Experienced Criminal Defense Attorneys
EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE YOU CAN TRUST
A reputation for success is what we carry into the courtroom. Click here to see an example of what we mean by success. Philip Dunn, Mandee Sanderson and Denise Trerotola are criminal defense attorneys with over 45 years of combined experience in winning cases in Ventura and Los Angeles Counties. If you, a loved one or colleague has been arrested, we have the answers to your questions. Knowledge is your first line of defense. Click here to see highlights of our most recent victories.
INTEGRITY AND COMMITMENT
Philip Dunn, Mandee Sanderson and Denise Trerotola know that two characteristics more than any others are responsible for the successful defense of a criminal matter: integrity and commitment. The credibility that derives from honest representation and fair dealings with our clients, prosecutors, police officers and judges is the foundation for a successful result in any criminal case. Of equal importance is the commitment to fight the hard case and not back down when you know you are right. Too often criminal defense practitioners look for the easy resolution of a criminal case rather than fighting for the best result. At Dunn & Sanderson, we pledge to tell you the truth about your case and not take advantage of your situation. We are committed to providing quality legal representation at a cost that is both fair and equitable.
TRUTH NOT BRAVADO
Both Philip Dunn and Mandee Sanderson have a long history of achievement within the criminal justice system. As a former Deputy District Attorney in Ventura County, Mandee Sanderson was given the Deputy District Attorney of the Year Award by then District Attorney Michael Bradbury. Philip Dunn was presented the Outstanding Trial Attorney Award upon leaving the Public Defender’s Office in Ventura County. Since becoming partners in 1994, they both have continued to enhance the firm’s reputation for legal excellence by vigorously defending their clients. Unlike other firms, Dunn & Sanderson is prepared to provide our clients with specific examples of legal victories achieved in every type of matter we handle. See the accounts of our most recent success stories provide below.
If you, a loved one or colleague has been arrested or are the target of a criminal investigation, we are the attorneys to help you.
If you are Arrested or are the Target of an Investigation
- You have the right to an attorney – Use this right!
- Anything you say will be used against you – Say Nothing without an attorney!
- You have questions right now that need answers – Call for a free consultation!
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE – These are often the most defensible charges, as the charges alleged are often greatly exaggerated, or entirely fabricated. Early investigation and an aggressive defense can often make the difference in these cases.
DUI –A hearing with the DMV must be demanded within ten (10) days of your arrest in order to keep your license. DMV hearings are defensible given the right facts, and a restricted license may be granted after thirty (30) days of suspension in those cases where the suspension is upheld.
DRUGS & NARCOTICS – There is a major difference between a misdemeanor or felony for personal use and a felony possession for sale, sales or transportation. The difference is often a judgment call made by the local prosecutor, which is why you should have vigorous defense by an experienced criminal defense attorney.
FAMILY LAW - As one of the partners in Dependent Child Advocates in Ventura County, Mandee Sanderson has specialized training and qualifications which authorize her to represent children in Family Law and Dependency court. As such, she is regularly appointed by judges of the Ventura County Superior Court to represent children involved in custody matters. Dunn & Sanderson has now taken on Denise Trerotola as an attorney specializing in Family Law matters. Ms. Trerotola is a particularly well qualified Ventura Family Law Attorney capable of handling all types of Family Law cases, as she received the prestigious “Witkin Award” for Academic Excellence in Community Property while attending Ventura College of Law.
FELONY THREE STRIKES - California has the most punitive "Three Strikes" law in the nation. There is no "wash out" period for a prior strike.
Two prior strikes and any new felony charge may make the defendant eligible for a sentence of 25 years to life. Even one prior prior will double the potential sentence on the new felony charge, and make the defendant ineligible for probation, and
require him to serve 80% of any sentence time. The aggressive defense of three stike cases is essential for avoiding
these draconian results.
