Proven Record of Success
At Scudderlawfirm we have a proven track record of successfully defending cases. Success in a criminal case can range from an acquittal after trial to a pretrial dismissal of the charge(s) to a reduction in the seriousness of the charge(s). Every case is different, which is why you need an attorney with a breadth of experience to analyze your individual case and to work tirelessly for the best possible outcome.
Below are some of our more publicized victories:
City of Seattle v. A.C (2019): A.C. was accused by his ex-girlfriend and mother of his child of two counts of domestic violence assault. The case was set for trial and on the Friday before trial, the City dismissed both counts.
State v. S.N. (2018): In the spring of 2018, twenty-year old S.N. was attending a party at the home of some friends who attended Central Washington University. During the party a fight broke out between S.N. and one of the tenants in the house over a broken chair. By the time the altercation was over, the tenant was suffering from a life-threatening knife wound to his arm and S.N was facing 13-16 years in prison on charges of First-Degree Assault and First-Degree Burglary.
Along with co-counsel, Zachary Wagnild (www.wagnildlaw.com ), Michelle successfully defended S.N. at trial which resulted in acquittals on both the Assault and Burglary charges. In addition, the jury concluded that S.N. acted lawfully in defending himself and the judge ordered that the State reimburse S.N. and his family for the attorney fees paid to defend S.N. S.N. now lives out of state and is pursuing his educational and employment goals.
City of Seattle v. D.Y. (2017): D.Y. went running at Greenlake on his lunchbreak. While changing into clothes in his car, he was accused of intentionally exposing himself to a woman walking near his car. D.Y. was charged with indecent exposure and ran the risk of losing his job if convicted. D.Y. always maintained his innocence and the case went to jury trial. After 20 minutes of deliberation, the jury returned a Not Guilty verdict.
City of Seattle V. M.P. (2017): M.P., a young African American male, was walking downtown on his way home after work. He had headphones on and crossed a busy street before the light had turned green. A police officer nearby began yelling at him to stop. M.P. could not hear the commands but saw an angry officer approaching him on bike. M.P. became alarmed and took off running. He was tackled by multiple officers and was fearful he was going to be shot. He was arrested and charged with obstructing a police officer. Michelle was hired on the case and got the charges dismissed with prejudice at the second court appearance.
State v. J.P. (2017): J.P. was charged with numerous counts of Rape of a Child in the First Degree and Child Molestation in the First Degree in two different counties after being accused by both his adopted daughter and his ex-girlfriend’s daughter of sexual abuse. Along with co-counsel Zachary Wagnild (www.wagnildlaw.com ), Michelle successfully defended J.P at trial leading to an acquittal on all charges in one county and a dismissal of charges in the other county.
State v. Jarred Ha (2016): Jarred Ha was a 22-year-old economics student at the University of Washington when, after an altercation at an off-campus party, he was chased down by a 240 lb. body builder who began to beat him mercilessly. In desperation and fear for his life Jarred pulled out a knife and used it to stop the assault. In the process, Jarred inflicted serious wounds on the assailant. Because he had used a knife to defend himself Jarred was charged with Assault in the First Degree and faced a prison term of 10-12 years. He was also summarily suspended from the University of Washington due to the incident.
Along with co-counsel, Zachary Wagnild (www.wagnildlaw.com) Michelle successfully defended Jarred during a two week trial after which a jury found him not guilty of all charges and entered a special verdict finding that he acted lawfully in defending himself. As a result of the special verdict, the judge ordered the State to reimburse Jarred for all his attorneys’ fees and the University of Washington dropped the suspension allowing him to return to school.
Read about it here:
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/crime/cleared-after-stabbing-ex-uw-student-wants-his-life-back/
http://www.dailyuw.com/news/article_b925246c-069d-11e6-93dc-470a42dbb486.html
https://q13fox.com/2016/02/19/judge-orders-state-to-reimburse-ex-uw-student-cleared-in-stabbing-case/
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-nOHHuCPtLu9y7phoJbD6pZFfd8jx9OJ
State v. G.D. (2016): G.D. was charged with two counts of Assault in the second degree with a firearm after he brandished a firearm to protect his son, who was being assaulted. He pointed the gun at the assailant and another individual who he also believed was involved. The case went to trial and the jury returned a verdict of Not Guilty. In addition, the jury found that G.D. acted lawfully in defending his son and returned a special verdict finding he acted lawfully defending his son. The judge ordered that defense attorney fees and G.D.’s lost wages were to be paid by the State for bringing the charges.
State v. L.G. (2015): In 2014, L.G. was accused by his then stepdaughter of sexually abusing her over the course of several years. The allegations cost L.G. his marriage, employment, and most of his personal possessions. Eventually he was charged in Pierce County with eight counts of child molestation and rape of a child with several aggravators. Facing the very real possibility of spending the rest of his life in prison but knowing he was innocent, L.G. set his case for trial.
Along with co-counsel Zachary Wagnild (www.wagnildlaw.com), Michelle successfully defended L.G. against the false allegations. After a three-week trial, the jury found him not guilty on all eight counts and L.G. was finally able to pick up the pieces of his life. He has now moved out of state and has regained employment.
