Hermosa Beach, Felony Criminal Threats Reduced to Misdemeanor – Attorney Success # 9
Our client was upset when a local veterinarian burned his dog’s ear off while performing surgery on the dog’s knee. Our client, subsequently at the vet’s office, asked the vet how his dog’s ear was burned off. The vet responded callously, “you want me to sew it back on or something?”
Our client, with no prior criminal record, became upset with the vet’s remark and told him so. The vet, fearing a malpractice action, then claimed our client threatened him with a gun and called 911. In reporting the incident to the police, the vet complained that our client threatened to beat him up and only after perhaps five minutes of questioning, added “and he threatened to shoot me with a gun.” The vet further elaborated that our client promised to leave, get a gun, and return to the vet’s office. In other words, the vet embellished the claim to bolster a police reaction.
The Hermosa Beach Police took the incident seriously, at least on paper, as the vet was a wealthy taxpayer and a high profile community activist. Our client was charged with felony criminal threats (Penal Code § 422).
Our client first went with the public defender, but quickly became disenchanted with the public defender’s lack of zeal. He then called our office after the Preliminary Hearing.
Our office thoroughly reviewed the police report with the client and assembled a “Good Guy” packet, consisting of letters of recommendation, certificates of commendation, diplomas and letters of support. Our office then put together a Motion to Reduce Charges to a Misdemeanor under Penal Code § 17(b), arguing that the client’s otherwise clean history and the overblown nature of the case supported reduction of the charges to a misdemeanor.
The court denied the motion, citing to the seriousness of a gun being involved, but brought the prosecutor and Greg Hill to his chambers, where he suggested a disposition. The deal proposed was that the case be reduced to a misdemeanor after a year if our client completed 26 weeks of anger management classes and complete thirty days of community service –and not “pick up” any new charges over the next year.
Our client accepted the deal. Had our client rejected the deal and proceeded to trial, he faced a maximum term of three years in state prison.
If you or a family member has been charged with felony or misdemeanor criminal threats (Penal Code section 422) call our office today. One of our criminal attorneys will speak with you immediately and will fight vigorously for you.
Don't risk losing your employment or your reputation. Call us today at (310) 782-2500 for your free consultation. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help you.
When payment is an issue, we have very competitive flat fee rates to represent you or your family member. In special circumstances, we will also consider payment plans where payments are spread out over time. We also accept all major credit cards.
Call us today to let us do the worrying for you.
Our client, with no prior criminal record, became upset with the vet’s remark and told him so. The vet, fearing a malpractice action, then claimed our client threatened him with a gun and called 911. In reporting the incident to the police, the vet complained that our client threatened to beat him up and only after perhaps five minutes of questioning, added “and he threatened to shoot me with a gun.” The vet further elaborated that our client promised to leave, get a gun, and return to the vet’s office. In other words, the vet embellished the claim to bolster a police reaction.
The Hermosa Beach Police took the incident seriously, at least on paper, as the vet was a wealthy taxpayer and a high profile community activist. Our client was charged with felony criminal threats (Penal Code § 422).
Our client first went with the public defender, but quickly became disenchanted with the public defender’s lack of zeal. He then called our office after the Preliminary Hearing.
Our office thoroughly reviewed the police report with the client and assembled a “Good Guy” packet, consisting of letters of recommendation, certificates of commendation, diplomas and letters of support. Our office then put together a Motion to Reduce Charges to a Misdemeanor under Penal Code § 17(b), arguing that the client’s otherwise clean history and the overblown nature of the case supported reduction of the charges to a misdemeanor.
The court denied the motion, citing to the seriousness of a gun being involved, but brought the prosecutor and Greg Hill to his chambers, where he suggested a disposition. The deal proposed was that the case be reduced to a misdemeanor after a year if our client completed 26 weeks of anger management classes and complete thirty days of community service –and not “pick up” any new charges over the next year.
Our client accepted the deal. Had our client rejected the deal and proceeded to trial, he faced a maximum term of three years in state prison.
If you or a family member has been charged with felony or misdemeanor criminal threats (Penal Code section 422) call our office today. One of our criminal attorneys will speak with you immediately and will fight vigorously for you.
Don't risk losing your employment or your reputation. Call us today at (310) 782-2500 for your free consultation. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help you.
When payment is an issue, we have very competitive flat fee rates to represent you or your family member. In special circumstances, we will also consider payment plans where payments are spread out over time. We also accept all major credit cards.
Call us today to let us do the worrying for you.