Former Prosecutor

FIGHTING FOR YOU

Residential Burglary (Strike offense) – DISMISSED

Client was charged with residential burglary.  Client allegedly vandalized and broke into a person’s house during a drunken night and fled the scene once law enforcement arrived.  Client was in medical school at the time and at grave risk of getting suspended from school and losing a lifelong passion of pursuing a career as a physician.  After lengthy negotiations with the prosecution, case was dismissed with prejudice.  Client was able to stay enrolled in medical school and continues on the path of a successful career in the medical field.

Misdemeanor Domestic Violence – DISMISSED

Client was charged with spousal battery after the police were called for a domestic disturbance.  Client did not have any type of criminal history; client was at risk of losing security clearance from a profitable profession.  After extensive defense investigation, trial preparation, and negotiations with the prosecution, case was DISMISSED on the day of trial.

Misdemeanor Child Endangerment – DISMISSED

Client was charged with child endangerment.  School officials reported suspected child abuse on the alleged victim when they observed physical manifestations of abuse.  As mandatory reporters, school officials reported the suspected child abuse to law enforcement.  After thorough defense investigation and legal research, the court dismissed the case upon a successful motion filed on behalf of our client.

Felony Identity Theft- DISMISSED

Elderly client was charged with identity theft.  Prosecution was alleging that client stole others’ identities by fabricating the information on their driver’s licenses and using the information for fraudulent and theft-related purposes.  After careful and thorough defense investigation and case evaluation, it was discovered that the prosecution’s investigation made a significant error in establishing culpability on behalf of client.  Upon negotiations with the prosecution and showcasing the errors that were made, case was dismissed.

Felony Insurance Fraud and Probation Violation- Reinstated on probation after stayed prison sentence

Client was charged with felony insurance fraud.  Client was already on formal probation for a felony conviction; as a result of his previous felony conviction, there was prison time stayed if Client violated probation.  After extensive negotiations with the prosecution and presentation of a lengthy mitigation packet, case resolved for no prison time, no incarceration, and a reinstatement of his probation.

CHARGES DISMISSED

Client was accused of committing domestic violence against his girlfriend at home. Girlfriend told the police that Client strangled her and pushed her up against a wall. After defense investigation, negotiations, and multiple meetings with the prosecution, all domestic violence charges were dismissed.

CASE DISMISSED

Client was arrested for attempted murder against his girlfriend. Victim alleged that Client strangled her and tried to kill her. Victim sustained extensive injuries. Client maintained that he was acting in self-defense; client also sustained extensive injuries. Client had graduated from law school and he had endeavors to become a licensed attorney. Any type of felony record, let alone an assault or attempted murder charge, would ruin his chances of pursuing his law career. We conducted hours of defense investigation in preparation for Client’s case. After meeting with the prosecution and providing information concerning our defense investigation, all charges against Client were dismissed.

Domestic Violence Jury Trial – NOT GUILTY

Client is a Captain in the United States Marine Corps. He has served our country for 17 plus years. His wife claimed that Client brutally attacked her by allegedly throwing her down the stairs, kicking her multiple times in the stomach, hitting and slapping her, and choking her. Wife went to the hospital and reported the alleged abuse to the medical staff and to law enforcement. Client was subsequently arrested. With his career on the line, Client exercised his constitutional right to a jury trial in order to combat these false allegations. After multiple days of a strenuous jury trial, the jury voted NOT GUILTY on the more serious charge of inflicting corporal injury on a spouse. As for the lesser offense of spousal battery, the jury was hung 9-3 in favor of NOT GUILTY. As a result, the judge DISMISSED the lesser count. Client received an acquittal and he was able to continue his career aspirations of serving as a high ranking officer in the USMC.

NO JAIL, NO 52 WEEK DV CLASSES, DISTURBING THE PEACE

Client was a Marine who was charged with domestic violence. Any misdemeanor domestic violence conviction would cost him his career as a Marine. Upon extensive negotiation with the prosecution, Client’s case resolved for a lesser crime of disturbing the peace, along with no jail time, minimal fines, no 52-week domestic violence classes, and no criminal protective order against the victim.

