Criminal Defense Case Results by Courthouse in Los Angeles

Below are some of our case results, organized by the Los Angeles courthouse and in alphabetical order by case type. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is different.

FELONY PROBATION GRANTED ON A THIRD STRIKE BURGLARY OFFENSE

Client was charged as a third strike offender with multiple felony burglary counts and was facing 25 years to life in state prison. During the time that this case was pending, Client was charged in another courthouse with multiple unrelated felony burglaries. The day of the preliminary hearing, we convinced the prosecutor to allow Client to plead no contest to burglary for two years of formal probation and 364 days in county jail. Client was out of jail within two weeks.

Result: Client pled to burglary and was granted probation with minimal jail time.

FELONY GRAND THEFT REDUCED TO MISDEMEANOR AT PRELIMINARY HEARING; JUDICIAL DIVERSION GRANTED; CASE DISMISSED

Client was charged with felony grand theft. At preliminary hearing, we were able to argue that the crime was based on misdemeanor conduct and the judge reduced the charge to a misdemeanor. We then filed a motion for judicial diversion, which was granted and required only that the client pay a small fine. After one month, the case was ultimately dismissed, resulting in no conviction.

Result: Case dismissed

FELONY GRAND THEFT AND EMBEZZLEMENT CASE DISMISSSED AT PRELIMINARY HEARING

Client was charged with multiple counts of felony grand theft and embezzlement. Due to our rigorous cross-examination and preparation for preliminary hearing, the judge ultimately dismissed the entire case at preliminary hearing, finding that the District Attorney’s Office had not met its threshold of probable cause.

Result: Case dismissed

PROSTITUTION CASE DISMISSED AFTER SERNA MOTION

Client was charged with prostitution. The charge stemmed from an arrest that happened years ago. For years, Client was unaware that a case had been filed or that a warrant had been issued. We came on the case and immediately got the warrant quashed. We filed a Serna motion arguing that Client’s speedy trial rights had been violated and the motion was granted and the case dismissed.

Result: Warrant quashed and case dismissed after Serna motion

PRE-PLEA INFORMAL DIVERSION AND CASE DISMISSED

Client was charged with a misdemeanor assault with a deadly weapon after being arrested following a physical altercation with another individual. Client was not a US Citizen but was in the United States legally on a student visa. After extensive discussions with the prosecutor and providing mitigation and other evidence, the prosector agreed to an informal pre-plea diversion. Client successfully completed the terms of the pre-plea informal diversion, which included community service and counseling and the case was dismissed.

Result: Pre-plea informal diversion granted, and case dismissed.

MILITARY DIVERSION GRANTED AND CASE DISMISSED AND SEALED

Client was charged with a misdemeanor DUI following a traffic stop. Client’s Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) was alleged to be higher than .15%, which is considered a high BAC. Client was a military veteran. We obtained Client’s military and other records and filed a military diversion, which was granted. Client successfully completed all requirements, which included treatment through the VA and the case was dismissed and sealed.

Result: Military diversion granted, and case dismissed and sealed.

PRE-PLEA INFORMAL DIVERSION AND CASE DISMISSED

Client was charged with petty theft following an arrest and investigation which showed that there were multiple thefts at multiple locations over a period of time. We had extensive discussions with the prosecutor and provided substantial mitigation. We were successful in securing a pre-plea informal diversion. Client successfully completed the terms of the pre-plea informal diversion, which included an anti-theft course and community service, and the case was dismissed.

Result: Pre-plea informal diversion granted, and case dismissed.

MENTAL HEALTH DIVERSION GRANTED AND ROBBERY CASE DISMISSED

Client was charged with second-degree robbery after he suffered from a mental health episode. We filed a mental health diversion motion arguing that he was not an unreasonable risk of danger to the community and that his crime occurred when he was suffering from mental illness. Our motion was granted, and we were able to convince the judge to allow Client to receive treatment in India with family while the case was pending. After two years, the entire case against Client was dismissed.

Result: Case dismissed

MILITARY DIVERSION GRANTED

Honorable veteran of the United States Army was charged with misdemeanor DUI and hit and run where Client’s BAC was .11%. Client received treatment through the Veterans Administration. We filed a motion for military diversion, which was granted for one year. Client was ordered to stay in treatment and perform 15 hours of community service at any nonprofit organization. Upon Client’s successful completion of treatment and obligations and after multiple court appearances by our firm, Client’s case will be dismissed.

