Featured Case Result: Turning a Life Sentence into a Path to Freedom

Defending Against a Possible Life Sentence

When our client C.J. came to Attorney Mehdi Essmidi, he was facing a mandatory persistent gun charge that carried the possibility of life imprisonment. After cycling through three previous attorneys who had failed to make progress on his case, C.J. needed someone who would truly fight for him.

C.J.’s situation was particularly complex. He had been involved in a controversial prior case with the NYPD that resulted in his conviction being vacated by an appellate court after it was discovered that officers had provided false testimony and withheld crucial video evidence. After receiving a settlement from NYC and being released, he found himself in a dangerous situation where he felt his life was threatened, leading to a new weapons charge in 2023.

As a third-time offender facing a gun charge, the stakes couldn’t have been higher.

Attorney Actions

Mehdi immediately took decisive action where previous attorneys had failed:

• Filed motions for a Darden hearing to challenge the reliability of the confidential informant
• Conducted a meticulous review of the evidence that uncovered numerous inconsistencies
• Exposed problems with how prosecutors handled a separately apprehended co-defendant
• After nearly a year of persistence, Mehdi revealed that the informant was using law enforcement to falsely imprison people for personal gain
• Mehdi filed strategic motions to suppress testimony about an alleged 13-year-old summons warrant

While other attorneys had treated this as just another case, Mehdi recognized that his client wasn’t just facing a legal battle but struggling against a system that had repeatedly failed him.

Outcome

After nearly a year of aggressive advocacy, Mehdi negotiated a remarkable resolution:

• Instead of life imprisonment, C.J. accepted a plea to a non-violent charge
• Sentence reduced to 2-4 years instead of potential life behind bars
• Most of the sentence had already been served while awaiting resolution
• Client will soon be released with the opportunity to rebuild his life

What Our Client’s Loved One Said

“Mehdi saved my friend’s life. My friend was up against a notoriously hateful and biased D.A. office. Their intention was to have my friend convicted and sentenced to life in prison… Mehdi took the time and interest to dig into the case. Mehdi was able to uncover serious issues that other attorneys had not been willing to investigate or deal with. Because of him my friend will be home soon.”

Why This Case Matters

This case demonstrates that an effective defense requires more than just showing up in court. It requires an attorney who will:

• Thoroughly investigate every aspect of your case
• Challenge questionable evidence and procedural improprieties
• Recognize the human factors that contribute to legal situations
• Persist relentlessly until achieving the best possible outcome

When your freedom is at stake, you deserve an attorney who will fight with this level of dedication and skill.