Case Results

Ms. Rigden's client was charged with first-degree robbery, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, terroristic threats, and aggravated assault. Because he was eligible for an extended term, he faced the possibility of decades in state prison. Ms. Rigden prepared the case for trial, challenged the State's version of events, and made clear she was ready to go before a jury. That preparation and readiness exposed weaknesses the State was not prepared to defend. Rather than proceed to trial, the State dismissed or downgraded every indictable charge. The client resolved the case with a single disorderly person’s offense and two years of non-custodial probation, avoiding prison entirely.

Ms. Rigden's client was charged with kidnapping and firearms offenses and faced decades of potential prison exposure. After extensive motion practice, pretrial hearings, and thorough trial preparation, the State accepted the defense's proposed resolution. Most of the charges were dismissed, resulting in a significantly reduced outcome for the client.

After authorities executed a nighttime search of his home and found narcotics, Ms. Rigden's client was charged not only with possession, but with manufacturing a controlled dangerous substance (CDS), a charge that can carry up to 20 years in state prison. Through persistent advocacy, the presentation of mitigating information, and direct negotiation with the State, Ms. Rigden secured a probationary sentence with a short term of home detention, allowing her client to avoid jail entirely.

When the State sought to revoke her client’s pretrial release and impose detention following new allegations, Ms. Rigden forcefully argued against detention before the Court. Despite a recommendation for pretrial detention, the Court agreed with Ms. Rigden’s arguments and and allowed the client to remain free on pretrial release.

Ms. Rigden secured her client's admission into the Pretrial Intervention (PTI) Program on a burglary charge. Upon successful completion, the charges will be dismissed, allowing the client to avoid a criminal conviction and move forward with a clean record.

Ms. Rigden's client was charged with theft by deception and forgery and had previously completed a diversionary program for a prior misdemeanor charge in another state. Participation in a prior diversionary program is generally a bar to participation in Pretrial Intervention (PTI) in New Jersey. Through careful legal research, Ms. Rigden identified a narrow exception to that rule, then supported her client's application with mitigating information about her life and circumstances. The client was admitted to PTI in New Jersey, and upon successful completion, the charges will be dismissed, leaving her with no criminal conviction.

Ms. Rigden's client was overcharged despite clear, documented mental health issues. Ms. Rigden’s client was found to be incompetent by various healthcare providers. At the time of her last evaluation, she was found to be competent. By presenting mitigating evidence and advocating directly with the State, Ms. Rigden secured a downgrade of the charges from an indictable offense to a disorderly persons’ offense where the client served no time in custody and was able to move on with her life.

Ms. Rigden filed and argued a Motion to Dismiss the Indictment based upon defenses and exculpatory information not provided by the State in the Grand Jury presentation for a charge of theft by unlawful taking. The Court granted the Motion, and the State declined to re-indict, bringing the case to a close and a dismissal of the charges.