Reckless Endangerment & Unlawful Discharge of Firearm #1Z-2791**
Sep 09, 2011
OUTCOME: Dismissed
Client charged with Reckless Endangerment and Unlawful Discharge of Firearm. Both charges are gross misdemeanors. My investigations revealed client was intoxicated while cleaning his rifle. It accide...ntally shot a round through his bedroom wall and into a neighbor's fence. Prosecutor agreed to enter Deferred Sentence where case shall be dismissed after one year of law-abiding behavior. The judge imposed a $300 fine, no alcohol evaluations, no probation and no jail. Mr. Ransom arranged for police to return confiscated firearms to client.
Criminal defense
Assault Second Degree With a Deadly Weapon & Malicious Mischief #08-1-001**-6
Aug 09, 2011
OUTCOME: Dismissed
Client charged with Assault Second Degree With a Deadly Weapon (Class B Felony) and Malicious Mischief Second Degree (Class C Felony). The facts alleged client was part of a gang-related beating of the... victim and the destruction of property. My investigations revealed nobody could positively identify my client. We set the matter for jury trial. The State's Prosecutor dismissed for lack of evidence.
Client charged with Assault Fourth Degree DV, Resisting Arrest and Obstructing a Police Officer. All charges are gross misdemeanors. Investigations revealed police officers responded to 911 call and ...that client was uncooperative. Entered SOC agreement with Prosecutor where client would undergo DV evaluation and treatment, pay $250 fine and serve no jail. Prosecutor shall dismiss case after 2 years if client maintains law-abiding behavior.
Criminal defense
Possession of Cocaine, Bail Jumping, Intimidating a Witness & Witness Tampering #10-1-000**-3
Jul 14, 2011
OUTCOME: Jury Acquittal on Witness Tampering and Intimidating a Witness.
Client charged with Possession of Cocaine, Bail Jumping, Witness Tampering and Intimidating a Witness.
Client gave a drug-abusing friend a ride to the grocery store. Police pull client over on wa...rrants. On the pullover, police notice "furtive movement" exchanged between client and her friend. Police arrest both. They fail to find contraband on client. Police question and search client's friend. They recover two pipes and two bindles of cocaine.
At trial, prosecutor argued client had constructive possession of the cocaine even though she did not possess it on her body.
While the case is pending, client fails to arrive at one of her court hearings. Her explanation was that she ran out of methadone, a legal drug that many use to overcome their addiction to heroin. As a result of missing court, the State charged client with Bail Jumping.
Months later, and while the case is pending, client unintentionally meets her "friend" on the bus. Words are exchanged. The friend later contacts the Prosecutor and says client threatened her to not testify. The State charges Tampering With a Witness and Witness Intimidation even though there was no independent evidence. The jury agreed, and ruled "not guilty."
Criminal defense
Theft of Rental Property & Bail Jumping #09-1-012**-1
Jun 29, 2011
OUTCOME: Dismissed
Client charged with Theft of Rental Property in the Second Degree and Bail Jumping. All charges were Class C felonies.
Criminal defense
Assault Fourth Degree #1Z-02470**
May 20, 2011
OUTCOME: Dismissed
Client charged with Assault Fourth Degree, a gross misdemeanor, against a co-worker. Investigations revealed the victim antagonized the situation and called police in order to get client terminated fr...om employment. There were no witnesses or injuries to the allegations. This year, the judge signed an Agreed Order Granting the Deferred Sentence and Dismissal of Charges.
Criminal defense
Assault Fourth Degree Domestic Violence #CB-699**
Mar 08, 2011
OUTCOME: Full Jury Acquittal.
Assault Fourth Degree Domestic Violence. Jury upheld client's self defense arguments and found the alleged victim instigated incident.
Criminal defense
Reckless Driving #C-7677**
Mar 07, 2011
OUTCOME: Dismissed
Client charged with Reckless Driving, a gross misdemeanor. He was alleged to have compared speeds with his brother after a family gathering. Client was employed as a delivery driver. His job was in ...jeopardy because of these charges. I instructed client to attend an Aggressive Driving class and obtain numerous character reference letters. He followed my advice. The Prosecutor agreed to reduce the charge to Negligent Driving First Degree, no jail, and a $500 fine. However, Prosecutor would not agree to a 1-year Deferred Sentence. Despite the Prosecutor’s objections, the judge followed Mr. Ransom's recommendations and entered a deferred sentence allowing dismissal of the case after one year of good behavior. This year (2012) the judge signed a dismissal order; thus officially dismissing the case.
Criminal defense
Violation of No-Contact Order Domestic Violence #C-74**; CB-707**
Mar 02, 2011
OUTCOME: Dismissed
Client faced Violation of No-Contact Order charges from the City of Lynden and the City of Bellingham. Both charges are gross misdemeanors. My investigations revealed client suffered from mental heal...th issues which diminished her capacity to form the requisiste intent to commit the crimes. Also, she suffered a harsh breakup with her ex-boyfriend. Against her will, and while the cases were pending, he kept a substantial amount of her personal belongings. I contacted the alleged victim and obtained his written statement and cooperation. He returned client's personal property. He also did not want to testify against my client. I shared my investigations and his statement with the City Prosecutors. They agreed to dismiss their various cases.
Criminal defense
Assault Fourth Degree & Violation of No-Contact Order Domestic Violence AC-357**
Feb 07, 2011
OUTCOME: Dismissed
Client charged with Assault Fourth Degree DV. Investigations revealed the alleged victim, client's daughter, had a long criminal history and was heavily abusing drugs. Client ordered daughter to move ...out of the family house. During the move-out, daughter attacked client. Client responded in self-defense. Daughter called 911. Police arrived at the scene and determined that client was the primary aggressor. Police arrest client and book her into jail. On the day of trial for the Assault charge, the Prosecutor dismisses for lack of evidence.
