Domestic Violence

Successfully defended K.T. for various driving infraction allegations within a municipal court in Middlesex County. The consequences were serious as our client was already on driving probation with the NJMVC (formerly DMV) where any “moving violation” would result in an extensive administrative suspension of J.T.’s driving privileges. After negotiations, Mr. Kessous resolved the moving violation to a non-moving, no-point violation deemed “non-moving” by the NJMVC (formerly DMV), thus precluding the suspension.

Successfully defended A.B. in Middlesex County for allegations of 1st degree and 2nd degree crimes of Aggravated Sexual Assaults against two (2) children over a period of several years. The purported victims’ family wrote letters to the Court indicating their wish that A.B. receive “at least 30 years in prison”. Nonetheless, after the completion of extensive motion practice by Mr. Kessous, the Defendant ultimately plead guilty to merely a non-sexual child neglect/abuse 3rd degree crime, with a minor “time-served” county jail sentence. This result avoided exposure to an otherwise extensive NJ State Prison sentence, along with living with the brand of “Pedophile” that is Megan’s Law and Community/Parole Supervision For Life service requirements.

Successfully represented A.M. in an MVC/DMV matter. A.M. was facing an administrative suspension of his driving privileges for no fewer than six (6) months for operating a motor vehicle during a period of prior suspension. Mr. Kessous was able to timely object to the suspension and demand a hearing. It was at this hearing that Mr. Kessous raised legal issues that resulted in a compromise with the MVC/DMV to suspend A.M.’s privileges for only fifteen (15) days rather than the initially decreed six (6) months.

Successfully represented C.D. for a Leaving the Scene of a Motor Vehicle Accident in a municipal court in Middlesex County. Despite the proofs of guilt, including the presence of an eyewitness in court, Mr. Kessous was able to persuade the prosecutor, with whom he had previously developed a friendly professional relationship, to amend the charge to merely failing to report the accident, saving the client an ordinarily six (6) months suspension of her driving privileges.

Successfully defended R.M.P. in the Somerset County Superior Court. He was initially charged with an Attempted Murder that would have resulted in prison sentence of well more than ten (10) years. This charge culminated from an allegation of a gang related brawl where the Defendant admitted to police that he struck a brawl participant while driving away from the melee, striking the victim and crushing his legs. Contradictory statements suggesting that the action was intentional existed. Nonetheless, a negotiated plea agreement was effectuated amending the charge from 1st degree Attempted Murder to 3rd degree Aggravated Assault. Subsequently, Mr. Kessous successfully advocated to the Court that the Defendant should receive only a time-served sentence.