Criminal Defense Attorney Pasadena

Put Years of Experience in Your Corner

We know that criminal charges are very serious, and if not defended by our competent criminal defense attorneys in Pasadena, they can negatively impact you and your loved ones for the rest of your lives.

Our dedicated team understands the complexities of criminal law, and we strive to provide strategic defenses tailored to each client's unique circumstances. Whether you are dealing with a misdemeanor or a felony, our legal professionals are equipped with the knowledge and resources to help you navigate the legal system effectively. 

We believe in transparent communication, ensuring you are informed at every step of the process. Our commitment is not only to defend but also to empower our clients by educating them about their rights and legal options.

Benefits of Working with a Former Prosecutor

Our lead attorney, Paul P. Cheng, a former prosecutor and mediator, has served Pasadena and the surrounding areas, including Arcadia and the San Gabriel Valley, since 2006. He was selected for inclusion in the Super Lawyers® Rising Stars℠ list of 2014 and has been named a Pasadena Top Attorney. Our firm was built on integrity and dignity, and we continue to provide excellent service to every client.

Choosing a former prosecutor like Paul P. Cheng brings valuable insight into each side of the courtroom. His experience allows us to anticipate strategies the prosecution may use and to develop well-prepared defenses. We value a proactive approach in legal defense, working to reduce potential penalties and protect our clients' futures. By drawing on this distinctive background, we give our clients a strong advantage during court proceedings.

We know the Pasadena Courthouse on Walnut Street and have built relationships with local legal professionals that provide important perspective on how criminal cases are handled throughout Los Angeles County. Familiarity with local judges and prosecutors lets our team anticipate certain procedures, making our clients feel more prepared for court appearances. We use this knowledge to offer straightforward guidance from start to finish.

Criminal Cases We Handle

Our broad range of legal services ensures clients facing any criminal charge have access to representation needed to protect their rights and future. Each area demands a detailed understanding of the law, and our attorneys bring deep experience and careful attention to every case. We prioritize listening to our clients' stories, then tailor strategies that align with their legal and personal goals. Our approach considers immediate legal challenges along with long-term impacts of every decision.

In Pasadena, some cases may proceed differently than in other jurisdictions because of the Pasadena Courthouse's procedures or local judge preferences. For example, diversion programs and sentencing options may be available within the San Gabriel Valley that are not offered in other Los Angeles County courts. We track these regional differences and use them to advise clients, so they understand steps that could improve their results. Staying up to date on how Pasadena handles post-conviction relief or record clearance gives our clients important options they might otherwise not know exist.

Understanding Pasadena's Legal Landscape

As a Pasadena-based law firm, we know the local legal landscape, including the Pasadena courthouse and the broader Los Angeles County legal system. Understanding local courtroom dynamics and building working relationships throughout the judiciary benefit our clients. From the start, our team brings focused knowledge about Pasadena's legal environment to your case.

We keep up with regional developments in criminal law, so our clients receive guidance that reflects current legal standards and practices. This local perspective is crucial, especially as California updates criminal statutes and guidelines that can affect your case. Whether a case involves changes in DUI laws or updated domestic violence procedures, we pay close attention to these details.

Knowledge of Pasadena's judicial assignments and administrative rules can influence your strategy. For example, certain judges have specific expectations regarding plea agreements or sentencing, and local prosecutors may focus on particular charges. Our team monitors these local trends within Pasadena and the San Gabriel Valley to tailor our service. By keeping clients informed about these preferences, we help them make confident decisions throughout their case.

Navigating Complex Legal Procedures

At Law Offices of Paul P. Cheng & Associates, we know that the legal process can feel overwhelming. Every step—from arraignment to trial—involves many decisions and detailed procedures. We simplify these steps, providing clear direction and steady support. We explain each phase so our clients understand what each decision means and how we’re planning their defense.

Our client-centered approach means we stay available to answer questions and address concerns whenever they arise. We regularly handle a broad spectrum of criminal defense matters, providing service that reflects both your immediate legal needs and long-term goals. When you work with us, you have a firm committed to standing by you through any legal challenge.

Each criminal case in Pasadena follows local procedures, usually beginning with arrest and arraignment, then moving to pretrial motions and hearings at the Pasadena Courthouse. We guide clients at each step, making sure they understand their rights and the practical realities of local court schedules, deadlines, and required appearances. Preparing clients for these Pasadena-specific routines reduces stress and builds confidence as cases progress.

What to Expect at the Pasadena Courthouse

The Pasadena Courthouse on East Walnut Street handles most criminal cases for the city and nearby parts of the San Gabriel Valley. Defendants go through various procedures here, from initial arraignments to pretrial conferences and, when needed, jury trials. Each courtroom in the courthouse runs on a schedule, and local rules influence how quickly cases move or when documents are due.

When appearing at the Pasadena Courthouse, defendants and their families can expect security screenings at the entrance, waiting areas for criminal cases, and clear directions to find the assigned courtroom. Cases often move between departments within the building, so checking posted court schedules in the lobby helps you stay organized. Our firm prepares clients for these routines, which helps reduce anxiety and makes court appearances go smoothly.

Local prosecutors and judges sometimes favor restorative justice programs or early resolution options. Though not available in every case, knowing how these priorities affect plea talks or eligibility for diversion can make a difference. We closely follow developments at the Pasadena Courthouse so we can share timely updates with our clients.

Common Criminal Defense Strategies in California Cases

California law allows for different defense approaches, and the best option depends on your background and the specific facts. Some defenses focus on whether police gathered evidence lawfully, while others question if the prosecution has enough evidence for a conviction. DUI cases, for example, sometimes hinge on the accuracy of breath or blood tests, which local courts carefully examine.

Attorneys often seek to exclude unlawful evidence or show a lack of intent. In Pasadena courts, judges recognize commonly raised defenses to both felony and misdemeanor charges, so it is vital to prepare legal arguments and documentation thoroughly. Our experience across thousands of criminal cases—including those heard at the Pasadena courthouse—allows us to present every viable defense option a client may have, whether during plea discussions or preparing for trial.

The unique aspects of Los Angeles County criminal cases, including sentencing guidelines and available programs, allow us to recommend strategies that address the real challenges Southern California defendants face. We guide clients through their choices, helping them make informed, intentional decisions about their defense.