Criminal Defense Attorney in Pasadena

Protecting Your Rights and Freedom When Facing Criminal Charges in Pasadena

Arrested or charged with a crime in Pasadena? Your freedom, your future, and your reputation are on the line. Whether you’re facing DUI charges, assault allegations, theft accusations, drug offenses, or any other criminal matter in Los Angeles County, the consequences of a conviction can follow you for life. You need an experienced criminal defense attorney who knows the Pasadena courts, understands local prosecutors’ strategies, and has the proven track record to protect your rights.

At Tu Defensor Criminalista, we have dedicated our practice to defending individuals accused of crimes throughout Pasadena and Los Angeles County. Our attorneys appear regularly at the Pasadena Courthouse, understand the unique dynamics of Pasadena law enforcement and prosecution, and fight aggressively to achieve the best possible outcomes for our clients. When everything is at stake, you need defense attorneys who treat your case as the priority it deserves.

Free Confidential Consultation: (888) 315-3326 | Available 24/7 | Hablamos Español

Understanding Crime and Prosecution in Pasadena

Pasadena’s Crime Landscape

Pasadena, with a population of approximately 137,195 residents^[1], faces unique public safety challenges as a major city in Los Angeles County. According to the City of Pasadena Police Department’s recent crime statistics^[2], through January 2025 the department reported 4 homicides, 158 robberies, 430 aggravated assaults, 699 burglaries, 340 motor vehicle thefts, 607 simple assaults, 194 DUI arrests, and 414 domestic violence incidents.

Research by NeighborhoodScout indicates that Pasadena has a crime rate of 31 per thousand residents^[3], giving residents approximately a one in 32 chance of becoming a crime victim. The violent crime rate stands at one in 189, while property crime affects one in 38 residents. These statistics place Pasadena higher than 88% of California communities in overall crime rate.

The Pasadena Police Department employs 333 full-time law enforcement employees^[4], including 220 officers, to serve the community. Officers respond to over 206,000 dispatch calls and 94,000 service requests annually, handling more than 57,000 emergency 9-1-1 calls. This aggressive law enforcement presence means Pasadena residents face substantial risk of arrest, investigation, and prosecution for both minor and serious offenses.

The High Stakes of Criminal Charges

Every criminal charge in Pasadena carries serious consequences that extend far beyond any immediate penalties:

• Jail or Prison Time: Misdemeanors can result in up to one year in county jail. Felonies carry state prison sentences ranging from months to life imprisonment depending on the offense and prior record.
• Substantial Fines and Fees: Criminal convictions result in fines, court costs, restitution to victims, probation fees, and other financial obligations that can total thousands or tens of thousands of dollars.
• Permanent Criminal Record: A criminal conviction creates a permanent record that appears in background checks conducted by employers, landlords, professional licensing boards, educational institutions, and others. In Pasadena’s highly educated community where 56.8% of residents hold bachelor’s degrees or higher^[5], a criminal record can destroy career prospects built over years of education and work.
• Employment Consequences: Many employers refuse to hire applicants with criminal convictions. Current employers may terminate employees upon learning of arrests or convictions, particularly in professional fields common in Pasadena including technology, healthcare, education, and government service.
• Professional License Impact: California requires disclosure of criminal convictions to licensing boards. Doctors, nurses, pharmacists, engineers, teachers, attorneys, accountants, contractors, real estate agents, and numerous other professionals face license suspension or revocation following criminal convictions.
• Immigration Consequences: For Pasadena’s substantial foreign-born population—approximately 29.2% of residents^[6]—criminal convictions can trigger deportation proceedings, inadmissibility determinations, or denial of naturalization applications. Even lawful permanent residents face potential removal based on certain convictions.
• Housing Discrimination: Landlords routinely reject rental applications from individuals with criminal records. In Pasadena’s competitive rental market where median rent is $2,218 per month^[7], a criminal conviction makes finding housing significantly more difficult.
• Loss of Gun Rights: Felony convictions and certain misdemeanor convictions result in lifetime prohibition on firearm ownership under California and federal law.
• Educational Barriers: College applications ask about criminal convictions. Many universities reject applicants or revoke admission offers based on criminal history, destroying educational opportunities.

