John J. Pappalardo obtains “not guilty” verdict for New Rochelle youth
Pappalardo & Pappalardo achieved success for another criminal defendant on Wednesday, November 7, 2012, in the New Rochelle City Court. John J. Pappalardo, senior and founding partner of the firm, tried the case of People v. John Doe, a youthful offender charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Fourth Degree, Menacing in the Second Degree, and Harassment in the Second Degree. The 17-year-old was acquitted of all charges.
The Westchester County District Attorney’s Office attempted to prove that our client had threatened the complaining witness with a baseball bat during a street fight involving our client, his friend, the complaining witness, and the complaining witness’s son.
However, John J. Pappalardo successfully raised reasonable doubt by introducing evidence that the complaining witness and his son were the initial aggressors, and that our client that was merely attempting to defend himself and his friend against the two older men.
The trial, held before the Hon. Gail Rice of the New Rochelle City Court, resulted in a quick decision in favor of the defense and resulted in a not guilty verdict for the firm’s client.
“We’re very happy with the not guilty verdict,” said John J. Pappalardo. “This is a good kid with a bright future, and we’re happy that justice has been served.”