Recent Criminal Case Results
You need to know that you have outstanding legal representation for your criminal matter. Attorney Susan Rayburn will listen to you, evaluate the evidence against you, her team will conduct a proper investigation, file necessary motions and fight to protect your rights.
Verdict & Success Stories
Browse some of our recent criminal case results below:
Case Dismissed
FIREARM
Our client was arrested and charged with carrying a loaded firearm without a license, possession of ammunition, and possession of a large-capacity feeding device.
Negotiations with the prosecuting attorney resulted in them filing a nolle prosequi (dismissal) in the case due to their agreement that they could not prove the required elements of the offenses charged, beyond a reasonable doubt, to a jury.
In this case, the accused was the driver of a vehicle that was stopped and searched. A firearm was located under the seat of his vehicle. There were other passengers in the car and there was no evidence that our client knew there was a firearm present or that he had the intent or ability to establish control over the gun. The case dismissed by the Commonwealth after negotiations.
case results
Charges Dismissed
DOMESTIC ASSAULT
Our client was accused of domestic assault and battery in the district court. He called 911 for help when his partner struck him and damaged some property; when the police responded to the scene, the partner gave false information, and it was our client who was arrested and charged.
Any conviction or admission for a domestic violence offense can result in the deportation or removal of a non-citizen from the United States, and this can be devastating to a person’s future. Evidence sought by us included the 911 recordings, turret recordings and body worn camera footage.
The case was eventually dismissed for want of prosecution when the Commonwealth did not answer ready for trial on the scheduled jury trial date. The case was dismissed by the Court.
case results
No Conviction
TRAFFICKING
Our client was charged with trafficking in narcotics after a car he was driving was stopped and searched by police officers. Evidence sought and received by Attorney Rayburn included documentation of the police officer’s use of their mobile data terminal to request information on the vehicle’s registration and the defendant, including the precise time of those queries. Body-worn camera footage was also sought and received, reviewed, and submitted in support of a Motion to Suppress Evidence for the unlawful stop, search, and seizure of evidence. Officers were dishonest about the reason for their stop and the reasons for the search of the vehicle.
At a motion to suppress, Attorney Rayburn was able to cross-examine the officers involved; their body-worn camera footage was submitted to the court, and the officer’s testimony was shown to be inconsistent with their own body-worn camera footage.
The defendant’s constitutional rights had been violated, and the Motion to Suppress was allowed; the charges were then dismissed.
case results
Dismissed
RESTRAINING ORDER VACATED
Our client was falsely accused of domestic violence, and an emergency restraining order was granted to the alleged victim.
Attorney Rayburn prepared for the ten-day hearing on the Restraining Order, investigated the complaining witness, and gathered information that showed that the allegations were false and that our client was actually the victim in the case.
The alleged victim chose not to come to court and face the physical and testimonial evidence that would expose the false allegations. The restraining order was vacated.
Jury Trial
JURY TRIAL – NOT GUILTY
Our client was charged with assault and battery on several corrections officers while he was incarcerated on unrelated charges.
Attorney Rayburn secured extensive footage from inside the corrections facility and used it effectively to cross-examine several officers who testified for the prosecution. The footage and testimony of the officers on cross-examination supported her argument that the accusations were false.
After trial, the jury returned verdicts of NOT GUILTY on all charges.
Case Dismissed
NARCOTICS DISTRIBUTION
Our client was charged in superior court with possession with intent to distribute narcotics after his car was stopped and the vehicle was searched by police officers.
Attorney Rayburn filed and argued a Motion to Suppress, which was partially allowed.
After the motion hearing, where the defendant had an opportunity to testify, the Commonwealth re-evaluated its evidence and agreed to dismiss the charges against the defendant.
Case dismissed.
Charges Dismissed
MURDER – HOMICIDE
In a homicide case, our client was charged with first-degree murder. Relentless discovery motions practice by Attorney Rayburn, a careful review of evidence produced in discovery by the Commonwealth and a highly skilled investigation by our private investigator revealed an alarming failure of law enforcement to properly investigate, as well as inducements paid to witnesses and their families. Our crime scene visits and photographs proved that statements given to police were false; our client should never have been charged with the homicide.
This devoted criminal defense teamwork culminated in the government’s dismissal of the case against our client and his codefendants. Murder Charges Dismissed.
Case Dismissed
RAPE – SEXUAL ASSULT
Our client was falsely accused of a rape. The scenario that gave rise to the charges took place in a hotel bar and lobby area.
Attorney Rayburn immediately sought all video evidence of the premises and was prompt with investigating all parties. Numerous witnesses who were at the scene were interviewed and the scene was visited and photographed by our private investigator. Attorney Rayburn pressed the Commonwealth to promptly conduct a meaningful investigation, knowing it should result in a dismissal, and to decline to indict our client. The Commonwealth did not promptly investigate and failed to indict in a timely.
Attorney Rayburn’s Motion to Dismiss the charges was allowed. CASE DISMISSED
Charges Dismissed
POSSESSION OF FIREARM
Our client was charged with firearms offenses after police stopped a car he was a passenger in. Officers found a loaded firearm at our client’s feet. Attorney Rayburn was able to effectively cross-examine the officers and ballistics expert called by the prosecution as witnesses.
