Defense of Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon
In 2009, Arnold Weiner and Barry Gogel defended Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon in a criminal case alleging 12 felony and misdemeanor counts, including perjury, theft, and misconduct. The charges stem partly from incidents in which she allegedly misappropriated gift cards intended for the poor. Arnold and Barry secured dismissal the majority of the counts at the close of the State’s case and acquittal of all of the felony counts. On December 1, 2009, the jury returned a “guilty” verdict on one misdemeanor count of fraudulent misappropriation. Arnold and Barry negotiated a plea deal where Sheila Dixon received probation before judgment without any criminal conviction. She served no jail time and was able to run for mayor six years later.