Recent Acquittals (Not Guilty Verdicts)

Wisconsin State, Federal, County & Municipal Criminal Cases

Attorney Corey Chirafisi frequently represents people in Wisconsin state courts (circuit courts) and Federal courts, as well as municipal courts throughout the state of Wisconsin. He also handles federal cases in other states, and consults with other attorneys on their cases. Below are links to some of his recent Wisconsin Circuit Court wins and Federal Court wins.

NOT GUILTY JURY VERDICT FELONY ASSAULT

A Vernon County jury returned a not guilty verdict for a Chirafisi & Verhoff client after a multiple-day trial on a felony assault charge. Our client faced a charge of substantial battery for punching another individual and leaving him with a fractured skull and brain injuries.  He was facing the possibility of significant incarceration. The incident was captured on several surveillance videos, which showed our client punching the individual while the individual stood with his hands behind his back. Our attorneys argued the video didn’t tell the whole story because it lacked audio. We called witnesses at trial who testified that the injured party was actually the person who provoked the fight. Our lawyers argued that our client’s actions were lawful because he had a right to engage in self-defense based on the other party’s statements and actions before the punch was thrown. The jury agreed, finding our client not guilty.

EVIDENCE SUPPRESSED, CASE DISMISSED

A Client of Chirafisi & Verhoff was stopped by a Dane County Sheriff’s Deputy and charged with multiple violations, including OWI, PAC, open intoxicants, and violating a red-light signal. Our client failed the field sobriety tests and had a breath-test result of 0.11 percent. Read More...

DISORDERLY CONDUCT DROPPED

The Middleton Police Department arrested our client after an argument with a sibling allegedly turned violent.  Our client was charged in circuit court with multiple counts of disorderly conduct.  Our attorneys met with additional witness, who provided a much more detailed statement about what lead up to the argument.  The witnesses also disputed there was any violence during the argument.  The witnesses with whom we spoke gave a much more detailed description of the events than what the police recorded in their investigation.  Our lawyers then met with the prosecutors who evaluated the information we provided to them.  Following the meeting, prosecutors dismissed all charges against our client.

1st Degree Sexual Assault of a Child Charge Declined

A detective in Dane County contacted our client asking for a statement after a young child disclosed multiple incidents of inappropriate touching. The investigator also spoke with our client’s family. After speaking with the investigators, the family members encouraged our client to simply go speak with detective without a lawyer and make a statement, telling the client “it would all be over”. Our client wisely told law enforcement that he would not speak with law enforcement without an attorney present. The client hired our firm, and our attorneys contacted the detective for the client. Our attorneys explained to the detective that the client adamantly denied any wrongdoing, but he wouldn’t make a formal statement because whatever was said would be used against him. The client also provided our attorneys with background about the allegations. Our lawyers then contacted the prosecution before a charging decision was made. Our attorneys explained our client’s position and provided information to the prosecution about the dynamics of the situation. After speaking to our attorneys, the prosecution decided there was a lack of sufficient evidence to obtain a conviction or to charge our client.

CITY OF REEDSBURG - Evidence of OWI, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia Thrown Out

Police recently pulled over our client, claiming the client failed to properly yield to a pedestrian in a cross walk. As a result of the stop, our client was charged with OWI, PAC and possessing a pot pipe. Police tested our client’s blood, which revealed an alcohol level of 0.187 percent. The client hired our firm even before the administrative review hearing was held. During the administrative review hearing, our lawyers asked the officer questions. His answers proved to be critical later in the case. Our lawyers filed a motion to suppress the evidence, arguing the officer lacked a basis to stop the client. Armed with the answers the police officer had previously provided during the administrative review hearing, our lawyers were able to use the officer’s own words against him during cross examination at the evidentiary hearing. Our lawyers successfully argued the stop was improper, and the judge threw out all of the evidence against our client.

