Example Case Wins
The attorneys at Zeliff | Watson have a proven track record of achieving favorable outcomes for thousands of clients. Below, you’ll find examples of cases like yours, where we’ve successfully had charges dismissed, acquitted, or reduced to the best possible results. We invite you to review these case examples and then schedule a free, no-obligation case evaluation.
Table of Contents
- 01. Multiple Criminal Charges Dismissed
- 02. Felony Charges Dropped
- 03. DUI With .20 Dismissed
- 04. Preschool Employee Cleared of Criminal Charges
- 05. Acquittal of High-Stakes Injury Felony Case
- 06. Not Guilty Verdict
- 07. Acquittal in Vehicular Homicide Case Involving a Bicyclist
- 08. Dismissal for Doctor in Domestic Battery Case
- 09. Full Dismissal of Indictment in High-Stakes Criminal Case
- 10. Jury Finds Client Not Guilty After Deputies Mistake Medical Emergency for DUI
- 11. Family Violence Battery Charge Dismissed
- 12. DUI Charge Dismissed With Breath Test Result of .17%
- 13. Two DUIs in Two Jurisdictions — Both Reduced to Traffic Infractions
Multiple Criminal Charges Dismissed
A client was wrongfully accused of multiple serious charges, leaving their future in jeopardy. When they came to Zeliff | Watson, we immediately stepped in, analyzing every detail of the evidence and constructing a comprehensive defense. Through dedicated teamwork and relentless effort, we were able to get all charges dismissed within three months. Our client walked away with a clean record, empowered to rebuild their life free from the burden of these false accusations.
Felony Charges Dropped
A client was arrested on 11 charges, including two felonies, and faced an uncertain future. But with Zeliff | Watson’s commitment and belief in the client’s story, everything changed. The team got to work right away, scrutinizing every detail, listening intently, and refusing to rely solely on police records. Their dedication led to nearly all charges being dropped, with only two remaining—both reduced to misdemeanors.
DUI With .20 Dismissed
A client recently back from deployment faced a DUI charge with a breath result over .20, putting his career at risk. He turned to Zeliff | Watson, who quickly reviewed the evidence and built a strong defense. In court, their compelling argument convinced the judge to dismiss the charges if the client completed a treatment program. With the firm’s guidance and support, the client successfully completed the program, and the charges were dropped—saving his career and giving him a fresh start.
Preschool Employee Cleared of Criminal Charges
The attorneys at Zeliff | Watson represented a preschool employee accused of slapping a 4-year-old child, which resulted in criminal charges and a CPS/DFACS ruling barring the client from working in schools. Over the course of two years, the attorneys successfully appealed the CPS/DFACS decision, restoring the client’s eligibility to work. However, prosecutors continued to pursue the case, leading the attorneys to defend the client through an immunity hearing and a three-day jury trial.
During the trial, the attorneys at Zeliff | Watson cross-examined school officials, a state medical expert, a forensic interviewer, and law enforcement, uncovering critical weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. They also presented their client’s story with compelling evidence and visuals, effectively demonstrating the facts to the jury. After just two hours of deliberation, the jury returned a verdict of not guilty, resulting in the dismissal of all charges and a complete victory for their client.
Acquittal of High-Stakes Injury Felony Case
In a felony case involving serious injury by vehicle, the attorneys at Zeliff | Watson represented a client facing charges after a devastating late-night crash. The incident involved a truck veering off the road, striking a culvert, going airborne, and flipping multiple times before catching fire. The crash left their client severely injured, while the other occupant, who sustained a traumatic brain injury, was in a coma for several days and hospitalized for weeks. Blood tests revealed that both occupants had alcohol levels well above Georgia’s legal limit of 0.08.
At trial, the attorneys at Zeliff | Watson focused their defense on dismantling the prosecution’s theory regarding who was driving at the time of the accident. Using forensic and physical evidence, they argued that the supposed “passenger” was actually behind the wheel. This strategy was critical, particularly because their client had reportedly told law enforcement that a third party was driving and allegedly made an incriminating statement to a nurse, which was presented during the trial.
To build a strong case, the attorneys enlisted an accident reconstruction expert and a forensic medical examiner, both of whom testified that the evidence supported their client’s claims. They also skillfully cross-examined a state expert flown in from Pennsylvania, exposing significant gaps in their testimony, which ultimately weakened the prosecution’s case.
After an intense multi-day trial, the jury acquitted the client of all driving-related charges. However, the client was found guilty of making a false statement to law enforcement about who was driving. During sentencing, the attorneys at Zeliff | Watson successfully argued for the misdemeanor version of the offense, resulting in the client being placed on probation under Georgia’s first offender law.