The Pasadena Court System

Criminal cases in Pasadena are prosecuted in the Los Angeles County Superior Court, Pasadena Courthouse, located at 300 East Walnut Street, Pasadena, CA 91101. This courthouse handles misdemeanor and felony cases arising in Pasadena, Altadena, San Marino, South Pasadena, and surrounding areas.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office prosecutes felony cases in Pasadena. The Pasadena City Attorney’s Office prosecutes misdemeanor cases. Both prosecution offices maintain aggressive approaches to criminal prosecution, seeking maximum penalties and showing little mercy to defendants who appear without experienced legal representation.

DUI Defense in Pasadena: Protecting Your License and Freedom

The Reality of DUI Enforcement in Pasadena

DUI enforcement represents a major priority for Pasadena law enforcement. The Pasadena Police Department reported 194 DUI arrests through January 2025^[2], reflecting aggressive DUI enforcement throughout the city.

Statewide, California reported approximately 68.9% of DUI arrests resulted in convictions^[8] for cases from 2019, according to the California Department of Motor Vehicles DUI Management Information System. Among convicted offenders, 72.8% were first-time offenders and 27.2% were repeat offenders^[9]. The median blood alcohol concentration (BAC) among convicted DUI offenders was 0.16%^[10]—double the legal limit of 0.08%.

First-Time DUI in Pasadena

First-time DUI offenders in Pasadena face serious penalties under California Vehicle Code Section 23152:

• License Suspension: Administrative suspension of your driver’s license for four months to one year, beginning 30 days after arrest unless you request a DMV hearing within 10 days.
• Criminal Penalties: Three to five years of informal probation, fines and fees totaling $1,800 to $2,600, completion of a three to nine-month DUI education program, and potential jail time of up to six months.
• Ignition Interlock Device: California now requires installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) in your vehicle for at least six months for first-time DUI convictions, at your expense.
• Insurance Consequences: SR-22 filing requirements and dramatically increased insurance premiums that can cost thousands of dollars annually for three years.
• Employment Impact: A DUI conviction appears in background checks and can result in job loss or inability to obtain employment, particularly for positions requiring driving or professional licenses.

Felony DUI Charges

Felony DUI charges arise in several situations:

• Fourth DUI in Ten Years: A fourth DUI offense within 10 years is automatically charged as a felony, punishable by 16 months to three years in state prison and other consequences.
• DUI Causing Injury: Driving under the influence causing injury to another person is charged as felony DUI under Vehicle Code Section 23153, carrying 16 months to 10 years in state prison depending on the number of victims and severity of injuries.
• Prior Felony DUI: Any DUI offense following a prior felony DUI conviction results in felony charges.

Felony DUI convictions carry devastating consequences including state prison sentences, substantial restitution to victims, loss of professional licenses, permanent employment barriers, and potential strike convictions under California’s Three Strikes Law.

Our Pasadena DUI Defense Strategies

Our attorneys defend DUI cases using comprehensive strategies:

• Challenging the Traffic Stop: Law enforcement must have reasonable suspicion to stop your vehicle. We examine whether the stop was legally justified and seek suppression of evidence from illegal stops.
• Attacking Field Sobriety Tests: Field sobriety tests are subjective, unreliable, and improperly administered. We demonstrate the weaknesses in these tests and their inability to accurately measure impairment.
• Contesting Breathalyzer Results: Breathalyzer devices are notoriously unreliable. We challenge calibration records, maintenance logs, officer training, and the devices’ accuracy. Mouth alcohol, medical conditions, and environmental factors can produce false elevated readings.
• Blood Test Defenses: Blood alcohol testing involves numerous opportunities for error including improper collection procedures, contamination, fermentation, chain of custody problems, and laboratory errors. We retain expert witnesses to challenge blood test results.
• Rising Blood Alcohol Defense: Your blood alcohol concentration continues rising for 30 to 90 minutes after drinking. You may have been under the legal limit while driving but over the limit when tested later. We present evidence of rising BAC.
• Medical Condition Defenses: Diabetes, acid reflux, GERD, and other medical conditions can produce false positive breath test results or symptoms mimicking intoxication. We present medical evidence supporting these defenses.
• Necessity Defense: In limited circumstances where you drove under the influence to prevent a greater harm (such as rushing someone to the hospital in an emergency), we present necessity defenses.
• Negotiated Resolutions: When appropriate, we negotiate reduced charges such as “wet reckless” convictions under Vehicle Code Section 23103.5, which carry significantly lesser consequences than DUI convictions.