Result: Client will have all charges against him dismissed.

SECOND-TIME DUI REDUCED TO WET RECKLESS AND EXPUNGED

Client was charged with a second-time DUI while on probation for a first-time DUI. After providing a strong mitigation packet to the District Attorney’s Office showing weaknesses in the case and potential immigration consequences, Client was allowed to plead to a reduced charge of reckless driving involving alcohol, a wet reckless. Client was sentenced to one year of summary or informal probation and Client’s case was later expunged.

Result: DUI charge was dismissed and Client plead to a reduced charge of reckless driving with alchol, which was later expunged.

DUI REDUCED TO WET RECKLESS

Client was charged with a DUI after officers observed Client’s vehicle partially blocking a highway offramp. We obtained all discovery in the case and were able to prove that Client was not involved in any accident and convince the prosecutor that Client’s BAC was lower than the reported .11% at the time of driving. After providing a strong mitigation packet to the District Attorney, we were able to secure a dismissal of the DUI charge in exchange for a plea to a reduced charge of reckless driving with alcohol, a wet reckless.

Result: DUI charge was dismissed. Client plead to reckless driving with alcohol, a wet reckless, 12 months summary or informal probation.

MENTAL HEALTH DIVERSION GRANTED AND BURGLARY CASE DISMISSED

Client was charged with burglary after he entered a residence and stole numerous items. Client was suffering from untreated mental illness at the time of the incident. Client was in custody when we came onto the case, and we were successful in getting him released on his own recognizance and connected with mental health treatment. We filed a motion for mental health diversion, which was granted. Client was permitted to complete mental health treatment out of state and the case was ultimately dismissed.

Result: Case dismissed

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CHARGES NOT FILED - CASE REJECTED

Client was arrested on suspicion of domestic violence and assault with a firearm. We intervened immediately and were in constant communication with the assigned Detective. We submitted an extensive packet complete with exonerating evidence and the case was rejected and no charges were filed.

Result: Charges not filed and case rejected

FELONY FIREARM CHARGE REDUCED TO MISDEMEANOR

Client was charged with felony possession of a concealed firearm in a car. After providing a strong mitigation packet to the District Attorney showing the weaknesses of the case, the charge was reduced to a misdemeanor. Client pled to a misdemeanor and was placed on one year of informal probation and community labor.

Result: Misdemeanor plea for 1 year of informal probation and community labor, with the felony charge dismissed

MENTAL HEALTH DIVERSION GRANTED AND ARSON CASE DISMISSED

Client was charged with felony arson of an inhabited property and making criminal threats. We filed a motion for mental health diversion, which was granted. The judge then granted our motion for early termination of mental health diversion, and the case was dismissed before the two-year mark.

Result: Case dismissed

EXTORTION AND IDENTITY THEFT CASE DISMISSED AND FACTUAL INNOCENCE MOTION GRANTED

Client, a lawyer, was charged with extortion, identity theft, receiving stolen property, and obtaining a signature by threat. At preliminary hearing, we were able to get the entire case against him dismissed and a motion for factual innocence granted. Client was able to keep his State Bar license and all charges were dismissed.

Result: Case dismissed.

MURDER CHARGES DISMISSED

Client was charged with murder, carrying an unregistered handgun, and possession of drugs for sale which was captured on surveillance footage. After extensive conversations with the prosecutor, we were able to convince the prosecutor to drop the murder charges and allow our Client to plead to the other two felonies. Client was sentenced to low term state prison and served his sentence locally in county jail.

Result: Murder charges dismissed, and Client sentenced to 18 months in state prison to be served in county jail at half time.

WHITE COLLAR FELONIES DISMISSED AND MISDEMEANOR PLEA TO CONSPIRACY

Clients were both school police officers who worked for private security and were accused of using public resources for their private business. Clients were charged with multiple felony counts of embezzlement, conspiracy, and perjury. Clients pled no contest to one misdemeanor count of conspiracy for community service and no jail time, which allowed them to maintain their firearm permits and business.

