The Honorable Richard Jorandby
Public Defender
Fifteenth Judicial Circuit
Dear Mr. Jorandby,
Again, I would like to commend, one of your Assistants, Mr. Samuel Montesino. Yesterday, he defended a man charged with child abuse. His work, from the motions filed, to the closing argument, was brilliant.
During the trial, Sam made a tactical decision that was one of the toughest calls I’ve ever seen an attorney make. He sought, and was able, to introduce a video tape of the “victim’s” deposition. During this deposition, evidence was elicited that was highly inculpatory, on the face of it. There was an allegation of sexual abuse and testimony that his client had served a prison sentence. Neither of these facts could have been introduced by the prosecution. The victim’s testimony about the sexual claim of sexual abuse was incredible, it brought in to question the rest of her testimony. This tactic may have been the factor that resulted in an acquittal; it would have easily back-fired. Mr. Montesino’s closing argument was truly superb. It was also clear to me that Mr. Montesino actually believed in, and cared about, his client. His belief in his client’s innocence was clear to the jury as well as the judge.
Sincerely,
Robert S. Schwartz
County Judge