CHARGES REDUCED TO NON-DV

Client, a female college student, was accused of trespassing, vandalism, and committing domestic violence against her ex-boyfriend. There were several witnesses to the alleged incident. Victim owed Client money and she went to his house to request the return of her funds. Victim refused to give the money back to Client. After lengthy negotiations with the prosecutor, all domestic violence charges were dismissed. Instead, Client pled to a non-domestic violence related charge, no jail time, minimal fines, and no 52-week DV classes.

CASE DISMISSED

Client was charged with allegedly inflicting corporal injury upon his girlfriend. The alleged victim claimed that Client inflicted injuries upon her during an argument including extensive bruising and lacerations. There was an alleged witness to the incident. Client maintained that he acted in self-defense. After thorough defense investigation, we were able to subpoena the police reports and 911 calls of an incident in which the alleged victim was arrested for domestic violence upon my client only months before the incident in question; this strengthened Client’s contention that he was acting in self-defense. Additional defense investigation and interviews also revealed that the alleged victim inflicted domestic violence upon her ex-husbands in the past. In light of these findings and extensive negotiations with the government, the Prosecution DISMISSED all charges against my client.

Domestic violence – NO PROBATION, NO JAIL, NO 52-WEEK DV CLASSES, NO FINES

Client was charged with committing domestic violence against his girlfriend in front of a hotel located in downtown San Diego. Independent witnesses claimed that they observed my client push his girlfriend and put his hands around her throat in a forceful manner. The alleged incident was captured on hotel security surveillance. After carefully reviewing the video surveillance and defense investigation, the video revealed that Client’s girlfriend slapped Client’s face before he pushed her away from him. Upon extensive negotiations, Client pled guilty to one count of simple battery NOT in a domestic violence context. He was sentenced to the bare minimum with NO PROBATION, NO JAIL, NO 52-WEEK DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CLASSES, and NO FINES.

Domestic Violence – CASE DISMISSED

Client was charged with felony domestic violence. The government alleged that Client punched his wife in her face more than 10 times. The complaining witness sustained a fractured and bruised eye. Client also sustained injuries to his chest and arm. There was a long history of alleged domestic violence between both the complaining witness and Client. Prosecution dismissed all charges against my Client.

Domestic Violence – CASE DISMISSED

Client was charged with several counts of domestic violence. Client had been convicted of domestic violence in the past and the complaining witness had also been previously arrested for domestic violence. Client had previously served in the military and he had been deployed on at least 3 separate occasions. On the day in question, Client and the complaining witness engaged in a heated altercation. Girlfriend sustained a black eye and a bump on her forehead. Client maintained that his girlfriend had assaulted him and that he acted in self-defense. Due to thorough defense investigation, new evidence surfaced to show the violent and volatile character of the girlfriend. In addition, the complaining witness changed her previous statement to reflect significant inconsistencies in the facts of the case. Upon discussions with the prosecutor, the government dismissed all charges against Client.

Domestic Violence – NO JAIL TIME

Client was charged with multiple felonies for allegedly assaulting his girlfriend during an argument. Witnesses heard Client allegedly assaulting girlfriend from outside their residence. Girlfriend sustained massive bruising and lacerations on the face. Client also sustained minor injuries on his body during the course of the altercation. There was a history of domestic violence between both Client and girlfriend. Upon negotiating with the prosecution, Client served NO JAIL TIME; rather, he was ordered to complete days of public work service.

Multiple domestic violence cases were rejected before filing after I provided the prosecution with persuasive and thorough defense investigation.

DUI Jury Trial – NOT GUILTY

Client was charged with driving under the influence. He was a member of the US Navy and he was at risk of losing his job if convicted. After several days of jury trial, the jury ACQUITTED Client by voting NOT GUILTY. My client was able to keep his job and to continue serving our country in the military.

