Justice Delivered: Client Success Stories at Douglas Coutinho Criminal Law
With every case we uphold at Douglas Coutinho Criminal Law, we have a story to tell-not solely of legal outcomes, but also of the hard work and dedication that went into them. Presented on this page are full case studies of previous matters our firm has represented, showing how invested we remain in our clients’ rights and how determined we are to achieve the result they deserve. Our case studies underscore the experience and skill of our criminal defence lawyers, our approach to strategy, and how we have been able to produce results for people facing serious legal matters.
Case Study 1: Dismissal of Felony Drug Offense Charges
Our client was a 28-year-old who lived in Phoenix when, during a routine traffic stop, he was arrested and charged with felony possession of a controlled substance. The arrest resulted in immediate suspension at work and he was threatened with lengthy jail time. Douglas Coutinho and our team examined all police procedures and found discrepancies in the arresting officer’s testimony as well as possible Fourth Amendment violations for unlawful search and seizure. Based on these findings, we brought forth a motion to suppress the evidence. At the evidentiary hearing where the arresting officer was cross-examined, the judge found that the search of our client’s vehicle was illegal and suppressed all evidence obtained illegally. Without any basis to continue the case, the prosecution had no choice but to drop all charges against our client. He was able to return to work and experience life without a blemished criminal record. This case is a perfect example of how attention to detail and thorough understanding of constitutional law allow us to protect clients’ rights at every step.
Case Study 2: DUI, Jury Trial Acquittal
A local businessman was facing DUI charges after a late-night traffic stop involving a checkpoint. Even though the breath test result was slightly over the legal limit, our client was adamant that the machine had not been properly calibrated and that the field sobriety tests had likewise not been properly administered.
Douglas Coutinho attacked the veracity of the breath test machine by subpoenaing the machine’s calibration books, which showed it to be inadequately calibrated. Expert testimony established the margin of error for the breath testing machine, and the cross-examination of the arresting officer demonstrated how poorly the field sobriety tests were administered and adjudged by the police officer.
After an exhaustive presentation of evidence and closing argument, the jury acquitted on a unanimous vote. Our client retained his driver’s license, and his business reputation remained untarnished.
This case demonstrates our firm’s zealous investigation and advocacy in cases where, on their face, the evidence appears overwhelmingly bad.
Case Study 3: Theft and Property Crime Reduced Sentencing
Background: Our client, an adult with no criminal history, faced felony burglary and theft charges after being implicated in a break-in at an office building. Potential penalties included multiple years in state prison and hefty fines.
Strategy: Since he understood the long-term consequences that a felony conviction would carry, Douglas Coutinho focused on humanizing and showcasing the person our client is while working with justice actors to achieve an acceptable outcome. In doing so, we obtained evidence of our client’s community involvement, received character reference letters and provided evidence that she had been a victim of negative peer pressure. We negotiated directly with the prosecutor in order to seek an alternative outcome.
Outcomes: The prosecutor agreed to reduce the charges to misdemeanor trespassing through a plea reduction. Our client received probation, attended a restorative justice program, and avoided any possibility of incarceration. Our client was able to maintain her employment and continue her education.
Impact: This case illustrates our firm’s commitment to tailored advocacy and rehabilitation based outcomes for those involved in crimes, particularly those involving first time offenders.
Case Study 4: Defense in High-Profile Aggravated Assault Case
Background: Our client was a student and athlete at a local university. Our client faced felony aggravated assault charges arising from an incident that occurred at a public event. The case garnered the attention of the media and jeopardized our client’s academic standing and athletic scholarship.
Strategy: Douglas Coutinho’s defense for these charges included obtaining and reviewing available security footage, interviewing several witnesses, and plotting a timeline of events to recreate the incident. We established that our client acted in self-defense after being physically confronted by the alleged victim. We also pointed out the weaknesses and lack of admissible evidence supporting the prosecution’s case.
Outcome: Through pre-trial negotiations, charges were dropped before a trial due to the prosecution’s lack of evidence to support their case. Media coverage of the case changed in tone to cover our client’s actions in a way that demonstrated reasonable behavior under the circumstances. Our client was now allowed to continue with academic and athletic activity with their reputation unimpaired.
Impact: This case exemplified our ability to work through difficult cases of great importance with potentially disastrous outcomes when it comes to public perception and opportunities in life.
Case Study 5: Drug Diversion and Second Chance for Juvenile Client
Background: The parents of a 16 year old called our firm after learning of his arrest for possession of a small amount of marijuana and prescription drugs with no prescription. Facing the threat of commitment to a juvenile detention center and a permanent record, the family wanted to avoid heavy handed punishment.
Strategy: Douglas Coutinho worked tirelessly with our client’s juvenile court personnel and counselors, requesting that he be placed into a court approved drug diversion program. Additionally, we presented proof of the youth’s success in school, including extra-curricular activities, touting the advantages of treatment instead of punishment.
Outcome: The court agreed to defer prosecution if certain obligations were met, one of which was successful completion of the drug diversion program. Our client finished all steps required by the program. After meeting the obligations set forth by the agreement all charges were dismissed and the record cleared. The family was extremely grateful for their son having the chance to move forward without the burden of a conviction.
Impact: While every situation is different, this example demonstrates our firm goes to all lengths when able to secure second chances and help out at-risk youth through compassionate legal advocacy.
Our Methods: Advocacy for Every Client
At Douglas Coutinho Criminal Law no two cases are the same and our client-centered practice means we take the time to listen to each person’s individual circumstances and tailor our defense strategies accordingly. With Attorney Douglas Coutinho at the helm, a Stanford Law School graduate and seasoned criminal defense specialist with over a decade of reliable experience, we have combined legal expertise with empathy – our clients receive no-nonsense counsel balanced with full support and honest communication during the process. We’ve achieved success due to diligent preparation, creative legal strategies, and respect for the rights and dignity of every client.
Why Partner With Douglas Coutinho Criminal Law?
Clients retained Douglas Coutinho Criminal Law for our results-driven approach, open communication, and full service. We handle all criminal law matters, including felony and misdemeanor charges, DUI and other drunk driving offenses, drug charges and drug trafficking defense, theft and shoplifting. Clients know we build our reputation in the Phoenix legal community on integrity, client advocacy, and delivering results when it matters. Whether you need legal counsel or aggressive courtroom representation at trial, our firm is here to defend you and your future.
Contact Us: Start Your Defense
If you or someone you love has been charged with a crime, you do not have to face the justice system on your own. Let Douglas Coutinho Criminal Law provide the legal advice, advocacy, and defense you need. Let’s schedule a personalized consultation during which we can discuss your case and go over your legal options. We proudly serve those in Phoenix and the greater area with compassion, expertise, and a determination to win.
Your rights are important, as is your future-let us help you safeguard them. To get started, contact us today.