Results

A teenager accused her foster father of sexual assault. Despite no charges being issued, CPS petitioned to terminate her foster mother’s rights to her biological children because of her “failure to protect.” After a long fight, the petition was ultimately dismissed, and the children were reunited with their mother. The fight continued because C&N’s client was listed on the CPS registry, which restricted her ability to work and engage in activities with her children. After another fight, the woman was finally removed from the registry.

Criminal Sexual Conduct—Dismissal by Court

A teenager was accused of criminal sexual conduct. Mary, Marisa, and Kim prepared thoroughly for the preliminary examination. At that time, a vigorous cross-examination of the complainant revealed that the complainant’s mother did not like hearing that her daughter had begun having sex. She insisted that her daughter was raped, which led to the charges that our client faced. The charges were dismissed at the preliminary examination, and the young man can now move forward with his life.

Federal Trial—Not Guilty Verdicts Across the Board

C&N’s client was indicted on federal charges of wire fraud and computer intrusion causing damage. The federal government was prosecuting our client for computer hacking and damage to a business in the United States. Mary, Marisa, Lizzy, and the rest of the C&N team worked tirelessly for years preparing for trial. The hard work paid off. Despite the resources and efforts of the federal government, a jury voted not guilty on every count.

Criminal Sexual Conduct—No Charges Issued

C&N’s client was a college student accused by his former girlfriend of raping her during their years-long relationship. These claims only came after the couple broke up, and our client had moved on to another relationship. C&N engaged in an extensive investigation, including matching up the dates of her claims with our client’s actual locations as well as messages that she had sent to him after the supposed assaults. Fortunately, the prosecutor reviewed all the evidence that C&N submitted and declined to issue any charges. Our client can now move on with his life without the threat of these false claims.

Criminal Sexual Conduct—Dismissal by Court

C&N’s client was accused of criminal sexual conduct. A thorough investigation was done as Mary, Marisa, and Lizzy prepared for trial, including obtaining video and photographic proof that our client was not wearing the clothes described by the woman making the accusation. This unreliable identification, as well as the timeline created that showed our client’s location during the supposed assault, resulted in the judge dismissing the case before trial. After being wrongfully accused, our client is now moving on with his life and enjoying his time with his family.

Criminal Sexual Conduct—Charges Dismissed by Prosecutor

C&N’s client was charged with 13 counts of criminal sexual conduct involving two children. The investigation was complex and lengthy, but C&N discovered the wrongful motives behind the claims. Our client eventually entered a plea to one count of attempted child abuse. The plea offer came with no term of incarceration and no registry requirements. The client was facing mandatory prison sentences of at least 25 years for each count and a lifetime on the sex offender registry.

Criminal Sexual Conduct—Youthful Offender Plea Negotiated

C&N’s client was accused of multiple counts of criminal sexual conduct, including criminal sexual conduct in the first degree, that allegedly occurred at a college party. After significant investigation and motions being filed, C&N negotiated a plea to one count of seduction under the Homes Youthful Trainee Act.

Child Abuse—Not Guilty Verdict

C&N’s client was accused by her ex-boyfriend’s son of biting him on the leg, after his mother discovered a large circular bruise. Takura, Marisa, and Nicole led the trial team that challenged the charge of felony child abuse. Before trial, numerous experiments were done with various objects to determine what could cause this type of bruise. There was also a thorough investigation done to disprove these false allegations. The jury agreed with the defense and returned a verdict of not guilty!

Expungements Granted

Our client contacted C&N to get two offenses expunged from his record. These offenses were years old and prohibiting him from securing various job opportunities. Marisa worked on this expungement case and argued that our client deserved the privilege of having these convictions set aside. The court agreed with C&N, granting the motion to set aside our client’s convictions. He can now move on with his life free from having a criminal record and has since found a lucrative job position.

Operating While Under the Influence of Drugs—Charge Dismissed

A juvenile was charged with operating under the influence of drugs for allegedly smoking marijuana before driving. After much negotiation with the government due to faulty blood test results, Marisa was able to secure a plea deal to dismiss the OUID charge and have our client accept responsibility to a civil infraction. Upon paying the $100 fine, he was able to continue driving and focus on his college classes without having any criminal record.