Violent Crime Defense in Pasadena

Assault and Battery Charges

Pasadena’s reported 430 aggravated assaults and 607 simple assaults through January 2025^[2] demonstrate the frequency of assault prosecutions in the city.

• Simple Assault: Assault under California Penal Code Section 240 is a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in county jail and $1,000 in fines. Simple assault requires only an unlawful attempt to commit a violent injury on another person with the present ability to do so.
• Aggravated Assault: Assault with a deadly weapon or by means of force likely to produce great bodily injury under Penal Code Section 245 is a serious felony carrying two to four years in state prison. Aggravated assault qualifies as a strike under California’s Three Strikes Law.
• Battery: Battery under Penal Code Section 242 involves any willful and unlawful use of force or violence upon another person. Simple battery is a misdemeanor carrying up to six months in jail, while aggravated battery causing serious bodily injury under Section 243(d) is a felony carrying two to four years in state prison.

Domestic Violence

The Pasadena Police Department reported 414 domestic violence incidents through January 2025^[2]. Domestic violence charges carry unique and severe consequences including mandatory protective orders, domestic violence counseling requirements, and child custody presumptions against the accused.

California Penal Code Section 273.5 criminalizes corporal injury to a spouse, cohabitant, or parent of the defendant’s child, punishable by up to four years in state prison. Even misdemeanor domestic violence convictions under Section 243(e)(1) carry substantial consequences including 52-week domestic violence program requirements and firearms prohibitions.

Our Defense Strategies for Violent Crime Charges

• Self-Defense: California recognizes the right to use reasonable force to defend yourself or others from imminent harm. We present evidence establishing you acted in lawful self-defense.
• Defense of Others: Similar to self-defense, California law allows use of reasonable force to protect others from harm. We demonstrate your actions were justified to protect another person.
• Lack of Intent: Many assault and battery charges require specific intent to harm. We establish the absence of required intent, whether through accident, mistake, or other circumstances.
• False Allegations: Domestic violence and assault charges frequently arise from false accusations motivated by custody disputes, relationship conflicts, or revenge. We investigate the accuser’s background, motive to lie, and inconsistencies in their story.
• Insufficient Evidence: The prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. We attack weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence and demonstrate reasonable doubt exists.

Property Crime Defense in Pasadena

Theft and Burglary

Pasadena reported 699 burglaries and 340 motor vehicle thefts through January 2025^[2], reflecting substantial property crime enforcement.

• Petty Theft: Theft of property valued under $950 is petty theft under Penal Code Section 484, punishable as a misdemeanor with up to six months in county jail.
• Grand Theft: Theft of property exceeding $950 in value constitutes grand theft under Penal Code Section 487. Grand theft can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony depending on circumstances and criminal history.
• Burglary: California Penal Code Section 459 defines burglary as entering a building, room, or locked vehicle with intent to commit theft or any felony. First-degree burglary (residential burglary) is a serious felony strike carrying two to six years in state prison. Second-degree burglary carries 16 months to three years.
• Robbery: Robbery under Penal Code Section 211 involves taking property from another person’s immediate presence against their will by force or fear. Robbery is a serious felony strike carrying two to five years in state prison for second-degree robbery and three to nine years for first-degree robbery.

Vehicle-Related Crimes

The 340 motor vehicle thefts in Pasadena through January 2025^[2] demonstrate active prosecution of vehicle crimes.

• Grand Theft Auto: Vehicle theft under Penal Code Section 487(d)(1) is grand theft auto, punishable by 16 months to three years in state prison when charged as a felony.
• Joyriding: Unlawfully taking a vehicle without intent to permanently deprive the owner under Vehicle Code Section 10851 is commonly called “joyriding,” punishable by up to three years in state prison.

