Shoplifting Dismissed - Watson Law LLC
September 21, 2023in Criminal Defense, Press Releases

Local Shoplifting Case Dismissed Following Legal Maneuvering by Watson Law LLC

Prosecutors Agree to Dismiss Charges After Client Demonstrates Rehabilitation

Cobb County, GA – September 21, 2023 – In a case that underscores both the power of a strong legal defense and the opportunity for second chances, Attorney Zakiya Watson-Caffe, Esq., of Watson Law LLC, successfully negotiated a dismissal for a client charged with shoplifting in Cobb County, Georgia.

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Case Background

The defendant in this case was caught on high-resolution surveillance footage attempting to steal food and diapers for their family. At the time, the client was experiencing significant hardship and struggled to provide for their loved ones.

The defendant was immediately arrested at the store, and the case proceeded through the legal system. However, due to court delays, nearly 18 months passed before the case reached trial. In that time, the defendant completely turned their life around, securing full-time employment and stable housing for their family.

Unlike many cases where charges are dropped due to lack of evidence, this case presented a unique challenge—the prosecution had clear, indisputable proof of the offense. However, Attorney Watson-Caffe recognized that punishment alone was not the answer and sought an alternative resolution that reflected the client’s personal growth and rehabilitation.

Attorney Watson-Caffe engaged in discussions with the prosecution, outlining the client’s struggles at the time of the offense and the positive changes made since the arrest. She successfully persuaded the State to consider a rehabilitative approach rather than pushing for a criminal conviction.

State’s Agreement to Dismiss

On September 21, 2023, the State Court of Cobb County officially entered a Nolle Prosequi, meaning the prosecution chose not to move forward with the case. The dismissal was granted under the following conditions:

  • The client completed community service
  • The client attended and passed a shoplifting prevention course

Upon successful completion of these requirements, the charges were dismissed, giving the client a clean legal record and a fresh start.

Step-by-Step Breakdown of Case Resolution

  1. Initial Arrest – The client was caught on surveillance stealing essential items and was arrested at the store.
  2. Long Court Delay – Due to court backlogs, the case did not reach trial for 1.5 years.
  3. Client’s Life Improved – In the interim, the client secured a stable job and housing for their family.
  4. Defense Negotiation – Attorney Watson-Caffe worked with prosecutors to craft a just resolution.
  5. State Agrees to Nolle Prosequi – Charges were dropped after completion of community service and a shoplifting class.
  6. Case Dismissed – The defendant walked away with a clean record, avoiding long-term legal consequences.

Attorney Statement

“Our legal system should recognize when someone has truly turned their life around. My client was facing a tough time when this incident happened, but they worked hard to create a better future. I’m grateful the prosecution saw this and agreed to an outcome that was fair and just. This case proves that with the right defense strategy, second chances are possible.”

— Zakiya Watson-Caffe, Esq., Managing Attorney, Watson Law LLC

About Watson Law LLC

Watson Law LLC is a leading criminal defense and small business law firm dedicated to protecting clients’ rights and securing favorable outcomes. Led by Attorney Zakiya Watson-Caffe, Esq., the firm provides aggressive legal representation and strategic defense solutions for individuals facing criminal charges. Watson Law LLC is committed to ensuring fairness and justice in every case.

Contact Information

Watson Law LLC

📍 800 Kennesaw Avenue, Suite 220, Marietta, Georgia 30060

📞 (404) 600-1771

📧 zak@zwatsonlaw.com

🌐 CriminalAttorneyinGeorgia.com

For media inquiries or legal consultations, contact Watson Law LLC today.

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Watson Law LLC Secures Probable Cause Hearing Victory in Fulton County
August 9, 2023in Criminal Defense Strategies and Legal Insights

Watson Law LLC Secures Probable Cause Hearing Victory in Fulton County

Warrant Application Denied — Attorney Zakiya Watson-Caffe Stops Charges Before They Start

Fulton County, GA – August 9, 2023 – In a significant pretrial defense win, Attorney Zakiya Watson-Caffe, Esq., of Watson Law LLC, successfully defended her client against a private warrant application in a Probable Cause Hearing held in Fulton County Magistrate Court. The court ultimately denied the application for arrest, closing the case before charges could be filed.

In this article…

Case Overview

This matter began with a private citizen filing a warrant application against Attorney Watson-Caffe’s client on April 25, 2023. The accusation triggered a criminal application hearing process under Georgia law, which allows magistrate judges to determine whether probable cause exists to issue an arrest warrant.

Court Hearings

Two hearings were held before the Honorable Judge Debbie-Ann Rickman in Fulton Magistrate Court:

  • July 10, 2023: Hearing reset upon defense motion
  • August 9, 2023: Full hearing held — application denied

Attorney Watson-Caffe executed a focused defense by:

  • Filing a Notice of Appearance and representing the client from the outset
  • Securing a continuance to properly prepare pre-hearing motions
  • Challenging the sufficiency of the warrant application
  • Presenting compelling arguments to undermine probable cause

Her efforts resulted in a judicial determination that there was no probable cause to issue a warrant against her client.

