The following are a few examples of David's recent results. (Every case is different. This is NOT a guarantee, warrantee, or prediction of how YOUR case will turn out)
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Misdemeanor Theft (Shoplifting): Client was arrested after allegedly concealing $70 worth of merchandise and attempting to exit a warehouse store. After discussing the issues at hand with the prosecutor and painting a picture of certain mitigating circumstances, there was a small fine and the criminal case was dismissed.
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Misdemeanor Drunk in Public: Client was assisting a heavily-intoxicated friend from a bar. The friend could barely stand, so client was supporting her to another friend's vehicle so she could go home and sleep it off. Rather than assisting the inebriated female, police arrested the Good Samaritan - despite the absence of any objective signs of intoxication; despite the fact that the client was neither a danger to himself nor others. Because the client had a prior DUI, the District Attorney sought to prosecute to the fullest extent of the law. Attorney Givot called their bluff and, rather than entertaining any of the misdemeanor offers extended by the DA, he set the matter for trial. When it was clear that the Defense was ready to fight and win, the criminal case was dismissed.
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Felony Possession of Heroin: Client suffered a loss of consciousness while in public. Paramedics discovered a small quantity of Heroin in his pocket. At the Emergency Room, client was arrested and upon his release from the hospital he was booked for felony possession. Client was formally charged by the District Attorney and faced two years in State Prison. After careful negotiation and close work with the prosecutor, client will complete a drug treatment program and a short period of probation. When probation is complete, criminal case will be dismissed.
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Felony DUI Manslaughter: Client, just 24-years-old, was out for the evening with his 26-year-old female companion. After dinner, a few drinks, and lots of laughs, the two headed toward home in client's high-performance sports car. Although there was no evidence of reckless driving or excessive speed for the conditions, the vehicle lost control on a windy road with an uneven grade. Tragically, the car struck a tree on the passenger side and the companion was killed instantly. Client was charged with multiple felony counts and faced nearly a decade in state prison. The legal team, which included Mr. Givot and Attorney David Borsari and Attorney Veronica Guzman, worked tirelessly reviewing evidence, law, custody credits, and specific mitigating factors. The team worked with the client's family as well as prosecutors to achieve the best possible result in a case where there could be no winner. Ultimately, the case resolved without the trauma of a trial and the client is expected to be home after serving approximately 364 days.
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Misdemeanor DUI (under 21-years-old) and Possession of Alcohol by a Minor: Client was stopped by police for allegedly speeding. Police discovered an unopened beer in the center console and accused client of driving while intoxicated. Client was arrested and charged, despite the fact that the police did not perform any chemical blood/alcohol test. After exposing and discussing the inherent weaknesses of the prosecution's case, client paid a small fine for the beer and the criminal case was dismissed.
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Felony Domestic Violence: Client, a Paramedic in Southern California, found himself in a heated argument with his wife. The exchange, just one of many sparked by economic difficulties, led to yelling and, ultimately, both spouses removing themselves from the situation. Nevertheless, before separating themselves to cool off, both had called police claiming the other had assaulted them. When police arrived, client's wife - who had scratched her own arms out of frustration - claimed the scratches were caused by client. He was arrested and booked on suspicion of felony spousal battery. Attorney Givot met with client prior to the arraignment and noted right away that client's fingernails had been so frequently bitten for so long, that the finger tips had literally begun to grow over the nails - thus making it impossible for client to have scratched anyone. On the day of the arraignment, Attorney Givot went to both the District Attorney and the arresting Police agency to discuss the matter BEFORE any formal charges were filed. After a harried morning of running around, no criminal charges were filed.
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Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Battery on an Officer, Hit & Run: After a confrontation with a parking enforcement officer - who was watching the meter run down as client was approaching his car and she wrote the ticket when the meter hit zero while he was running with more change - client was charged with ADW, Battery on an Officer, and Hit & Run. ADW and Hit & Run charges dismissed. No jail. Unsupervised probation.
