s
license. Thus, he received two civil traffic citations, and had quite
a driving record to go with it, including a citation in Bay County as
recently as August 2016. The Defendant was concerned with even being able
to keep his driver’s license if he received any more points at all
on his driving record. Despite all of this, through negotiating with the
FHP Trooper, we were able to secure a complete withhold of points on the
Defendant’s driver’s license. All the Defendant had to do
was pay a monetary fine and complete a basic driver’s course. The
Defendant was able to keep his driver’s license after all.
Case Date: 07-17-2017
Lewd & Lascivious Molestation upon an Elderly Adult in Bay County
The Defendant was charged with Lewd & Lascivious Molestation upon an
Elderly Adult in Bay County. Specifically, the Defendant worked for a
local ambulance company, and was transporting a disabled adult. While
in the back of the ambulance, the Defendant was alleged to have molested
the disabled woman’s breast and nipple areas, as the Defendant was
moaning in pleasure while receiving sexual gratification from the act.
The victim was under tremendous medication, but was coming into and out
of consciousness. The victim managed to view the Defendant’s name
tag, and reported such upon arrival at the hospital. DNA testing was inconclusive
from inside of the victim’s sports bra. Of course, the Defendant
failed a lie detector test at the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, though
such is not admissible in Court. Despite having no prior criminal history,
an offense of this nature, by itself, provides more than enough points
to require prison per the Florida Scoresheet. Through extensive plea negotiations,
we were able to secure a plea which allowed the Defendant to be placed
on probation, as the State agreed to remove certain enhancement points
assessed for sexual contact, and allow the Defendant to avoid any prison
or jail time. The Defendant is not even on Community Control (i.e. house
arrest), as the Defendant received probation despite the seriousness of
the offense.
Case Date: 06-27-2017
Multiple Drug Charges Case - Bay County
The Defendant was on vacation with friends when she was arrested by the
Panama City Police Department for numerous drug offenses, including being
formally charged by the Office of the State Attorney for 1st Degree Felony
Trafficking in Oxycodone with 4 grams to 14 grams (punishable up to 30
years in prison and a minimum mandatory day for day prison sentence of
three years and mandatory $50,000 fine), 1st Degree Felony Trafficking
in Hydrocodone with 4 grams to 14 grams (punishable up to 30 years in
prison and a minimum mandatory day for day prison sentence of three years
and mandatory $50,000 fine), 3rd Degree Felony Possession of Bath Salts
(MDPV) with Intent to Sell or Distribute (punishable up to five years
in prison and up to a $5,000 fine), 3rd Degree Felony Possession of Amphetamine
(punishable up to five years in prison and up to a $5,000 fine), 3rd Degree
Felony Possession of Oxymorphone (punishable up to five years in prison
and up to a $5,000 fine),3rd Degree Possession of Hydromorphone (punishable
by up to five years in prison and up to a $5,000 fine) and First Degree
Misdemeanor Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (punishable up to one year
in the Bay County Jail and a $1,000 fine). As such, the Defendant faced
up to 80 years in prison and one year in the Bay County Jail, with a minimum
mandatory three year day for day prison sentence for Trafficking in Oxycodone
(4 grams to 14 grams) and a separate minimum mandatory three year day
for day prison sentence for Trafficking in Hydrocodone (4 grams to 14
grams). The Defendant also faced up to $121,000 in fines, with a minimum
mandatory fine of $50,000 for each of the trafficking offenses (i.e. at
least $100,000 mandatory fines between those two drug trafficking charges).
In negotiating with the State, we were able to achieve a resolution which
consisted of no prison and no mandatory minimum drug trafficking fines.
The State agreed to reduce the Trafficking of Oxycodone and Trafficking
of Hydrocodone to 2nd Degree Felony Possession with Intent to Sell or
Distribute the Oxycodone and Hydrocodone, and have the Defendant plea
to the remaining original charges, with the Defendant receiving 10 years
of regular probation (not even a drug offender probation) and the standard
court costs & fines (no mandatory minimum trafficking fines or prison).
Again, the Defendant received no prison, no mandatory drug trafficking
fines, not even house arrest. Furthermore, the Defendant received time
served on all charges except for the Possession with Intent to Sell or
Distribute of Oxycodone and Possession with Intent to Sell or Distribute
of Hydrocodone, meaning should she violate her felony probation, her potential
prison exposure was cut by 20 years since she received time served on
the four remaining felonies, and no jail exposure on the misdemeanor Possession
of Drug Paraphernalia either since such was time served as well. Thus,
she is only on probation for Possession with Intent to Sell or Distribute
Oxycodone and Possession with Intent to Sell or Distribute Hydrocodone.
Case Date: 04-06-2017
Client Found Not Guilty of Violation of Probation on Life Felony – Gulf County
Prior to hiring Attorney Sauline, the Defendant had been convicted years ago of 2
nd
Degree Murder, a Life felony in Gulf County, and served prison time followed
by Felony Probation. While on probation, the Defendant was arrested in
Bay County for Possession of Cocaine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
(Use), and Permitting an Unauthorized Person to Drive (i.e. knowingly
letting someone without a driver’s license drive the Defendant’s
vehicle). These criminal charges, along with failing to pay Court costs
and fines, resulted in a Violation of Probation in Gulf County. The Defendant
faced Life in prison as a maximum punishment for the violation. The Circuit
Court in Gulf County chose to proceed to an Evidentiary Hearing for the
Violation of Probation, rather than waiting for the Bay County criminal
charges to be resolved in a Bay County Courtroom. Following an Evidentiary
Hearing on the Violation of Probation, which was prosecuted by the “Major
Crimes Division” of the Office of the State Attorney for the 14
th
Judicial Circuit, the Circuit Court in Gulf County found the Defendant
Not Guilty of all allegations, including Not Guilty of even failing to
pay her Court costs and fines. Instead of receiving up to Life in prison,
the Defendant was home with her family that evening and the Gulf County
Violation of Probation was dismissed, with probation reinstated in Gulf
County to all previous terms.
