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Winning Criminal Cases
Acquittals, Not Guilty Verdicts
Dismissed Charges and Cases
The Law Offices of Sydne French
Aggressive Defense Against the Power & Resources of the State
A criminal case can be won at pretrial, trial, or postconviction (appeal) stages. The key is to challenge your case - every step of the way. Attorney Sydne French has fought and won hundreds of criminal cases of all types. She is ready to do the same for you. She will give you the time and personal attention you deserve. Call or email our office today for a free initial consultation.
The following cases are but a few examples of the winning results Attorney Sydne French has achieved for her clients.
OWI & PAC - 1st Offense
Client was arrested for Operating While Intoxicated (OWI)-1st offense, and Operating With Prohibited Alcohol Content (PAC)-1st offense. Client had been drinking while fishing with friends earlier that evening. Police claimed Client came to their attention because he had crossed the center line and was swerving his vehicle. Police also claimed Client failed all field sobriety tests. Defense established numerous inconsistencies in the officer's account, and began preparing for trial.
RESULT: DA agreed to dismiss PAC charge and amend the OWI to failure to Dim Lights, a simple traffic ticket.
Check out our OWI Defense page for more information on how we fight OWI cases.
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OWI & PAC - 1st (jury trial)
Client was arrested for an Operating While Intoxicated (OWI)-1st offense, and Operating With a Prohibited Alcohol Content (PAC)-1st offense. Police arrested Client around 1:00 a.m. in a parking lot where Client was standing outside his vehicle with his wife and friends. Client failed all the field sobriety tests, and could be seen on video tape slurring his speech, and swaying to the point of nearly falling down. Police claimed they followed the vehicle into the parking lot and saw Client get out of the driver's side, and one of the passengers confirmed that Client was the driver. The jury heard testimony from the passenger that police had actually threatened to arrest her if she did not identify Client as the driver. Cross examination of officers also revealed several minutes had passed before the police pulled into the parking lot.
RESULT: Client acquitted of all charges at jury trial.
Check out our OWI Defense page for more information on how we fight OWI cases.
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OWI & PAC - 1st (BAC 0.20)
Client was stopped by police after they observed him driving his motorcycle 44 miles per hour in a 25 mile per hour zone. Client failed all 4 field sobriety tests and registered blood alcohol level of 0.20 during the portable breath test (PBT) at the scene. Client later refused to take the evidentiary chemical test of his breath at the police station. Client was charged with OWI-1st and an Implied Consent violation, a.k.a. "refusal charge."
RESULT: Prosecutor agreed to dismiss the refusal charge and amend the OWI to failure to Dim Lights and Operating Left of Center, both simple traffic tickets.
Check out our OWI Defense page for more information on how we fight OWI cases.
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OWI & PAC - 4th Offense
Client arrested and charged with Operating While Intoxicated (OWI)-4th offense. His blood alcohol content level (BAC) was well over 0.20, nearly 3 times the legal limit. He had been seen by witnesses driving back and forth in front of his home squealing his tires. Defense filed a motion to prevent the State from counting Client's second and third OWI toward the total number of Client's OWIs (called a "collateral attack" or "collateral challenge").
RESULT: The court granted Defense's motion and Client's OWI-4th became an OWI-2nd.
Check out our OWI Defense page for more information on how we fight OWI cases.
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Aggravated Battery - Felony
Client was charged with aggravated battery after an argument at home with his on-again-off-again girlfriend. She claimed he broke her nose when he deliberately "head butted" her during the argument. Thorough investigation yielded several witnesses for the defense who testified that the girlfriend was often violent towards Client and other people. One witness was actually punched in the face by the girlfriend several months prior. On cross examination, the girlfriend admitted to punching Client during the argument.
RESULT: Acquitted at jury trial. The client claimed self-defense - the jury believed him and returned a verdict of NOT GUILTY.
Check out our Battery Defense page for more information on how we fight battery cases.
