Pasadena Criminal And DUI Defense Law Firm
Since 1987, we have committed our criminal and DUI defense practice to defending individuals accused of criminal charges out of the Pasadena Court, which is located at 300 E. Walnut Avenue in the city of Pasadena. After an arrest, you will have countless questions about what you should do next, what to expect, the penalties you face, the impact on your career, and the possible case outcomes. With over 60 years of combined criminal trial experience as former Pasadena prosecutors and law enforcement instructors, we have forged a reputation within the Pasadena Courthouse as aggressive criminal defense lawyers with expertise in defending drunk driving charges, sex crimes, theft crimes, drug crimes, and domestic violence charges. Our Pasadena criminal defense lawyers offer free no-obligation consultations and will patiently answer each of your questions, as well as review every available case detail to ensure you are as well informed as possible.
Our criminal defense expertise includes, but are not limited to, the following:
DUI – Commonly prosecuted as a misdemeanor, however, it can be elevated to a felony if your drunk driving offense resulted in a collision causing injury or death to another or you are facing your 4th offense within the last 10 years of your 1st DUI or Wet Reckless conviction. Both Mr. Takakjian and Mr. Sitkoff previously prosecuted both misdemeanor and felony drunk driving offenses during their tenure with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. Additionally, Mr. Takakjian is former Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department academy instructor where he taught breath testing administration and compliance, along with Title 17 compliance.
Drug Crimes – We have defended drug-related offenses for over 2 decades, from minor simple possession of a controlled substance and/or prescription drugs, to the more serious narcotics offenses, such as possession with intent to sell, and cultivation or manufacturing with intent to sell. Our Pasadena criminal defense lawyers’ extensive experience in defending drug crimes has also resulted in many close professional relationships with local drug/alcohol rehabilitation programs throughout the Pasadena area. Our experience as former senior prosecutors gives us a unique advantage and insight into law enforcement investigative tactics and procedures. This, combined with our expert knowledge of the rules of evidence and criminal procedure, ensures flaws and factual weaknesses in the prosecution’s case will be identified and used to our clients’ advantage in trial or plea negotiations.
Theft Crimes – Our experience in theft crimes includes defending charges of petty theft, grand theft, commercial burglary, residential burglary, receiving stolen property, forgery, insurance fraud, grand theft auto, and embezzlement. Because we recognize the future employment challenges you face with a theft crime conviction, we focus our efforts on negotiating with prosecutors to either reduce theft-related charges down to non-theft offenses such as trespassing or disturbing the peace, or in some circumstances, reductions to an infracted offense or complete dismissal after a diversionary plea. Whether you were wrongfully accused or simply exercised poor judgment, you can rest assured that our firm will have a dynamic defense strategy specifically prepared for your unique case facts to ensure you receive the best possible outcome.
Sex Crimes – If you have been charged with a sex crime, it is imperative that you seek counsel from an experienced sex crimes defense lawyer. While any lawyer can claim to be a “sex crime defense expert,” both Mr. Takakjian and Mr. Sitkoff are one of the few criminal defense attorneys deserving of this distinction based upon their experience and expertise as former senior prosecutors within the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office’s elite sex crimes special prosecution unit. Since 1987, our firm has specialized in defending sex crimes such as child annoyance, child molestation, statutory rape, forcible rape, sexual battery, indecent exposure, lewd act in public, as well as high-tech sex crimes such as contacting a minor for the purposes of committing a lewd act and possession/distribution of child pornography. The consequences of a sex crime conviction are not just limited to long state prison sentences and fines. Lifetime registration as a sex offender under California Penal Code section 290 can be a potential consequence you face if convicted.
Violent Crimes – A violent crime is a criminal act involving the use or threat of force upon another. Offenses such as murder, battery, assault with a deadly weapon, or domestic violence are violent offenses where the primary objective is the violent act. Whereas, you can be charged with a violent crime even if the act does not involve actual physical contact or even injury. For example, criminal threats, stalking and assault are a few violent offenses that do not require physical contact nor injury between you and the victim. Violent crimes are prosecuted aggressively, and the penalties and consequences can be more severe if there are serious injuries involved. It is paramount that you retain experienced criminal defense representation to guarantee your case is defended on an even playing field. Whether your case arose out of alcohol-fueled poor judgment or the incident involved an act of self-defense, our decades of criminal defense experience and our reputation, which precedes us within the Pasadena criminal court, assures you of the best criminal defense advocacy in the Pasadena area.
Why Hire Our Pasadena Criminal Defense Lawyers?
If you are hiring a criminal defense attorney for the first time, deciding upon whom to hire almost exacerbates the stress and anxiety you are already dealing with. We recognize there are thousands of Pasadena criminal defense lawyers for you to choose from, however, there are very few who can match the experience and expertise we bring to every single one of our cases. Whether it is a serious felony or a DMV license suspension hearing. We believe in an honest and transparent approach to the operation of our criminal defense practice. Therefore, unlike many other criminal defense firms, you will not have a different attorney appearing at each of your court dates, you will know who your attorney is and you will have direct communication with him. Most importantly, when you retain Takakjian & Sitkoff, LLP, you will be represented by either Paul Takakjian or Stephen Sitkoff, not a less experienced associate or inexperienced contract lawyer.
If you have been arrested in Pasadena, South Pasadena, Arcadia, Sierra Madre, San Gabriel, San Marino, Alta Dena, or any of the surrounding areas within North East Los Angeles County, please contact our Pasadena criminal defense lawyers at (626) 628-9185 for your free no-obligation consultation. We are available 24/7 with an office conveniently located at 225 South Lake, in the city of Pasadena.
Pasadena Criminal Defense Attorneys
Takakjian & Sitkoff, LLP
225 S. Lake Ave
Suite 300
Pasadena, CA 91101
(626) 628-9185