Madison Municipal Court - False 911 Call

The Madison Police Department cited our client for unlawful use of the 911 system. The Police alleged that our client was intoxicated at the time of the call and also that the purpose of the call was not related to an actual emergency. After our attorney's at Chirafisi & Verhoff met with the prosecution so we could discuss the case and explain our client’s side of the story, the City had dismissed the citation against our client.

DANE COUNTY

The Dane County District Attorney’s Office dismissed felony drug possession charges against a Chirafisi & Verhoff client prior to sentencing. As soon as the client hired our firm, lawyers in our office advised our client to immediately engage in intensive drug treatment that included submitting to multiple random urinalysis tests. Because our client performed so well, the prosecutor agreed to dismiss the pending felony narcotics charge against him.

DANE COUNTY

First-degree sexual assault of a child. Having already confessed to law enforcement and multiple family members about inappropriately touching a grandchild, our client turned to the lawyers at Chirafisi & Verhoff for legal assistance. In an agreement with the District Attorney’s Office, our client was allowed to participate in a deferred prosecution program, meaning the charges will be dismissed upon completion of the program.

COLUMBIA COUNTY & SAUK COUNTY

Our client was charged in multiple jurisdictions with felony theft for allegedly stealing more than $150,000 from her employer. The attorneys at Chirafisi & Verhoff performed substantial investigation prior to the preliminary hearing in the Columbia County matter and provided their findings to the District Attorney. As a result, the government moved to dismiss the case. That information was then provided to the special prosecutor handling the Sauk County matter. The Sauk County case was then dismissed prior to the initial appearance.

DANE COUNTY

The Dane County District Attorney’s Office declined to issue felony charges against a recent Chirafisi & Verhoff client. Local law enforcement investigated our client for possible voter fraud because the client cast ballots at two different polling locations in a recent election. Our client, a professional whose livelihood and reputation would be placed at risk if charged with any crime didn’t wait to be charged. Instead the client immediately contacted Chirafisi & Verhoff. Our client was adamant it was an honest mistake, and the facts supported the position. After our attorneys prepared and presented a written legal argument to local prosecutors, they met with the police and the prosecutors to discuss the situation. Having met with our attorneys and considered our arguments, the prosecution decided not to issue any charges against our client.

Village of DeForest

Our client was stopped for speeding in excess of 25 mph over the limit and running a stop sign. He was cited for those offenses and released from the scene. Within minutes, one of the same officers involved in the first stop pulled him over again and stopped him for speeding on the same road. This time, the police officer arrested our client for an OWI and operating with a prohibited alcohol concentration because our client admitted to drinking alcohol earlier in the evening. He also failed field sobriety tests. His breath test result was over the limit at .11 percent. Chirafisi & Verhoff filed a legal motion to challenge the OWI investigation. The judge agreed with our argument and threw out the results of field sobriety tests, as well as the breath test. With no evidence left, the prosecution was forced to dismiss both the OWI and PAC charges.

Columbia County

The Columbia County District Attorney’s Office filed felony charges against our client, claiming that she was part of a group of people who distributed lewd photographs of another woman. Prosecutors alleged the nude images of the woman were taken and distributed without her knowledge or consent. Chirafisi & Verhoff argued the facts alleged in the criminal complaint failed to set forth a sufficient basis for the prosecution to pursue a case against our client. The judge agreed and dismissed the felony case against her.

Dane County

The Madison Police Department arrested our client for disorderly conduct and trespassing after he allegedly entered his former girlfriend’s apartment without her consent to confront a man with whom she was having a relationship. After speaking with our client and client’s former girlfriend, attorneys from Chirafisi & Verhoff contacted prosecutors to discuss the case. The prosecution decided not to file any charges against our client after speaking with our attorneys.

Dodge County Wisconsin:

A Chirafisi and Verhoff client was charged with operating with a restricted controlled substance (RCS) in his blood. The prosecution was forced to dismiss the case prior to trial after Chirafisi and Verhoff successfully argued that the prosecution could not rely on the THC metabolites in a person’s blood in a RCS case.

