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Criminal Defense Case Results

Many of our clients ask the same question: “What kinds of cases have you taken in the past, and what was the outcome in those cases?” If you would like to view the case results in felony and misdemeanor cases listed below, please read the following disclaimer:

- The Florida Bar does not approve or routinely review case results posted by attorneys.
- The facts and circumstances of your case may differ from the facts and circumstances discussed here.
- Not all case results are listed here or provided.
- The case results discussed here do not necessarily represent the results obtained in all cases.
- Each case is different and must be evaluated and handled on its own merit.

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$2,170,000 Binance Account Unfrozen

September 10, 2025

Forfeiture Investigation

Federal, Forfeiture

We were retained on August 8, 2025, to represent clients with a Binance account worth over $2,170,000 in USDT. The clients retained us after 33 months of requesting information from Binance.com customer service about why their account was frozen only to be repeatedly told the “account under internal review” or “completion expected soon.” After determining the account was frozen at the request of the FBI, we filed a verified claim demanding court action which was signed by our clients. We were then contacted by a DEA Special Agent and the Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) assigned to the case. Based on the FBI’s concerns, we helped our clients provide records showing how the transactions occurred, and why they had no knowledge that some small portion of the funds could allegedly be traced to a vast money laundering enterprise. The AUSA indicated they would normally seize the funds, start the forfeiture process, and provide my clients with direct notice of the seizure. Based on the information provided, however, the government decided not to take that action because our clients had explained, in detail, that they were unwittingly involved. The information provided was helpful to the federal investigation and suggested our clients made trades without properly vetting the source of the funds and/or the trade counterparty, but had no criminal intent. For those reasons, on September 10, 2025, the FBI and AUSA decided to withdraw the FBI’s freeze request. Within 2 business days, the account was unfrozen.

Appellate Win

August 20, 2025

Forfeiture Appeal to the 11th Circuit

Federal, Forfeiture

On August 20, 2025, the Institute for Justice (IJ) and Sammis Law Firm just won an appeal in the 11th Circuit. At the trial level, we took a case in which a man had $8,500 seized by DEA at the Atlanta Airport. Although such cases are usually cost-prohibitive, Jason Sammis took the case because he believes the DEA seizure was particularly unfair and illegal. The Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) wouldn’t give up and forced Jason Sammis to file a motion to suppress and a motion for summary judgment.

On the eve of that evidentiary hearing, the AUSA decided to drop the case with prejudice. Since we “substantially prevailed,” the government was required to pay our reasonable attorney fees. The AUSA did not dispute the fact that we were entitled to attorney fees, but quibbled with the amount. We requested just over $15,000 and provided all of the required documentation. The trial court, however, denied our motion for attorney fees entirely, finding we had not “substantially prevailed.”

We contacted the Institute for Justice (IJ), which agreed to serve as lead counsel in the appeal to the Eleventh Circuit. Jason Sammis was co-counsel on the appeal. The 11th Circuit Agreed. You can read the opinion here: https://media.ca11.uscourts.gov/opinions/unpub/files/202310971.pdf

Read the press release on IJ’s website:

https://ij.org/press-release/georgia-veteran-wins-fight-to-get-back-every-dollar-wrongly-seized-by-dea-at-the-atlanta-airport/

Dismissed

January 29, 2019

Federal Petty Theft

Federal

On January 29, 2019, the government’s motion to dismissed was filed in federal court which terminated the prosecution. Our client was charged a “petty federal theft offense” in federal court. After providing mitigation on the client’s behalf, the Special Assistant United States Attorney filed a “Government’s Motion to Dismiss” the case without prejudice pursuant to Rule 48(a), with leave of the Court. As a result, all charges were dismissed.

“The experience I had with Sammis Law firm in May 2022 was exceptional. I was contacted by Joshua M and he was the absolute best at his job and very professional. He kept me informed every step of the way with my case, and he worked hard in getting my charges of domestic assault dismissed. Thank you Joshua and Sammis Law Firm. Their paralegal Danielle was also very amazing.”

Kimmy

A Google user

“Working with Sammis Law Firm was an absolute pleasure from start to finish. Their professionalism, attention to detail, and dedication to their clients is unparalleled. The outcome of my case was extremely satisfactory, and I attribute that success to the hard work and dedication of the team at Sammis Law Firm. I am so grateful to have had them by my side, and I cannot recommend them highly enough. If you are in need of legal assistance, do not hesitate to reach out to Sammis Law Firm. They will fight for you every step of the way, just as they did for me.”

Sebastian

“I would highly recommend Leslie to anyone in need of legal services. I couldn’t have done it without you!”

Jony T

“Her knowledge of the law, and her exceptional communication skills, made it easy to navigate the complex legal system. I would highly recommend Leslie to anyone in need of legal services. I couldn’t have done it without you!”

Katty D

“Leslie Sammis was extremely professional and provided guidance and support every step of the way. Her knowledge of the law, and her exceptional communication skills, made it easy to navigate the complex legal system. I would highly recommend Leslie to anyone in need of legal services. I couldn’t have done it without you!”

Ryan A

Criminal Defense Case Results

$2,170,000 Binance Account Unfrozen

Forfeiture Investigation

Appellate Win

Forfeiture Appeal to the 11th Circuit

Dismissed

Federal Petty Theft

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