Over the last 26 years, I've represented numerous dentists charged with various crimes. Sometimes the crime charged relates to their actions in practice. In other words, while they're performing some dental activities, they're alleged to have touched the alleged victim in some inappropriate way or had sex with the alleged victim.
In other words, a sexual assault or other sex crime criminal charge pending against a dentist is something I've handled many times in the past. Our California criminal defense attorneys are providing a review below.
Domestic Violence or DUI Charges
Another area in which I've represented dentists in criminal cases throughout Los Angeles County is when they are accused of a crime unrelated to their practice. In other words, maybe they get a DUI or some other criminal defense, a domestic violence-related offense.
Now, they not only face a criminal charge but also risk their professional board taking action against them due to the criminal offense, if it is discovered.
Obviously, I've coordinated with the administrative attorneys I work closely with to represent the client at both the criminal level and in defense of their license.
These are all major concerns, and typically when you're talking about a professional like a dentist, you want to have someone who has familiarity with the prosecutors who deal with these types of cases.
If the crime is sophisticated or serious enough, they usually do not just let the regular prosecutors handle it. They will assign a special prosecutor. Sometimes they'll transfer the case downtown to their integrity unit.
There's a whole bunch of different things that go on when you're talking about the defense of a dentist, depending on the type of crime.
Sexual Related Charges
If it's a sex-related offense — and a serious sex-related offense — you can almost bet, regardless of what location in Los Angeles the case is, it will probably be transferred to the downtown 210 West Temple courthouse because that's the main hub court where they prosecute most sexual offenses — especially sexual offense involving professionals.
Right across the street from the criminal court building is the Hall of Justice, where the main prosecutors are based. They have their sex unit there with all of the sex crime prosecutors, the head prosecutor, the assistant head prosecutor related to sex crimes.
So, I've handled a lot of sex crime cases and that would included dentists who do something in the downtown Los Angeles area or even do something in one of the other 38 courts in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles county and the case is moved downtown so the more seasoned, sophisticated prosecutors can deal with the case.
When you have a prosecuted that has been specially assigned because you're a dentist and depending on what type of crime you've committed, you obviously want to have an attorney who has dealt with these specially assigned prosecuted, know what angles they come at, knows how to mitigate circumstances, do damage control, put a mitigation package together and try to resolve the case if that's what you choose to do.
On the other hand, if you're in a scenario where you're concerned about taking the case to trial, you obviously want to get an attorney who has tried cases related to your type of offense.
Los Angeles Criminal Defense Lawyer
I've handled over 250 jury trials throughout my career in practice, representing numerous dentists and professionals in Los Angeles County and elsewhere. So, I know how to fight these cases.
Every case will turn on its specific facts. However, if you're a dentist and you're trying to protect your license, freedom, and reputation, regardless of the type of crime you're charged with, you'll want an attorney like me who has traveled the road you're about to travel and achieved success.
This is crucial. You don't want someone who has never represented a dentist in a criminal case in Los Angeles and is just cutting their teeth on you and your predicament.
You want someone who has done it before, achieved success, and has a proven track record. Look at the videos that I put out there so you can see the type of lawyer that you're getting — the confidence, the experience, and the street smarts to get the job done. If you need a criminal defense attorney, pick up the phone, make the call. I stand at the ready to help you.
Hedding Law Firm is a criminal defense law firm located in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles County, at 16000 Ventura Blvd, #1208, Encino, CA 91436. We are also located at 633 West Fifth Street, Los Angeles, CA 90071. Contact us for a free case evaluation at (213) 542-0979.