DANE COUNTY

Our client was charged with Operating While Intoxicated 2nd Offense, Operating with a Prohibited Alcohol Concentration- 2nd Offense and Operating after Revocation. Our client was found NOT GUILTY of all charges following trial.

CITY OF WISCONSIN RAPIDS

Our client originally was cited with Operating While Intoxicated as a first offense with a blood-alcohol test result of 0.127. The prosecutor amended the charges to a reckless driving citation after Chirafisi & Verhoff successfully filed and argued a motion to suppress evidence on the grounds that police lacked reasonable suspicion to conduct field sobriety tests.

DANE COUNTY

The Capitol Police Department arrested our client for his involvement in a disturbance that occurred during Concerts on the Square. He didn’t wait to be charged, but immediately contacted Chirafisi & Verhoff. Before the District Attorney’s Office made a charging decision, our attorneys contacted the prosecutors and convinced them not to pursue the matter.

VILLAGE OF GREENDALE

Before trial, the prosecution amended an Operating While Intoxicated - 1st Offense to reckless driving.

GRANT COUNTY

The Platteville Police Department arrested our client on a charges of domestic battery and disorderly conduct involving his girlfriend. Before criminal charges were issued, our attorneys contacted the Grant County District Attorney’s Office, which decided not to file criminal charges against our client.

VILLAGE OF CROSS PLAINS

Our client originally was cited for Operating While Intoxicated with a blood-alcohol level of 0.114. The prosecution amended the citation to reckless driving after Chirafisi & Verhoff successfully filed and argued two motions to suppress. The first motion challenged the unlawful nature of the detention. The second motion challenged the legality of the police officer’s decision to expand the scope of the initial stop to an investigation for OWI.

FEDERAL CASE

The United States government investigated our client for potential charges involving the distribution of synthetic THC. After hiring Chirafisi & Verhoff, charges were never filed.

DANE COUNTY

Our client was arrested in Dane County for disorderly conduct and possession of a non-controlled substance. Before trial, the District Attorney’s Office agreed to dismiss all charges against our client.

MARQUETTE COUNTY

Our client was charged with Operating While Intoxicated – 2nd Offense with a breath-alcohol concentration of 0.19. The case was dismissed after Chirafisi & Verhoff successfully filed and argued a motion to suppress evidence based on the lack of probable cause for the officer to make an arrest.

JEFFERSON COUNTY

Our client was served with a petition for a harassment injunction. At the initial hearing, Chirafisi & Verhoff argued that the petitioner failed to properly serve our client with the petition, the petition was overly broad and that our client’s actions did not constitute harassment. The judge dismissed the petition.

DANE COUNTY

The University of Wisconsin Police Department arrested our client on criminal charges of disorderly conduct for an incident involving a former colleague. Before the charges were formally filed, however, our attorneys met with the prosecution and explained our client’s side of the case. After meeting with our attorneys, the District Attorney’s Office decided not to file charges against our client.

MADISON MUNICIPAL COURT

Our client was cited by the Madison Police Department for engaging in an improper turn and obstructing police during the investigation of a car crash. Chirafisi & Verhoff obtained 911 calls made on the day in question, the phone records of the other driver, and photos and diagrams of the scene. Our attorneys then presented the evidence to the prosecution, demonstrating that our client was not at-fault for the crash, did not lie to police, and the other driver was likely on the cell phone at the time of the call. Based on this evidence, the prosecution dismissed the case before trial.

DANE COUNTY

The Madison Police Department arrested our client for disorderly conduct while armed for his alleged conduct during a road rage incident. Before the case was formally charged, our attorneys contacted the District Attorney’s Office and convinced the prosecution not to file criminal charges against our client.

DANE COUNTY

Our client was charged criminally with carrying a concealed weapon for use of a pellet gun. After hiring Chirafisi & Verhoff, the District Attorney’s Office agreed to amend the charge to a non-criminal citation.

