United States v. R.R.
Matthew Pruden represented a client charged in federal court with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine, exposing him to a ten-year mandatory minimum sentence. Mr. Pruden negotiated a plea that resulted in the drug charges being dismissed and the client having to plead only to conspiracy to commit money laundering. Upon consulting with Jim Melo, Mr. Pruden was also able to craft the plea in such a way that could prevent the client, who was not a United States citizen, from being removed from the United States after serving his sentence. The client received an 18-month sentence, and after completing the sentence and facing removal proceedings in immigration court, Mr. Melo successfully argued against his removal from the United States, allowing him to remain in the United States with his family.