Criminal Sexual Conduct—Charge Dismissed

A teenager was accused of criminal sexual conduct, but C&N’s investigation revealed that the complainant only made this claim to get out of trouble. After compiling significant evidence during our investigation, the prosecutor dismissed the charges. Now our client can move on without the stress of dealing with this life-altering false claim.

Domestic Violence—Charge Dismissed

Marisa’s client was charged with domestic violence, despite being the victim of abuse during the alleged incident. After multiple conversations with the prosecutor, the case was ultimately dismissed.

Juvenile Case—Charge Dismissed

Marisa’s client was a juvenile and was charged with a misdemeanor. Marisa was able to obtain a resolution where the client was placed on the consent calendar. At the end of a short probation period, the case will be dismissed, and the client will continue having no record. She can now move on with her life, finish high school, and achieve all the goals she has set for herself.

Expungement Granted

Marisa’s client, a veteran, had a felony conviction on his record from over 40 years ago, which he wanted expunged. Marisa was able to highlight the great things that he has done in that time and successfully argued to have the conviction set aside. He is now able to live the rest of his life without a felony conviction on his record and continue giving back to his community, as he has for the majority of his life.

Shaken Baby Syndrome—Exoneration After Wrongful Conviction Reversed

A young woman was accused and convicted of murdering her daughter based on the theory of “shaken baby syndrome,” which is now known as “abusive head trauma.” She spent years in prison before the University of Michigan Innocence Clinic got involved with her case. Mary and Marisa then joined with the Innocence Clinic to represent this wrongfully convicted young woman. The end result was that the government’s witnesses were patently wrong—our client did not murder her daughter. The young girl died of a medical condition that doctors failed to diagnosis and treat despite our client having taken her daughter to the doctor multiple times for help. Our client did absolutely nothing wrong. After being wrongfully imprisoned for 18 years, C&N’s client was finally exonerated. She is now connecting with her family and living her life to the fullest.

Criminal Sexual Conduct—Not Guilty Verdicts Across the Board

C&N’s client was accused by a former student of sexually assaulting him 20 years earlier. He claimed, in part, that he had repressed memories of the “assaults.” He had saved about 30 letters that our client had written him, and our client struggled during an interrogation due to coercive police tactics. Mary, Takura, and Lizzy led the trial team that challenged the six counts of criminal sexual conduct in the first degree. Numerous pretrial motions were filed and a detailed and thorough investigation occurred, including interviewing numerous witnesses and going to the scene for photographs and video to disprove the allegations. After two weeks of trial, the jury returned a twelve-word verdict—not guilty across the board!!

Criminal Sexual Conduct—No Charges Issued

C&N’s client was a retired executive, and he was accused by a former employee of sexually assaulting her. C&N conducted an exhaustive investigation, including obtaining a security videotape from the night in question. It showed our client giving a cursory hug to the woman and then leaving the premises. The videotape directly refuted the woman’s claims. C&N also discovered that the woman had hired a civil attorney in the hope of obtaining a large civil settlement from our client and the company. C&N shared the evidence we found and convinced the prosecutor not to issue charges. Our client is now enjoying his retirement free from these false claims.

Criminal Sexual Conduct—No Charges Issued and PPO Terminated

C&N’s client was accused by a former girlfriend of rape. Mary convinced the prosecutor not to issue charges, but she still obtained a PPO against him. C&N aggressively challenged this claim. And, after a two-day hearing, the PPO was terminated.

Operating While Intoxicated—Second Chance Plea Negotiated

Marisa represented a client who was charged with operating while intoxicated with a high blood alcohol content. During negotiation, Marisa was able to secure a plea deal to a lesser offense with a sentence agreement to no upfront jail despite that her client had been involved in an accident that resulted in property damage. Because of Marisa’s proactive work to place her client in educational classes and her in depth sentencing memorandum outlining the positive attributes of her client, she was able to successfully advocate at sentencing that her client should not have to do probation. Instead, he was sentenced to fines and costs. Her client is also taking his second chance seriously and is engaging in services to ensure that this never happens again.