CITY OF MIDDLETON

Our client was originally cited for Operating While Intoxicated as a first offense with a breath-alcohol concentration of 0.11. The prosecution amended the charge to a reckless driving after Chirafisi & Verhoff filed and argued a motion to suppress evidence on the grounds of unlawful detention.

COLUMBIA COUNTY

Midway through an injunction hearing, the petitioner’s attorney voluntarily dismissed a petition for harassment injunction against our client after our attorney cross examined the witness. Injunction dismissed.

DANE COUNTY

The Middleton Police Department investigated our client for a possible felony fraud charge involving the acquisition of fake identification cards. Chirafisi & Verhoff met with the prosecution prior to charges being issued, and the District Attorney’s Office agreed not to pursue charges.

DANE COUNTY

The Dane County District Attorney’s Office charged our client with domestic battery, disorderly conduct, and criminal damage to property while armed for her alleged actions during a fight with her live-in boyfriend. The District Attorney’s Office also charged our client with a felony for battery to a law enforcement officer. After Chirafisi & Verhoff became involved, the prosecution agreed to dismiss the domestic charges and amended the felony to a misdemeanor. Our client resolved her case with a deferred prosecution agreement on a misdemeanor charge, which will be dismissed. From felony charges to no charges.

GRANT COUNTY

Our client’s girlfriend filed a petition for a domestic abuse injunction after an alleged altercation in their residence. Chirafisi & Verhoff met with the girlfriend before the injunction hearing. After speaking to our attorneys, she agreed to voluntarily dismiss her petition.

DANE COUNTY

The Madison Police Department arrested our client for domestic battery and disorderly conduct for a fight between the client and roommates. After our client’s arrest, but before the District Attorney’s Office made a final decision on possible charges, Chirafisi & Verhoff contacted the prosecution. After discussing the case with the District Attorney’s Office, the prosecutor agreed to issue a non-criminal, ordinance citation. The ordinance violation was later dismissed prior to trial.

DANE COUNTY

The Dane County District Attorney’s Office originally charged our client with a felony, alleging he broke his girlfriend’s nose during an altercation. After speaking with attorneys from Chirafisi & Verhoff, the District Attorney’s office agreed to amend the charge from a felony to a misdemeanor. The case was resolved with a deferred prosecution, meaning all charges will be dismissed.

DANE COUNTY

Three counts of criminal disorderly conduct and one count of resisting an officer were dismissed against our client after Chirafisi & Verhoff successfully challenged the sufficiency of the criminal complaint.

RICHLAND COUNTY

Our clients were charged with criminal misdemeanors for hunting deer without obtaining a Wisconsin hunting license. Our attorney was able to convince the prosecution that our clients should not be convicted of a crime. The prosecution agreed to amend the charges from a criminal offense to an ordinance violation, the legal equivalent of a parking ticket.

DANE COUNTY

The Madison Police Department investigated our client for his alleged involvement in destroying a gubernatorial recall petition. Before the District Attorney’s Office issued a felony charge against him, attorneys from Chirafisi & Verhoff met with the prosecution. Among the issues we raised were the government’s ability to prove the case if charged because the petition was not “destroyed” and would have been in acceptable condition for the Government Accountability Board. No charges issued.

DANE COUNTY

During a University of Wisconsin home football game, UW Police and Wisconsin State Patrol arrested our client and charged him with disorderly conduct, resisting an officer, possession of a fake id card and underage alcohol consumption. Chirafisi & Verhoff convinced the prosecution to dismiss the charges against him prior to trial.

JUNEAU COUNTY

Police arrested out client for his alleged involvement in a disturbance outside a bar. He was charged criminally with disorderly conduct and criminal damage to property. Our attorneys worked out an agreement for deferred prosecution, and the charges against him were dismissed.

DANE COUNTY

The Madison Police Department arrested our client for domestic battery and disorderly conduct for an alleged incident involving his wife. He hired Chirafisi & Verhoff before criminal charges were issued against him. Our attorneys were able to convince the prosecution not to file criminal charges against him. Instead the District Attorney’s Office issued a non-criminal ordinance violation, which was later dismissed before trial.

