When is a Loss Really a Win?

For two weeks, Demetrio Duarte led a legal team in a two week trial to fight for the rights of a single mom who made a tragic decision.   While having an acquittal is always best, the jury in this case found Mr. Duarte’s client to be guilty of involuntary manslaughter and intoxication assault.   “How horrible is it to live with knowing you killed someone?   What greater punishment can you give someone beyond  the self-inflicted punishment of a life of guilt?”   These questions were posed to a jury after the plea bargain offer was for 15 years in prison.

Securing the proper witnesses, finding the right evidence and cross-examining injured victims is critical to providing a meaningful defense.   Through thorough preparation, effective trial strategy and a sensitive approach to a delicate situation, Demetrio Duarte convinced a jury that compassion and rehabilitation was more important to society in sentencing a young mother who made a mistake without any evil intent.  The jury agreed and assessed a term of 6 years in prison for the offense.   While serving 6 years in prison is no cakewalk, it is certainly better than serving 15 years behind bars.   Whenever parole is granted, this mother will see her three year old daughter go to school, graduate, get married and enjoy life.   A fifteen year sentence would have meant missing elementary school, middle school, and the major events of a growing daughter.  

Even when someone is guilty of a crime (often for unfortunate reasons), fighting for justice is important.   Being guilty is no reason to believe all is lost.   Fighting for justice is Demetrio Duarte’s passion and privilege. This trial demonstrates how fighting for justice requires the right tools and the right lawyer.