Derise Corbray and another man were charged in federal court with armed bank robbery based on the take down heist of a credit union at gunpoint. The violent nature of the offense meant the stakes were high – a conviction would have effectively resulted in a life sentence.
The government gave a deal to Derise’s co-defendant in exchange for his testimony against Derise. Undaunted, Derise proceeded to trial with Tom in his corner. While his co-defendant took the stand and testified that he and Derise had robbed the credit union, Tom expertly cross-examined the cooperating co-defendant, highlighting his motive to lie and his prior inconsistent statements. With the co-defendant’s credibility destroyed, the jury acquitted Derise on all charges.