RICHLAND COUNTY

Following a routine traffic stop, the Wisconsin State Patrol arrested our client for criminal possession of THC. Chirafisi & Verhoff engaged in pre-charging negotiations and convinced the District Attorney’s Office not to file criminal charges against our client.

DANE COUNTY

The Dane County District Attorney’s Office filed two counts of domestic disorderly conduct against our client for threats he allegedly made toward his wife. After hiring Chirafisi & Verhoff, both charges were dismissed.

GRANT COUNTY

The Grant County District Attorney’s Office dismissed charges of possession of THC on school grounds before trial after Chirafisi & Verhoff successfully filed and argued a motion to admit other acts evidence against several of the prosecution’s key witnesses in the case.

DANE COUNTY

The Madison Police Department arrested our client and attempted to charge her criminally for carrying a concealed weapon in her purse. She previously received the item at a self-defense class she had attended. After explaining our client’s side of the story to the District Attorney’s Office, the prosecution decided not to file criminal charges against our client.

CITY OF PLATTEVILLE

Our client was cited with an ordinance violation for his involvement in a disturbance with his girlfriend. Chirafisi & Verhoff became involved in the case, and it was dismissed prior to trial.

MARQUETTE COUNTY

The Wisconsin State Patrol arrested our client for multiple counts of possession of THC, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia following a routine traffic stop. Chirafisi & Verhoff was able to obtain a deferred prosecution agreement with the Marquette County District Attorney’s Office for our client in which the criminal charges will be dismissed.

DANE COUNTY

After a physical fight, our client was charged with felony assault. He hired Chirafisi & Verhoff, who convinced the prosecution to amend the charge do a misdemeanor and expunge his record.

DANE COUNTY

In certain cases, a conviction for possessing child pornography carries a presumptive and mandatory prison sentences. Our client was convicted of possession of child pornography, but after arguing the appropriate sentence to a Dane County Circuit Court judge, the judge agreed with our attorneys and placed the client on supervision, rather than send him to prison.

CITY OF MIDDLETON

Charges of underage possession of alcohol against our client were dismissed after Chirafisi & Verhoff successfully argued that the prosecutors could not prove any alcohol was possessed within the municipality, meaning the municipality did not have proper jurisdiction over the case.

DANE COUNTY

Our client initially was charged with multiple counts of burglary. After attorneys from Chirafisi & Verhoff discussed the case with the prosecution, the District Attorney’s Office agreed to amend the charges from felony counts to misdemeanor counts. The case was resolved with a deferred prosecution, meaning all charges will be dismissed.

DANE COUNTY

Chirafisi & Verhoff successfully challenged the legality of our client’s plea hearing on felony charges in 1991. Based on the successful motion to vacate the plea, the felony charge was amended to a misdemeanor.

State of Wisconsin versus Defendant

Wisconsin cases includes a spattering of acquittals (not guilty verdicts) that Attorney Chirafisi achieved for clients charged with an offence under Wisconsin law.

U.S. Federal Government Versus Defendant

Federal cases lists several acquittals won by Attorney Chirafisi for his clients charged with a federal offense. Information is included about the largest federal criminal conspiracy cases in Wisconsin' history.

Drunk Driving Case Summaries

Drunk driving case summaries provides several of the recent OWI cases in which Attorney Chirafisi obtained very favorable results.

Marathon County Case Summaries (Wausau, Wisconsin)

Attorney Chirafisi also handles cases outside of Dane County (Madison, Wisconsin), such as his recent cases in Marathon County (Wausau, Wisconsin).

How To Contact Us

Chirafisi & Verhoff, S.C.
A Wisconsin Criminal & DUI Defense Law Firm
One North Pinckney Street, Suite 300
Madison, Wisconsin 53703
Telephone: 608.250.3500
Toll-free: 1.866.514.0647
Free Initial Consultation