Result: Plea to one misdemeanor count of conspiracy for informal probation and community service with a dismissal of all felony charges

KIDNAPPING CHARGE DISMISSED

Client was charged with multiple felony counts of domestic violence, false imprisonment, possession of an illegal assault rifle, violation of a domestic violence restraining order, making criminal threats, and kidnapping. We filed a motion to dismiss the Information pursuant to Penal Code section 995, and the judge dismissed the kidnapping, the most serious felony charge. Client was facing a minimum of eight years in state prison. After our motion was granted, Client eventually pled no contest to one count of domestic violence, false imprisonment, and making criminal threats and was sentenced to only four years in state prison.

Result: Client was sentenced to four years in state prison.

MUTILATION AND REMOVAL OF BODY CHARGE DISMISSED

Client was charged with mutilation and removal of a dead body and accessory after the fact. After filing and arguing numerous motions and extensive discussions with the prosecutor, we were able to obtain a dismissal of the most serious charge, mutilation and removal of a dead body. Client plead to the least serious charge, accessory after the fact, and was granted probation.

Result: Dismissal of mutilation and removal of body charge. Probation granted.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CASE DISMISSED

Client was charged with domestic violence. We came on the case after it was already filed and a criminal protective order issued. We spoke to senior management at the District Attorney’s Office, obtained exculpatory evidence showing that the charges were false, and were successful in getting the case dismissed in court.

Result: Case dismissed, and the criminal protective order terminated.

INFORMAL PRE-PLEA DIVERSION GRANTED AND CASE DISMISSED

Client was charged with hit and run and resisting a peace officer. We spoke with senior management at the District Attorney’s Office and were able to obtain an informal pre-plea diversion. We were then successful in getting the prosecutor to agree to dismiss the case 6 months early.

Result: Informal pre-plea diversion granted, and case dismissed 6 months early.

INFORMAL DIVERSION GRANTED FOR NURSE AND CASE DISMISSED

Client, a nurse, was charged with misdemeanor child endangerment. We were able to convince the District Attorney’s Office to grant her informal diversion, during which time she took a parenting course and attended substance abuse treatment. After the diversion period, Client’s case was dismissed, which was crucial for her to keep her nursing license and career.

Result: Case dismissed

MILITARY DIVERSION FOR DUI REFUSAL

Military veteran Client was charged with a DUI and a refusal allegation. We filed a motion for military diversion, which was granted. After two years of court appearances and progress reports, Client’s case was dismissed and no additional action was taken against his driver’s license.

Result: Case dismissed

KIDNAPPING CASE DISMISSED

Client was charged with kidnapping and stalking. Client’s ex-partner made a report accusing Client of tracking, following, and entering the ex-partner’s home and attempting to physically remove this person from their vehicle.

Result: Case dismissed at preliminary hearing.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CHARGES DISMISSED

Client was charged with domestic violence. After meeting with senior management at the District Attorney’s Office, Client was allowed to plead to a non-domestic violence charge, a misdemeanor disturbing the peace. Client was placed on one year of informal probation with no jail time.

Result: Client pled to a non-domestic violence misdemeanor, disturbing the peace, and was placed on one-year informal probation with no jail time.

DUI DRUGS REDUCED TO DRY RECKLESS

Client was charged with DUI involving marijuana. After meeting with senior management at the District Attorney’s Office, Client was allowed to plead to a dry reckless (reckless driving not involving alcohol or drugs). Client was placed on one year of informal probation with no jail time.

Result: Client pled to reckless driving and was placed on one year informal probation with no jail time.

PRE-PLEA INFORMAL DIVERSION AND CASE DISMISSED

Client was charged with petty theft. After extensive discussions with the prosecutor and after providing mitigation, the District Attorney’s Office agreed to a pre-plea informal diversion. Client completed all requirements, including an anti-theft course and the case was dismissed.

Result: Pre-plea informal diversion granted, and case was dismissed.

JUDICIAL DIVERSION GRANTED AND BATTERY CASE DISMISSED

Client was charged with battery after he kicked a child in a pharmacy. We filed a motion for judicial diversion, arguing that the Client had no record and was eligible and suitable for diversion. Judicial diversion was granted and the case was ultimately dismissed.

Result: Case dismissed.

