DUI Drunk Driving Attorney in Santa Ana, California

California

Apkarian & Zalewski, APC

(no reviews)

000-000-0000

918 East Santa Ana Boulevard Santa Ana CA 92701

Business Description

Gassia Apkarian and Philip Zalewski have teamed up to bring you more than 30 years of experience exclusively defending individuals who are facing criminal charges.'With the number of jury trials they have completed, they have earned the respect of both the District Attorney's Office as well as the judges. As a client of Apkarian & Zalewski, APC, you will have the benefit of having lawyers on your side that know the courts, the judges, the district and city attorneys of Orange County, and how the system works.'Apkarian & Zalewski, APC know how to defend your rights and your case.'

Main Attorney Photo For Apkarian & Zalewski, APC - Santa Ana, CA

Mission Statement

To provide Santa Ana quality assistance as a Attorney, Criminal Defense Attorney, DUI Drunk Driving Attorney and Felony Attorney.

Apkarian & Zalewski, APC meeting your needs since 2007.

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Gassia Apkarian has been practicing criminal defense for over 10 years exclusively in Orange County. Though an admitted member of the California State Bar since 1994, she spent her initial 8 years working in Washington, DC and overseas for non profit organizations. She wrote and managed grants for humanitarian programs and refugees abroad. Her last post prior to her return to California was press secretary to the former President of the Republic of Armenia.
Her years working with the US Congress, State Department, foreign governments and international organizations have prepared her well as a shrewd negotiator and defender of the underdog.
As a criminal defense lawyer she has handled cases from simple misdemeanors to complicated felonies. She has tried serious and violent felonies to a jury including child molestations, gang charges, Ponzi scheme/fraud cases and 3rd strikes. She believes that everyone deserves a strong defense, regardless of the charges.

Philip Zalewski has been practicing criminal defense for over 20 years. He graduated Michigan State University with a B.S. in mechanical engineering. In 1988 he received his law degree from University of Michigan Law School. He began his legal career working in the corporate field. Soon discovered his passion for criminal defense.
He has tried numerous cases to a jury, from misdemeanor DUI's to complicated multiple homicides. His last death penalty jury trial was Alejandro Avilla who was accused of the kidnapping and murder of Samantha Runnion.
Due to his background in science, he is an expert in DNA and forensic evidence. Many turn to him for post conviction DNA analysis seeking innocence through forensic evidence.
He has extensive experience with regard to juvenile cases that require special handling due to the age of those facing criminal charges.
He believes there is no case that cannot be defended. The more complicated the case, the more creative the attorney needs to be.

1) Juvenile Defense

A juvenile faced with a violation of criminal law needs experienced legal representation in order to minimize the consequences of the case and allow for the minor to carry on with a fruitful future as opposed to being branded and weighed down with a record that might follow him as an adult.

A "juvenile" is a minor, which is a person under the age of 18. When a juvenile is faced with criminal charges, the consequences are usually very different from those of an adult. The Juvenile Court process favors rehabilitation of the minor; however, often times it can be more onerous than an adult facing criminal offenses.

There are three types of offenses: felonies, misdemeanors and infractions. Felonies can result in jail or prison sentences whereas Misdemeanors are less serious crimes, but can still result in a sentence of up to a year in Juvenile hall. Infractions are even less serious offenses than misdemeanors, and include any offense that cannot result in any custody time, but only a fine or administrative consequence.

The jail and prison sentences for these crimes do not usually apply to a minor, because he or she cannot be found guilty of a "crime". However, a minor appearing in Juvenile Court will have "charges" of violating statutes, as grounds for invoking the Juvenile Court's authority over the minor. Once invoked, the Court has broad discretion over the juvenile’s life.

2) Domestic Violence

Here at Apkarian & Zalewski, APC, we care and want to help you resolve your domestic violence case. We understand the importance of confidentiality in handling your case. Our expertise in handling cases that involve domestic violence have turned a negative experience into a positive outcome for many of our clients.
Definitions for domestic violence are strict and hold significant impacts on your future if you are convicted. The Law Offices of Apkarian & Zalewski, APC is well versed in California laws regarding domestic violence, child abuse/neglect, and restraining orders. Ensure that you retain an attorney who has experience representing clients in Domestic Violence cases. Call our offices if you have questions regarding matters of domestic violence.

