Former Officer on Trial for Aggravated Robbery Let Off With Probation

May 10, 2011 - PRLog -- Johnson, 29, took the stand during the trial and told jurors that the former Dallas police officer wanted to be shot in his bulletproof vest to make the robbery “look as real as possible.”  While he refused the request, the two went along with the supposed plot to rob the store where Coleman worked security.

The men were said to have yet another accomplice in the case – convicted murderer, Floyd “Junior” Gibson.

When the men took the stand, they pointed at Coleman as the originator of the plan.  Gibson testified that Coleman told him of the plot.

Alph Coleman is represented by Tom D’Amore of the D’Amore Law Firm.  The Dallas criminal defense attorneys http://www.dallascriminaldefenselawfirm.com/ at the firm attested that the other two suspects lied and concocted the story when put under pressure by police and prosecutors to talk.

While Johnson testified saying that a manager at the Sam’s Club was in on the heist, and would hand over the money, Gibson made no mention of this part of the alleged plot.

The men then testified saying that Gibson brought all of the equipment, including a gun, ski mask, black clothes, blue latex gloves and a backpack.

Evidence from the surveillance video shows Coleman reaching for his weapon as the gunman approaches, as a security guard is trained to do.  The video also shows Coleman beating on the door of the cashier’s office and unable to break inside.

While the prosecution stated to the jury that they have proved beyond a reasonable doubt that Coleman was an accessory to the robbery, Attorney Tom D’Amore was able to come back with an aggressive defense.

D’Amore was quoted on saying “There is nothing else that connects him beyond a reasonable doubt [besides for the word of Gibson and Johnson].  That’s why the law says there has to be more.”

With this being said, jurors were unable to fully prove that Coleman was the sole creator of the plot.

When prosecutors used dozens of phone conversations between the three men as evidence, D’Amore explained to the prosecution that the three men are friends and friends call each other.  He says, “It connects him to the co-defendants.  It doesn’t connect him to the crime.”

After long litigations, the jury convicted Alph Coleman but let him off on probation opposed to jail time.  With a crime that often results in life imprisonment, this type of punishment is unheard of – especially for a former police officer. Finding an outcome without imprisonment in the sentence when a client is charged with this type of theft is a slim to none chance.

Fortunately, Coleman had Dallas criminal defense lawyer Tom D’Amore http://www.dallascriminaldefenselawfirm.com/ at his side to protect his rights and fight to keep him out of jail.  If you or a loved one has been charged of a similar crime or any other type of criminal activity, do not hesitate to contact his firm today!

# # #

D’Amore Law Firm provides experienced criminal defense counsel to clients throughout Dallas and the surrounding areas in Texas. Attorney Thomas A. D’Amore founded the firm with the intention of providing aggressive, effective defense representation based upon his nearly 20 years of experience as a prosecuting attorney. The firm handles cases related to DWI, theft, domestic violence, violent crimes, sex crimes and all types of misdemeanor and felony offenses in state, federal and juvenile court. Attorney D’Amore also represents military service members accused of crimes. Considering that Texas has some of the harshest penalties imposed for criminal offenses, it is important to work with a Dallas criminal defense lawyer you can count on to provide tireless defense counsel through every stage of your case. Contact a Dallas criminal defense attorney http://www.dallascriminaldefenselawfirm.com/ at the firm today to discuss your questions and concerns.