INFORMAL DIVERSION GRANTED

Client was charged with grand theft, perjury, and forgery after he submitted fraudulent documents to the DMV to avoid paying sales tax on a newly purchased car. After negotiating with the District Attorney’s Office, Client was not arraigned on the complaint and was given the opportunity to participate in informal diversion. After Client completes 24 hours of community service, his case will be dismissed without even entering a plea.

Result: Case will be dismissed with no plea entered.

MISDEMEANOR DUI DISMSISSED AND PLEA TO A WET RECKLESS

Client was charged with a misdemeanor DUI. Following negotiations with the City Attorney’s Office, Client pled no contest to wet reckless. Client was placed on one year of informal probation and his driver’s license was not suspended.

Result: Plea to wet reckless for one year of informal probation and no license suspension

SECOND TIME MISDEMEANOR DUI DISMISSED AND PLEA TO A WET RECKLESS

Client was speeding 105 miles per hour on the freeway and when he was pulled over, he blew a .10% BAC and performed poorly on standard field sobriety tests. Client was charged with a second lifetime DUI. Client had a prior felony DUI on his record for which he was sentenced to 18 months in state prison. We were able to negotiate with the City Attorney’s Office to reduce his DUI to a wet reckless.

Result: Client pled no contest to a wet reckless and was placed on one year of informal probation with community service and standard fines and fees. Client was able to avoid a DUI conviction, a license suspension, and any jail or prison time.

MENTAL HEALTH DIVERSION GRANTED AND BURGLARY CASES DISMISSED

Codefendant clients charged with felony burglary and possession of burglary tools. We filed a mental health diversion motion for both clients, which was granted. After two years of progress reports and court appearances, both Clients’ cases were dismissed, avoiding any convictions.

Result: Cases dismissed.

MISDEMEANOR DUI DISMISSED AND PLEA TO A WET RECKLESS

Client had a prior lifetime DUI and was arrested after blowing a .17% BAC. Client had a security clearance that would be severely impacted by any DUI plea. After providing a mitigation packet to the District Attorney’s Office, Client pled no contest to misdemeanor wet reckless for one year of informal probation and standard alcohol terms. Client’s driver’s license was not suspended and he avoided a conviction that could have impacted his career.

Result: Client was placed on one year of informal probation for a wet reckless and no license suspension

FELONY FORGERY AND GRAND THEFT DISMISSED AND MISDEMEANOR PLEA

Client was charged with felony forgery and grand theft after he submitted a fraudulent lien sale document for his wife’s car. After providing the District Attorney’s Office with a mitigation packet and showing weaknesses in the case, the District Attorney’s Office agreed to allow Client to plead to a misdemeanor theft charge. This plea was immigration safe and Client avoided any jail or community service.

Result: Plea to misdemeanor theft and all felony charges dismissed

THIRD STRIKE CASE GIVEN MINIMAL CUSTODY TIME

Client was a third strike offender who was charged with felon in possession of a firearm, assault with a firearm, and assault with a semi-automatic firearm. Client had turned his entire life around and was facing 25 years to life in state prison. After providing a mitigation packet to the District Attorney, Client pled to one felony and the other two felonies were dismissed. Client was sentenced to six years in state prison.

Result: Client pled to one felony and was sentenced to six years in state prison.

MENTAL HEALTH DIVERSION GRANTED AND CRIMINAL THREATS AND ASSAULT WITH A DEADLY WEAPON CASE DISMISSED

Client was charged with multiple felonies, criminal threats, assault with a deadly weapon, and possession of ammunition, as well as multiple misdemeanor charges of resisting a peace officer. Client had a history of mental illness. We filed a mental health diversion motion which was granted. Client successfully completed mental health diversion, and the case was dismissed.

Result: Mental health diversion granted, and case dismissed.

MURDER CHARGES DISMISSED AND PLEA TO VEHICULAR MANSLAUGHTER

Client was speeding and was involved in a car crash which resulted in the death of an elderly woman. Client was charged with murder on an implied malice theory and felony vehicular manslaughter. After filing a motion to dismiss the murder count pursuant to Penal Code section 995 and after submitting a lengthy mitigation packet, the District Attorney’s Office agreed to dismiss the murder count in exchange for a no contest plea to vehicular manslaughter.

