Best Criminal Justice Attorney Pasadena Near Me

4worldlovers: Our firm has been successfully handling misdemeanor and felony criminal matters for the past 20 years. We take cases from inception to conclusion, all while considering our client's goals and needs for the case outcome. We also handle all motions to terminate early, motions to reduce the case status, motions to seal the arrest, motions to expunge and pardons.

Our founding attorney, Sharen H. Ghatan, has established strong professional relationships with the prosecutors, judges and police personnel involved in Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura, and San Bernardino county courthouses. We have prevailed in obtaining many dismissals, reductions and rejections of the most challenging cases to the least complex. The team is committed to providing you attentive client care, aggressive and knowledgeable criminal & DUI defense, as well as a financial plan that takes into account your budget. This is not a luxury, our service is an absolute necessity, as we safeguard your physical and legal freedom.

Attorney Ghatan has been honored with SuperLawyer status, which ranks her in the top 2.5% of attorneys in California. She is also a judge pro tem, so she is able to see the case from a variety of angles. She uses past wins and experiences to benefit her new clients, and is well-respected by peers and the bench alike.

In addition, Ms. Ghatan is often a resource for television, radio and social media legal news outlets. Her trusted insight is always in demand as she is the head moderator of numerous attorney groups in Los Angeles and women's legal forums as well. Our entire team is completely dedicated to our client's satisfaction and thus, are available every day, including weekends, for complimentary legal consults. We won't rest until we get the best possible result for you!

If you or your loved one have recently been charged with a crime in Pasadena, L.A. County, or anywhere throughout Southern California, depending on the specifics of the charge brought against you, you could face serious, long-term consequences if convicted. California law is stricter than most other states on a wide variety of DUI and other criminal offenses, and without the aid of an expert criminal defense lawyer, your chances of obtaining a favorable outcome in court are greatly reduced.

Pasadena Criminal Attorney has served the community of Pasadena, California, and surrounding areas for many years across a wide range of practice areas, including: DUI, Domestic Violence, Drug Crimes, Sex Crimes, Fraud, Theft, and more. Our detailed knowledge of the California Penal and Vehicle Codes and great familiarity with local Pasadena and L.A. Area court processes have enabled us to consistently win the best possible outcome for our clients.

Contact us anytime 24/7 by calling 626-689-2277 for your free legal consultation. The sooner you call, the sooner we can get started on building you a winning case.

We Handle All Types Of Criminal Cases - Call For A Free Consultation Today.

California Penal Code Section 23152 defines a DUI as operating a motor vehicle with a blood-alcohol content (BAC) of .08% or higher, with a lesser BAC that nonetheless impairs your driving capabilities, or while intoxicated and impaired by any chemical substance (drug), be it an illegal narcotic, a prescription drug, or an over-the-counter drug. It further sets a BAC limit of .04% for commercial drivers and .01% ("Zero Tolerance") for drivers under the legal drinking age of 21.

It is important to understand that the DMV hearing is completely distinct from a DUI criminal hearing, which may follow. If you win your DMV hearing, it is possible (though not especially likely) you could still be prosecuted on the charge of DUI. If you lose your DMV hearing, your license will be suspended for at least 6 months; but you can still go on to challenge the DUI in court. Alternatively, you could accept a plea deal at the DMV hearing to get access to a restricted license, which allows you to drive to/from work and DUI Class.

4worldlovers: If you or a loved one has been arrested or charged with a crime in the City of Pasadena, or in the surrounding Los Angeles County, speaking to an experienced and compassionate criminal defense lawyer is the first step in getting the help you need. Until it has happened to you or a loved one, no one can really understand how it feels to be arrested for a crime. It is a traumatic experience that can have dire consequences on your job, career, professional license and even your freedom.

Criminal and DUI defense attorney Ann Gottesman is dedicated to protecting her clients’ constitutional rights, reputation and freedom. Ann will really listen to you, treat you with compassion and provide you with a free consultation so you can make the right decision about what to do next, and not act solely out of fear and desperation.

“At the Law Office of Ann Gottesman, my main goal is to make my clients know that each one is actually cared about, that their case matters to me, and that I will do everything in my power to achieve the best possible results. Unlike many lawyers from large firms, I personally handle each case and make myself available to my clients 7 days a week and after business hours.”

