Case Results

                                            LAST UPDATED 1-15-2010

This list is given for informational purposes only and is in no way indicative of your case outcome.  The facts differ substantially in every particular case and the attorneys in our firm will fight for the best possible outcome for you.


NO CHARGES FILED AGAINST OUR CLIENT IN SARASOTA ON A DUI WITH PROPERTY DAMAGE ARREST
2009CT017192NC

The Defendant was in a traffic accident and during the course of the crash investigation the officer reported smelling the odor of alcohol on one of the people at the scene. He then switched to a DUI investigation of the Defendant. Upon further investigation the officer said the Defendant swayed while he was walking, had bloodshot, watery eyes and slurred speech. The Defendant attempted to perform Field Sobriety Tests including the eye test (Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus) and the walk and turn. The Defendant stopped responding to the officer's requests during the walk and turn and would not answer the officer when he asked if the Defendant was refusing to complete the Field Sobriety Tests. The Defendant was then placed under arrest for DUI with property damage. At the Sarasota County Jail the Defendant refused to take a breath test. Despite his refusal to take a breath test and his results on the field sobriety tests, attorney David Haenel convinced the State not to file charges in the case.  

DUI REDUCED TO RECKLESS DRIVING DESPITE A BREATH TEST OF 0.133

Hillsborough County Deputies received an anonymous call that a person was driving erratically and gave a last known location of the vehicle in a CVS parking lot.  Deputies arrived and found defendant illegally parked in a handicap spot with vomit on the exterior of the door. Deputies approached and requested that defendant perform Field Sobriety Exercises which he failed.  He was taken to Orient Road Jail and provided a breath sample of .133.  Tampa DUI lawyer, arguing that the "stop" of defendant vehicle violated his 4^th Avengement rights was able to get the DUI charges reduced to a Reckless Driving.   (Ref. No. 5814-XEC)

CLIENT BLOWS TWICE THE LEGAL LIMT BUT KEEPS HIS LICENSE AND CHARGES ARE REDUCED TO RECKLESS DRIVING

Tampa Police Officer arrived at McDill AirForce Base at the request of military personnel stating that defendant was at the entry gate attempting to pay a toll, apparently thinking he was on the Crosstown Expressway.  Officers requested that defendant perform Field Sobriety Exercises which he failed.  Defendant also admitted to drinking 'a couple of shots.'   Defendant was arrested, transported to Orient Road jail and provided a breath sample of .165.  Arguing that a critical portion of the arrest report was missing, Tampa DUI lawyer Stephen Higgins was able to get the charge amended to a Reckless Driving.  The lawyers at Finebloom & Haenel were also able to invalidate the suspension of defendant's license meaning defendant was never without the privilege to drive.  (Ref. No. 1024-XCM)

Jury Takes Just 10 Minutes To Find Orlando Woman NOT GUILTY Of DUI

A young woman in Orange County was involved in a car accident and admitted to drinking. Darren Finebloom     filed motions and the State Attorney threatened if his client continued to fight the DUI charges he would revoke all offers and seek jail against a young college girl charged with a first offense DUI. Finebloom and Rizzo were undeterred and took the case to trial. The Defendant refused field sobriety tests but the officer claimed she was swaying, had slurred speech, smelled of alcohol and that he had no doubt she was impaired. The case was tried on December 14, 2009 in Orange County criminal court. After receiving all of the evidence the residents of Orange County performed their civic duty admirably and returned a verdict of Not Guilty in less than 10 minutes.  (ref. 09-CT-0014594-O)

DUI Defendant Found NOT GUILTY In Manatee County

The Defendant was parked outside of his apartment complex listening to music with the keys in the ignition of his vehicle. The Bradenton Police Department received a call for a noise complaint and responded.  They claimed the Defendant was passed out behind the wheel of a running car. Darren Finebloom     investigated and found the evidence showed differently. The Defendant was arrested and refused all testing claiming his innocence that he was not driving. After a day-long jury trial the residents of Manatee County showed their courage and found the Defendant not guilty in less than 15 minutes.  (Ref. 2009 CT 003748)  

FELONY CHARGES DISMISSED AGGRAVATED ASSAULT WITH A FIREARAM

Defendant was arrested for Aggravated Assault with a firearm.  Defendant quickly retained the services of Manatee/Bradenton Criminla Defense Attorney Darren Finebloom    .  Darren Finebloom     immediately collected a sworn witness statement from the Defendant's ex-wife which demonstrated the Defendant was acting in self-defense.  In addition we requested the 911 tape from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office which also showed that the Defendant was protecting his family when he drew his gun against an aggressor.  Based on this evidence we were able to convince the Office of the State Attorney to dismiss the charges. 2009 CF 002431

Felony charges not filed!!