Case Date: 01-15-2016
Traffic Citation Dismissed - Bay County
Client was issued a speeding ticket on April 23, 2015 for speeding in a
school zone. The client volunteers with a local charity, one which offers
assistance to those suffering during their final days of life, and was
on her way from doing such work to a volunteer meeting. With her mind
on her volunteer work, the Client did not notice she had entered a school
zone, and was cited by Panama City Police for speeding in a school zone.
Upon retaining our law office, we filed our standard pleadings, such as
Notice of Appearance, Written Plea of Not Guilty & Demand for Traffic
Hearing, as well as our Discovery demand, serving said documents upon
the law enforcement officer who issued the citation. As the process moved
along, we were given a contested hearing date of July 7, 2015. However,
on June 26
th , 2015, the Officer had a change of heart, requesting the Court dismiss
the citation. It was great to see law enforcement recognize the client’s
dedication to her volunteer work with those suffering their final moments
on this Earth, allowing the matter to be dismissed at his own request
once evaluating the entire situation.
Case Date: 06-26-2015
Possession of Semi-Automatic Firearm - U.S. District Court, N. District of FL
Defendant was arrested while on a United States Naval Base in Panama City
Beach for allegedly being in Possession of a Semi-Automatic Firearm with
Ammunition, in violation of 18 USC 930, Federal Code. Such is punishable
by up to one year of incarceration, as well as fines. After retaining
our office to represent him, and negotiations with the Federal government,
we were able to secure a Dismissal of any and all charges by the Assistant
United States Attorney per Rule 48(a) of the Federal Rules of Criminal
Procedure, thereby permitting the Defendant to walk free with no plea
required, no fines, no probation, no incarceration, and no conviction
on his criminal history. Thus, the Defendant has a clean record with respect
to this arrest and prosecution of this firearm offense alleged to have
taken place on a Naval Base, and prosecuted in the United States District
Court for the Northern District of Florida – Panama City Division.
Such is an example of the success which occurs through reasonable discussions
and negotiations with the Federal Government on behalf of our clients,
respecting the position of the government while advocating for our clients.
Case Date: 05-14-2015
DUI Involving Accident - Washington County
Our client was charged by the Florida Highway Patrol with Driving Under
the Influence following a crash of his vehicle. Upon arriving at the scene
of the single vehicle crash, the Trooper observed our client outside of
his vehicle, wandering around looking for his lost dog. Never did the
Trooper observe our client behind the wheel of his vehicle. During the
civil crash investigation, the Trooper obtained a statement from our client,
at which time our client
admitted
to driving the vehicle involved in the wreck. Upon concluding the civil
crash investigation, the same Trooper announced he was beginning his criminal
investigation for Driving Under the Influence. The Trooper, however, forgot
to once again ask the client who was driving the vehicle at the time of
the accident. Florida Statute 316.066(4) prohibits self-incriminating
statements made during a civil crash investigation from being admitted
during a criminal prosecution, as law enforcement must “change hats”
by announcing the initiation of a criminal investigation and then once
again ask the same question(s). Therefore, with no admission statement
and the Trooper never having seen our client behind the wheel, the Driving
Under the Influence single vehicle accident case was dismissed in its
entirety. This is an example of the importance in hiring an attorney who
focuses 100% of his caseload on Criminal Defense, knowing the technicalities
of Florida DUI law.
Case Date: 03-31-2015
Drug Trafficking & Probation Violation Case - Bay County
30-Mar-2015
Case Date: 03-30-2015
Drug Trafficking & Firearms Possession Case - Washington County
Defendant was charged with Trafficking in Methamphetamine, more than 14
grams but less than 28 grams, a First Degree Felony offense for which
there is a mandatory minimum of 3 years in prison, up to 30 years in prison,
and a mandatory fine of $50,000. Law enforcement also charged the Defendant
with being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm, a Second Degree Felony
Offense which is punishable up to 15 years in prison with a mandatory
minimum of 3 years in prison. Despite the Defendant having 12 prior felony
convictions, and the Federal government considering bringing firearm charges
on their own in United States District Court, our office was able to have
the entire matter dismissed following a Motion to Dismiss, as the State
had no DNA or fingerprints implicating our client, nor any admission statements
or statements from anyone at all implying the drugs and gun belonged to
the client. There was never any actual possession of these items, as the
gun was under a sofa cushion outside of plain view and the drugs were
in a bag on the other side of another individual sitting on the couch,
not even next to our client. The bag was not clear, and no drugs were
in plain view. Such is an example of the success which occurs through
proper investigation of a Criminal matter using the tools of discovery
provided to a Defendant under the Rules of Criminal Procedure.
Case Date: 03-07-2015