Result: Client pled no contest to vehicular manslaughter and was sentenced to 2 years of formal probation and 180 days in county jail.

PRE-PLEA INFORMAL DIVERSION AND CHILD ENDANGERMENT CASE DISMISSED

Client, an executive at a health care company, was charged with being drunk in public and child endangerment. After providing the Pasadena City Prosecutor with a mitigation packet and litigating the issues in the case, Client was offered informal diversion for a period of two years. We appeared at every court date with progress in the diversion and were able to convince the judge and prosecutor to dismiss the case after 18 months.

Result: Case dismissed

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CHARGES NOT FILED - CASE REJECTED

Client was arrested for domestic violence after she acted in self-defense against her abusive boyfriend. We got statements from Client and her boyfriend and put together a strong packet, including photographs and text messages corroborating that Client was the victim of abuse and not the perpetrator. We sent the packet to the Detective, Pasadena City Prosecutor, and District Attorney’s Office, and the case was officially rejected for filing.

Result: No criminal charges filed

MISDEMEANOR HIT AND RUN CASE DISMISSED

Client was charged with a misdemeanor hit and run after he had a seizure behind the wheel and was involved in an accident. We reached out to the other party involved in the accident and obtained a signed civil compensation form, and put together an extensive mitigation packet for the prosecutor regarding Client’s health condition. The Pasadena City Prosecutor’s office agreed to dismiss the case in the interest of justice.

Result: Client suffered no conviction.

JUDICIAL DIVERSION GRANTED AND BATTERY CASE DISMISSED

Client with no prior record and a real estate license was charged with misdemeanor battery after he was involved in an altercation with a security guard. We filed a motion for judicial diversion, which was granted. After attending 10 sessions of anger management, the case was dismissed.

Result: Case dismissed.

FELONY DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CASE DISMISSED AT PRELIMINARY HEARING

Client was charged with felony domestic violence, and two misdemeanor counts of willful cruelty to a child. Client’s case was already filed when we came on. At the preliminary hearing, the case was dismissed.

Result: Case dismissed.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CHARGES NOT FILED - CASE REJECTED

Client was arrested in Pomona for domestic violence with injury, which would make it a felony. We immediately tracked down the detective, submitted a strong packet with exculpatory evidence, and were successful in stopping charges from being filed.

Result: No charges filed, and case rejected.

ATTEMPTED MURDER CHARGES DROPPED AND PLEA TO ASSAULT WITH A DEADLY WEAPON

Client was charged with attempted murder, DUI, and assault with a deadly weapon after he drove his car into the patio of a bar and drove his car at two pedestrians. At preliminary hearing, we were able to successfully argue that the attempted murder charges should be dismissed. Client eventually pled no contest to assault with a deadly weapon for two years of formal probation and 364 days in county jail.

Result: Client was placed on two years of formal probation and served less than 6 months in the county jail

MENTAL HEALTH DIVERSION MOTION GRANTED AND FELONY CARJACKING CASE DISMISSED

Client was charged with felony carjacking during a mental health episode. We filed a motion for mental health diversion which was granted by the judge and, after two years, the case was dismissed and sealed.

Result: Case dismissed

MENTAL HEALTH DIVERSION MOTION GRANTED AND FELONY EVADING CASE DISMISSED

Client was charged with felony evading on a highway. We filed a motion for mental health diversion which was strenuously opposed by the District Attorney’s Office. The judge granted our motion and, after two years, Client’s case was dismissed and sealed.

Result: Case dismissed

NO CHARGES FILED AND OFFICE HEARING FOR BATTERY CASE

Client was arrested for misdemeanor battery after getting into a physical confrontation with other individuals at Magic Mountain. We immediately tracked down the investigating officer and provided exculpatory and mitigating information. Prior to the scheduled court date, we had extensive discussions with the filing deputy at the District Attorney’s Office and were successful in convincing them to not file charges. Instead of criminal charges being filed, an office hearing took place and Client agreed to complete certain requirements for a case rejection, which included an online anger management course.

Result: No charges filed. Office hearing and case rejection.

