Recent Case Results: Pasadena Criminal Defense Lawyer Ann Gottesman
Please note: For confidentiality reasons specific details of the cases must be omitted to protect the identity of the Clients. While attorney Ann Gottesman is dedicated to achieving the best possible results for her clients, there is no guarantee that your case will result in a dismissal, charge reduction, DMV set-aside, acquittal, probation or no incarceration. The facts of each case are different and while Ann Gottesman has resolved many cases successfully no attorney can guarantee a result in a particular case. Call Ann for a free consultation to discuss the facts of your unique case.
2015
Los Angeles Superior Court, multiple petty theft and possessing false I.D., Charges Dismissed!
About two years ago, client was a young student with a bright future, but sadly she used terrible judgment one night. She was at a club with a friend and while there, client stole two wallets and a purse from three different women. She also had a fake driver license in her possession. The amount of the theft exceeded $950 but was luckily filed as a misdemeanor. She was charged with several counts of petty theft and for possessing a fake I.D. After lengthy negotiations with the prosecutor, and after providing a lot of good character evidence, he agreed to offer diversion, where she could earn a dismissal if she completes community service and counseling. (This offer was made prior to the new Prop 47 law which allows judges to offer diversion in most first offense theft cases.) Two years later (now it is August 2015), I presented proof of completion of client's terms and her plea was withdrawn and the charges dismissed. Now client can move forward with her life without a conviction on her record.
2015
Pasadena Superior Court, Hit and Run, Charge dismissed
Client crashed car into a street sign, causing it to fall over and come out of the ground. Client left the scene but evidence allowed a detective to identify Client as the driver. After presenting evidence in mitigation and demonstrating Client suffered from health issues, Charge was dismissed after Client's insurance paid the city for the cost of fixing the sign.
2015
Pasadena Court and Commerce DMV, .12 BAC Breath, unlicensed driver: Suspension Set Aside, Reduced to wet reckless in court
This was a wonderful but unexpected win for this client. At first glance, everything looked in order. Breath machine was properly calibrated, reading accurately, officer had reasonable cause to pull client over, and her BAC was above a .08. After careful review however, I noticed that the arresting officer who filled out the DS367, and who appeared to have signed it under penalty of perjury, had written an incorrect badge number in one spot. That badge number, while only one digit different from the correct number, matched the badge number of the officer's partner. Everything then unraveled and the DMV failed to subpoena to officer to correct this defect. Suspension was set aside. In court, the case was reduced to a wet reckless.
2015
Alhambra Superior Court: Domestic violence charge to be dropped after 26 counseling sessions
In a court where DV cases are prosecuted heavily and often have to go to trial, justice won out in this case without Client having to pay attorney fees for trial. Client accused of committing an unseamly violent act against his girlfriend. Months of investigation revealed evidence that contradicted much of what victim claimed, and showed that Client acted reasonably in the face of an emotionally disturbed, angry, violent and vengeful woman. Initially, District Attorney was too busy to look and consider the evidence which was presented to show the "real" story. After the setting of a trial date, DA finally took a hard look at the phone records, prior incident report, and video of alleged victim vandalizing Client's property. After several discussions, District Attorney ultimately agreed to dismiss all charges, in exchange for Client taking 26 anger management classes. This agreement is called an "informal" diversion where Client does not have to plead guilty. Rather, case is simply dismissed after counseling sessions are completed.
2015
Alhambra Court: Domestic Violence case dropped
Client and his wife got into a fight and wife called police. Wife had some minor injuries but wife was the initial aggressor and she caused bruises on Client. Officer still arrested client, despite the fact that it was her word against client's word and client had bruising to corroborate his story. After investigation was complete, District Attorney rejected the case and no charges filed.
2015
Commerce DMV: 2nd DUI with .18 BAC, Hit and Run and Injuries: Suspension Set Aside
This was a huge win for a client facing a second DUI suspension. Cop was subpoenaed and cross examined at the APS hearing. The high blood level, accident and impairment could not be disputed but there was not a valid arrest. DMV hearing officer set aside the suspension because the blood test did not follow a lawful arrest. This case is an example of why it’s so important to subpoena and cross examine the police officer in specific DUI cases. Officer testified that client was injured, so paramedics immediately transported him to the hospital. Blood was taken at the hospital. The officer testified that he never arrested the client. This technicality was fatal to the DMV’s case. Court case is pending but winning at the DMV and having a transcript of the officer’s sworn testimony will likely help to obtain a better resolution in court.
2015
Metropolitan Courthouse: DUI Commercial Driver, one year suspension set aside and DUI charge reduced to Exhibition of Speed.
Client was a commercial driver. After being pulled over for weaving he was alleged to have a BAC of a .08 and .09 about 30 minutes after driving. We had a toxicologist testify at the DMV hearing (APS hearing). Evidence was presented to show client was in the absorption phase at the time of driving and the test, and therefore, his BAC was likely below a .08 at the time of the traffic stop. After several DMV hearing dates and court appearances, DMV set aside the suspension (one year suspension on client’s commercial license!) and the city prosecutor agreed to dismiss the DUI and allow client to plead to a charge for exhibition of speed. (Client did not want to go to trial due to the offer.) Client was able to keep his commercial license and his job, and suffered no suspension on his driving privileges.
2015
Pasadena Superior Court: Drunk in Public Charge Dismissed at Trial
Client charged with drunk in public. Client is a professional who argued with the officer when he was stopped without reasonable suspicion. He could not afford to have anything on his record due to his job and professional license. Case was set for trial and dismissed on day of trial.
2015
Pasadena Superior Court: 2nd DUI with .12 BAC, Wet Reckless, No Jail and 9 Month Class
Client charged with a second DUI and driving with a .12 blood alcohol level. Resolved for a wet reckless with 9 month class and no jail after case was set for a motion to suppress the evidence.
Have You or a Loved One Been Charged of a Crime? Contact Ann For a Free Consultation.
Call now
Our Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
DUI Defense
