Sleepwalking Defense Used Successfully

It had been 156 years since a sleepwalking (somnambulism) defense had been used successfully in Massachusetts until Attorney Raipher Pellegrino got an acquittal for his client. His client was charged with 18 counts ranging from breaking and entering to assault with intent to rape. Attorney Pellegrino argued at trial that his client was sleepwalking on the night in question and therefore lacked the necessary criminal intent to be found guilty. In doing so, Attorney Pellegrino was recognized by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly for his innovative, successful use of the sleepwalking defense. Attorney Pellegrino was successful in showing the jury that his client had a history of sleepwalking, as did other members of his family.

Result: Not guilty of all charges.

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