Whether you are facing DUI charges or criminal offenses such as Drug Possession or Sales, Assault, Petty Theft, Shoplifting, Fraud, Domestic Violence or some other criminal violation of the law, don’t just wait until your court date to start preparing. Hiring a good criminal defense lawyer NOW will lessen the chance of surprises on your arraignment!

"As a former Deputy Public Defender, I am passionate about standing up for the rights of the criminally accused. Don't get railroaded by the system! The police and the District Attorney have only one goal--to see you convicted! I know the District Attorneys and Judges in the Pasadena and Los Angeles Courts and my professional rapport with these people allows me to achieve the kind of results for my clients that a non-local attorney usually can’t achieve."

When you hire the Law Office of Ann Gottesman, you are hiring ME, Ann Gottesman, a dedicated DUI lawyer and Los Angeles criminal defense attorney to personally handle your criminal case.

I won't hand your case off to an inexperienced associate, like many large firms do. If I can't personally handle your case, then I won't take your case.

"My clients know that I meticulously prepare for each case and I can usually appear in court without the client having to be there. When I am retained, I immediately subpoena all discovery, including the police report, calibration logs (for a DUI), police dispatch logs, belt recordings, witness statements, lab results, etc… Also, unlike many other Los Angeles and Pasadena criminal defense attorneys, I make myself available to my clients 7 days a week and I’m always happy to receive my clients’ phone call or questions. My clients don’t walk around with any unanswered questions because I am always ready to explain, investigate and resolve any issues a client may have with regard to his or her criminal case."

“Whether a client hires me to represent him or her in a petty theft shoplifting case, a misdemeanor DUI or drug case, a domestic violence case, or a serious felony case involving sentencing enhancements, I treat each case as a priority. I realize that no matter what criminal charge a client is facing, that case is the most important issue in my client’s life right now, and that client is experiencing a great deal of fear and stress as a result of being at the center of a criminal prosecution. I treat my clients the way I would want to be treated—with compassion and devotion to their case.”

4worldlovers:
Theft offenses committed in California can be charged as misdemeanors or as felonies depending entirely on the amount of the value of goods taken. If the amount of goods taken is over $950 charges will likely be filed as a felony. Given the many shopping and retail stores in Pasadena, many theft crimes occur with great frequency causing significant losses to business owners. As a result, many business owners are motivated to press charges in every theft incident. In the majority of thefts certain legal requirements may be absent or a person may have an available defense to the charge. Those who are accused of a theft in Pasadena should seek the assistance of an experienced Pasadena criminal attorney.


Pasadena Police and surrounding law enforcement agencies in the Pasadena area conduct various undercover operations to apprehend individuals involved in lewd conduct. Police usually target various public places in order to apprehend individuals engaged in lewd conduct. These types of charges can be extremely embarrassing to face which is why it is critical for anyone accused of lewd conduct to contact an experienced Pasadena criminal attorney. In the majority of these cases the matter can be handled completely by the attorney without the defendant having to appear in court themselves.


Domestic violence accusations are taken extremely seriously by law enforcement and prosecutors in the Pasadena area. When dispatched out to a domestic violence call, law enforcement in almost every case will arrest at least one of the parties. Depending on the severity of the circumstances involved in a domestic violence case felony charges may be filed. The prosecution will often proceed with a domestic violence case even if one of the parties are not desirous of prosecution. Retaining an experienced criminal defense attorney in Pasadena from the onset is critical and may make the difference in charges being filed or reduced.


Police in the Pasadena area maintain continuous surveillance for those engaged in illegal drug related activity. Substances that police target include illegal drugs like meth, heroin, cocaine, ecstasy, PCP, and other synthetic drugs. Police and prosecutors pursue felony charges when there is evidence that the drugs were possessed for sales. Oftentimes the evidence used to support a sales charge can be the quantity of drugs alone. In many drug cases police may have overlooked proper procedure and certain evidence related to the offense may be excluded. Anyone who is accused of a drug offense should contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Pasadena, CA.


