Pasadena Court Knowledge
Criminal cases arising in Pasadena may be heard at the Pasadena Courthouse, located at 300 East Walnut Street. Court assignment may depend on where the alleged offense occurred, the nature of the charge, the prosecuting agency, and current filing procedures in the Los Angeles County Superior Court.
The Pasadena City Attorney’s Prosecution Division prosecutes misdemeanor offenses occurring within the City of Pasadena under state or city law. Felony cases are generally prosecuted by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, which maintains a Pasadena Branch Office inside the courthouse.
Understanding which agency is handling the case matters because charging, negotiation, diversion, and courtroom procedures may differ.
Experienced Attorneys Only
Your case will be assigned to an experienced criminal defense attorney, not passed to a junior lawyer learning on the job. Your attorney remains responsible for the case and works with you throughout the process. \Our attorneys serving Pasadena include former public defenders Erick V. Muñoz and Michele Ferroni. Mr. Muñoz has tried more than 60 cases to verdict, including homicide cases, while Ms. Ferroni has handled serious criminal cases in Los Angeles and Sacramento. They bring more than 50 years of combined legal experience.
Low Caseloads
We deliberately limit caseloads so our attorneys have time to examine police reports, body-camera footage, surveillance video, witness statements, laboratory results, digital evidence, and other materials that could affect the outcome.
Exceptional Customer Service
Every client receives personal attention. Your lawyer sees you through the process from start to finish, and you’ll get their direct phone number. We return calls and messages promptly, provide regular updates, and make sure you understand important deadlines, court dates, and developments in your case.
Independent Investigation
We do not rely solely on the prosecution’s version of events. When appropriate, we locate witnesses, preserve surveillance footage, inspect physical evidence, consult experts, and identify inconsistencies in police reports or testimony. Our firmwide team includes attorneys who have completed advanced forensic-science coursework and proficiency testing to earn the ACS-CHAL Forensic Lawyer-Scientist Designation.
Judgment-Free Representation
An arrest does not define you, and an accusation is not a conviction. We listen before drawing conclusions and build the defense around the evidence, the law, and your account of what happened.
Results-Driven Defense
We pursue dismissals, reductions, misdemeanor diversion, acquittals, and other favorable outcomes by identifying illegal searches, unreliable witnesses, insufficient evidence, procedural errors, and weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.Based on the firm’s internal case records, Michael & Associates secured favorable or partially favorable outcomes in 65% of its criminal jury trials completed in 2025.
Clear, Compassionate Communication
We explain what is happening in plain language, answer your questions, and help you make informed decisions without relying on scare tactics. Firm founder Benjamin Michael was named a finalist in the Legal Innovators category of the 2026 Texas Legal Awards for his work developing firmwide systems designed to improve efficiency and client communication.
Criminal Cases We Handle in Pasadena
Michael & Associates represents people facing misdemeanor and felony charges, DUI-related administrative proceedings, and other criminal matters in Pasadena, including:
- First, second, and subsequent DUI offenses
- Drug-related DUI
- DUI causing injury
- Underage DUI and zero-tolerance violations
- DUI cases involving an alleged breath or blood test refusal
- Boating under the influence
- Drug possession
- Possession for sale
- Drug transportation and sales
- Theft and shoplifting
- Grand theft
- Burglary
- Robbery
- Assault and battery
- Domestic violence
- Criminal threats
- Stalking and harassment
- Vandalism
- Trespassing
- Disorderly conduct
- Hit-and-run
- Firearm and weapons charges
- Probation violations
- Juvenile offenses
- Sex offenses
- Vehicular manslaughter
- Homicide and murder
- Other serious and violent felonies
If you have been arrested or charged with a crime in Pasadena or another Los Angeles County community, we can help you understand what comes next and begin protecting your record and future.
Pasadena Agencies We Challenge
Cases arising in and around Pasadena may involve:
- Pasadena Police Department
- California Highway Patrol, including the Altadena Area office
- Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
- South Pasadena Police Department
- San Marino Police Department
- Sierra Madre Police Department
- Arcadia Police Department
- Glendale Police Department
- Los Angeles Police Department
- Other local and state law enforcement agencies
The agency that made the arrest can affect which reports, recordings, forensic evidence, and internal procedures must be examined.
Who Prosecutes Criminal Cases in Pasadena?
The prosecuting agency generally depends on the classification and location of the alleged offense.
The Pasadena City Attorney’s Prosecution Division prosecutes state-law misdemeanors and municipal-code violations committed within Pasadena. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office generally prosecutes felony cases and maintains a branch office at the house.
This distinction can affect who evaluates the evidence, makes filing decisions, conducts negotiations, and determines whether a proposed resolution is acceptable.
Where Are Pasadena Criminal Cases Heard?
Many criminal cases arising in Pasadena are assigned to the Pasadena Courthouse at 300 East Walnut Street, Pasadena, CA 91101
The courthouse handles criminal and other matters, but a case may be assigned or transferred elsewhere depending on the charge and current court procedures. Always confirm the courthouse, department, date, and time listed on your citation, release paperwork, bail documents, or court notice.
How We Defend Criminal Cases in Pasadena
The defense depends on the charge and evidence, but common issues include:
- Whether police had reasonable suspicion for a detention or traffic stop
- Whether officers had probable cause for an arrest
- Whether a search was lawful
- Whether statements were obtained in violation of constitutional rights
- Whether body-camera or surveillance footage contradicts the report
- Whether witnesses are credible and consistent
- Whether identification procedures were reliable
- Whether laboratory or forensic evidence was properly collected and tested
- Whether digital evidence is authentic and complete
- Whether the prosecution can prove every element beyond a reasonable doubt
- Whether evidence was preserved and disclosed properly
- Whether the case was overcharged
Depending on the circumstances, these issues may support suppression of evidence, dismissal, charge reduction, diversion, acquittal, or another favorable resolution.
What to Expect When You Hire Us
- We review the allegations at no cost and with no obligation.
- An intake specialist gathers the information needed to evaluate the case.
- An experienced defense attorney takes responsibility for your representation.
- We identify urgent deadlines and evidence that must be preserved.
- We obtain and analyze the available police reports, recordings, laboratory records, and other evidence.
- We investigate factual and legal weaknesses in the case.
- We negotiate when negotiation serves your interests and prepare for court when it does not.
- We keep you informed throughout the process.
Serving Pasadena and Nearby Communities
Michael & Associates represents clients in Pasadena and throughout the surrounding area, including:
- Altadena
- South Pasadena
- San Marino
- Sierra Madre
- Arcadia
- La Cañada Flintridge
- Monrovia
- Glendale
- Alhambra
- San Gabriel
- Temple City
- Northeast Los Angeles
The courthouse assigned to a case may depend on where the alleged offense occurred, the prosecuting agency, the charge, and Los Angeles County Superior Court filing procedures.