OFFICE LOCATION – The Law Office of Dunn & Sanderson focuses its practice in criminal defense and is strategically placed in Westlake Village, California. We offer our criminal defense attorney services to clients from both Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. Our main office is within minutes of Calabasas, Malibu, Moorpark, Agoura Hills, Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, and only a 20 minute drive from the San Fernando Valley.
VENTURA COURTHOUSE LOCATION – Clients arrested in Ventura County may also visit our Ventura office located across the street from the Ventura Courthouse and just a quick drive from Camarillo, Oxnard, Santa Paula, Fillmore and Santa Barbara.
ALWAYS PUTTING CLIENTS FIRST – We believe everyone is entitled to the very best legal representation at an affordable price. Our approach to the practice of law is to put the client first by standing up for the client's rights, no matter what the circumstances.
Our attorneys are highly experienced, aggressive and willing to fight for your rights.
Accounts of Success
April 18, 2012: Client charged with DUI, a violation of Vehicle Code section 23152(a) and (b), with a high blood alcohol allegation and a probation violation for a prior offense. Case dismissed at trial due to breath testing equipment errors.
April 3, 2012: Client charged with possession of narcotics, a felony violation of Health and Safety Code section 11350. Case dismissed by prosecution after client provides proof of attendance of twenty-six (26) Narcotics Anonymous meetings.
February 21, 2012: Young man charged with possession of graffiti tools found in his backpact at the site of recent graffiti vandalism, a violation of Penal Code section 594.2(a). Case dismissed by prosecutor on date of trial.
December 15, 2011: Young man involved in traffic accident is found behind the wheel unable to perform FST's due to high level of intoxication. Charges of Driving Under the Influence pursuant to Vehicle Code section 23152(a) and (b) are dismissed upn granting due process motion alleging violation of client's right to a speedy trial.
December 13, 2011: Young man, highly intoxicated, wanders into a stranger's apartment, thinking it's his friend's apartment. After confrontation with tenant, a fight breaks out. Client charged with battery and vandalism for broken door, violations of Penal Code sections 242 and 594(b)(2)(A). Case dismissed by way of civil compromise.
December 6, 2011: A young woman charged with lewd act in public, a violation of Penal Code section 647(a), for conduct in the front seat of a car in a public parking lot. Case dismissed on district attorney's motion after defense announced ready for trial.
November 1, 2011: Young woman has domestic violence charges rejected by the District Attorney's Office. Arrest record expunged upon granting of motion in superior court.
August 9, 2011: Client charged with transportation of methamphetamine, a violation of Health and Safety Code section 11379(a), with a prior strike, making him ineligible for probation and doubling prison sentence to a maximum of up to eight (8) years. Strike prior dismissed and District Attorney stipulates to personal use, making client eligible for Proposition 36, no jail treatment program.
August 9, 2011: Young man convicted of DUI, a violation of Vehicle Code section 23152(a), with a prior offense while on probation. Motion to withdraw guilty plea granted, and case dismissed after investigation revealed faulty breath testing equiment was used to test alcohol level.
August 9, 2011: Corporate executive transferred to Canada to run Canadian operations is denied entry because of Vehicle Code section 23152(a) DUI conviction taken fourteen months ago. Motion for early termination of probation granted, probation terminated successfully and case expunged pursuant to Penal Code section 1203.4a, thus satisfying Canadian immigration requirements.
July 12, 2011: Young man just placed on felony probation for criminal threats, a violation of Penal Code Section 422, commits a new offense, willfully evading a peace officer, a violation of Vehicle Code section 2800.2, before serving his sentence on the first case. Romero motion granted, striking the strike prior, granting probation once again, saving client from minimum mandatory sentence of four (4) years.
June 24, 2011: Woman being investigated on a first degree murder charge is detained by Santa Monica Police detectives who have a search warrant for her fingerprints. She refuses to give her fingerprints and is arrested for a violation of Penal Code section 66.4(a), willful violation of a court order. Client acquitted at trial.
