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(EMAILWIRE.COM, May 18, 2012 ) SANTA FE, NM -- Former Espanola police officer Gabe Gonzales has much to be thankful for, his lawyer in particular. Gonzales was charged with racketeering and two counts of larceny. He faced more than 12 years in prison. After a drawn-out two-and-a-half-year trial, personal injury attorneyszantho succeeded in having all charges dropped against his client during a jury trial in Santa Fe District Court.
This case included alleged embezzlement involving two ex-finance employees and three former police officers. The charges claimed that the individuals had embezzled over $100,000 of city money from 2007 to 2009. According to the claims made by the state, each of the accused had allegedly received extra pay from the city.
Despite the extraordinary charges, the prosecution was not able to present any kind of physical evidence that such a conspiracy had taken place. In the end, Szantho conclusively showed that the state could not demonstrate Gonzales knowingly took extra pay.
With the state unable to produce reasonable evidence, Szantho moved for a direct verdict, which occurs when a judge decides that a jury can only make a verdict in one particular direction. Visiting Judge Thomas Hynes of the 11th Judicial District in Aztec stated that since the District Attorney’s office could not produce any substantial evidence against Gonzales, the case should be tossed out.
Szantho’s diligent work has assured that Gonzales can begin to put his life back together.
About Szantho Law Firm:
Mr. Szantho founded the Szantho Law Firm, P.C. in 2007 and has focused his practice to include criminal defense as well as personal injury. Since that time he has represented hundreds of clients with a variety of issues. Never one to shy away from the courtroom, Mr. Szantho represents his clients in a vigorous professional manner. Mr. Szantho takes pride in the fact that he is able to help his clients through some of the toughest times in their lives, and looks forward to helping many more clients in the future.
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