Posted By:
David AtkatzWell, my good friend Jeff purports to know what "I'm about," and then goes off on his usual name-calling rant.
So, as I've always believed that "turnabout is fair play," I'll attempt to show what Jeff's all about. But I needn't resort to name-calling--all I've got to do is go to Jeff's own website.
Every quote that follows has been taken verbatim from Jeff's site (the one he uses to present himself to the world or, at least to prospective clients), or from links Jeff himself provided there.
Which clients does Jeff choose to brag about?
"His clients include those charged with RICO violations, narcotics offenses, money laundering, securities fraud, health care fraud, tax evasion and murder and murder conspiracy."
...Recent clients include Thomas Rachko, a retired New York Police detective accused of robbing drug dealers; Jacob Orgad, described by the government as the "largest MDMA (ecstasy) trafficker" ever arrested in the United States; AIG executives named in the New York Attorney General's probe of the insurance industry; and John A. Gotti, the son of the infamous mob boss. The Gotti trial ended with the dismissal of three murder conspiracy charges, an acquittal on a $25 million securities fraud charge and a deadlocked jury on every remaining count.
Does Jeff believe he is defending the innocent, the powerless and persecuted, the unfairly accused? (And, more to the point, is he even interested in defending those just mentioned?)
" ...Goody-twoshoes types don't interest him: 'I'd say the line of innocent defendants out my door is very short.' "
How does our Jeff describe himself?
"I'm an angry guy... Hey, I don't like lawyers, either. Who does? They're argumentative, and they think they know more than everyone else."
What does Jeff consider to be his most important achievements?
People v. Patterson, 06 CR 80 (S.D.N.Y. 2008):
In a multi-defendant, large-scale federal marijuana conspiracy case, motion to preclude introduction of six firearms, drug paraphernalia, 16,000 bullets and client's fingerprint found on box of ammunition--seized from home client was living in--was granted due to government's delay in providing discovery.
United States v. Heath, 95 CR 6064 (W.D.N.Y. 2007):
Defendant received a 48 month non-sentencing guidelines prison sentence following conviction for possession with intent to distribute cocaine. Mr. Heath was described by President Bush as an "international drug kingpin" was once on the FBI's 10 Most Wanted list while fighting a ten year extradition battle from his native St. Kitts with the United States. Sentence was remarkable in that it was well below the range called for in his plea agreement...
United States v. Dono, 03 CR 970, (E.D.N.Y. 2005):
Defendant charged with robbing and burglarizing multiple banks in New York received a downward departure from a sentencing range of 57-71 months in prison to 30 months...
United States v. Russo, 00 CR 1289 (E.D.N.Y. 2004):
Defendant charged with possession with intent to distribute heroin received downward departure from 78-97 months to a non-custodial sentence of supervised release...
United States v. Fazio, 00 CR 1183 (S.D.N.Y. 2003):
Defendant convicted of laundering $2.5 million of proceeds of illegal gambling operation received downward departure at sentencing to 5 years probation on grounds that he suffered significantly reduced mental capacity during the commission of the crime due to a pathological gambling disorder.
United States v. Lev, 00 CR 196 (E.D.N.Y. 2001):
Federal RICO charges (along with securities fraud and money laundering charges) dismissed by government...
United States v. Iodice, 95 CR 124 (S.D.N.Y. 1996):
Federal RICO charges (along with securities fraud and mail fraud charges) dismissed by government...
United States v. Oliva, 00 CR 53 (E.D.N.Y. 2001):
Defendant with extensive criminal history convicted of extortion with the use of a firearm, received downward departure to 20 months imprisonment...
(And the list goes on... )
And what, in Jeff's own estimation is his piece de la resistance? Why it was freeing his good buddy, John Gotti, Jr.
United States v. Gotti, 04 CR 690 (S.D.N.Y. 2005):
After a nearly two month trial, John Gotti, Jr.'s trial ended with the dismissal of three murder conspiracy charges, an acquittal on a $25 million securities fraud charge and a deadlocked jury on every remaining count. Just days after this stunning verdict, Mr. Lichtman secured Mr. Gotti's release on bail.
Why would Jeff work so hard to free him? A belief in his innocence, perhaps?
"It's not like I think Gotti is this innocent little guy; I'm not a fool."
Then what could it be? Perhaps a chance to "make his bones," thus ensuring a future lucrative career?
"I was working like three people because I didn't want to embarrass myself. Where else would I get an opportunity on a stage like this?"
Now I see why Jeff was so concerned about Obama's racist spiritual adviser. As Jeff himself has experienced in an unsuccessful apartment purchase, "A man is known by the company he keeps."
A job well-done. Kudos to our own Jeffrey "keep 'em on the street" Lichtman.