Juvenile Lifer Resentenced

C&N represented a “juvenile lifer” who was sentenced to life in prison when he was a teenager. C&N successfully argued for a “team of years” sentence because of all the positive changes our client had achieved while in prison. After spending over 40 years in prison, our client was released and is now telling his story to other young people to try and change their lives for the better and steer them away from committing crimes.

Criminal Sexual Conduct—No Charges Issued

C&N’s client was accused of criminal sexual conduct by a woman after her husband caught our client and the woman engaged in sexual relations. She claimed that she was being raped rather than admit to their affair. C&N investigated and was able to obtain records from social media applications that proved that the woman had been having an affair with the client for months, along with other evidence proving the affair. The prosecutor declined to issue sexual assault charges, and our client is now able to live his life free from these allegations.

PPO Terminated

Our client was accused by a government officer he worked with of stalking and harassment. C&N engaged in an extensive investigation and was part of a team who successfully challenged the PPO after a hotly contested PPO hearing. The court issued a written opinion vindicating our client of the false claims.

Dogs Exonerated and Saved from Execution

Three dogs were put on “dog death row” after they were wrongfully convicted of being dangerous dogs. Two of the dogs were “therapy dogs” for an Iraq war veteran. C&N was part of the team that successfully challenged these convictions and saved the lives of these beautiful dogs.

False Claims—No Charges Issued

A woman was accused of a crime by a family member who produced text messages about the supposed offense. C&N’s investigation, including a forensic investigation, revealed that these text messages were not found on our client’s phone—they were fabricated by the complainant because of an ongoing family argument. C&N’s investigation convinced the prosecutor not to issue charges, and our client can continue her life without having to fight these claims in court.

Criminal Sexual Conduct—No Charges Issued

A teenager was accused of rape by another teenager he knew. C&N conducted a thorough investigation into the sexual assault claims, including obtaining details about the party where the alleged rape occurred. The investigation revealed that other partygoers refuted the young woman’s claims, and her true motive was revealed. The prosecutor declined to issue charges, and the young man is able to continue high school without battling these allegations.

Criminal Sexual Conduct—No Charges Issued

A teenager was accused of sexual assault by a young woman he had known since childhood. The C&N team investigated the details of her claim and presented evidence to the prosecutor to refute the young woman’s claim. The prosecutor agreed, and no charges were issued.

Fleeing and Eluding—Charge Dismissed

Marisa and Takura’s client was charged with felony fleeing and eluding in the fourth degree. Marisa’s careful review of the discovery revealed that the police violated our client’s constitutional rights by carrying out an invalid traffic stop. She wrote a motion to suppress the stop, and Takura conducted the evidentiary hearing. After skillfully cross-examining both police officers present at the stop, Takura argued that the government did not meet its burden. The court ruled in favor of the defense, finding that the stop was invalid. Through C&N’s team approach, the motion to suppress was granted, and the case was dismissed. Marisa and Takura’s client can now continue working and will not face a year suspension of his license, in addition to a felony conviction.

Expungement Granted

Marisa’s client had two felony convictions from seven years ago. When he reached out to C&N wanting an expungement for these convictions, Marisa compiled the necessary information to show that the client was rehabilitated. She convinced the judge that he was a productive member of society and was successful in her motion to set aside these convictions. Her client is excited to live his life free of felony convictions and especially excited to now be able to serve on a jury.

Criminal Sexual Conduct—Title IX Victory and No Charges Issued

A college student was accused of rape by his ex-girlfriend. The two had maintained a friendship, and she claimed that she was raped on campus when she had only agreed to meet the client to talk. C&N conducted an extensive investigation, including reviewing numerous text messages between the two. The college conducted a Title IX investigation and then held a hearing. After a lengthy hearing in which the ex-girlfriend’s inconsistent allegations were revealed, the client was cleared of any wrongdoing. The ex-girlfriend then decided to go to the police and make her rape claim again. Another police investigation ensued, but C&N was able to convince the prosecutor that no charges should be issued. The client’s father wrote a kind thank you note and stated, “Your support and guidance throughout this ordeal has been phenomenal. You and your team are incredible and we will forever be grateful for all you've done for us.”