Property Crime Defense Strategies

• Mistaken Identity: We establish you were not the person who committed the offense through alibi evidence, challenging eyewitness identifications, and demonstrating investigative failures.
• Lack of Intent: Theft and burglary require specific intent to permanently deprive the owner or commit a felony. We demonstrate absence of required intent, such as taking property under a good faith belief of right to possession.
• False Accusations: Property crime accusations sometimes arise from civil disputes, insurance fraud, or mistaken identification. We investigate the accuser’s credibility and motives.
• Insufficient Evidence: We attack weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence including lack of physical evidence connecting you to the crime, unreliable witness testimony, and reasonable doubt.

Drug Crime Defense in Pasadena

California’s Evolving Drug Laws

California has substantially reformed drug laws in recent years, reclassifying many drug possession offenses as misdemeanors and creating diversion programs. However, drug charges still carry serious consequences depending on the offense and circumstances.

• Simple Possession: Possession of controlled substances for personal use under Health and Safety Code Section 11350 is generally a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in county jail, though diversion programs are often available.
• Possession for Sale: Possession of controlled substances with intent to sell under Health and Safety Code Sections 11351 and 11378 is a felony carrying two to four years in state prison.
• Drug Sales: Sales or transportation of controlled substances under Health and Safety Code Sections 11352 and 11379 carry three to nine years in state prison depending on the substance and quantity.
• Manufacturing: Manufacturing controlled substances, particularly methamphetamine, carries three to seven years in state prison under Health and Safety Code Section 11379.6.

Drug Diversion Programs

California offers several diversion programs for drug offenses:

• Proposition 36: Allows first and second-time nonviolent drug possession offenders to receive drug treatment instead of incarceration.
• Penal Code Section 1000 Deferred Entry of Judgment: Allows first-time drug possession offenders to complete drug treatment, after which charges are dismissed.
• Drug Court: Specialized court program providing intensive treatment and supervision as an alternative to incarceration for drug offenses.

Drug Crime Defense Strategies

• Fourth Amendment Violations: Most drug cases involve searches of persons, vehicles, or homes. We challenge whether law enforcement had legal justification for the search and seek suppression of evidence from illegal searches.
• Lack of Possession: The prosecution must prove you possessed the drugs. We demonstrate the drugs belonged to someone else or you lacked knowledge of their presence.
• Lab Analysis Challenges: The prosecution must prove the substance was actually an illegal drug through laboratory analysis. We challenge lab procedures, chain of custody, and analyst qualifications.
• Entrapment: When law enforcement induces someone to commit a crime they otherwise wouldn’t commit, we present entrapment defenses.
• Constructive Possession Defenses: When drugs are found in a location you share with others, we establish you didn’t have control or knowledge of the drugs.

Weapons Charges Defense in Pasadena

California’s Strict Gun Laws

California maintains some of the nation’s strictest firearms laws. The Pasadena Police Department recovered 138 firearms through January 2025^[2] during traffic stops, probation searches, and vehicle recoveries, demonstrating active weapons enforcement.

• Carrying a Concealed Weapon: Carrying a concealed firearm without a permit under Penal Code Section 25400 is punishable by up to three years in state prison.
• Carrying a Loaded Firearm: Carrying a loaded firearm in public or in a vehicle under Penal Code Section 25850 is punishable by up to three years in state prison.
• Felon in Possession: Felons are prohibited from owning or possessing firearms under Penal Code Section 29800. Violations carry 16 months to three years in state prison.
• Assault with a Firearm: Assault with a firearm under Penal Code Section 245(a)(2) is a serious felony strike carrying three to 12 years in state prison depending on circumstances.

Weapons Defense Strategies

• Lack of Knowledge: Many weapons charges require knowledge that you possessed the weapon. We establish you lacked knowledge of the weapon’s presence.
• Illegal Search and Seizure: Most weapons cases involve searches. We challenge whether the search was legal and seek suppression of illegally obtained evidence.
• Temporary Possession: Limited defenses exist for temporarily possessing weapons to prevent harm or deliver them to law enforcement.
• Registration Defenses: We investigate whether weapons charges are based on registration violations that can be resolved without criminal convictions.

Why Pasadena Residents Choose Tu Defensor Criminalista

Local Expertise and Experience

Our attorneys appear regularly at the Pasadena Courthouse at 300 East Walnut Street, establishing working relationships with judges, prosecutors, and court staff. This familiarity with local procedures and personnel provides significant advantages that out-of-area attorneys cannot match.