Felony DUI – Reduced to Misdemeanor

Client was arrested and charged with a fourth DUI within 10 years. Client was driving erratically on the freeway and several drivers called 911 to report his bad driving. When apprehended by the police, Client performed poorly on the field sobriety tests and he tested positive for being under the influence of controlled substances at the time. Prosecution originally asked Client to serve 2 years in prison. After meticulous negotiation with the prosecution, the government agreed to strike one of Client’s prior convictions resulting in a misdemeanor. Client did not serve any prison time. Client received a grant of probation and he was eligible for no jail time and house arrest.

Third Offense DUI – Prior DUI Stricken.

Client was charged with a DUI having been previously convicted of two DUI’s within the past 10 years. Client’s BAC was .27%. After taking the appropriate measures as advised by me, Client received substance abuse treatment among other factors to assist him in his road to recovery. Upon successful negotiation with the government, the Prosecution agreed to strike one of Client’s prior convictions. In doing so, it saved Client from a 3 to 10 year revocation of his license. Also, instead of serving the statutory minimum time of 180 days in jail, Client was sentenced to probation and house arrest.

20% B.A.C. DUI. – CASE DISMISSED Second DUI – REDUCED to WET RECKLESS, KEPT LICENSE

Client was charged with a DUI having been previously convicted of a DUI. She could not afford to lose her license. Originally, the DMV suspended her license. Upon my advice, we filed a writ to appeal the DMV’s suspension. The writ was granted in our favor and we were able to set aside the suspension. Client walked away with no license suspension and a reduction to a wet reckless charge. No jail time.

Third Offense DUI-HOUSE ARREST

.19% B.A.C. DUI. Client had been previously convicted of 2 DUI’s. Thus, this case was client’s 3rd time DUI. Client served no jail time/no custody after his sentence. Instead, he did 180 days of electronic monitoring.

2nd Time DUI while on probation – Back at Home Same Day as Sentencing

Client charged with 2nd time DUI along with a willful refusal to submit to any testing. Client hired me after she had been incarcerated for approximately 2 weeks. Client was still on probation for first DUI. Court had previously warned Client that if she were to be convicted for another DUI while on probation, court would violate her probation and impose the maximum statutory sentence provided by law. The prosecution was unwilling to negotiate a lesser sentence. Upon vigorous argument to the court, I convinced the court not to sentence my client to the maximum sentence. Instead, my client was released that same day.

Multiple cases in which the client was charged with a DUI with a prior conviction. I was able to convince the prosecution todismiss the prior conviction. No jail time.

Multiple DMV actions won by me and the license suspensions were set aside.

First Degree Murder – CASE DISMISSED

Client was charged with first degree murder. He, along with 2 co-defendants, was accused of killing the victim while at a house party. Specifically, the prosecution alleged that the defendants were involved in a fight with the victim. During the fight, the defendants allegedly kicked and stomped the victim to death. Upon extensive negotiation with the prosecution and upon thorough defense investigation, the DA DISMISSED ALL CHARGES against my client. Through investigation, it was shown that Client was not a participant of the fight and that he was not involved in the murder of the victim. Case was dismissed with prejudice before the preliminary hearing.

First Degree Murder- VOLUNTARY MANSLAUGHTER.

Client was charged with first degree murder after she was arrested for stabbing the father of her child during an altercation involving his alleged infidelity. Client served our country as a member of the military for nearly ten years. This was another high-profile case that garnered widespread media attention. Client was facing 25 years to life if convicted. After a rigorous preliminary hearing involving the cross-examination of several prosecution witnesses, Client was faced with the option of going forward to jury trial or resolving the case via plea bargain. After extensive defense investigation and our negotiations with the prosecution, Client accepted a plea bargain of voluntary manslaughter. Upon initially facing 25 years to life in prison, Client was sentenced to 7 years.

