Recent Cases

March 25, 2026
Assault and Battery (Household) Member
A hardworking Union specialist was charged with Domestic Assault and Battery. It is noteworthy that he recently completed probation for the same charge with a different female. In this case, client met a woman and she moved in a relatively short period. The relationship between client and his girlfriend was fraught with constant fighting which at times became physical. Girlfriend went to police and explained that client had been repeatedly physical with her and on that day grabbed her violently by the face, pushed her up against bathroom wall and threw her to the floor. Client admitted to police physical contact. More concerning was girlfriend detailed several prior incidents of violence and brought pictures detailing injury. Although client was not charged with prior acts of violence, they would be admissible in his trial under what is called a prior and subsequent bad act. When a prior acts of uncharged violence is brought it makes the case even more challenging since a judge or jury would likely be heavily influenced or even repelled from the cumulative repetitive nature of criminal offenses. In the end, a reasonable plea offer was made with no jail. Attorney Barabino argued for a disposition that permitted the client to have the case dismissed if completed probation which judge allowed. The girlfriend was also very decent and considerate to the matter which aided in a successful resolution of the case.
RESULT: Disparate Plea for Defense.

March 18, 2026
Felony Malicious Damage to Motor Vehicle
A married computer programmer was charged with Felony malicious damage to a motor vehicle. This is a challenging charge since it is a felony and requires a conviction or acquittal. There is no alternative disposition to avoid a conviction. In this case, the police reported to that client was parked when another car was slowly backing up and getting close to his car. Client, got out of his car and yelled at the other driver and knocked on her window with enough force to shatter it. The events were witnessed by a third party and to a large degree the events undisputed. Without delay Attorney Barabino got client into therapy and in negotiation with the District Attorney pleased to get them to agree to Pre-Trial Probation, with an agreement to continue therapy, anger management with no admission of criminal behavior or wrongdoing.
RESULT: Presumption of Innocence, No Conviction, Admission or Probation.

March 16, 2026
Bomb/Hijack Threat with Serious Alarm
Bomb/Hijack Threat with Serious Alarm
A young teenager came to the attention of police via school authorities. According to a lengthy police investigation, a concerned mother came to the school after discovering text messages in her son’s phone. The messages suggested a grave concern about violence against income disparity, and various mentions against public figures. In essence, the statement was parroting much of the proclamations heard daily on cable television. However, the police were called, and they had good faith legitimate concerns. They interviewed the mother and client, and the police also searched the individual and the home. In the end, they were confident that they could make the case for two counts of Bomb Threat with Serious Alarm. The police also executed search warrants after and notified the FBI and other parties. They discovered Bomb making material, A Hoax Device and a purportedly a partial firearm made from the 3-D printer. In this case there were two separate complaints, Attorney Barabino represented on the bomb threats and drafted a thirteen-page motion to dismiss, pre-arraignment. That motion was heard today and allowed, which means the charge will never appear on his criminal record or history.
RESULT: Bomb Threat Dismissed Before Arraignment, Motion Allowed.

February 26, 2026
Driving under the Influence or .08 BAC
Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle
A pleasant, married professional and mom was charged with operating under the influence and negligent operation of a motor vehicle. She properly submitted her citation for a magistrate hearing which, when submitted timely, the court is obligated to provide. In this case, the police allege that she arrived to a two-car accident scene around midnight. When police arrived, client’s vehicle was heavily damaged on the opposite side of the street. Client reportedly had an odor of alcohol and admitted to drinking four drinks and coming from a bar. She had what they described as slow, slurred and thick tongued speech, red glassy eyes, and appeared dazed and confused. There was other evidence of possible intoxication, but the charges ultimately did not issue, and she maintains no criminal history.
RESULT: OUI/DWI Do NOT Issue at Clerk’s Hearing

February 25, 2026
Trespassing
Client was a married mother with no record who was believed to be involved in questionable behavior at a message therapy location. The police launched a human trafficking investigation and aggressively raided the location where she was. Police eventually arrested her for trespassing when she returned to the location. Normally, a charge like this could be resolved with a court date or two, but this case took nearly six court dates after a request for a trial. The Commonwealth’s discovery was voluminous. Every statement that was made or could be made had to be screened as the overarching goal was to protect against the seriousness of these allegations. In the end, the Commonwealth chose to dismiss the charge thanks to Attorney Barabino’s advocacy.
RESULT: No Human Trafficking Charge, Dismissed Trespassing.

February 17, 2026
209A Restraining Order Hearing
Client was a pleasant and hardworking man. He was also a supportive friend, however that friend was not supportive of him and was angry, retaliatory, and vengeful. While client was home, he was visited by police and received a notice of a harassment order against him. The order required him to stay away and not contact the friend until a full two-party hearing could occur. This two-party hearing permits the accused to present a defense with testimony, documents, and anything else that may be helpful for the judge. The judge then determines if the case will formally enter. These are always stressful for all the parties. In this case, Attorney Barabino and client reviewed videos, messages, and a lengthy affidavit. At the day of the hearing, Attorney Barabino cross-examined the friend to the which the court concluded at the end that no further testimony would be required and that the order would not continue.
RESULT: Successful Restraining Order Defense. Not Extended.

February 4, 2026
Conspiracy
Larceny Over $1,2000.00 By A Single Scheme
A wonderful husband and wife were summoned to court for felony charges of theft. Both were professionals with no criminal record or history. Attorney Barabino was successfully able to identify a statute that ensured the charge would not go forward in their circumstances. Attorney Barabino provided evidence and completion of any online program and mental health consultation. Clients also agreed to pay the $5,000 claimed in losses. Attorney Barabino’s submission included a detailed background memorandum and photographs. The case was ultimately dismissed, prior to the formal arraignment.
RESULT: Case Dismissed Prior to Arraignment. No Criminal Record.

January 27, 2026
Strangulation
Witness Intimidation
Witness Intimidation
Assault and Battery on a Family or Household Member
Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon
Client was a single male. Over a three-day period, he was aggressive and repeatedly physically violent against complainant who client had been in a dating relationship with. The allegation included at one point lifting her off her feet and destroying her phone. A portion of this violence was caught on admissible video. The sister of the complainant ultimately went to the police with accuser. After the complainant went to a medical professional and obtained EMS services, she obtained a restraining order against client. Complainant’s family was angry, scared, and concerned. Client did not want to go to trial and instead wanted to plead guilty to all charges. Attorney Barabino was able to obtain a trial date for the case and ultimately secure dismissal of two felonies charged, one of which was strangulation.
RESULT: TWO felonies Dismissed.