Meredith Mochel

I normally do not respond to reviews, positive or negative, but this one and the excellent outcome bears explanation. This review appears to be from a client unhappy with what was an excellent result given all of the facts, both the facts as she had presented them and what facts I later learned through my investigation of the case. She was charged with a DUI and had accused the officer of impropriety solely on the basis of being a male officer pulling over a female at nighttime, prompting the officer to call for back up. The client also complained of inappropriate remarks about her appearance that other attorneys had made during consults with them about possible representation. I was sympathetic to her claims and even charged her a reduced fee. I never guaranteed any outcome as it is unethical to do so. The client claimed that she had consumed one drink but that a roadside breathalyzer showed a blood alcohol content of .09, an amount over the limit and inconsistent with just one drink. More importantly, the evidence later revealed that her roadside test was actually much higher, it was .17. Despite the evidence against her, I was able to secure an offer to plead to "reckless conduct", a minor offense unrelated to driving, and also persuaded the prosecuting attorney to reduce the fine by $1000.00. I did not “tell” the client to plead to reckless conduct but presented her the plea, reviewed the evidence with her, and offered to reset the case so that she could consider her options. The evidence we reviewed was everything that was available at that stage of the case. The client said that she understood this and did not want to continue her case or take it to a higher court and risk losing the excellent offer. After much discussion with her and her significant other whom she had brought to court, she entered the plea to the significantly amended charge. That court date was the last I have heard from that client. Communication with my clients is important to me and that is why I give clients my cell phone number. Had this former client called as she claims, I would have provided her with documentation showing the DUI was reduced to a non-driving offense. Unfortunately, some people expect that their DUI arrest can be "wiped away" from their driving record as if it never existed. Frankly, had the client just waited, her driving record will reflect that the DUI charge was amended to a minor, non-driving offense THAT CARRIES NO POINTS ON HER LICENSE!. This client was saved from certain jail, hefty fines, loss of drivers' license, AND a DUI conviction. DUIs are incredibly hard to beat and almost impossible when the client registers a .17 and is clearly guilty. Her case was an amazing success, whether she recognizes it or not.