After the trial, the jury returned verdicts of NOT GUILTY on all charges.
COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Will My Case Go to Trial? How Is This Determined?
It’s important to be aware that not every criminal case will go to trial. Each case can have several possible outcomes. The key is to have an honest conversation with your criminal defense attorney about whether or not they believe the case will go to trial. As an experienced lawyer in criminal defense cases, Susan Rayburn looks at the facts of the case, assesses the evidence, and offers insight into possible options for moving forward. A variety of factors will play into the decision you make as to whether to take your case to trial, being educated about what the evidence against you means and how it will or will not be applied is of utmost importance. The ability to pay your legal fees should never play a part in your decision of whether or not to exercise your constitutional right to a trial by jury or a bench trial, that is one important reason why Attorney Rayburn keeps her fees at fair flat rates.
Whether or not your case will go to trial depends on various factors, including the specifics of your case, the strength of the evidence, whether that evidence can be effectively challenged through review of records and proper investigation, the rules of evidence, and the strategies of both the defense and prosecution. It’s important to know that just because you are accused of a crime does not mean that the testimonial and physical evidence the prosecution cannot be challenged.
There are many ways to challenge their evidence, it takes work by your attorney to comb through evidence, watch every video, listen to every recorded interview, seek evidence the prosecution might not want to produce through thoughtful, careful and creative motions filed on your behalf.
It is unacceptable to simply accept a police report or grand jury testimony and assume there is no other evidence, including evidence that may call into question the credibility of police or other witnesses. Attorney Susan Rayburn is skilled and committed to effective motions practice and proper investigation. Call Now For Your Free Case Evaluation.
How Much Experience Does a Criminal Attorney Need to Have?
Always choose a lawyer with as much experience in criminal defense as possible. Hiring a defense attorney with decades of experience fighting for the rights of their clients is the way to achieving the best possible outcome of your case.
The experience of Attorney Susan Rayburn is highly valuable for several reasons:
1. Her Understanding of the Legal System: Attorney Rayburn has a deep understanding of the legal system, including the procedures, protocols, and nuances that can affect your case. This knowledge allows her to navigate the legal system more effectively and efficiently.
2. Strategic Insight: As a seasoned attorney, Susan has developed strategic insights overtime, knowing when to negotiate, when to go to trial, and how to present a case in the most favorable light. She understands the tactics that work and those that don’t, which can significantly impact a cases outcome.
3. Negotiation Skills: Experience hones an attorneys negotiation skills. Some criminal cases are resolved through plea bargains, and an experienced attorney like Susan Rayburn is more likely to secure a favorable deal if that is the route you choose in your criminal case. Remember, it is always the Defendant’s choice on whether they should exercise their constitutional rights to a trial or waive them and resolve their case short of trial.
4. Courtroom Experience: Seasoned attorneys are often more comfortable and effective in the courtroom. They are familiar with courtroom procedures, know how to present evidence and arguments persuasively, and can better anticipate the prosecutions moves. This is one of Attorney Rayburn’s strengths.
5. Reputation: A well-respected attorney with a strong track record can sometimes influence the dynamics of a case. Attorney Rayburn has a stellar reputation and is highly respected in the all of the courts where she represents the accused.
6. Specialization: As an attorney with years of experience in criminal law, Susan has handled many cases similar to yours, giving her specific expertise that is often critical in building a strong, focused defense.
Has Criminal Defense Attorney Susan Rayburn Handled Many Cases Like Yours?
Every case is unique. Attorney Susan Rayburn, an experienced criminal defense lawyer, has seen almost every situation you could imagine. The key to getting the best representation possible is to discuss with her how often she has handled cases similar to yours. This will help you understand why she could be the lawyer for your case. When choosing criminal defense attorney Susan Rayburn, it’s important to know she has handled cases similar to yours.
This legal experience can be critical for several reasons:
1. Specific Knowledge:
Attorney Rayburn, who has handled cases like yours, will have specific knowledge of the laws, procedures, and potential defenses relevant to your situation.
2. Understanding of Case Dynamics: She will understand the typical dynamics of your criminal case, including common strategies used by the prosecution and effective counter-strategies.
3. Track Record:
You can assess her success rate in handling similar cases, giving you an idea of her outstanding capability and effectiveness.
4. Predicting Outcomes:
As an experienced attorney, Susan Rayburn can better predict potential outcomes and provide more accurate advice on the best course of action, keeping in mind that no promises can or should ever be made by any attorney about what the final outcome of a case will be, but navigating the options in your particular set of facts is done best by and attorney like Susan who has the experience and tenacity to evaluate your case and help you make your educated choices.
5. Customized Defense:
She will tailor your defense strategy based on the facts and circumstances of your particular case, which law enforcement agencies are involved and what has worked in past cases, potentially increasing your chances of a favorable outcome.
No stone will go unturned; Attorney Rayburn will be sure that you benefit from the services of her excellent private investigator and any experts necessary to evaluate evidence and testify on your behalf should that become necessary.