AOR Gets Member’s Attempted Murder Charge Dismissed in New York - Client Testimonial
Featuring Attorneys Marc J. Victor, Andrew Marcantel, Joe Caldarera and AOR member Joseph
April 12, 2025
Criminal defense attorneys Marc J. Victor, Andrew C. Marcantel, and New York-based lawyer Joe Caldarera discuss a case involving Joseph, an Attorneys On Retainer (AOR) member. Joseph faced charges after a self-defense incident. Originally charged with several serious charges, including attempted murder, Joseph also joins in on the conversation to tell his side of the story.
“These videos are pretty rare for us, and the reason is because we respect attorney-client privilege . . . [a]lot of times, understandably, clients don’t want their case talked about in a public forum. But every now and then, we have a client who is willing to share their story with the world.”
– Attorney Marcantel
Background
Joseph, an MMA fighter and coach, grew up in New York but later moved to Florida with his wife to open a gym. After facing financial struggles, they returned to New York to rebuild their lives and be closer to family. On the day of the incident, Joseph attended a barbecue in his old neighborhood with his fifteen-year-old brother, eleven-year-old cousin, and his uncle. Many attendees were drinking, and a fight broke out, resulting in Joseph’s uncle being stabbed and beaten by multiple people.
Around that time, Joseph was focused on protecting his younger brother and cousin. While searching for his brother, a stranger approached Joseph, asking if he had a problem. The stranger then threatened Joseph and reached behind his back as if to pull a weapon. In response, Joseph repeatedly attempted to flee until he was forced to draw his legally owned firearm and shoot the man in self-defense.
AOR & the Legal Process
The attorneys at The Attorneys For Freedom Law Firm sprang into action as soon as they learned about the incident. The Strike Force team reached out to attorney Caldarera, who promptly deployed investigators to contact bodegas in the neighborhood where the incident occurred to obtain surveillance footage. The attorneys stressed the importance of securing the video evidence, as the victim in the case claimed Joseph walked up to him and shot him.
“One of the things that we determined needed to be done right away is preservation of evidence. The question immediately came up. Is there a video out there in the world?”
– Attorney Marcantel
The attorneys strategically decided to have Joseph turn himself in, which allowed them to secure his release on bond. They made this decision because Joseph’s car was parked near the scene of the crime. Had he not turned himself in and was later found, the prosecutors could have used that against him, arguing that his actions reflected a consciousness of guilt.
“I think it was like 5:00 a.m. or 4:00 a.m. And they were like, ‘Hey you’re going home. Someone bonded you out.’ And then he was like, ‘They must really love you.’ And I was like, that was the best feeling in the world.”
– Joseph
Reaching Out to the Prosecutors Office
While Joseph was out on bond, AFF attorneys and attorney Caldarera began preparing his legal defense. With video evidence of the incident in hand, they reached out to law enforcement and the prosecutor’s office.
“But luckily here, we had a really good prosecutor. Somebody who wasn’t, in my opinion, looking to abuse the system so much, and who was receptive and open to our arguments.”
– Attorney Caldarera
The attorneys at AFF went above and beyond to present a comprehensive picture of Joseph’s background, values, and personal history. The attorneys emphasize that a well-prepared mitigation package played a pivotal role in shaping the prosecution’s perception of Joseph
By presenting a proactive, fact-based, and humanizing narrative, the attorneys successfully negotiated a reduction of Joseph’s charges to a misdemeanor. If you would like to know more about our law firm and how AOR’s self-defense protection program can help you, please call 866-404-5112 or email us.
The results achieved in prior cases are not a guarantee of the outcome in your case. Every legal matter is unique and depends on its specific facts and circumstances.
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