Not Guilty Verdict
A client arrived at Zeliff | Watson burdened by a serious DUI charge—one with the potential to derail their career and future. The stakes were high, and the client’s anxiety was palpable. But the defense attorneys at Zeliff | Watson took on the case with confidence, determined to uncover the truth and fight for justice.
In the courtroom, the attorneys’ mastery of the law was nothing short of extraordinary. Armed with the official field sobriety law book, they systematically dismantled the officer’s testimony. Step by step, they highlighted the critical errors made during the field sobriety tests. Their precision and expertise left no room for ambiguity as they compelled the officer to admit to each mistake, unraveling the prosecution’s case piece by piece. The depth of their legal knowledge and sharp questioning left everyone in the courtroom in awe.
Even the courtroom bailiff couldn’t hold back, offering unsolicited praise for the attorneys’ exceptional performance. For the client, this was more than a legal battle—it was an emotional moment of feeling truly defended, possibly for the first time in their life.
As the jury delivered the words, “Not guilty,” the client’s relief was overwhelming. Their career was safeguarded, their future restored, and their faith in the justice system renewed.
This wasn’t just a one-time victory; it’s the kind of life-changing outcome that happens day in and day out at Zeliff | Watson. When the stakes are high, their dedication and expertise make all the difference.
Acquittal in Vehicular Homicide Case Involving a Bicyclist
The attorneys at Zeliff | Watson represented a client facing vehicular homicide charges following a tragic early morning accident that resulted in the death of a bicyclist. Prosecutors alleged that the client became distracted while reaching for a mug in the center console, causing the vehicle to veer right and collide with the bicyclist, who was partially in the roadway. The case centered on questions regarding both the driver’s and the bicyclist’s actions leading up to the crash.
Unlike cases where expert witnesses might strengthen the defense, the attorneys at Zeliff | Watson relied solely on their ability to cross-examine the state’s witnesses. They meticulously challenged the prosecution’s testimony, exposing inconsistencies and raising doubts about the evidence presented. The case was personally handled by the county’s top prosecutor, who introduced expert testimony and an accident reconstruction in an attempt to solidify their claims.
Despite the prosecution’s aggressive efforts, the jury ultimately acquitted the client of vehicular homicide charges. Instead, the client was found guilty only of distracted driving—a minor offense resulting in a $50 fine. The defense’s success lay in shifting the focus to the proximate cause of the accident, emphasizing the bicyclist’s actions as a contributing factor. This strategic approach resonated with the jury and delivered a favorable outcome for the client.
Dismissal for Doctor in Domestic Battery Case
The attorneys at Zeliff | Watson recently represented a medical doctor charged with domestic battery against his wife in Fulton County. Complicating the situation, the client was under a no-contact bond, legally preventing him from residing with his wife. Over several months, the attorneys worked diligently to modify the bond, allowing the couple to lawfully live together again.
At the bond modification hearing, the attorneys at Zeliff | Watson successfully advocated for their client, persuading the prosecutor to place the case into pretrial diversion. This resolution required the client to complete a few hours of community service and attend a brief course. Once these conditions are met, the family violence battery charge will be formally dismissed, clearing the client’s record. This favorable outcome not only helped preserve the client’s professional reputation but also allowed the family to move forward without the weight of legal uncertainty.
Full Dismissal of Indictment in High-Stakes Criminal Case
Zeliff | Watson represented a client facing up to five years in prison after investigators claimed to have discovered questionable images of children on his computer. His previous attorney believed he would almost certainly serve prison time based on the initial findings.
When Zeliff | Watson took over the case, our defense team started from the ground up, re-examining every piece of evidence and bringing in a trusted forensic expert to independently evaluate the findings. Together, the defense team met with the district attorney and demonstrated that the evidence could not be reliably used in court. As a result, the district attorney dismissed the indictment entirely.
Jury Finds Client Not Guilty After Deputies Mistake Medical Emergency for DUI
Our client was charged with DUI Drugs (Prescription Medication), but from the beginning, something didn’t add up. Several concerned citizens called for help after noticing he appeared disoriented, as if he might be having a medical episode rather than doing anything wrong.
Instead of sending EMS or checking to see if he was okay, the lead deputy parked across the street and watched. The moment our client got behind the wheel, the deputy arrested him for DUI.
At trial, we showed that every witness agreed our client didn’t look impaired. He looked like someone who needed help. The state’s toxicologist even admitted that the medication levels in his blood were within normal therapeutic range. When pressed, she couldn’t point to a single study or scientific journal supporting her claim that he was impaired.
After four and a half hours of deliberation, the jury reached the only conclusion supported by the evidence. They found our client not guilty.
Family Violence Battery Charge Dismissed
The Zeliff | Watson defense team was hired by a client facing family violence battery charges in DeKalb County. The client had twice been told her case was not eligible for pretrial diversion according to the prosecutor’s internal review.
