Robert Trout and Noah Cherry Secure Jury Acquittal in High-Profile Prosecution of Maryland Defense Attorney

DECEMBER 2021

On December 28, 2021, after a three-week trial, a federal jury in Baltimore acquitted prominent defense attorney Joshua Treem of obstruction of justice and other charges.  Bob Trout was lead counsel for Mr. Treem and worked alongside co-counsel Dan Goldstein and SOM&S associate Noah Cherry.  The unprecedented prosecution alleged that actions undertaken by Mr. Treem and his defense investigator in the course of Mr. Treem’s representation of a client, Kenneth Ravenell, constituted criminal conduct.  With its acquittal of Mr. Treem and his investigator, the jury unanimously rejected the government’s claims.  The prosecution of Mr. Treem was criticized as a threat to the independence of defense attorneys and their obligation to represent clients zealously.  After the jury verdict, Mr. Trout commented that the prosecution was “an utter failure of judgment.”