Misdemeanors are crimes that are considered as less serious than felonies.  This never means that they are less serious to Ms. Dodson.  She understands that a simple DUI could put a person's job and future in jeopardy. 

The law does not punish a misdemeanor offender as harshly as felony offenders.  Misdemeanors are punishable by up to a year in county jail, or up to a $1,000.00 fine, or both.  Some misdemeanors are driving under the influence (dui), possession of a small amount of narcotics, theft of items less than $400.00, and assault with no serious injuries. 

There are many ways a good lawyer can defend these crimes.  If a traffic stop or search was involved, a good lawyer may find constitutional grounds to get the evidence found in the search suppressed.  For a DUI case, or a possession case, this is often all the evidence of the crime that the state has.  Therefore, if the police violated your rights in such an instance, a good lawyer can get your case dismissed.

Ms. Dodson has defended several misdemeanor cases achieving great results.  Call 818-286-3900 now for a free consultation.

                                                                       
            FIGHTING A DUI CASE

In order to prevail in court regarding a driving under the influence charge, a prosecutor must prove that the officers had probable cause to initiate a traffic stop, you were driving, and you were under the influence of alcohol or drugs while you were driving beyond a reasonable doubt.  If they do not prove all three conditions beyond a reasonable doubt, you will win your case.

Although the police are usually conscientious, there have been many cases where clients were found in their cars passed out, pulled over illegally, or arrested and then tested for alcohol hours later.  All these scenarios invite the possibility for dismissal.  It is hard to prove you were driving unless someone saw you driving.  Granted, if they find you passed out alone in a car parked on the shoulder of the 101 freeway, they may have a case.  If they find out passed out in your car anywhere else, however, they may have a problem proving that you drove your car under the influence.  Finding someone under the influence inside an unmoving vehicle is not necessarily enough. 

Pursuant to United States v. Whren, a traffic stop is a "seizure," and qualifies for Fourth Amendment protection.  Therefore, law enforcement officers must have probable cause that you are violating the law in order to initiate a traffic stop on your vehicle.  If they pulled you over for a reason that falls short of a violation of the Vehicle Code, the evidence collected after the stop will be suppressed.  Any tests you took or observations the officer made after you were stopped will no longer be available for court.  This usually leads to a complete dismissal. 


If you are charged with a DUI, Ms. Dodson will subpoena all breathalyzer calibration records, and all witnesses who can testify on your behalf.  She will ensure that you received the best possible result for your case.