We understand Pasadena’s unique character—from the historic neighborhoods near the Rose Bowl to the commercial districts of Old Pasadena, from the academic atmosphere around Cal Tech to the diverse residential communities throughout the city. This local knowledge informs our defense strategies and helps us select juries who will be fair and impartial.

Bilingual Legal Services

Pasadena’s diverse population includes approximately 34.1% Hispanic residents^[11] and 29.2% foreign-born residents^[6]. Our bilingual attorneys and staff provide seamless service in English and Spanish, ensuring nothing is lost in translation and that you fully understand every aspect of your case.

24/7 Availability for Emergencies

Criminal emergencies don’t follow business hours. Arrests happen at night, on weekends, and during holidays. We answer our phones 24/7 because we understand that time is critical when you’re arrested or facing urgent legal issues.

Call (888) 315-3326 any time, day or night, for immediate assistance. Our attorneys are available to respond to emergencies, advise you during questioning, and begin working on your case immediately.

Comprehensive Criminal Defense Services

We handle the full spectrum of criminal charges in Pasadena:

• DUI and Drunk Driving – First offense, repeat DUI, felony DUI, DUI causing injury
• Violent Crimes – Assault, battery, domestic violence, robbery, homicide
• Property Crimes – Theft, burglary, robbery, receiving stolen property, vandalism
• Drug Crimes – Possession, sales, transportation, manufacturing
• Weapons Charges – Illegal possession, carrying concealed weapons, assault with deadly weapon
• White Collar Crimes – Fraud, embezzlement, identity theft, forgery
• Sex Crimes – Sexual assault, lewd conduct, indecent exposure
• Juvenile Crimes – All offenses committed by minors
• Probation Violations – Defending against revocation proceedings
• Expungements – Clearing eligible criminal records
• Appeals – Challenging wrongful convictions

Proven Track Record of Success

Our firm has achieved numerous favorable outcomes for Pasadena clients including:

• Dismissals of charges before trial
• Not guilty verdicts at trial
• Reduced charges through negotiation
• Alternative sentencing avoiding jail
• Successful probation violation defenses
• Expungements of prior convictions

While past results don’t guarantee future outcomes, our experience and proven strategies position us to achieve the best possible result in your case.

Reasonable Fees and Payment Plans

We understand that criminal charges create financial stress. We offer competitive rates and flexible payment plans to ensure you have quality representation regardless of your financial situation. During your free consultation, we provide transparent information about costs and payment options.

The Criminal Defense Process in Pasadena

Arrest and Booking

When arrested in Pasadena, you’re typically transported to the Pasadena Police Department for booking. During booking, officers collect personal information, take photographs and fingerprints, conduct warrant checks, and determine bail or whether you’ll be released on your own recognizance.

Your Rights During Arrest:

• Right to remain silent
• Right to refuse consent to searches
• Right to an attorney before questioning
• Right to make a phone call

What to Do When Arrested:

• Remain calm and polite
• Don’t resist even if the arrest is unjustified
• Invoke your right to remain silent
• Request an attorney immediately
• Don’t consent to searches
• Don’t make any statements about the case
• Call Tu Defensor Criminalista at (888) 315-3326 immediately

Arraignment

Arraignment is your first court appearance, typically occurring within 48 hours of arrest for in-custody defendants. At arraignment, the judge:

• Informs you of the charges
• Advises you of your constitutional rights
• Determines or reviews bail
• Enters your plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest)

We appear with you at arraignment, argue for reduced bail or release on your own recognizance, and typically enter a not guilty plea to preserve all defenses while we investigate your case.

Pretrial Proceedings

The pretrial phase involves numerous proceedings and opportunities to resolve your case:

• Discovery: We obtain evidence from the prosecution including police reports, witness statements, photographs, videos, forensic reports, and other materials. We conduct our own investigation, interview witnesses, retain experts, and gather evidence supporting your defense.
• Motions: We file motions to dismiss charges, suppress illegally obtained evidence, discover additional evidence, or address other legal issues. Successful motions can result in charges being dismissed or evidence excluded, dramatically improving your position.
• Plea Negotiations: We negotiate with prosecutors to seek charge reductions, dismissals, or favorable sentencing recommendations. Many cases resolve through negotiation, avoiding trial while achieving favorable outcomes.