After receiving and carefully reviewing all of the evidence, the defense attorneys at Zeliff | Watson decided to press the matter all the way to trial while maintaining ongoing negotiations with the prosecution. At the calendar call prior to trial, the defense team successfully persuaded the prosecuting attorney that there was no justifiable reason for his office to deny the client entry into the pretrial diversion program. The prosecutor agreed and submitted the referral for a third time.
Weeks later, the defense team learned that the referral had been rejected again. With trial approaching, Zeliff | Watson proposed that the client would be willing to complete one online course in exchange for the prosecutor overriding office policy and dismissing the case. The prosecutor ultimately agreed.
Although the outcome was “not supposed to happen,” through persistence, professionalism, and understanding, Zeliff | Watson secured the best possible outcome for their non-citizen client, allowing her to remain in the United States. The Court also sealed and restricted her record to ensure this matter will not affect future employment or opportunities.
DUI Charge Dismissed With Breath Test Result of .17%
A client defended by Zeliff | Watson was arrested for DUI in Fulton County. From the very first consultation, the defense attorneys sensed something was off based on the client’s recollection of events with the officer.
After some time, the defense team received the prosecutor’s evidence, which included more than two hours of body camera footage. Upon careful review, Zeliff | Watson identified multiple issues. The arresting officer was inexperienced and made several unsafe assumptions during the investigation.
Because the defense team is certified and trained in the same field sobriety testing that law enforcement takes, they determined that the client did not perform any of the three field sobriety tests in compliance with National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) standards. They also discovered that the officer used the wrong breath testing machine, which recorded a breath alcohol level of .17, more than twice the legal limit in Georgia.
Two weeks before trial, the prosecutor informed the defense that no plea reductions would be offered and that the client must either plead guilty or go to trial. Zeliff | Watson immediately began preparing for trial, focusing on the officer’s training, testing procedures, and investigative methods. This allowed the client to remain calm and confident.
On the day of trial, the prosecutor’s supervisor joined negotiations. The Zeliff | Watson defense team successfully secured a resolution in which the client accepted responsibility for an unsafe lane change and the DUI charge was dismissed. As part of the agreement, the client only needed to email the court confirming completion of the conditions and had no further obligations.
The client was relieved and grateful to put the case behind them and move forward without a DUI or permanent criminal record.
Two DUIs in Two Jurisdictions — Both Reduced to Traffic Infractions
Zeliff | Watson represented a client who was charged with two separate DUIs only weeks apart, each in a different jurisdiction in Georgia, with neither court bound to cooperate with the other when resolving the cases.
To achieve the best possible outcome for this client, the defense team at Zeliff | Watson began working quickly.
In the first jurisdiction, Zeliff | Watson analyzed the video evidence before deciding to file a motion to suppress. The motion hinged on the officer’s continued conversation with the client while attempting to convince them to submit to field sobriety testing. This extended dialogue lasted several minutes and unfairly made the client appear impaired. Through cross-examination and the use of favorable precedent, the judge agreed with the defense argument and issued a ruling that eliminated most of the prosecution’s case. Before the hearing, the best offer on the table was a guilty plea to DUI with jail time and extensive conditions. After the ruling, the first jurisdiction, known for being a tough court system, agreed to a reduced plea of reckless driving with no jail time whatsoever.
In the second jurisdiction, the case drew even greater scrutiny because of the close timing of the two arrests. The case was transferred to the DUI Court judge, where most defendants end up pleading guilty and entering a two-year treatment program. The Zeliff | Watson defense team closely examined the evidence and filed another motion to suppress, this time challenging the investigating officer’s delay in calling another officer and continuing to pressure the client into taking field sobriety tests. As before, the extended conversation made the client appear worse on video. Ultimately, the judge agreed that the officer’s discussion with the client about taking the tests was not admissible at trial, significantly weakening the State’s case. Despite that, the prosecution insisted on either a trial or a DUI guilty plea. On the day of trial, a final agreement was reached. The client pled guilty to two minor traffic offenses, receiving credit for conditions already completed in the first jurisdiction. No jail. No DUI. No reckless driving. Just two common traffic tickets.
The defense work in these cases was extensive. The client did not appear especially sober on video, and the longer the interaction went on, the worse it looked. Officers know this, which is why they try to keep drivers talking. By carefully analyzing the footage and strategically challenging the evidence through motions, Zeliff | Watson secured a safe and positive result for a client who started in an incredibly difficult position. The strategy in this case was to file targeted motions and challenge every weakness in the State’s case. Not every case should go straight to trial. Filing and winning motions to suppress can be one of the most effective ways to achieve a favorable outcome for a client.
For context, similar cases often result in two to four months of jail time on DUI pleas. Defendants should not rush into a plea. Weigh your options by scheduling a free case evaluation with Zeliff | Watson.
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