Hit and Run involving Death

Client was charged with hit and run involving the death of another. Client, a college student, was driving down a windy road in Del Mar when he struck a man who was riding his bicycle in the middle of the night. This was a case which garnered extensive media attention. The government alleged that Client struck the man and fled the scene without providing assistance. Client was interviewed and investigated within the days following the incident before he was arrested. After hiring a renowned accident reconstruction expert and thorough defense investigation, there were some significant issues in the government’s case. Although he faced many years in prison, Client was ultimately sentenced to 2 years.

Felony Assault with Force Likely to Produce Great Bodily Injury WITH STRIKE Enhancement Alleged – CASE DISMISSED

Client was a Marine who was charged with committing an assault with force likely to produce great bodily injury. In addition, the prosecution had alleged that great bodily injury had been inflicted upon the victim. Client and his co-defendant were in the Gaslamp area of San Diego on a weekend night. Prosecution alleged that Client and his co-defendant had beaten up the victim by shoving him around and punching him in the face. A witness alleged that both Client and co-defendant had “jumped” the victim and that they were repeatedly throwing punches at the victim. Victim fell down and he sustained multiple injuries to his face and head. Despite some witness accounts, there were several other witnesses who indicated that Client was not in fact involved in the altercation and that he was trying to break up the fight between the victim and co-defendant. After defense investigation and negotiation with the prosecution, the case was dismissed against Client.

Felony Criminal Threats and Assault with a Deadly Weapon – Case REDUCED to MISDEMEANOR; NO JAIL TIME

Client was charged with felony criminal threats and felony assault with a deadly weapon or force likely to produce great bodily injury. Client, along with his father, were charged with threatening to kill their neighbor and assaulting a former neighbor. Prosecution alleged that Client and his father ganged up on the former neighbor and that they beat him up for no reason. After preliminary hearing, the felony criminal threat, which is a strike offense, was dismissed for lack of sufficient evidence. After negotiations, Client was granted a misdemeanor on the assault charge and he served no jail time.

Felony Assault – CASE DISMISSED

Client was charged with felony assault with a deadly weapon, domestic violence offenses, and making criminal threats, which is a strike. Client was a licensed attorney; any conviction could affect his future ability to practice law. After defense investigation, I met with the deputy district attorney to discuss the case. After extensive discussions, the prosecution agreed to dismiss all charges. Entire case dismissed.

Possession of Controlled Substances – CASE DISMISSED

Client was arrested for possession of controlled substances and being under the influence of a controlled substance. After providing consent to search the vehicle, officers found methamphetamine, heroin, and numerous prescription pills. Officers also located foil paper with residue indicating recent use of the controlled substances. After extensive negotiation with the prosecution, Client did NOT even have to enroll in PC 1000 or Prop 36. Case was dismissed.

Possession of Controlled Substances – CASE DISMISSED

Client was talking to his girlfriend in his vehicle, which was parked legally on the street. A police officer approached him and blocked his vehicle from leaving. The police officer asked him what he was doing and asked Client if he had anything illegal in his car. Officer proceeded to search Client’s person and vehicle. Controlled substances and marijuana were found in the vehicle. After litigating a motion to suppress the evidence based upon an illegal detention, the court granted our motion. Case dismissed.

Possession of Controlled Substances for Sale – NO JAIL TIME

Client was charged with possession of cocaine and methamphetamine for purposes of sale. The prosecution alleged that Client sold cocaine and methamphetamine to another while at a local nightclub. Client had a previous arrest for possession of controlled substances for sale. After in-depth defense investigation and negotiations, Prosecution agreed to NO jail time for client. Client was also eligible to earn a simple possession as a misdemeanor after one year.

Possession of Drugs for Sales – NO JAIL TIME

Client was charged with possession of drugs for sales. Prosecution alleged that he was in possession of nearly 20 grams of controlled substances and that he possessed it for purposes of sale. Client served no jail time; instead, he was ordered to complete days of public work service.

Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance – CASE DISMISSED

Client charged with being under the influence of a controlled substance. He was looking at a minimum of 90 days in custody and registration as a narcotics offender. Upon defense investigation, I was able to convince the prosecutor to drop the charges. Case dismissed.

