MR. CORLETTA OBTAINS REDUCTION OF FELONY CHARGE TO VIOLATION FOR NON-ENGLISH SPEAKING DEFENDANT

Mr. Corletta turned a case, which originally started as a Felony Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance charge, into a mere Disorderly Conduct conviction, the criminal equivalent of a traffic ticket, for a non-english speaking Defendant in People v. Anonymous (Buffalo City Ct., 12/19).

          In that case, Mr. Corletta’s young client was visiting friends in Buffalo and was the subject of a questionable traffic stop based upon an anonymous tip, where illegal narcotics were found in the vehicle. Quickly analyzing the case, and immediately jumping to his client's defense, Mr. Corletta obtained the client's release to their parents, and advised the Court of the suppression issues. This resulted in the District Attorney immediately reducing the charge to a misdemeanor.

          Mr. Corletta remained on the attack and promptly filed motions, resulting in the Court referring his young client to a Pre-Trial Diversion Drug Evaluation program. As a result of that program, and Mr. Corletta’s guidance, it was determined this was a one time aberration, primarily orchestrated by friends the young client was with, and that his client had no drug problem.

          As a result, although there were co-Defendants in the case, Mr. Corletta’s client was offered a plea to the violation of Disorderly Conduct, which the client accepted, receiving a amount of community service, and preserving the client’s lack of any prior criminal record. The client and the client’s family were extremely grateful for Mr. Corletta’s diligence.