Pasadena police and prosecutors treat assault and battery offenses extremely serious given the fact that they are crimes of violence. These crimes can include both misdemeanor charges in cases that are not as serious all the way to felony level charges depending on the nature and circumstances of the case. In the majority of these cases those accused may have a completely valid defense or justification for their action. Anyone charged with an assault or battery should contact a skilled Pasadena criminal attorney immediately.


Criminal threats is a potential felony and those convicted can be sentenced to prison or jail with extensive conditions of probation. A criminal threat is a threat that involves imminent bodily injury to another. Criminal threats are taken very seriously by law enforcement even when they are made without serious intent. Law enforcement will frequently pursue criminal threats not only in cases of verbal threats but also in threats through other forms of communication. Those who are accused of criminal threats should consult with a skilled Pasadena criminal attorney.


Hit and run offenses can be charged as misdemeanors when only property damage is involved and charged as a felony when an accident involves injury. Police in Pasadena dedicate resources to the investigation of hit and runs and in apprehending those suspected of committing those offenses. Retaining an experienced Pasadena criminal lawyer can make all the difference whether a case is filed for criminal charges.


In Pasadena any number of crimes that are committed against a victim that is over the age of 65 can lead to elder abuse charges. Charges of elder abuse can stem from actual physical abuse or in other cases be a result of financial crimes committed against someone over the age of 65. Many accusations of elder abuse are made by family members who are involved in disputes over money. Elder abuse investigations can involve not only Pasadena Police but can involve the Department of Social Services as well. Elder abuse convictions are treated very seriously because elders are treated as a particularly vulnerable class of victims.

4worldlovers: We know how alarming and inconvenient a criminal case can be. Based in Southern California with offices throughout Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Orange County, clients need a defense lawyer with a firm grasp of the law and invaluable insight on how to effectively help you navigate the justice system. The Law Offices of Paul S. Geller go above and beyond to fight for the rights of the criminally accused individuals. Mr. Geller’s personal attention and rigorous experience as a criminal defense attorney, DUI lawyer, and former Los Angeles Deputy District Attorney has earned him a solid reputation in the Southern California legal community, as well as numerous features on FOX LA as a legal analyst. He is backed by over 20 years of experience and have handled thousands of criminal cases over the years.

Facing an arrest or criminal accusation is stressful, which is why it is important to be informed of the entire process, including your legal options. That is why Mr. Geller offers a number of informative videos that explain his practice, what you may be facing, and how our firm can help you.

4worldlovers: Criminal Defense and Personal Injury Law Firm Serving Los Angeles County & San Gabriel Valley

Steve Escovar has recently been recognized as one of the "Nation's Top 1%" of attorneys by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel. He was also recently recognized as both one of "America's Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys" and an Attorney and Practice Magazine's "Top 10 Personal Injury Attorney." Steve Escovar has represented clients in more than 80 Jury Trials to verdict and has successfully handled thousands of cases, including criminal and personal injury matters throughout Southern California and Los Angeles County, including Pasadena, Alhambra, El Monte, West Covina, and Pomona since 1994. The legal team at Escovar Law, APC has the experience, relationships, and proven ability to help you and to protect your rights and freedom.

4worldlovers:
As a Top Criminal Defense Law Firm in Los Angeles, Weber Law employs experience, wisdom and creativity to protect our client’s best interests. If you have been arrested we will work our best to get you out of police custody as soon as possible. Our experience with Criminal Defense work allows us to take advantage of every opportunity to help you back on your feet and reduce impact on your criminal record.

Weber Law’s clients are innocent until proven guilty. Our records shows that we have successfully defended individuals be it by way of fighting the case all the way through trial or by securing deals that allowed our clients to avoid jail, prison, hefty fines or criminal records. Our passion and commitment to defend our clients does not change whether they are innocent or guilty of a crime.

No one is ever prepared for such an experience, and sadly it can happen to anyone. It’s incredibly frustrating to see all you’ve worked for slipping away or your good name being tarnished. You need a champion in the court, one with a pedigree of success. Call Weber Law.

No matter the charge, attorneys at Weber Law are fully committed to you and will explore every option to eliminate your fears and find a path forward.

Depending on the charges against you, a conviction or guilty plea could mean an enduring mark on your record, losing your license or job, paying fines, or even considerable time in jail. Even relatively minor misdemeanors will have a serious impact, meaning that every charge needs to be treated seriously.

