Criminal Defense Clinic Students Complete Clinic’s First Jury Trial

Congratulations to students, faculty and staff of the Criminal Defense Clinic on their recent work in a case they tried in the Palo Alto courthouse.

Katherlne Lin (’14) and Matt Platkin (’13) just completed the clinic’s first jury trial, achieving a hung jury and later dismissal of the most serious count against their client, who was convicted on the more minor count. The case was based on an encounter in a drug store parking lot between their client—a young woman—and a Mountain View police officer. The young woman was charged with battery of a police officer and resisting arrest.  Katherine and Matt presented a strong case for self-defense.

The trial took many twists and turns and Katherine and Matt navigated them all, under the supervision of Staff Attorney Suzanne Luban and Clinic Director Professor Ron Tyler. The trial lasted over a week, with the jury deliberating for a portion each of three days – about 12 hours in all. The lengthy deliberations (including three read-backs) and the hung jury on the most serious count were remarkable feats.

The Criminal Defense Clinic is directed by Professor Ron Tyler.  Suzanne Luban and Galia Philips serve as staff attorneys and Lynda Johnston and Monique Cadena provide legal assistance.

1 Response to Criminal Defense Clinic Students Complete Clinic’s First Jury Trial
  1. Good news for these criminal defence clinic students! They do deserved this. Ed of 911LegalSolutions.com

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