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Battery to Police Officer & Disorderly Conduct
Client arrested for Disorderly Conduct and Battery to Police Officer. Police were called to Client's home because boyfriend called 911 complaining that she had thrown him out after beating him up. Police officer knocked on her door twice, and twice Client refused to let the officer in. When she attempted to slam the door closed the second time, the officer reached in and grabbed her arm and a struggle ensued. Client was "tazered" in the process. A pre-trial hearing was held and testimony was heard by the judge from the officer and the boyfriend. The court "suggested" (but did not rule) that the officer had violated Client's constitutional rights when he entered her home without a warrant. Another hearing was set by the court for legal arguments on whether the officer used unconstitutional police procedure.
RESULT: All charges subsequently dismissed by the State.
Check out our Battery Defense page for more information on how we fight battery cases.
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Battery to Police Officer; Possession of THC; Disorderly Conduct
Client arrested after police arrive for bar fight that occurred earlier in evening. Police claimed a witness identified Client as one of the people involved in the fight. Police asked Client for ID; Client refused and did not talk to them. Police attempted "pat down" of Client, claiming Client was acting suspicious by refusing to identify himself and repeatedly putting his hands in his pockets. Client backed away from attempted pat down and was then tackled by police and arrested. THC and paraphernalia were found on Client's person after the arrest. Defense filed a motion to suppress all physical evidence and several hearings were held.
RESULT: Motion to Suppress Physical Evidence GRANTED. All charges subsequently dismissed by the State.
Check out our Battery Defense page for more information on how we fight battery cases.
Check out our Drug Crimes Defense page for more information on how we fight drug charges.
:: Top ::Battery - Misdemeanor
Client was charged with misdemeanor battery after allegedly striking her minor step son during an argument at home. The child had bruises on his buttocks and claimed to have been struck many times by Client. Client explained to police that the child had a history of greatly exaggerating things, but to no avail. Defense counsel's clinical background working with children diagnosed with oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and ADHD aided negotiations. Counsel presented evidence to the State that the child was diagnosed with ADHD and had a history of behavioral problems.
RESULT: The State agreed to dismiss the battery charge after 12 months through a Deferred Prosecution Agreement (DPA).
Check out our Battery Defense page for more information on how we fight battery cases.
:: Top ::Disorderly Conduct - Domestic Abuse Penalty Enhancer
Client was charged with Disorderly Conduct and a Domestic Abuse penalty enhancer. Client caught girlfriend cheating on him. He confronted her and they began to argue. Client started throwing he clothes and personal belongings out the balcony. Neighbors called police, who arrived at the scene shortly thereafter. Client admitted to yelling obscenities at girlfriend and to throwing her things out. Defense filed a motion to dismiss the domestic abuse portion of the charge.
RESULT: The court granted the motion to dismiss the Domestic Abuse penalty enhancer. The State subsequently agreed to dismiss the remaining Disorderly Conduct charge after 12 months through a Deferred Prosecution Agreement (DPA).
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Possession of Child Pornography
Police recovered several nude photos of a 17-year-old girl from Client's bedroom. Client denied any knowledge of these photos. Police questioned Client at the police station for several hours. Defense learned Client's roommate had falling out with Client shortly before calling police. Defense presented evidence to the DA proving Client's roommate was a known drug addict, with a long criminal history for committing crimes that involved forgery, and providing false information.
RESULT: The DA dismissed all charges at the preliminary hearing.
Check out our Sex Crimes Defense page for more information on how we fight sex crimes charges.
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Sexual Assault of a Child, Child Enticement, Exposing Child to Harmful Material
14-year old girl claimed Client had sexual intercourse with her, oral sex with her, and that Client had shown her pornographic movies to show her how to give oral sex to him. Client consistently maintained his innocence throughout the case and denied any sexual contact with the girl at any time. Police recovered pornographic material (adult) from the home, but no physical evidence. At trial, the Defense highlighted the many inconsistencies in the girl's story, and exposed versions of her story that made the allegations impossible.
RESULT: The jury acquitted Client of all charges.
Check out our Sex Crimes Defense page for more information on how we fight sex crimes charges.
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Federal Seizure of Property and Notice of Forfeiture
Client's BMW vehicle and $5,000 cash was seized during a felony drug arrest. The federal government attempted to permanently deprive Client of his property through the federal forfeiture process. Defense filed a formal challenge against the government.
RESULT: Federal government withdrew its forfeiture attempt. Client's BMW and $5,000 were returned to Client.