You need a lawyer who is serious about protecting your freedom and achieving an outcome that does not limit the rest of your life. This can include discussing plea arrangements with the prosecution, but more importantly at Weber Law Firm, we will approach carefully and with results-driven tactics. The ability to present a compelling argument in court will greatly influence your case.

The Weber Law firm attorneys attack cases head on. We will do all we can to prevent a case from resulting in time behind bars. Rely on our experience to assist with your legal troubles. We work cases using precise insight, creativity, and professional advice to protect our clients.

If you have been arrested we will work our best to get you out of police custody as soon as possible. Our experience with Criminal Defense work allows us to take advantage of every opportunity to help you back on your feet and reduce impact on your criminal record.

Weber Law can help you if you’re being investigated, have been arrested, or are facing charges for a crime.

From investigation to final disposition and potential appeals, your attorney will need a strong presence to represent your best interests for your specific case. Attorney Mike Martin dominates the courtroom and will not be intimidated by prosecutors, judges, or juries. Weber Law will work diligently to make sure your case is handled fairly. Weber Law Firm is determined to defend you if you’re facing any criminal charge in Los Angeles or nearby areas.

At Weber Law Firm, we help you achieve the best possible outcome when working on your case. You can count on the attorneys at Weber.

4worldlovers:
As a criminal defense lawyer in Pasadena I understand being charged of a crime for the first time can be an extremely stressful and frightening experience. Any criminal defense attorney will tell you that while every case presents its own set of unique circumstances, having a highly experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side can help you win your particular case. Hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney is the most effective way in getting you the justice you deserve. In the interest of protecting and helping you, the accused, in California, the Law Office of Tom R. Medrano will explain the process for protecting yourself and obtaining favorable results for your criminal case. Serving all the areas within and outside of Los Angeles, San Gabriel Valley, Santa Clarita Valley, Orange County, San Diego, Inland Empire, San Bernardino and Riverside.

4worldlovers:
THE LEVENTHAL FIRM is a powerhouse, boutique law practice dedicated to criminal defense in both state and federal court. Lead Trial Attorney, Andrew Leventhal, Esq., and Managing Partner, Yvonne Rodriguez, Esq., are the heart and soul of this Law Firm – both trial lawyers have defended more than 15,000 criminal cases combined and have tried almost every criminal case imaginable before a jury. Andrew and Yvonne are incredibly passionate attorneys, both deeply immersed in criminal law – they spent a combined 15 years vehemently challenging the criminal justice system as Los Angeles Public Defenders before they left public practice in 2015 to build this Firm. The desire to challenge is the essence of THE LEVENTHAL FIRM, and with that, results are the only thing that matter.

Andrew Leventhal is a dynamic, passionate, and charismatic criminal defense attorney. Andrew spent seven years battling in the courtroom trenches as a Los Angeles Public Defender; it is here that Andrew developed a reputation for being a fearless trial lawyer... Read More

Yvonne Rodriguez is THE LEVENTHAL FIRM's Managing Partner. Her work-ethic is unmatched - Yvonne’s hard-working style leaves every client feeling confident and secure that no stone is left unturned before the case ends. Yvonne doesn’t sleep at night if she... Read More

Andrew was featured in Attorney at Law Magazine’s Jan. 2021 cover story, entitled, “Against All Odds.” “His name is Andrew Leventhal, and he is an attorney.” His story is not unlike many others—one that includes the highs of winning victories for clients and the lows that come with the realization of the gravity of his… Read more

"I am a Vietnam Veteran, who unfortunately, although injured in Vietnam at the young age of 18 for over 40 years was not able to get help from Government or anyone else. Recently I had an unfortunate situation which would have impacted on my ability to drive. And with my military related injuries walking is very difficult so I was faced with having to lose my license and not be able to drive which would have been disastrous. Most attorneys just wanted to rush my case through as just another number which would not have helped me but would have left me in dire straits. READ MORE

