Charge: Assault 2nd Degree

_______________________________

Assault in the Second Degree, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Harassment in the First Degree, and Peace Disturbance charges were issued against an Iron County man surrounding allegations of a road rage incident at a State Park.  After a half day preliminary hearing, Matthew Radefeld was able to get all charges, but the Harassment in the First Degree dismissed.  However, the prosecutors were still wanting to put the defendant in prison for at least four years.  There was no other choice but to take the matter to a jury trial.  Then, after a year of litigation on this matter, Matthew Radefeld handled the defense at a jury trial and was successful in obtaining a ‘not guilty’ verdict after the jury deliberated for only 16 minutes, which included time for them to get refreshments delivered to the jury room.

Verdict: Not Guilty at Trial

Charge: Assault

_______________________________

A former Pine Lawn Police Officer was accused of assaulting another person on the parking lot of a bowling alley in the City of St. Louis.  The former officer had just been convicted of conspiracy, deprivation of rights and falsifying records in the Eastern District of Missouri.  This conviction prevented the former officer from being able to testify.  After a three-day trial consisting of negative evidence against the former officer, Matthew Radefeld was able to convince members of the jury that there is no credible evidence proving beyond a reasonable doubt that the former officer committed the charged offense.  Matthew was able to hang the jury and get a mistrial on the case.  The prosecutors later offered a deal of time served concurrent with the 51 months sentence the former officer received in his federal case.  Matthew did not represent the former officer at his previous federal trial

Verdict: Hung Jury

Charge: Domestic Assault

_______________________________

A Franklin County man was accused of physically assaulting his ex-girlfriend during an altercation and was charged with one felony count of Domestic Assault in the 2^nd Degree. Through aggressive pre-trial investigation, including depositions, Matthew Radefeld were successful in getting the case dismissed by the State.

Outcome: Dismissed

Charge: Domestic Assault

_______________________________

A Ballwin, Missouri housewife was charged with Domestic Assault in the First Degree and Armed Criminal Action after she had discharged a firearm in the direction of her husband as they were arguing about an issue from earlier in the day.  Matthew Radefeld was able to get the charges dismissed after a preliminary hearing.  However, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s office would not relent so they sought an indictment for a charge of Unlawful Use of a Weapon.  After months of litigation, Matthew set the matter for a bench trial as there were numerous evidentiary issues with the case that would be best left for a judge to decide.  After a final pre-trial hearing, Radefeld was able to get the 911 tape evidence excluded and the State could not proceed any further.  The case was dismissed by the Court and the nightmare was finally over for this woman and her family.

Outcome: Dismissed

Charge: Assault 2nd Degree

_______________________________

A 17-year old St. Louis County minor was charged with Assault in the Second Degree for allegations stemming from a brawl at a high school party in South County.  The brawl involved an off-duty police officer who had allowed his son to have an under-age drinking party had discharged his weapon during the course of the altercation with the minor.  There were very conflicting statements involving the events surrounding the brawl.  After vigorously cross-examining the off-duty police officer, the State agreed to amend the charge to misdemeanor Assault and to a brief period of probation.  Matthew Radefeld handled the case for the defendant.

Outcome: Amended to Misdemeanor

Charge: Involuntary Manslaughter

_______________________________

A former Army Infantry Sergeant was charged with Involuntary Manslaughter for allegations stemming around a fatal drunk driving accident on highway I-70 in the City of St. Louis.  After conducting depositions and having a Motion to Suppress Evidence granted by the Court due to blatantly dishonest statements made by the investigating officers- the parties were able to come to a plea agreement wherein the defendant was given probation for a period of five years.  Matthew Radefeld handled the case for the defense that the defendant was very thankful that he did not go to prison.

Outcome: Probation