June 9, 2011: Client charged with a felony violation of Penal Code section 472, using a counterfeit seal in a medical marijuana clinic. Case dismissed after preliminary hearing. Client's former attorney files allegation against client of making threatening phone calls, a violation of Penal Code section 653(m), after client tells former lawyer that he will be making a state bar complaint against him. Penal Code section 653(m) violation dismissed at arraignment after discussions with the District Attorney's Office.
April 15, 2011: Client charged with a felony violation of Penal Code section 186.26(c), soliciting a minor to join a criminal street gang, with a street terrorism special allegation. Special allegation not filed after preliminary hearing and case dismissed on day of trial.
March 21, 2011: Young man charged with felony commercial burglary, a violation of Penal Code section 459. At preliminary hearing, client not held to answer and charge dismissed after cross-examination of arresting officer established that People could not prove entry into building.
February 15, 2011: Nail salon owner charged with providing pornography to a minor and child annoyance pursuant to Penal Code sections 288.2(a) and 647.6(a), both of which require lifetime registration as a sex offender upon conviction. Case dismissed at preliminary hearing pursuant to Penal Code section 1385 after District Attorney's Office confirms results of our investigation proving movie showing on salon television sets was rated PG.
Read the complete newpaper article from coverage by Ventura County Star.
February 14, 2011: Young man, having served maximum commitment in mental hospital of eight (8) years, was served with recommitment petition pursuant to Penal Code section 1026.5, seeking an additional two (2) year commitment alleging a diagnosed mental disorder that represented a continuing danger of harm to others. Case dismissed by the District Attorney the date set for trial, releasing client from Metropolitan State Hospital, after prolonged litigation and finding by court appointed doctors that client likely never suffered from a mental disorder and is not a danger to the community.
January 18, 2011: Young woman charged with six (6) counts of bank fraud under Penal Code section 474(a), with excessive taking allegations pursuant to Penal Code section 12022.6(a)(2) and 1203.045(a), making the matter a presumed state prison case. District Attorney originally alleges fraud in excess of $1 million; however, after preliminary hearing, four (4) counts dismissed in exchange for plea to two (2) counts with no jail commitment, and promise of reduction of charges to misdemeanors upon payment of $2,500.00 in restitution.
January 12, 2011: Young woman in last semester of college charged with misdemeanor public intoxication, a violation of Penal Code section 647(f). Conviction would cause young woman to be kicked out of internship program, resulting in inability to complete final semester. Case dismissed by District Attorney pursuant to Penal Code section 1385.
November 24, 2010: Young man charged with possession of marijuana for sale, a violation of Health and Safety Code section 11359. Officers found 3 mason jars of premium marijuana in client's car, along with chemicals and other drug paraphernalia in his room. Case dismissed after preliminary hearing.
November 15, 2010: Young man charged with battery involving a fight at a party. The alleged victim was hit in the face, knocking out his tooth. Case dismissed by way of civil compromise after being assigned out to trial.
October 27, 2010: Afghan war veteran charged with violating Penal Code section 243(e), battery on a spouse. Client had walked into local police department and confessed in detail as to each element of the crime charged. At trial, client acquitted as prosecution was unable to produce independent evidence of the crime charged (that is, no corpus delicti), thus saving client's military career.
October 14, 2010: Marine veteran, after serving three (3) combat tours of duty in Iraq, charged with DUI in Ventura County, a violation of vehicle code section 23152(a) and (b), with a high B.A.C., and violation of probation for prior DUI. Sentenced to 45 days electronic monitoring in lieu of jail.
September 27, 2010: Young man, after getting drunk at house party and going through young woman's purse left behind in the living room, throws purse away in the dumpster. District Attorney charged man with Petty Theft, a violation of Penal Code section 484(a). Case dismissed by civil compromise.
August 19, 2010: Husband charged with dissuading a witness (Wife), a violation of Penal Code section 136.1(a) and three (3) counts of resisting arrest, a violation of Penal Code section 148(a). District Attorney's plea bargain was plead guilty to all counts, 60 days jail, three (3) years formal probation, including 52 weeks of domestic violence counseling. Case dismissed on day of trial.
