Pacoima is a neighborhood in the northern portion of Los Angeles' San Fernando Valley.  Nearby Sylmar, San Fernando, Mission Hills, Arleta, Sun Valley, Lake View Terrace, Tujunga, Panorama City, North Hills and Santa Clarita, Pacoima has a population of over 80,000 people.  Pacoima has higher crime rates than average for LA and higher for the San Fernando Valley.  Pacoima has a large number of gangs, and crimes vary from drug crimes to violent crimes and homicide.

In addition to the gang-related crimes, everyday citizens find themselves in legal trouble in Pacoima, as well.  Arrests for driving without a license/diving on a suspended license, driving under the influence (DUI) and domestic violence are common as well.  Throughout LA County, enforcing these laws has become a priority because of the sheer volume that law enforcement can achieve.  These cases are serious in that they are criminal offenses, but because they are so common, police and prosecutors have used these offenses to build revenue for the county.  Fines are very high, and these offenses carry the possibility of jail time, long terms of probation, as well as effects on your driver's license or immigration status.

Pacoima is policed by the LAPD, Foothill and Mission Divisions, and criminal cases are aggressively prosecuted in the San Fernando Courthouse.  The California Highway Patrol has jurisdiction over the 118 and 5 freeways bordering the neighborhood. 

Being arrested and facing criminal charges is scary and stressful.  You have questions, concerns and are probably very concerned about going to jail, your future and your criminal record.  If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges in Los Angeles, Pacoima, San Fernando, Van Nuys, North Hollywood, Studio City, Burbank or anywhere else in Southern California, our office can fight for you and assert your rights and defenses.

Some Examples of Criminal Defense Cases in Pacoima:
1.  LAPD is operating a checkpoint on Van Nuys Boulevard in Pacoima.  Their goal: to arrest as many people as they can for DUI, driving without a license and any other crime they happen to observe.  Justin is driving near the checkpoint, with several of his friends as passengers.  Half a block before the checkpoint, Justin makes a legal turn, but is followed by an officer.  After the next stop sign, Justin gets pulled over.  The officer approaches the car and smells the odor of marijuana.  Justin is asked to show his driver's license, which is suspended.  One of Justin's passenger's, Martin, is on probation for a drug charge, and has an unlicensed gun on his ankle.  The officer searches Justin and Martin, and places them both under arrest.  Justin is arrested for DUI (marijuana) and driving on a suspended license.  Martin is arrested for a probation violation and being a felon in possession of a firearm.  Justin and Martin each hire criminal defense attorneys who file motions to suppress the evidence based on the stops.  If the motions are granted, both cases will be dismissed, even though Justin is facing jail time and Martin could go to prison.

2.  Joshua is involved in a traffic collision in Pacoima.  He was stopped in the left turn lane, and got rear-ended by another driver.  Joshua had been drinking beer with friends earlier that day, and does not have a driver's license.  Joshua has a prior DUI and two prior driving on a suspended license convictions.  Although he was not responsible for the accident, Joshua just drives away and goes home.  At home, he continues to drink more beer.  Police arrive at his house and he is arrested for DUI, driving on a suspended license, and hit and run.  Due to his priors, Joshua is facing mandatory jail time and up to a year in county jail.  He hires a Los Angeles Criminal Defense Lawyer to help him.  The lawyer immediately sees the weaknesses in the case.  Joshua did not admit to driving the vehicle, was not responsible for the accident, and there was no positive witness ID.  The attorney sets the case for trial.  If Joshua wins, or if the prosecutor drops the case, there will be no conviction, no jail time, and no piling on of points on Joshua's license (6 points for those three offenses).

3.  Mary has been convicted of petty theft several times.  She has one prior that was charged as a burglary, and she is currently on felony probation for that charge.  Mary has not been checking in with probation and picks up a new drug case for possession of methamphetamine.  Mary hires an LA criminal defense lawyer, who recognizes that her felony probation is for a case that is now a misdemeanor under a new change in the law (Prop 47).  What this means is that Mary cannot be sent to prison for her violation.  It turns out Mary is eligible for a drug treatment program in lieu of jail time, as well.  Mary is able to enroll in the drug treatment program, her felony prior has been reduced to a misdemeanor and her probation in that case was terminated.  If she successfully completes the drug program, she will avoid any time in custody, and is now no longer a felon, making it easier to find a job.

There are many advantages to having a dedicated criminal defense attorney on your side.  In addition to peace of mind that someone is carefully handling your case, your lawyer can do a lot of things to get you a better outcome and help you avoid some or all of the negative consequences associated with certain convictions.  Whether through motions (e.g. motion to suppress evidence, motion to dismiss), negotiation or trial, your lawyer will assert your rights and fight for you to have a better experience in this brush with the law.  Whether you are a first time offender who really needs to keep their record clean, or a convicted felon trying to avoid prison, our office can help.  Call now for a free consultation with a Los Angeles Criminal Defense Lawyer.  213-375-3775.

SAN FERNANDO VALLEY OFFICE:  818-646-8788