Mr. Corletta obtains another reduction in rural county.

Continuing his ability to spot technical issues, and using the new Discovery law to his client’s advantage, Mr. Corletta obtained still another reduction for a young client, whose employment could have been impacted, in People v. Anonymous (Wayne Co., 1/20). In this case, the young client drove for purposes of their employment, in a sales-related position. 

After having had too much to drink at an office Christmas party, the client was stopped on the way home in rural Wayne County on a questionable stop sign violation. To compound matters, the local Wayne County prosecution-oriented newspaper publicized the arrest, causing great embarrassment to the client at the client’s place of employment.

Acting quickly, Mr. Corletta reviewed the Accusatory Instruments, as well as wrote a letter of protest to the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department for releasing his client’s arrest information, contrary to recent legislation prohibiting release of such information without a compelling or legitimate law enforcement or public safety purpose.

Mr. Corletta promptly filed Motions to Dismiss, pointing out deficiencies in the Deputy’s preparation of the Accusatory Instruments, which were unilaterally modified without Court permission. In addition, New York’s new Discovery statute, effective January 1, 2020, requires the People to produce considerable additional information in DWI cases, which had not been produced.

Anticipating yet another round of motions from Mr. Corletta, the People offered a plea to a single traffic infraction, wherein the client's record (and employment) were preserved. The client had to attend an Impaired Driver Program, and pay a small fine.

This ended the matter for the embarrassed client, who had no prior contact with the law. The client was extremely grateful to Mr. Corletta for all his hard work and his quick and favorable resolution of the matter.