Trial

When cases cannot be resolved favorably through negotiation, we proceed to trial. Our trial experience and courtroom skills provide you with aggressive representation before judges and juries.

• Jury Selection: We carefully select jurors through questioning designed to identify and exclude jurors with biases against you.
• Opening Statements: We present your theory of defense and outline the evidence that will establish your innocence or create reasonable doubt.
• Cross-Examination: We aggressively cross-examine prosecution witnesses to expose weaknesses, inconsistencies, and bias in their testimony.
• Defense Case: We present your evidence including witnesses, documents, and expert testimony supporting your defense.
• Closing Arguments: We argue persuasively why the evidence requires a not guilty verdict.

Sentencing

If convicted following trial or plea, sentencing occurs at a subsequent hearing. We present mitigation evidence including:

• Character references
• Employment history
• Educational background
• Family responsibilities
• Substance abuse treatment
• Mental health treatment
• Community involvement
• Remorse and acceptance of responsibility

We argue for minimum sentences, alternative sentencing including probation, work furlough, electronic monitoring, or treatment programs instead of custody.

Protecting Your Constitutional Rights

Fourth Amendment – Search and Seizure

The Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. Law enforcement must have probable cause for arrests and warrants or specific legal exceptions for warrantless searches. We aggressively challenge illegal searches and seek suppression of evidence obtained through Fourth Amendment violations.

Fifth Amendment – Self-Incrimination

The Fifth Amendment protects your right against self-incrimination. You have no obligation to answer police questions or provide evidence against yourself. We advise clients to exercise this right and refuse to make statements during investigation or questioning.

Sixth Amendment – Right to Counsel

The Sixth Amendment guarantees your right to legal representation. This right attaches at critical stages of the criminal process including custodial interrogation, arraignment, pretrial proceedings, and trial. We ensure your Sixth Amendment rights are protected throughout your case.

Eighth Amendment – Excessive Bail

The Eighth Amendment prohibits excessive bail. We argue for reasonable bail that reflects the nature of charges, your community ties, and flight risk rather than punitive or excessive amounts designed to keep you detained.

White Collar Crime Defense in Pasadena

Understanding White Collar Offenses

Pasadena’s highly educated and affluent population—with a median household income of $103,778^[6]—means white collar crime prosecutions are common. These crimes typically involve deception for financial gain.

• Fraud: Various fraud offenses under California Penal Code including check fraud (Section 476), credit card fraud (Section 484e-484j), and insurance fraud (Section 550) carry penalties ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies.
• Embezzlement: Taking property entrusted to you under Penal Code Section 503 is embezzlement. Penalties range from misdemeanors for amounts under $950 to felonies carrying three years in state prison for larger amounts.
• Identity Theft: Using another person’s identifying information for unlawful purposes under Penal Code Section 530.5 carries up to three years in state prison.
• Forgery: Signing another person’s name or altering documents with intent to defraud under Penal Code Section 470 is punishable by up to three years in state prison.

White Collar Defense Strategies

• Lack of Intent: White collar crimes require specific intent to defraud. We demonstrate the absence of fraudulent intent, showing actions resulted from mistakes, misunderstandings, or legitimate business practices.
• Insufficient Evidence: We attack weaknesses in financial evidence, demonstrate accounting errors, and establish reasonable doubt.
• Mistaken Identity: Identity theft cases often involve mistaken identity. We demonstrate someone else used your identity.

Sex Crime Defense in Pasadena

Serious Allegations Requiring Aggressive Defense

Sex crime allegations carry devastating consequences beyond criminal penalties including lifetime registration requirements, residency restrictions, and social stigma.

• Sexual Assault: Rape and sexual assault charges under Penal Code Sections 261 and 261.5 carry three to eight years in state prison and lifetime sex offender registration.
• Lewd Conduct: Engaging in lewd conduct in public under Penal Code Section 647(a) or with a minor under Section 288 carries misdemeanor or felony charges.
• Indecent Exposure: Willfully exposing genitals in public under Penal Code Section 314 is a misdemeanor carrying up to six months in jail but may require sex offender registration.