Mistaken Identification—No Charges Issued

A police officer “positively identified” our client as the perpetrator of a serious computer crime and swore to this identification—under oath—in court. Except the officer was wrong. C&N worked diligently to clear our client and prove that the officer had identified the wrong man. We were successful, and our client can now continue his education without the burden of fighting this false charge.

Criminal Sexual Conduct—No Charges Issued

A young man was accused of multiple counts of criminal sexual conduct. C&N investigated the claims, and we were able to show that the rapes could not have occurred. Our client also passed multiple polygraph tests, and this information persuaded the prosecutor not to issue charges. Now this young man can move on with his life without the weight of these false claims.

Dog Exonerated and Saved from Execution

C&N was part of a dedicated team that saved a dog that had been wrongfully designated as a “dangerous dog” and was ordered to be killed. The court did not follow the law in making this determination. C&N fought for over two years to appeal this wrongful ruling. The government fought us every step of the way, but in the end we prevailed at the Court of Appeals and the dog was saved. He is now home with his family and doing great!

False Claims Against an Elected Official - No Charges Issued and PPO Terminated

Our client—an elected official—was accused by a woman of stalking, domestic violence, and threatening behavior. C&N was part of a team that convinced the prosecutor to not issue any charges and successfully fought to have the Personal Protection Order terminated. Through an intensive investigation, we uncovered evidence to refute the woman’s claims, and our client was vindicated.

Expungements Granted

Marisa successfully argued motions to set aside convictions for two contested cases. In one case, she argued that two of her client’s felonies should count as one felony under the “one bad night” rule. She provided evidence that supported this position ahead of the hearing, which helped the judges in two separate courts make their decisions. In the second case, where the court ordered additional briefing, she made the innovative argument that statutory construction supported the argument that a person could get up to three felonies expunged, despite being convicted of more than three felonies. Her motions in both cases were granted! Her clients are thrilled with the results and the chance to move forward without these offenses on their record.

Criminal Sexual Conduct— Charges Dismissed by Prosecutor and Deportation Averted

Years after he graduated, our client was accused of sexual assault by a former college classmate. C&N vigorously challenged the complainant’s version of the purported events and her ability to accurately recall the alleged incident. Consent was the primary issue. The ultimate resolution allowed our client to avoid the potentially life-altering immigration consequences that were coupled with the original charges. He still lives with his family and continues to advance in his chosen career field.

Criminal Sexual Conduct—Title IX Victory and No Charges Issued

C&N's client was a college student who was accused of sexually assaulting his ex-girlfriend on campus, and a Title IX action was brought. Consent was the main issue. In a hotly contested hearing, Mary and Marisa successfully defended against the allegation, and our client was vindicated. He is now able to continue his schooling and earning his college degree.

A young man who worked in the business field was previously convicted of maintaining a drug house. It was limiting his ability to achieve his goals. He reached out to C&N because he wanted to have this charge expunged. Marisa worked on the application to set aside his conviction, highlighting all of the great things our client has done after pleading to this offense. At the expungement hearing, Marisa effectively showed that his conduct post-conviction warranted an expungement, and the application was granted. He can now live his life without being limited or stigmatized by having a criminal record.

C&N’s client was a college athlete who was accused of sexually assaulting another student on campus, and a Title IX action was brought. Whether the complainant was incapacitated during the sexual activity was the main issue. After our client was found responsible for violating the school’s Title IX policy, C&N appealed the decision. C&N won on appeal, arguing that the decision was not supported by a preponderance of the evidence and that our client should have been granted a hearing. After the hearing, it was determined that our client did not violate the policy, and he was vindicated. He is now able to finish school and get his college degree.

Marisa’s client was accused of domestic violence. While there was already a plea offer that would keep the conviction off of her client’s record, Marisa successfully got the charge dismissed when she presented mitigating evidence that her client acted in self-defense and was in fact the victim of domestic violence at the hands of the complainant.

C&N prevailed on appeal when the trial court’s denial of a Section 8 defense under the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act was reversed by the Court of Appeals. Ultimately, all charges against the client were dismissed.