"As a young lady from a small town I was not prepared to deal with the career criminals of Los Angeles. One sunny day in Pasadena I received a letter to appear for a detective. The crime? I was accused of a hit an run yet had never been in a traffic accident & I had a perfect driving record (& years later, still do!). There was no damage to my car, what was this all about?! When I went down to the station I figured it was all a formality and they'd instantly discover the mistake and tell me to go home. Much to my shock and dismay, the detective seemed to assume I was a dumb woman... READ MORE

"Andrew is a cut above the rest. I have been practicing law in California since 1978. My practice is principally in the areas of business transactions and probate. However, I recently had the opportunity to observe the work of Andrew Leventhal. He represented a family friend in a criminal matter. His work was impressive as he had a mastery of the court room. He also (more importantly) achieved an outstanding result for my friend. He combines the qualities that I would want in a lawyer that represents me: intelligence, hard work, charisma and dedication. There is no question that if... READ MORE

Read More "I was involved in an incident with the police for the first time in my life and I didn't know anything about being represented or what I was getting myself into. Mr. Andrew Leventhal represented me very professionally and made me feel like family. He was attentive, knowledgeable and most importantly I didn't feel like he judged me based on my actions. He was very straightforward with me and fought hard to lessen my charge. He was successful not only in holding up his end of the bargain but made me feel at ease by assuring me that as long as I followed his direction everything would be okay. Sure enough... READ MORE

"Mr. Leventhal is a passionate criminal defense attorney. He is extremely knowledge and hard working. I endorse this lawyer."

"Andrew is a great lawyer. He is very well versed in the law and he is passionate in his defense of his clients. Any defendant would be lucky to have him as an attorney."

4worldlovers:
For more than 25 years, Pasadena criminal lawyer Matthew Cargal and the rest of our team at the Law Offices of Matthew Cargal has been helping people accused of DUI and other criminal offenses. Our practice is focused exclusively on DUI and other criminal defense and we have successfully defended hundreds of cases. Successfully defending any criminal case is complicated and requires a Pasadena criminal defense attorney who is very experienced in that area.


“I have already recommended him to other people, and will continue to do so. Matthew Cargal is an incredible attorney.”


“Not only he was dedicated, he was very caring to understand his client’s anxiety.”

“Matthew was the best! I am so glad I called him.”

“Without your help with my case, and my career would most definitely be over.”

“He proved our son was innocent! Mr. Cargal represented my son on a juvenile crime. Our family was devastated. He constantly called the cop investigating the case and the prosecutor to try to get the case dismissed. He did it! Mr. Cargal was able to get the”

“I am extremely grateful to have hired you for this and now I can move on with my life and put all of the negativity behind me”

“Matt worked tirelessly, and my charges were completely dropped. I can't recommend his legal assistance enough.”

“Life saver! Attorney Cargal took what was a complete nightmare and made it a thing of the past.”

“I would recommend his law offices to friends and family for any predicament pertaining to the law. Thank you!”

“He did a great job in reassuring that he would handle this well. I'm so blessed that I hired him.”

“His knowledge and overall professionalism helped turn a disastrous situation into something quite manageable......and took virtually all of the stress off of my shoulders.”

“I never really had liking for lawyers, but quite frankly I had never met Matthew.”

“I have recommended him several times to people who have been unfortunate enough to get arrested for DUI and other things. Thanks Law Offices of Matthew Cargal!”

We do a thorough investigation of every case in order to determine your best defense.

We are experts in finding alternative options should jail be an issue in your case.

Our clients are kept updated about their case at all times and return all communication promptly.

We do what it takes to get the best possible result, including motions and jury trial.

Matthew Cargal — not a paralegal, assistant, or junior attorney — will handle your case and will be available to discuss your case with you at your request.

Matthew Cargal has handled hundreds of cases in Pasadena, Los Angeles County and throughout southern California. This means he knows the court, judge and prosecutor that will be handling your case.

Matthew Cargal has successfully represented hundreds of clients before the DMV and other government administrative agencies.

The consultation will be with Matthew Cargal and not an “associate attorney”, “legal assistant” or “paralegal”. We believe it is critical that you meet, interview and feel comfortable with the person who will be representing you! During the consultation, our Pasadena criminal defense lawyer will discuss all aspects of your case and answer any questions that you may have. In person appointments are available during the day, in the evening and on weekends. We look forward to hearing from you and discussing how we can help resolve this stressful issue for you.