Steve Escovar | Pasadena Criminal Defense Lawyer

In the Norwalk Courthouse, I recently represented a client that was charged with a Fourth DUI within ten years. In addition, he had previously been convicted to two felony strike convictions. That meant that he should presumptively be sentenced to state prison. The initial offer from the prosecution was 32 months of State Prison. That was the low term for a felony DUI of 16 months, doubled, because of the prior strikes, therefore, 32 months of prison. Moreover, because of the strike priors, my client would have to complete 80% of his sentence in prison instead of the 50% if he had had no strikes. I negotiated with the prosecution and proposed an open plea to the Judge. This judge is one of the strongest, most sensible and most compassionate judges in Los Angeles county. Since my client was married, had a child and had a great job, the judge was willing to consider our ""Romero Motion"". A ""Romero Motion"" allows a judge to dismiss prior strikes in the interest of justice. After hearing our facts, evidence and presentation, the judge granted the ""Romero Motion"" and struck the strikes for the purpose of sentencing. The Judge agreed to sentence my client to house arrest for one year with SCRAM monitoring. Three years of prison were suspended but not executed (ESS). So as long as my client stays sober and does not violate probation, he will only do house arrest and no prison. He stays united with his family and keeps his job. Awesome! I recently had the mother of a client call me to thank me again for having defending her son in a three-week long Jury Trial at the San Fernando Courthouse. My client was 18 years old. He was accused of two counts of Attempted Murder (Penal Code section 664/187) with ""Gun"" and ""Gang"" allegations. He was looking at two consecutive life sentences. The pre-trial offer was 39 years of state prison! After three weeks of evidence, the jury came back in only three hours . . . Not Guilty on all counts! It took two years to get my client to trial, all the while he was in custody on two million dollars bail . . . free at last, thank God Almighty . . . free at last!

I started my career as a public defender in both San Diego and Los Angeles Counties. I gained an enormous of amount of experience and I had great success in trials. I opened my own law practice in 1998. I focused on achieving great results for my clients. I am bilingual in English and Spanish and my word of mouth referral network grew quickly.

Knowledge and experience are critical. Overtime we refine our skill and craft. You simple know how to get better results the longer you practice law. The attorney should be profession, aggressive and compassionate. Look for someone with a good reputation. If the DA's and Judges trust the attorney, they are more willing to agree to creative resolutions.

Knowledge and Experience are king. I often tell people resolving criminal cases is like solving a riddle. The riddle is: How do I get the result my client needs, how can justice truly be served for all parties?

On a free telephonic consultation I can provide a road map of what lies ahead. The number of court dates, the personalities we will likely deal with and what the probable resolution will be.

need the name, date of birth, court house, and contact phone number for the client.

With over 21 years of experience and an outstanding reputation in the courts as an honest and aggressive trial attorney, I bring superior credibility. I am bilingual in English and Spanish. I attended U.C. Berkeley-Boalt Hall School of Law (Currently ranked 8th in the Nation). We charge reasonable fees.

When we achieve an outstanding result and consequently a family stays together and clients keep their jobs, reputation and freedom.

• Member | Los Angeles County Bar Association
  Member | Pasadena Bar Association
  Past President | Member | Criminal Courts Bar Association
  Member | Mexican American Bar Association

• American Society of Legal Advocates, Top 100 Lawyers, 2016
  The National Trial Lawyers, Top 100 Criminal Defense Trial Lawyers, 2016
  Martindale-Hubbell, Client Distinction Award, 2015
  National Association of Distinguished Counsel, Nation's Top One Percent, 2015
  Pasadena Magazine, Top Attorneys, 2010

• People v. Landeros | "Not Guilty" on both counts of Attempted Murder! People v. Larussa | Hung Jury on both counts, Robbery and Assault with a Deadly weapon! Daniela Z., et al. v. Confidential| Settlement-$1 Million Dollars, Policy Limit Tendered

• Escovar & Avila, LLP Newsletter        | Immigration Post Conviction Newsletter |        2013

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