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June 21
Congo vs. Rivera News Update: Dog attacks family member
Our client Giovanni Rivera, a Honduran immigrant, was brutally attacked by a German shepherd named Congo and four of his pups while working at the dog owner’s home. Mr. Rivera received a $250,000 settlement for injuries caused by the attack through the representation of Kevin Riechelson. This case received national and international attention because it raised issues related to immigration.
The German shepherd, Congo, was spared the death sentence by the Appeals Court in April. The owners paid a fine and agreed to restrain their dogs from threatening to attack others. Congo was allowed to return home under strict limitations after months in captivity.
However, it was revealed today that Congo and three other dogs were put down by their owner for attacking a family member at home. Mark Johnson, the Princeton Township animal officer, said that he “prayed to God that (another dog attack involving Congo) never would happen, but in the back of my mind I knew it would. It was just a matter of time."
This development demonstrates that the dogs that attacked our client were dangerous, and the attack against Mr. Rivera was unprovoked (as was claimed by the dogs' owner). Sadly, too many people identified with the attacking dogs instead of our client, who was merely trying to make a living. We found very few web sites that identified with our client’s position, and we remain proud of our legal work on behalf of our client, and all of our immigrant clients. All people have rights in our society, and that’s the way it should be.
The blogs and articles in the New Jersey newspapers yesterday and today have all taken the position that the dogs were dangerous and deserved to be put to sleep. It is unfortunate that it took a second vicious attack for them to realize this. It is also unfortunate that some media outlets and posters on various blogs were supportive of the rights of animals over the rights of a human being who was a victim and severely injured.
June 20
Convictions Reversed and New Trial Won for Man Serving 20-Year Sentence
Our client was sentenced to sixteen years (85% minimum), and four years consecutive to the sixteen served. John D. Caruso of Garces and Grabler reversed the convictions before the Appellate Division. He argued that a chart memorializing the deliberations of the jury should have been removed from the jury room before an alternate juror was introduced into the jury and exposed to the chart. The convictions and 20-year sentence were reversed and remanded for a new trial. We are proud that Mr. John D. Caruso achieved this result through meticulous preparation and dogged advocacy for his client.
June 10, 2008
New Jersey Attorney Jonathon Kessous wins full acquittal verdicts.
Jonathan Kessous of Garces & Grabler won full acquittal verdicts after a two-week trial before the Honorable Joseph Rea, J.S.C. The defendant, who faced charges of 2nd degree offenses of Possession of Loaded Firearms, could have faced a 10-year prison sentence, to be eligible for parole after five years.
May 28, 2008
The law offices of Garces & Grabler welcome the newest addition to their staff of qualified attorneys in New Jersey.
Michael Richmond, co-author of New Jersey Municipal Court Practice by Gann Books, has joined the law offices of Garces & Grabler. Richmond brings over 35 years of experience as a municipal court practitioner and has a broad knowledge of the New Jersey Municipal Court system. His dedication and experience reflect the firm’s commitment to providing quality legal services in New Jersey.
April 22, 2008
The law firm of Garces & Grabler is pleased to announce the opening of its new Trenton law office location.
In response to growing demand for their legal services in Mercer County, New Jersey, Garces & Grabler have relocated their Trenton law office to the new, spacious facility at 253 E. Front Street. The new location represents the law firm’s commitment to their growing list of clients and to continuing to provide quality legal services in the Mercer County area.
Directions and map to the Trenton law office of Garces & Grabler
December 7, 2007
Garces and Grabler respond to the controversy surrounding the Congo case.
We will always represent all of our clients with dignity and respect:
The Congo case, which you can learn about by reading the stories below, intersects the controversial issue of immigration, and all of the emotions of that argument. Sadly, we have received many hateful messages because of our defense, and bigoted remarks against Hispanics in general.
The lawyers and staff of Garces and Grabler stand defiant in the face of these hateful remarks, and proud of our legal representation of all human beings. If you are working hard in this country and playing by the rules, you have rights, and we will defend those rights as your attorney for life!
“As I would not be a slave, so I would not be a master. This expresses my idea of democracy.” – Abraham Lincoln
December 5, 2007
See Will Garces discuss the Congo case on Good Morning America on WABC-TV.
November 30, 2007
Garces & Grabler attorney Kevin Riechelson was successful in obtaining a $250,000 settlement for Giovanni Rivera, a Honduran native who was attacked by a dog while working at a residence. This case has obtained national attention, and more information about the case can be found in this New York Times article.
November 15, 2007
Lawrence LeBrocq, Esq. won a three million dollar verdict for his client last year in Middlesex County Superior Court. We at Garces and Grabler welcome him to our legal staff.
Recent Settlement and Jury Verdict Cases:
2007:
Settlement for Medical Malpractice (Birth Trauma) - $4,650,000
Settlement for Medical Malpractice (Surgical Error) $900,000
Settlement for Medical Malpractice (Birth Trauma) - $350,000
2006:
Jury Verdict for Rollover Auto Accident - $3,058,000
Settlement for Medical Malpractice Medication Overdose - $2,625,000
Settlement for Medical Malpractice (Birth Trauma) - $450,000
(This information should not create an unjustified expectation that similar results can be obtained for others without regard to the specific factual and legal circumstances) |