Defendant was charged with Aggravated Assault with a Firearm.  Defendant quickly retained the services of Tampa criminal defense lawyer Stephen Higgins who immediately filed a Notice of Appearance with the Clerk of Court and began to negotiate with the State Attorney.  Stephen explained the version of events as they happened, in direct contrast to the arresting officer's report.  Based on the discussion with the State Attorney, Stephen was able to prevent charges from being filed.   (Ref No. 09-CF-018576)

DUI REFUSAL REDUCED TO RECKLESS DRIVING AND POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA DISMISSED
2009MM003789NC

The Defendant was stopped for traveling at a high rate of speed and swerving in and out of his lane. When the Defendant was approached by law enforcement officers they immediately noticed an odor of alcohol, bloodshot watery eyes and very slurred speech. The Deputies asked the Defendant to step out of the vehicle and noticed that the Defendant was unsteady on his feet when he was standing and walking. The Deputies asked the Defendant to perform field sobriety exercises. The Defendant did the eye test (also known as horizontal gaze nystagmus), the walk and turn exercise, and the one leg stand exercise. After performing the exercises the Deputies arrested the Defendant. During the search of the Defendant's person and vehicle the Deputies found marijuana in his possession. After the Defendant's arrest the Deputies requested the Defendant to give a breath test. The Defendant refused to give a breath test. AnneMarie Rizzo quickly began to gather evidence in support of her client's defense. AnneMarie took depositions and filed a motion to suppress the marijuana. The Judge granted the motion to suppress and the marijuana charge was ultimately dismissed. At the administrative DMV hearing AnneMarie also convinced the DMV to invalidate her client's license suspension and won his license back. AnneMarie set the case for trial. The week before trial the Prosecutor agreed to drop the DUI to a Reckless Driving. The Defendant never went without a license and also received a withhold of adjudication meaning he wasn't convicted of any offense.

DUI REDUCED WITH POSITIVE DRUG TEST TO RECKLESS DRIVING 2009CT002686

The Defendant was driving on the interstate when a citizen called 911 for a possible drunk driver. The 911 caller stated the Defendant's car was weaving and changing speeds for no reason and almost caused two accidents, then almost ran off the road numerous times finally losing control and crashing. When the Deputies arrived on scene they stated that the Defendant appeared dazed and had droopy, glassy eyes. The Defendant was given a series of Field Sobriety Exercises in which the Deputies stated were performed poorly. The Deputies arrested the Defendant and took him to jail. At the jail the Defendant provided a breath test and a urine test. The urine test was positive for a variety of drugs. AnneMarie Rizzo immediately began investigating the case and preparing her client's defense. She told the Prosecutor the Deputy didn't follow proper procedures and there was a lot of evidence in her client's favor. AnneMarie set the case for trial and the Prosecutor reduced the charge to Reckless Driving.

DUI WITH A BREATH TEST OF A .283 REDUCED TO RECKLESS DRIVING 2009CT005274NC

The Defendant was involved in a crash and once the police arrived they noticed indicators of impairment. The Deputies stated the Defendant had an odor of alcohol, staggering, and unable to focus. Additionally, they stated he had bloodshot watery eyes and slurred speech. The Defendant was requested to perform field sobriety tests which they said he performed poorly. The Defendant was arrested and taken to jail where he was asked to take the breath test. The Defendant's breath tests results were .283 and .282. The Defendant immediately retained the Law Firm of Finebloom and Haenel. Darren Finebloom     quickly began preparing his defense for his client. Darren even found the medical nurse who evaluated the Defendant who stated she did not believe the Defendant to be impaired despite his breath test. Darren Fineblooom and David Haenel filed a motion to suppress the breath test and won! The State was not allowed to use the results of the breath test against the Defendant. After setting the case for trial and Darren Finebloom     and David Haenel were able to convince the State Attorney to reduce the charge to Reckless Driving.

DUI NOT GUILTY
2009 CT 001816 SC
The Defendant was stopped for almost running a North Port Police Officer off the road.  The Defendant stated he dropped his water and that is what caused him to swerve.  The Police in their rush to judgment felt the Defendant was impaired by something.  They requested the Defendant perform field sobriety tests of which he performed poorly.  It turns out that the Defendant was taking prescription medication.  The Officer in trial alleged that the Defendant informed him that he took four to five tablets just hours ago and took more then he should have.  This evidence did not deter Anne Marie Rizzo as she fought the State and the Police at every turn. Once the Defendant was arrested he blew .000 on the breath test machine and provided a urine sample which turned up positive for methadone and xanax.  We presented the defense of involuntary intoxication and argued that the Defendant only did what he was told to do by his Doctor. In an all day trial despite numerous rulings against the lawyers of Finebloom & Haenel the jury came back in 40 minutes with a not guilty verdict.  AMAZING!