Drug Possession while armed with a Firearm- PROBATION

Client was charged with multiple counts of drug possession while armed with a firearm and theft related offenses. Prosecution was adamant that my client deserved a significant amount of time in prison. After advising my client to attend residential rehabilitation among other efforts to show that she was trying to improve her life, I was able to convince the prosecution to agree to probation.

Multiple drug possession cases. Reduced to misdemeanors after felony charges. No jail time.

Multiple drug possession cases. Deferred entry of judgment.Case dismissed. No jail time.

Drug Possession for Purposes of Sales – NO JAIL TIME
Client was charged with possession of methamphetamine for purposes of sales and felony possession of stolen property. Prosecution wanted 180 days in custody and felony charges. After negotiations, I was able to convince the prosecution to agree to a possession charge with deferred entry of judgment for future dismissal and a reduction to a misdemeanor regarding the stolen property. Client served no jail time.

Multiple Robberies and Gang Enhancements – NOT GUILTY

Client was charged with multiple robberies and gang enhancements. There were 2 alleged victims in the case. The defense with respect to one of the victims is that my client was wrongfully accused based upon cross-racial mistaken identification. Upon zealous cross-examination and after the case was presented to the jury, the jury voted NOT GUILTY with respect to the alleged victim who mistakenly identified my client as the person who robbed him.

Robbery – HUNG JURY; EVENTUALLY ACQUITTED

Client was accused of committing a robbery at a check cashing business. The prosecution alleged that Client had robbed a woman who was opening the check cashing business in the morning. There were a number of witnesses who allegedly observed the incident. Prosecution was unable to prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt and the trial resulted in a mistrial due to a hung jury.

Robbery with Gang Enhancements Probation Violation – PROBATION WITH NO JAIL TIME

Client was charged with battery while on felony probation for multiple robberies with gang enhancements. Once the probation violation was alleged, the gang deputy district attorney wanted the client to serve approximately 20 years in prison. After significant and time-consuming negotiations with the deputy district attorney and gang detective, I convinced the prosecutor to agree to no jail time and reinstatement on probation.

Multiple counts of RAPE and sodomy of an intoxicated and unconscious victim – HUNG JURY. No Jail Time. No Lifetime Sex Offender Registration

Client was charged with multiple counts of rape and sodomy of an intoxicated and unconscious victim. Client was a college student who allegedly committed these acts at a house party near a local college campus. The prosecution maintained that the complaining witness was drugged while at the party and that Client forced himself upon her during her alleged intoxicated and unconscious state. During a jury trial, the court declared a mistrial based upon the fact that the jury could not reach a unanimous decision. It was discovered that the split ranged from 11-1 for NOT GUILTY, 10-2 for NOT GUILTY, 9-3 for NOT GUILTY, and 6-6 split. Although Client was facing numerous years in prison, Client received NO FELONY CONVICTION, NO JAIL TIME and NO LIFETIME SEX OFFENDER REGISTRATION

Arranging A Meeting with Minor for Lewd Purposes – PROBATION, NO JAIL.

Client, a teacher and coach, was charged with several sex crimes involving an inappropriate relationship with a student. Client was charged with arranging a meeting with a minor for lewd purposes, among other offenses. After lengthy negotiations with the prosecution, Client was sentenced to no incarceration in jail and a grant of probation.

Lewd or Lascivious Acts with A Minor – PROBATION

Client was charged with committing numerous lewd or lascivious acts with a minor. Client met the victim online and they began a relationship. Once the minor’s mother discovered the extent of the relationship, authorities were notified and Client was criminally charged. These types of cases rarely settle for anything less than prison. Although Client was facing significant amount of time in prison, we were able to resolve the case for a grant of probation.

