NJC attorneys secure "Not Guilty" verdict in Dakota County trial

Neighborhood Justice Center is pleased to share that attorneys Katie Allen and Luis Rangel Morales recently earned a Not Guilty verdict last week in Dakota County on the charges of Attempted Murder in the first degree, and Assault in the first and second degrees.

NJC recognizes a prosecutor’s duty to the public and to those affected by crime. Prosecutors are responsible and entrusted by the community to assure retribution. However, they are still beholden to the law and to its evidentiary burden at trial.

This case started in April 2019 when our client, a 19-year-old woman, faced decades in prison for allegedly attempting to kill a police officer. This was never her intent. The case was quite complicated due to a disconnect between the facts shown on video and the emotional impact it wrought on the officers involved.

Thankfully, a jury of 12 citizens saw through Dakota County’s overcharging of the case and retuned a fair verdict of Not Guilty on the major charges, and allowed this young woman to return home to her family after being jailed for a year and a half pending trial.

Overcharging can serve as a form of injustice and in this case, resulted in an individual serving 17 months in custody for a crime of which she was acquitted. Overcharging damages our communities and weakens our justice system.

NJC is thankful this client entrusted our organization to guide her through the legal system. We feel privileged that community members seek out our support as they face incredibly difficult obstacles and decisions in their lives. Congratulations to Katie and Luis on this important win.