Why This Matters

Someone tried to file criminal charges against her client by asking the court to issue an arrest warrant. This is called a warrant application — it’s a way for a person (not the police) to go to court and try to get someone arrested.

Attorney Zakiya Watson-Caffe stepped in early and defended her client during the Probable Cause Hearing, where the judge decides if there’s enough reason (or “probable cause”) to approve that arrest.

Defense Counsel:

  • Showed up prepared

  • Filed the right motions

  • Asked the court for time to gather evidence

  • Argued that the case had no merit

The judge agreed and said:

❌ There’s not enough evidence for an arrest
❌ The case doesn’t go forward

As a result:

  • Her client was never arrested

  • No charges were filed

  • The case was closed and dismissed

Most people only think about lawyers after they’ve been arrested. But what Zakiya did was even more powerful — she prevented charges before they could be filed. That means her client never got a record, never had to post bail, and walked away completely free.

This is what real criminal defense looks like when it’s done early, smart, and strong.

Final Outcome

On August 9, 2023, the application was officially denied by the court. The magistrate case was closed with no arrest, no charges, and no further legal action.

This ruling clears her client of all legal exposure related to this application and reaffirms the importance of having skilled legal representation at the earliest stages of criminal proceedings.

Attorney Statement

“Probable cause hearings matter. They’re often the line between someone walking free or walking into custody. I’m proud we stopped this case in its tracks before charges could ever be filed.”

– Zakiya Watson-Caffe, Esq.

About Watson Law LLC

Watson Law LLC is a Georgia-based law firm providing expert legal counsel in criminal defense and small business matters. Led by Attorney Zakiya Watson-Caffe, Esq., the firm is known for its early-stage legal intervention, trial preparation, and fierce courtroom advocacy.

Contact Information

Watson Law LLC

📍 800 Kennesaw Avenue, Suite 220, Marietta, GA 30060

📞 (404) 600-1771

📧 zak@zwatsonlaw.com

🌐 CriminalAttorneyinGeorgia.com

For media inquiries or client consultations, contact Watson Law LLC today.

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January 6, 2023in Criminal Defense, Criminal Defense Strategies and Legal Insights, Expungements and Record Sealing, Violent Crimes and Assault Charges

Watson Law LLC Resolves Cobb County Murder Case with No Conviction, Probation-Only Outcome

Attorney Zakiya Watson-Caffe Negotiates First Offender Plea in Life-Facing Case for Teen Client

Marietta, GA – January 6, 2023 – In a high-profile case involving a tragic death and multiple teen arrests in Cobb County, Attorney Zakiya Watson-Caffe, Esq., of Watson Law LLC, successfully negotiated a resolution that avoided conviction, incarceration, and public record for her client. The teen was initially charged with Murder, Felony Murder, and Aggravated Assault, but pled to a reduced charge under Georgia’s First Offender Act and received a probation-only sentence.

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Case Background

The case stemmed from a group incident in Cobb County in which a teenager was killed. Several teens present at the scene were arrested. Watson Law’s client was one of them — charged with serious offenses despite maintaining his innocence and having no prior criminal history.

Rather than risk a life sentence at trial, Attorney Watson-Caffe secured a plea deal under the First Offender Act. The client entered an Alford plea to Aggravated Assault, a legal move that avoids admitting guilt while acknowledging the evidence. The court sentenced the client to 5 years of probation with no prison time and deferred adjudication.

Probation and Terms

The client must:

  • Stay away from the victim
  • Provide proof of education or job training
  • Abide by firearms restrictions
  • Comply with probation officer visits and monthly fees
  • Maintain employment or approved programming

Long-Term Outcome

If the client successfully completes probation with no violations:

  • ✅ No conviction will be entered
  • ✅ under the First Offender Act
  • ✅ All charges will be dismissed

This resolution gives the client a second chance while still satisfying the court and public safety interests.

Attorney Statement

“Our client was a teenager caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. We fought to avoid a lifelong consequence for a moment that didn’t reflect who he is. Now, he has the chance to grow, learn, and leave this behind — without a conviction following him forever.”

– Zakiya Watson-Caffe, Esq.


About Watson Law LLC

Watson Law LLC is a Georgia-based criminal defense law firm dedicated to protecting the rights and futures of individuals facing serious legal charges. Led by Zakiya Watson-Caffe, Esq., the firm is known for its results-driven strategy and compassionate client advocacy.

Contact Information

Watson Law LLC

📍 800 Kennesaw Avenue, Suite 220, Marietta, GA 30060

📞 (404) 600-1771

📧 zak@zwatsonlaw.com

🌐 CriminalAttorneyinGeorgia.com

To consult with a defense attorney or request media access, contact Watson Law LLC today.

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