Sex Crime Defense Approaches

• False Accusations: We investigate the accuser’s background, motive to fabricate allegations, and inconsistencies. Many sex crime allegations arise from custody disputes or relationship conflicts.
• Consent: In cases between adults, consent is a complete defense. We establish the alleged victim consented through evidence of communications and relationship history.
• Constitutional Violations: Sex crime investigations often involve Miranda violations or illegal searches. We seek suppression of illegally obtained evidence.

Juvenile Crime Defense in Pasadena

Protecting Young People’s Futures

Juvenile arrests can derail young people’s futures before they truly begin. Pasadena’s young population deserves attorneys who understand juvenile law’s unique aspects.

• Juvenile Court Differences: Juvenile proceedings differ substantially from adult cases. Cases are heard by judges rather than juries. The focus is rehabilitation rather than punishment. Records can be sealed.
• Common Juvenile Offenses: Pasadena juveniles face charges including theft, vandalism, drug possession, assault, DUI, and weapons possession.
• Transfer to Adult Court: Prosecutors can seek transfer to adult court for serious offenses committed by juveniles 16 or older. We aggressively oppose transfer motions.

Juvenile Defense Strategies

• Diversion Programs: We seek diversion programs allowing juveniles to avoid formal adjudication through community service, counseling, and restitution.
• Sealed Records: Juvenile records can be sealed under Welfare and Institutions Code Section 781, allowing young people to move forward without criminal records.

Immigration Consequences of Criminal Convictions

Protecting Non-Citizens’ Status

For Pasadena’s substantial immigrant population—approximately 29.2% foreign-born^[6]—criminal convictions can trigger deportation, inadmissibility, and denial of naturalization.

• Crimes of Moral Turpitude: Convictions involving fraud, theft, or intent to harm can render non-citizens deportable or inadmissible.
• Aggravated Felonies: Many misdemeanors qualify as “aggravated felonies” for immigration purposes, triggering mandatory deportation.
• Controlled Substance Offenses: Any controlled substance conviction except a single offense of simple possession of 30 grams or less of marijuana renders non-citizens deportable.
• Domestic Violence: Domestic violence convictions trigger deportability regardless of whether charged as misdemeanors or felonies.

Immigration-Safe Resolutions

We work with immigration attorneys to structure plea agreements avoiding immigration consequences:

• Alternative Charges: We negotiate to charges that don’t trigger immigration consequences.
• Sentencing Strategies: Immigration consequences often depend on sentence length. We structure sentences to avoid deportability triggers.

Protecting Professional Licenses

License Defense for Pasadena Professionals

Pasadena’s highly educated workforce includes numerous licensed professionals. Criminal convictions can trigger license discipline or revocation, destroying careers.

• Healthcare Professionals: The Medical Board of California, Board of Registered Nursing, Pharmacy Board, and other agencies discipline licensees based on criminal convictions.
• Educators: The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing can suspend or revoke teaching credentials based on criminal conduct.
• Attorneys: The State Bar of California prosecutes attorneys for moral turpitude convictions and other criminal conduct.
• Real Estate Professionals: The California Department of Real Estate disciplines real estate licensees based on criminal convictions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Defense in Pasadena

Contact Tu Defensor Criminalista for Pasadena Criminal Defense

If you’ve been served with a Criminal Defense in Pasadena, time is running out. Don’t face this crisis alone. Contact Tu Defensor Criminalista immediately for a free, confidential consultation about your case.

Remember:

• Free consultation – call now
• Request DMV hearing within 10 days of arrest
• Don’t talk to police without attorney
• Don’t plead guilty without exploring defenses

Areas We Serve

We proudly serve clients throughout Pasadena and surrounding Los Angeles County communities including:

• Pasadena (all neighborhoods including Old Pasadena, Bungalow Heaven, Madison Heights, Chapman Woods, Linda Vista, Oak Knoll, San Rafael)
• Altadena
• Sierra Madre
• San Marino
• South Pasadena
• Arcadia
• Monrovia
• Temple City
• East Pasadena
• San Gabriel
• La Cañada Flintridge
• Eagle Rock
• Glendale

We handle cases at Pasadena Superior Courthouse and throughout Los Angeles County’s court system.