Call us first- ALLEN & EHRLE, Lawyers:  909 482-1274

Any person facing the possibility of going to jail or prison should always hire an attorney, whether the case is a first offense DUI, domestic violence, drugs, theft, assault, or as serious as a sex crime or even murder.

The truth is, no matter what the person's intelligence or educational background, the criminal justice system makes it virtually impossible to do a competent job of self representation. Each criminal case is unique, and only an attorney who is experienced in assessing the particulars of a case--and in dealing with the many variables present in every criminal case--can provide the type of representation that every criminal defendant needs to receive if justice is to be done.

An experienced and talented defense lawyer can:

• negotiate "deals" with prosecutors, often arranging for reduced charges and lesser sentencing (by contrast, prosecutors may be uncooperative with self-represented defendants, or inexperienced attorneys)
• formulate sentencing programs tailored to a client's specific needs, often helping defendants avoid jail
• help clients cope with the feelings of fear, embarrassment and reduced self-esteem that criminal charges tend to produce in many people
• provide clients with a reality check -- a knowledgeable, objective perspective on their situation and what is likely to happen should their cases go to trial. This perspective is vital for defendants trying to decide whether to accept a prosecutor's offered "plea bargain"
• are familiar with important legal rules that people representing themselves or non-criminal attorneys would find almost impossible to locate on their own, because many criminal law rules are hidden away in court interpretations of federal and state constitutions (for example, understanding what may constitute an "unreasonable search and seizure" often requires familiarity with a vast array of state and federal appellate court opinions)
• are familiar with local court customs and procedures that aren't written down anywhere (for example, a defense lawyer may know which prosecutor has the "real" authority to settle a case, and what kinds of arguments are likely to appeal to that prosecutor)
• understand the possible "hidden costs" of pleading guilty
• gather information from prosecution witnesses, who often fear people accused of crimes and therefore refuse to speak to people representing themselves, and
• hire and manage investigators, psychologists and other "defense team" members

A few examples of cases handled and the results obtained by Mr. Allen:

  CRIMINAL CASES:

• Assault & Battery stemming from a custody dispute; Jury Trial; Not Guilty.

• Possession of narcotics; search of client’s vehicle; Jury Trial; Not Guilty.

• Possession of narcotics; under the influence of narcotics; possession of stolen property; Case dismissed; search warrant quashed and evidence suppressed.

• Petty Theft/Shoplifting; Case dismissed by a major store chain after discussions regarding a possible civil lawsuit.

• Transportation of Narcotics (60 Pounds) Case Dismissed; Motion to Suppress Evidence granted; Unlawful Search & Seizure.

• Possession of Marijuana for Sale - (100 Pounds)  Motion to Dismiss at Preliminary Hearing granted; "insufficient evidence."

• Possession of LSD for Sale (1000+ "hits")- drug diversion granted after search warrant problems discovered through pretrial discovery.

• Possession of loaded and concealed firearm; Jury Trial; Not Guilty.

• "3rd Strike" case; Offer to settle from the Prosecution- 25 to life. After extensive investigation and pretrial motions case resolved for 4 years.

• Spousal Abuse- dismissed on day of trial.

• Spousal Abuse - Jury Trial; Not Guilty.

DUI CASES:  (see our DUI page for more)

• DUI -chemical test refused; Jury Trial; Not Guilty of DUI; guilty of driving on a suspended license.

• DUI, Racing, Under the Influence of Drugs; Client deemed "Factually Innocent" of DUI and drug influence, Racing charges dismissed, Plea to speeding, fine only.

• DUI (3^rd Offense)- Previous Attorney negotiated guilty plea with 180 days in jail - Plea withdrawn - Dismissed on day of trial.

• DUI- Client pled guilty to running a red light, DUI dismissed

• DUI- Second offense; Reduced to reckless driving, no jail, no license loss;

• DUI- Client pled guilty to unsafe lane change, DUI dismissed.

• DUI- "No Contest"  Plea to non-alcohol traffic offense after discovery revealed problems with blood sample.

• DUI- Jury Trial; Case dismissed after Arresting Officer's testimony.

The above cases are provided as examples only. Please be aware that they DO NOT constitute a guarantee as to any result in your case; each case is different and depends upon its own facts.

Please see our FAQ page for more information on Criminal Law & Procedure