TEACHER SEX TRIAL

Client was a former female fifth-grade school teacher who was charged with 14 counts of lewd and lascivious acts on a minor and 3 counts of statutory rape. The prosecution alleged that my client had engaged in child molestation concerning two of her former male students. If convicted, my client was looking at more than 30 years in state prison. After a HIGHLY PUBLICIZED JURY TRIAL which garnered extensive media coverage, the court declared a mistrial based upon juror misconduct. Upon speaking with the jurors after trial, we discovered that had the court not declared a mistrial, the verdict would have resulted in an ACQUITTAL on 3 of the charges regarding one alleged victim. As for the remaining alleged victim, the jury would have been hopelessly deadlocked resulting in a hung jury. The split would have been 9 in favor of NOT GUILTY and 3 in favor of guilt. It was revealed that the jurors who engaged in misconduct were those who voted for guilt.

Arranging a Meeting with a Minor for Lewd Purposes- PROBATION, NO JAIL, NO SEX OFFENDER REGISTRATION

Client was charged with arranging a meeting with a minor for lewd purposes. Client was exchanging text messages and emails with an undercover officer who he allegedly believed to be a minor. The prosecution argued that the Client intended to engage in sexual intercourse and oral copulation with a person whom he believed to be a minor at the time. Upon extensive negotiations with the prosecution, we resolved the case so that Client received NO JAIL TIME, PROBATION, and NO LIFETIME SEX REGISTRATION.

Lewd or Lascivious Acts on a Minor- Probation, NO JAIL TIME.

Client was charged with several counts of lewd or lascivious acts on a minor who was under 14 years of age at the time of the alleged incident. The prosecution argued that Client, a sports coach, groomed the victim and initiated an inappropriate relationship with his student. These types of serious charges and allegations very rarely resolve for anything less than prison. After negotiations with the prosecution and thorough defense investigation, Client ultimately received a grant of probation and no incarceration in custody.

Temporary Restraining Order- CASE DISMISSED

Client hired me to defend against a temporary restraining order. The petitioner (the person who filed the temporary restraining order against client) alleged that my client had forcefully raped her on numerous occasions. After I cross-examined the petitioner, in addition to presenting defense witnesses, the court did not believe that the petitioner had met their burden of proof. The court dismissed the restraining order with prejudice. Case dismissed.

Temporary Restraining Order – CASE DISMISSED

Client was served with a temporary restraining order. The respondent alleged that Client was harassing her and the rest of her family. The case was unable to reach mediation or settlement between the respondent and my client. After testimony was presented during trial, the judge did not grant the restraining order and the case was dismissed.

Temporary Restraining Order – Granted on behalf of Client

Client filed a temporary restraining order against her ex-husband three times. The first time, Client decided not to go forward against her then husband. The second time, Client petitioned the court for a permanent restraining order against her ex-husband. I was not her attorney at the time. After a trial, the Court did not grant her request and her petition was denied. On the third instance, Client retained me to represent her in obtaining a permanent restraining order against her ex-husband. The harassment and abuse would not end and Client sought protection from the court in obtaining a permanent order. After trial, the court agreed with our position and granted our request for a permanent restraining order.

Temporary Restraining Order – CASE DISMISSED

Client was served with a temporary restraining order. In response, I advised her that we should file a cross-temporary restraining order against petitioner. Our cross-temporary restraining order was granted. Upon being served, the petitioner decided to drop the case and not proceed with the hearing. The restraining order was dismissed.

Felony POSSESSION of COUNTERFEIT MONEY – NOT GUILTY

Client was charged with possession of counterfeit money. Client was at risk of losing his taxi cab license if he were to be convicted of a felony. Client was apprehended by law enforcement because he happened to be standing next to a vehicle which was getting pulled over for a traffic violation. Upon police contact, Client allegedly dropped an envelope containing approximately $1000 of counterfeit currency. An officer looked at the currency and determined that it was possibly counterfeit; subsequently, Client was arrested for possession of counterfeit money. After trial, the jury acquitted my client and voted NOT GUILTY. Client was able to maintain his taxi cab license and to keep his job due to the acquittal on the felony charge.

Misdemeanor warrants. Warrant recalled and no jail time. Probation reinstated.

Reckless Driving – CASE DISMISSED
Client charged in federal court for reckless driving. Case dismissed.