Our client was accused of multiple counts of criminal sexual conduct involving a child. We ran the preliminary examination, despite the prosecutor threatening to add additional charges. At the preliminary examination, the court found there was insufficient evidence to bind the client over on some of the counts. And the cross-examination of the child and her mother revealed so many flaws and inconsistencies that the prosecutor dismissed the remaining counts within a few weeks. Our client always maintained his innocence and was vindicated by the result.

A felony drug manufacturing case was dismissed based on the police unconstitutionally entering and searching a home. We proved this through a thorough investigation and timeline to show that the officers entered the home based on a questionable "tip" and before the warrant was issued, despite what the officers testified to in court.

Takura secured a dismissal after he convinced a prosecutor that it would defy logic and the plain language of Michigan’s Medical Marihuana Act to proceed to trial against a registered patient charged with misdemeanor operating under the influence of a drug absent proof that marijuana actually had a significant and materially effect on his driving.

It took a matter of minutes for the jury to return with a not guilty verdict in a malicious destruction of property case. The jury heard that the client may have broken the complainant’s heart, but he did not break her windows.

Takura obtained the dismissal of a felony assault charge after the preliminary examination and an investigation showed that the complaining witness lied and was the real perpetrator. Ultimately, our client’s decision to decline every plea bargain offered was more astute than the prosecutor imagined.

English was our client’s second language, but Takura’s advocacy spoke for itself. A PPO was terminated after a two-day hearing because it was proven that our client was no threat at all to the petitioner.

Another jury declined the invitation to convict one of our clients after the jury heard testimony that it was actually the complaining witness who initiated the assault. She wielded a bat at a gas station then struck out in court against Takura when the jury quickly came back with a not guilty verdict.

Our client stood up for himself against a verbally and physically abusive neighbor. The jury was convinced that our client was not guilty after Takura stood up for him in court and explained that he was merely defending himself.

Takura argued successfully that our client could not possibly have been the person who allegedly drew a gun during a fist fight. The jurors were not moved by the star witness’s tears after they saw our client’s colorful tattoos in the courtroom and realized that the “eyewitness” had never mentioned seeing them. The jury was left with a picture that made it clear the finger had been pointed at the wrong person.

A not guilty verdict after a jury trial in a malicious destruction of property case. The jury heard that the client may have broken the complainant's heart, but he did not break her windows.

A PPO was terminated after a two-day hearing because it was proven that the client was no threat to the petitioner.

The dismissal of a felony assault charge after the preliminary examination and an investigation showed that the complaining witness lied and was the real perpetrator.

A not guilty verdict in an assault case after the jury heard testimony that it was actually the complaining witness who assaulted the defendant.

A not guilty verdict in an assault case after the jury heard evidence that the client was merely defending himself.

An appellate victory in a criminal sexual conduct case that resulted in convictions being reversed for a man wrongfully convicted of criminal sexual conduct.

Dismissal of drug charges after a motion to dismiss was granted because the police illegally entered and searched the client’s home.

“Not guilty” verdicts across the board in a criminal sexual conduct case in which no offer was made because the government believed it could not lose at trial.

A “not guilty” verdict in an attempted murder case in which there was no offer because the government believed its case was so strong.

Multiple felony offenses were dismissed after a motion to suppress evidence was granted. The police unconstitutionally seized the client merely because he was in an alleged "high crime" area and, thus, unconstitutionally searched his vehicle.

The dismissal of a drug charge after a motion to suppress evidence was granted because of an unconstitutional search.

A unanimous victory at the Michigan Supreme Court in People v Koon, which protects medical marijuana patients and their ability to operate a motor vehicle.

The dismissal of a probation violation allegation after a motion that dispelled the accuracy of an ETG and ETS test.

The dismissal of a drug offense because of the police illegally searching the client’s purse.

A motion to suppress was granted after the police illegally entered onto the client’s property.

A charge of reckless driving was dismissed after an investigation revealed an accident, but no improper driving had occurred.

A motion to suppress drug evidence was granted after the client was detained for too long on the side of the road after a traffic stop.

An operating while intoxicated offense was negotiated to a civil infraction because of the field sobriety tests being improperly conducted.