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Client called after being ordered to surrender for 45 days jail: Client, single mother, barely making ends meet, was ordered by the Court to return in one week to surrender and serve 45 days in county jail for failing to fulfill the terms of her DUI plea - enroll in classes and pay the fines & fees. She contacted me that afternoon in a panic knowing that any time in jail would cost her job and her child. Two days after she called, I went to the courthouse, spoke with the District Attorney and was able to get the Judge to agree to a chambers conference. Client now has a year to pay the fines & fees and complete the classes. No Jail. No additional court appearances.
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Third Strike Felony Providing Marijuana to a Minor: Client, just 25 days away from completing parole and in possession of a valid California Medical Marijuana Card, was arrested after an individual standing near him and among a group of others, was seen by police smoking marijuana from a pipe in public. The individual was 16-year-old. My client was arrested after the frightened teen told police that my client had provided it through is California card, despite witness statements to the contrary. Because of his two prior strikes, the District Attorney sought 25-years to life in prison for my client. After extensive & thorough private investigation and securing the cooperation & support of his parole officer, I was able to negotiate a settlement directly with the Judge, bypassing the DA altogether, and my client will be home in approximately 13 months.
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Felony Possession of Controlled Substance & Deadly Weapon: Client was arrested during a raid on the home in which he was renting a room. Although the client was neither named in the warrant nor believed to be involved in any illegal activity, he was taken into custody and his rented room searched. During the search, law enforcement discovered and the client was arrested for possession of a small amount of marijuana and several pills, later identified as Hydrocodone and Phenobarbital along with a rifle, a handgun, and a Billy club. Case dismissed.
- Felony Assault with a Deadly Weapon: Client was arrested and booked on suspicion of Assault with a Deadly Weapon after a fight in which his opponent was sent to the hospital by ambulance with serious injuries, including a severed temporal artery. Within hours of receiving the call, I had met with the client in custody, investigated the scene of the incident, and reviewed the surveillance video - before the Police had reviewed it. I concluded from the evidence I had gathered, that the opponent was the aggressor and that my client had a clear case of self defense. I met with the head DA, before the Police even submitted the file, and the case was summarily rejected when it arrived. Case dismissed before it was filed.
- Felony Commercial Burglary: Client, a sworn peace officer, was arrested and booked on suspicion of Commercial Burglary when it was discovered that, without her knowledge, her shopping companion - now former friend - had shoplifted merchandise from a Beverly Hills department store. Within hours of receiving the call, I had been to the store, met with the lead detective, and reviewed the surveillance video that showed no criminal conduct by my client. The following morning, I met with the charging DA and the case against my client was rejected, although her companion was arraigned. No charges filed against my client.
- Felony Drug Possession: Client was charged with felony transportation & possession of marijuana for sale. No State Prison, No Jail. Probation for 18 months after which the charge can be reduced to a misdemeanor and then expunged.
- Felony Cocaine Possession: Client was charged with possession of cocaine in a vehicle. All charges dropped, case dismissed.
- Felony Drug Possession with a Gun Enhancement: Client was charged with felony possession of meth while also in possession of a loaded handgun. No Jail, No State Prison. Only unsupervised probation and diversion classes.
- Felony Identity Theft: Client was charged with multiple felony counts when it was discovered that he had used the identity of another when he was arrested and convicted for DUI. Maximum exposure was 19 years in state prison. No State Prison. Only 180 days recommended work furlough and probation.
- Multiple Misdemeanor Counts: Client was charged with drug possession, receiving stolen property, false vehicle registration, and driving on a suspended license...ALL IN ONE TRAFFIC STOP! Client received only 4 days in private jail followed by probation.
- Misdemeanor Possession of Meth: Client was charged with possession of meth in a vehicle. No Jail. Probation and diversion only.
- Misdemeanor Shoplifting: Client was charged with shoplifting numerous items. No Jail. Charge was reduced to an infraction with the minimum community service and a small fine.
- Misdemeanor Domestic Violence: Client was charged after SHE allegedly broke HIS nose. Donation to a victim's fund. Case dismissed.
- Warrant Recall: Bench warrant was issued to my client for violation of DUI probation. The warrant was recalled and the probation was reinstated in one Court appearance.
