Law Office of Susan L. Dill

In a pickle? Call Susan Dill.

Mark Morris' recent column about the number of violent felonies resulting in probation in Jackson County caused quite a stir in the criminal law community. Either he didn't talk to any local defense attorneys or he just overlooked some serious issues, like the refusal of many witnesses to cooperate. I recently had a client charged with Aggravated Assault and Armed Criminal Action, which could have resulted in a very lengthy prison sentence. Because the witnesses were mostly... family members, none of them would cooperate with the investigation. I negotiated a plea that resulted in a conviction to a lesser charge with probation, surrendering his weapon and CCW permit, community service and anger control classes. In court, the judge refused to accept the probation agreement and, unable to make a case without witnesses, the state dismissed. My client is elated, but I'm kind of thinking probation would have been a better outcome for everybody. Good job, Mark.

In a pickle? Call Susan Dill.