A home invasion in the first degree charge was dismissed after winning a motion to quash the bindover.

A remand from the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit because of the improper consideration of a factor at sentencing.

A motion was granted to change probation conditions and eliminate alcohol and drug testing.

The dismissal of a weapons charge because of an illegal seizure.

An operating while intoxicated offense was negotiated to a civil infraction because of the improper administration of the breath test.

The dismissal of a collections suit against a client after the company failed to produce the required documentation of a claim.

A victory at the Court of Appeals involving the misapplication of a probate statute involving what constitutes a will.

The termination of a PPO after a witness – who purported to identify C&N’s two clients – was deemed unreliable by the court.

The dismissal of a neglect and abuse case after an investigation proved the child’s parents took the proper steps to ensure medical care for their child.

A driver’s license appeals division success that resulted in the client being able to drive after years of revocation.

A downward departure at a sentencing in a controlled substances case that resulted in the client spending six months in jail as opposed to sixteen years in prison.

The dismissal of a criminal sexual conduct case after the client passed a polygraph and an extensive investigation.

The termination of a PPO after a criminal sexual conduct allegation.

The dismissal of an assault charge after an investigation revealed that the complainant had been the one who threw the first punch.

The dismissal of three felony controlled substance charges after the court found insufficient evidence at the preliminary examination to bind the client over to circuit court.

A directed verdict in a termination of parental rights case after the teenager’s claims of abuse were revealed to be fabricated.

The dismissal of a charge in a neglect and abuse case when the government conceded that it had insufficient evidence.

A victory in a termination of parental rights trial for a man who was not provided with a sufficient opportunity to engage in the services necessary to continue parenting his son.

The termination of a PPO in a criminal sexual conduct case after a multiple day hearing.

The dismissal of a charge after the police illegally entered the man’s property without a search warrant.

An appellate victory for a man that resulted in his removal from the State of Michigan’s Central Registry.

The dismissal of a medical marijuana case after a Section 8 defense was asserted. The client had spoken with his doctor but had not yet received a physician certification.

A victory over the Attorney General in federal court resulting in the dismissal of a civil case against a Michigan corporation.

An appellate victory in a controlled substances case because of an improper search warrant.

A not guilty verdict in a malicious destruction of a building trial.

An appellate victory at the Michigan Supreme Court for a woman who sued her church and pastor for defamation.

An appellate victory that resulted in the dismissal of a controlled substances charge because of an unconstitutional seizure.

The dismissal of a medical marijuana case after a Section 8 defense under the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act was asserted.

A not guilty verdict in a controlled substance case where a police officer claimed that the client confessed to the crime.

A not guilty verdict on all counts in a multiple-week trial in federal court where the client was indicted on multiple conspiracy charges and a money laundering charge.

An appellate victory in the Michigan Court of Appeals after a medical marijuana patient was denied the right to present a defense under Section 8 of the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act.

A law enforcement officer was wrongfully convicted of homicide and sentenced to spend the rest of his life in prison. C&N handled his appeal at the Michigan Supreme Court and his convictions were reversed. The client is now home with home with his family. As his wife wrote to us, “You will be in our prayers when we sit at the table together for our dinner.”

An appellate victory in the Michigan Supreme Court for a defendant who was unconstitutionally denied the right to an attorney.

A writ of habeas corpus was granted in federal court in the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan. The client was accused of a number of violations involving illegal casino gambling. After numerous briefs and an evidentiary hearing, the client's writ was granted.

A young man and his friend were accused of criminal sexual conduct by a woman they met at a club. They later all went to a party together. The woman claimed that she was forced to go to the party and raped by the men. But C&N found witnesses from the club and the party to prove that she was with the men willingly. C&N was also able to prove that the woman had lied about her communications with other witnesses. The district court refused to bind the case over, and the case was dismissed.

C&N handled the appeal of a man who was convicted of numerous counts of criminal sexual conduct. He had been falsely accused by his step-daughter of rape. C&N convinced the Court of Appeals that there had been numerous errors at trial, including critical evidence that was never presented to the jury. After being exonerated, our client is now living a happy and productive life.