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Prescription Drug Fraud
Client, a licensed RN, was arrested for several felony counts of obtaining controlled substances (hydrocodone) by fraud. Evidence included a paper trail of prescriptions and receipts/signatures, and eyewitness accounts that Client filled numerous prescriptions in her relative's name, over a lengthy period of time and without her relative's knowledge.
RESULT: Defense counsel negotiated a deferred prosecution agreement (DPA)—with the State prosecutor and WI Department of Regulation and Licensing. The DPA called for all felony counts to be dismissed in exchange for a plea to one misdemeanor charge.
Check out our Drug Crimes Defense page for more information on how we fight drug charges.
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Probation Parole Revocation Hearings
Rules Violations
Probation Revocation Hearings - Drug Trafficking - Cocaine, Marijuana
Client was on extended supervision in Wisconsin. Client was under investigation by the Department of Justice (DOJ). The DOJ claimed Client was head of a major drug operation (cocaine, marijuana) in Milwaukee, and was invovled in money laundering. DOJ presented confidential informant testimony, photos, and surveillance videos involving controlled buys and wire taps.
RESULT: A final revocation hearing was held and defense presented testimony and audio recorded evidence proving confidential informants were lying. Defense counsel argued that there was no reliable evidence linking Client to drug operation, or money laundering. Administrative Law Judge agreed with counsel and ruled that Client should NOT be revoked. Client was released soon afterward, in time for Mother's Day!.
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Probation Revocation Hearings - Interstate Money Laundering
Client was on probation in Wisconsin; rules included Client could not leave the State and could not possess cash over $50. Client was stopped in a vehicle (as a passenger) in IOWA. The vehicle contained over $100,000 dollars in cash hidden in a compartment underneath the dashboard and Client had $1,000 cash in his pocket. Driver was subsequently arrested for felony counts of money laundering. Client was subsequently transported back to Wisconsin on a PO hold and revocation proceedings began shortly thereafter.
RESULT: A final revocation hearing was held and testimony was taken from IOWA State Troopers. Defense counsel argued that although Client had obviously left the state against regulations, there was no direct evidence linking Client to money laundering. Counsel argued that revocation was inappropriate and unnecessary. Administrative Law Judge agreed with counsel and ruled that Client should NOT be revoked. Client was released soon afterward.
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Probation Revocation Hearings - ADHD
While Client was on probation for drug case, client was arrested for possession of controlled substance in neighboring county. DOC began revocation proceedings. Counsel's training and experience in diagnosing learning disorders allowed her to recognize client very likely had ADHD, although he had not been previously diagnosed. Counsel arranged to have client tested - client was indeed diagnosed with ADHD. Counsel proposed an ATR (alternative to revocation) to the DOC that would include medication therapy, and counseling.
RESULT: The DOC canceled the final revocation hearing and accepted counsel's proposed ATR.
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Probation Revocation Hearings - Sex Offender & ADHD
Client, a registered sex offender, violated rules by having consensual sex with several adult women without obtaining prior permission from his agent. Client also failed several polygraphs, which are standard with sex offender probation. Based on her background and training administering diagnostic evaluations for learning disorders, counsel had client tested and a diagnosis of ADHD was revealed. Counsel argued the impulsivity from an untreated diagnosis of ADHD was driving the conduct in the violations and proposed an ATR (alternative to revocation) to the DOC that would include medication therapy, and counseling.
RESULT: The DOC canceled the final revocation hearing and accepted counsel's proposed ATR.
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Probation Revocation Hearings - Shop Rite Scam
While Client was on probation for drug case, client was arrested and placed on probation hold for allegedly defrauding a bank by depositing a fraudulent check issued to him by a company called Shop Rite. DOC began revocation proceedings. At the revocation hearing, defense counsel brought evidence to show Client was not the suspect, but instead one of many victims of an international scam by Shop Rite.
RESULT: The Administrative Law Judge issued an order to release Client. The DOC failed to bring any proof that the bank transactions involving Client were made with intent to defraud the bank. As a result, no criminal charges were ever filed.
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Attorney French represents clients across many cities and counties of the State of Wisconsin, including (most frequently): Milwaukee, Waukesha, Brookfield, Kenosha, Racine, Jefferson, Dodge, Ozaukee, Washington counties.