Credit Card Fraud

Successfully defended K.I. in a municipal court in Mercer County for various motor vehicle allegations that, if convicted, would have resulted in twelve (12) points and a suspension of driving privileges. After extensive negotiations with the State and with the approval of the Court, Mr. Kessous resolved the matter to merely a single, 0 point minor violation.

Successfully defended K.N. from Child Endangerment charges within Somerset County. As a 2nd Degree Crime, K.N. was facing five (5) to ten (10) years New Jersey State Prison for leaving two children within an inadvertently unlocked car for a few minutes, as one of the children had fallen asleep, while she ran into a store to return some items. As K.N. worked within the school system, she was also facing a permanent restriction from her chosen field of employment from such a conviction. After extensive negotiations with the Prosecutor’s Office and prepared submissions detailing her true kind and caring character as a single mother, Mr. Kessous successfully persuaded the Court and the State to allow her into the Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) program absent any foundational conviction ordinarily required for a 2nd degree charge, thus giving K.N. a full and fair opportunity to avoid a criminal conviction.

Successfully defended E.H.S. in a city municipal court within Union County. E.H.S. was charged with the criminal attempt to solicit the services of an undercover police officer posing as a prostitute during an elaborate sting operation. As the Defendant was not a U.S. citizen, the consequences of this criminal conviction would have, in all likelihood, resulted in eventual deportation as a criminal offense that implicates moral turpitude. However, Mr. Kessous successfully argued that the charge must be dismissed as the police officer narrative indicated that the Defendant had approached the undercover officer and asked, “How much for it?”. As the Defendant was a native Spanish speaker, Mr. Kessous argued that, “…for all intensive purposes, the Defendant may very well have just been asking her for a ride.” Criminal prosecutions require strict construction of the statutes as opposed to vague interpretations. The charge was ultimately dismissed, in its entirety.

Successfully defended S.M. in a Municipal Court in Middlesex County for a charge of Driving While Intoxicated and Refusal to Provide Breath Samples upon request. S.M. was purportedly observed by a pair of “Good Samaritans” who claimed they observed him drinking an alcoholic beverage while walking out of liquor store and then continue to drink as he drove away. While following him, they contacted 911 and claimed they were directly observing repeated motor vehicle infractions consistent with an intoxicated driver. After the police became directly involved and arrested S.M., he refused to provide breath samples. Mr. Kessous was nonetheless able to resolve the matter to a dismissal of the Refusal charge, saving S.M. what would have been an additional minimum four (4) to twelve (12) month term of suspension of his driving privileges as well as additional fines and mandatory installation of the Ignition Interlock system into his vehicle.

Successfully defended A.R.A. in a city municipal court in Union county. Mr. Kessous was able persuade the State to completely dismiss a criminal charge of Obstruction the Administration of Law. As the Defendant was attempting to adjust his status to remain in the country, this result was critical to his aspirations.