JUDICIAL DIVERSION GRANTED AND BATTERY CAUSING SERIOUS BODILY INJURY CASE DISMISSED

Client was charged with battery causing serious bodily injury. We filed a motion for diversion, which was granted. Client completed all requirements of the diversion, which included anger management, and the case was dismissed.

Result: Diversion granted and case dismissed.

MILITARY DIVERSION GRANTED FOR FIREARM CASE

Honorable veteran of the United States Navy was charged with multiple misdemeanor firearm counts after he had a mental health episode. After reviewing all of the evidence, including challenging the initial stop by police, we filed a motion for military diversion on the grounds that Client suffered a service-related mental health disorder and was suitable for diversion. The judge granted our diversion motion and Client was given the opportunity to have his case dismissed.

Result: military diversion granted

MENTAL HEALTH DIVERSION GRANTED AND FELONY ASSAULT WITH A DEADLY WEAPON CASE DISMISSED

Client was charged with felony assault with a deadly weapon after she threw a metal table at security guards, causing a 2-inch laceration on the guard’s shin. We declared a doubt as to Client’s competency to stand trial, and once Client was restored to competency, we filed a detailed motion for mental health diversion. After a contentious hearing, mental health diversion was granted for a period of one year over the District Attorney’s objection. We represented Client throughout the diversion, providing progress reports to the judge and advocating for Client’s continued treatment. After one year, Client’s felony case was dismissed.

Result: dismissal of all charges and allegations.

MILITARY DIVERSION GRANTED AND DUI, FIREARM POSSESSION, AND HIT AND RUN CASE DISMISSED

Client was charged with DUI, hit and run, and carrying a loaded firearm in his car. Client, who suffered from service-related mental health disorders, was an ideal candidate for military diversion. The judge granted our military diversion motion and then granted our motion for early termination of diversion, dismissing the case six months early.

Result: case dismissed.

People v. Vlassios Andrews

REDUCTION OF FELONY ASSAULT CASE TO MISDEMEANOR, JUDICIAL DIVERSION MOTION GRANTED, CASE DISMISSED

Client was accused of felony assault with means likely to produce great bodily injury after he was involved in an altercation in Malibu. Client works with the United States Navy and has a security clearance. These charges would have caused him to lose his career. After we won a motion to dismiss the great bodily injury allegation, the judge reduced Client’s case to a misdemeanor. We then filed a motion for judicial diversion, which was granted, and Client’s case was entirely dismissed after one year.

Result: Client’s case was dismissed. Client was able to keep his security clearance and business.

FELONY DUI WITH INJURY REDUCED TO MISDEMEANOR

Client was arrested after a freeway crash involving another vehicle; CHP alleged .12% BAC, refusal, and injuries to the three passengers in the other vehicle. The case was filed as a felony DUI involving injuries, Vehicle Code sections 23153(a) and (b). We secured dash camera footage, and obtained medical records that were subpoenaed, which showed that injuries sustained were to a lesser extent than initially reported. Client is a teacher and maintains a credential and other professional licensing. We submitted an extensive mitigation packet and were successful in getting the District Attorney’s Office amend the charges to a misdemeanor DUI.

Result: misdemeanor DUI, no jail, informal probation.

MENTAL HEALTH DIVERSION MOTION GRANTED AND ROBBERY CASE DISMISSED

Client with a substance abuse disorder was charged with robbery and possession of a controlled substance. We filed a motion for mental health diversion, which was granted over the District Attorney’s objection. After two years of treatment and progress reports, the case was dismissed entirely.

Result: Case dismissed

CARJACKING AND JOYRIDING CHARGES NOT FILED - CASE REJECTED

Client was arrested for carjacking and joyriding. We were in constant communication with the assigned Detective, and submitted an extensive packet complete with exonerating evidence. The Detective formally declined to submit the case to the District Attorney’s Office, and charges were never filed against our Client.

Result: Charges declined for prosecution

MENTAL HEALTH DIVERSION GRANTED AND CRIMINAL THREATS CASE DISMISSED

Client was charged with felony making criminal threats. We filed a strong mental health diversion motion and, after a contentious hearing, Client was granted mental health diversion for two years. After providing the judge with progress reports and advocating for Client over the next two years, the judge dismissed Client’s case.

Result: dismissal of all charges and no felony conviction.