JoeSpagnoli.com

Noteworthy Cases

The following are excerpts and summaries of Star Ledger, Westfield Leader, and News Tribune, articles on some of Mr. Spagnoli's many notable cases:

AGGRAVATED ASSAULT

State v. Kennedy

Mr. Spagnoli won an acquittal for Mr. Kennedy who was one of three charged in a bloody beating found not guilty. He could have faced up to 10 years in prison if convicted.

State v. Arias

Mr. Spagnoli represented Ms. Arias who was part of a 15 member gang which beat a man to death. She received a reduced sentence.

State v. McKenzie

Through Mr. Spagnoli's efforts Plainfield High School student who sliced a student's face requiring 100 stitches received only a short custodial sentence.

HARASSMENT

State v. Tucci

Mr. Spagnoli got a Roselle Park Police Captain's conviction reversed on appeal and his job and lost wages reinstated after being found guilty in a harassment case.

IMPERSONATION

State v. Sheehy

Linden public works employee accused of impersonating a police officer pled guilty to violation of a town ordinance.

KIDNAPPING

State v. Durham

With Mr. Spagnoli's representation, after a jury trial and facing 30 years in jail, Mr. Durham was found not guilty of all charges which included first and second degree kidnapping, criminal restraint, terroristic threats and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

POSSESSION/DISTRIBUTION OF CDS

State v. Jimenez

Drug fugitive Jimenez who fled before a jury verdict returned to the area facing a 15 year sentence and deportation for possession of cocaine with intent to distribute. Mr. Spagnoli got the jail time reduced to five years.

State v. Fitzgerald

Mr. Fitzgerald faced 20 years in prison for his part in a drug ring but avoided a federal trial through Mr. Spagnoli's representation and served only a year in jail.

SEXUAL ASSAULT

State v. Ramirez

Mr. Spagnoli represented a college professor who was indicted for first degree aggravated sexual assault and found not guilty after a jury trial.
http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2010/02/elizabeth_man_found_not_guilty.html

State v. Sosinski

After Linden Police Officer was found guilty on sex charges and sentenced to 10 years in prison, Mr. Spagnoli got his convictions reversed in the New Jersey Supreme Court.
http://www.truthinjustice.org/sosinski.htm

State v. Batista

Scotch Plains teen testified against four others who took part in a sexual assault on a schoolgirl and with a plea deal worked by Mr. Spagnoli, his 20 year jail sentence was reduced to 4 years.

State v. Fulinello

Roselle Park man arrested for sexual assault on a minor was convicted after a jury trial and received a short sentence.

SOLICITING

State v. Muscatello

Former Union County Superior Court Judge pled guilty to charges he paid for sex. He avoided jail and probation, and did not lose his monthly pension.

VIOLATION OF PROBATION

State v. Cryan

No additional penalties for legislator's son who could have received more probation after defaulting.
http://blog.nj.com/ledgerupdates/2007/05/assemblymans_son_jailed_for_pr.html
http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2007/06/assemblymans_son_released_from.html

WEAPONS OFFENSES

State v. Rotkiewicz

Man facing 20 years gets probation for killing pit bull.
http://www.nj.com/news/local/index.ssf/2010/07/linden_man_says_hed_do_it_agai.html

WHITE COLLAR CRIMES

State v. DiGioacchino

Former Cranford teacher/coach faced 20 years in jail for sending lurid e-mails to an 11 year old boy, but Mr. Spagnoli resolved the matter with no jail time.

State v. Clay

Mr. Spagnoli got State Police Trooper a plea bargain where he avoided jail time for check forgery.

State v. Bello

Her second degree crime for a $407,000 theft from her employer carried 5-10 years in prison, but through Mr. Spagnoli's efforts she is eligible for parole in 14-18 months.
http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2009/02/union_woman_admits_stealing_40.html

State v. Lambert

No prison time for Linden woman who defrauded Prudential Insurance Co. Mr. Spagnoli was able to get her five years probation.

State v. Cox

Director of Public Works who misused workers got only fines and community service and avoided a 10 year prison sentence with Mr. Spagnoli's assistance.

State v. Polo

Sentence of Cranford man who was charged with fraud and theft was cut in half through Mr. Spagnoli's efforts.

State v. Petrone

Somerset County Sheriff's Officer received probation for insurance theft from plea negotiated by Mr. Spagnoli.

Noteworthy Cases Quick Links