Mr. Corletta obtained a dismissal of a Petit Larceny charge in tough Ontario County, known for vigorous prosecution, in People v. P.H. (Farmington Tn. Ct., 5/18).

          In this case, Mr. Corletta’s client was an older person, with little formal education. In a classic “finders keepers” situation, the client found a winning voucher in a local casino, thought it was good luck, and cashed it in. The client did not know it should have been turned in to the office. The client had no prior criminal record and was a hardworking individual. The client promptly repaid the money, but was still arrested and charged.

          The “equities” were clearly in the client's favor. Mr. Corletta brought them to the attention of the prosecutor, who consented to dismissal, much to the relief of the unsuspecting client.