3) Dui And Drug Related Charges

4) Theft And Robbery

Types of Theft crimes:
Grand Theft
Grand theft is the crime of taking someone else's property against their will with the intent of permanently depriving them of their property. In order to be considered grand theft, the total value of what was taken must exceed $500 dollar amount.
Grand Theft vs. Petty Theft
When the value of the stolen property does not exceed $500 dollar amount, the crime is considered petty theft. In most cases, petty theft is a misdemeanor crime that is punishable by no more than one year of incarceration and a maximum fine.
Most states consider grand theft a felony crime that carries the possibility of a much harsher penalty. The specific punishment for the felony crime of grand theft will often depend on the applicable state laws and the type of theft that took place.
Fraud and White Collar Crimes
There are a few types of grand theft that have been on the rise in the United States. Credit card fraud, internet fraud, identity theft and the like are all white collar crimes for which an offender may be charged with grand theft.
It is estimated that 25 million Americans become the victims of consumer fraud, often considered a grand theft offense, each year.
When a person is charged with grand theft involving white collar fraud, they often face the same penalties as individuals charged with grand theft crimes involving tangibles like motor vehicles or merchandise from a business.
Petty Theft
Petty theft is taking property without authorization, with a value of $500 or less. Shoplifting is one example of petty theft. Any theft with a value over $500 is a grand theft. As stated above, it takes minimal conduct for a petty theft to turn into a felony robbery, which is a strike in California.
What most people don’t realize is how easily a petty theft can be filed as a robbery, which is a violent felony and a strike charge in California. If in the process of shoplifting, you are approached by security and you do as little as push them aside, or pull away when they are trying to stop or arrest you, it can be elevated to a robbery.
Do not go to court on your own to negotiate the case without the assistance and consultation of a lawyer who can help reduce the charges and save you from a strike felony on your record.
Shoplifting - commonly known as Petty Theft
If you find yourself being stopped by store security personnel and suddenly having to appear in court because you’re facing shoplifting charges, the first thing you need to do is consult with a lawyer who will help you get this unhappy event off your record.
What many don’t realize is that shoplifting, otherwise known as petty theft, will stay on your record, which will get in the way of employment. In the current economy most employers will run background checks. A petty theft or any theft charges will stop you from getting work.
Many consider petty theft a relatively minor offense, nevertheless, it is a criminal offense and still punishable by law. At Apkarian & Zalewski we know what to do in order to make sure your petty theft does not stay on your record and destroy your future work opportunities.
Burglary
There are two forms of burglary, burglary in the first degree and burglary in the second degree. Any burglary of an inhabited dwelling is considered burglary in the first degree, while any other burglary is of the second degree. This means that robbing a person’s home is first degree but robbing a cargo container (unless someone lives in it) is burglary of the second degree.
Consequences of Theft
Every state carries different laws regarding petty theft. Typically, a petty theft charge is treated lightly on the first offense, and the consequences become harsher for repeat offenders. A petty theft, combined with a prior, can even be a felony known in police code known as a "666." This can mean serious punishments for offenders - there are people in prison for stealing a pizza.
We frequently work with the prosecutors and the courts to try to find a counseling program that will help alleviate the consequences of a petty theft and get the charges off your record so that it is not reflected during a background check. For this reason, we ask you to call us for a free consultation so we can help you keep your record clear of theft convictions.
Grand theft of a firearm carries with it a possible punishment of up to three years in state prison. Grand theft of anything other than a firearm carries up to a one year sentence in county jail or state prison. Grand theft auto is yet another type of theft that involves some technicalities. Receiving stolen property is yet another form of theft can be filed as a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the circumstances. This is why all theft charges require the assistance of an expert criminal defense attorney.
What a Lawyer can do for you
As experienced attorneys in this field, we can represent you and often times, with payment of restitution, some community service, or counseling programs, we can help you avoid the mandatory sentence and even get the charges dismissed avoiding a conviction.
Shoplifting may be common, but it is often taken seriously by California courts. Punishments can range from simple fines to a stint in state prison, depending on the circumstances of the case.
Over the combined 30 years of experience in this area of law, we, at Apkarian & Zalewski have been able to provide our services to hundreds of people charged with shoplifting. Contact us to a free consultation to see what services fit your needs and the facts of your case.