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
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.
August 18, 2010: Woman charged with contempt of a court order, a violation of Penal Code section 166.4. Directed verdict of acquittal entered at trial pursuant to Penal Code section 1118 upon completion of the prosecution's case.
August 18, 2010: Woman charged with assault with a deadly weapon, to wit: a car, under Penal Code section 245(a)(1). Charge reduced to two misdemeanors at preliminary hearing. Plea bargain on date of trial allows client to admit a violation of reckless driving under Vehicle Code section 23103, for a sentence of summary probation and a fine.
August 17, 2010: Client arrested for violation of Penal Code section 288a(b)(1), oral copulation on a minor. Case rejected by the District Attorney when presented with evidence that the minor had repeatedly lied about his age.
July 8, 2010: Young man in Malibu charged with assault with a deadly weapon, to wit: a firearm, a violation of Penal Code section 245(a)(2). Case rejected by District Attorney after our investigation revealed he acted in defense of property.
June 3, 2010: Grandmother of child embroiled in custody dispute accused of threatening and slapping birth mother. Birth mother had court issue a temporary restraining order preventing the grandmother from having any contact with her grandsom. Case dismissed by birth mother at time of hearing after investigation revealed birth mother's prior false allegations and history of violence.
May 18, 2010: Client arrested and held without bail pursuant to Penal Code section 1270.1, due to a new domestic violence accusation with a prior incident. Case rejected by the District Attorney's Office after being informed by us of prior incident of fabrication by the alleged victim.
May 6, 2010: Doctor arrested and prosecuted for resisting arrest, Penal Code section 148, and driving under the influence, Vehicle Code section 23152(a), with a refusal allegation. Case disposition goes for fine only on a violation of Vehicle Code section 23109(c), engaging in a speed contest, and a set aside by the DMV of the one-year license suspension for refusing a chemical test.
April 30, 2010: Young man charged with seven (7) felony counts of grand theft auto, Penal Code section 487, and identity theft, Penal Code section 532. Having served a previous prison term of five (5) years, probation recommendation at Early Disposition Conference was for another state prison committment. Case dismissed by the court on defense motion for violation of client's right to a speedy trial.
March 11, 2010: Young man accused of assault with a deadly weapon, a violation of Penal Code section 245(a)(1), a serious violent felony involving a pipe wrench used to break another man's arm. Case rejected by the District Attorney upon presentation of self-defense evidence.
February 18, 2010: Woman charged with intentionally ramming another car, a violation of Penal Code section 245(a)(1) assault with a deadly weapon, a serious violent felony. Case dismissed by District Attorney at the time of the preliminary hearing.
February 11, 2010: Man convicted of hit and run driving, a violation of Vehicle Code section 20002a. On appeal, District Attorney agrees to set aside conviction and dismiss the entire case after receiving newly discovered evidence proving our client was wrongfully convicted and in fact innocent of the charge.
December 31, 2009: Client cited by law enforcement for violating City of Thousand Oaks Social Host Ordinance, and required to pay $2,500.00 penalty. Client challenges issuance of citation and the $2,500.00 penalty. City of Thousand Oaks schedules hearing and provides and pays for hearing officer to conduct hearing, resulting in citation being valid and penalty of $2,500.00 to be paid by client. Client appeals decision to Ventura County Superior Court for, among other things, denial of due process during hearing. Court rules in favor of client, stating City denied due process and new hearing ordered. Court further states insufficient evidence fo find man violated Social Host Ordinance. See newpaper articles from coverage by Ventura County Star.
December 18, 2009: Jury trial in Van Nuys Superior Court on matter where client had formerly been convicted of two (2) counts of first degree murder with special circumstances resulting in sentence of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. Case reversed on appeal and remanded back to the trial court. After three and a half week trial done by trial counsel Neil B. Quinn, verdicts rendered of not guilty on first degree murder, guilty of one (1) count of second degree murder and one (1) count of involuntary manslaughter, making client eligible for parole in as little as twelve (12) years.
December 8, 2009: Husband sued in Los Angeles Superior Court by his ex-wife for the wrongful death of her adult daughter, seeking in excess of ten million dollars ($10,000,000.00) in general and punitive damages. Ex-wife, as plaintiff, alleged her former husband had viciously raped and molested her daughter for almost thirteen (13) years, causing severe emotional trauma that resulted in her eventual suicide. Husband, as defendant, brought a motion for summary judgment on the basis that all of plaintiff's evidence was inadmissible hearsay, including even certain tape-recorded admissions made by law enforcement during a phone conversation between plaintiff and defendant. Summary judgment motion granted dismissing entire action. Judgment entered in favor of husband defendant, saving client from ugly and costly jury trial.
November 5, 2009: Woman charged with battery on her husband, a violation of Penal Code section 243(e)(1). Case dismissed by Ventura County District Attorney on last day set for trial after the prosecution continued the matter five (5) times in an attempt to get ready for trial.
October 22, 2009: Defendant company has civil case, alleging claims of nuisance and trespass on land and seeking $1,000,000.00 in damages. Case dismissed on motion by defense for failure to prosecute the action.
September 29, 2009: Young man charged in Los Angeles County Superior Court (Van Nuys) with felon in possesion of a firearm, a violation of Penal Code section 12021(a)(1). District Attorney's plea bargain offer sought a committment to state prison. After preliminary hearing and the filing of the information in Superior Court, the matter was dismissed by the court upon the granting of a Penal Code section 995 motion, finding that there was insufficient evidence in the record for the court to make a finding of a "reasonable suspicion" that the defendant committed the charged offense.
August 14, 2009: Man charged with violating Penal Code section 647(f), misdemeanor public intoxication, which would affect his ability to fly as a pilot with airline if convicted. Case dismissed at arraignment, saving man from loss of pilot's license.
August 10, 2009: Young man with career in government facing loss of that career due to charges of misdemeanor graffiti vandalism, a violation of Penal Code section 594(b)(2)(A). Case resolved by civil compromise, resulting in dismissal of case.
July 31, 2009: Young man charged with violating Penal Code section 273.5(a), inflicting injury on fellow parent, and Penal Code section 273 a(b), cruelty to child by endangering health, both misdemeanors. On date set for trial, case is dismissed by District Attorney pursuant to Penal Code section 1385, case could not be proved beyond a reasonable doubt.
July 16, 2009: Young man caught on videotape taking prescription pain killers from local pharmacy charged with felony theft of prescription drugs. Further investigation reveals no intent to steal. Evidence presented to detective causing matter to be rejected for prosecution.
June 4, 2009: Young man charged with four (4) felony counts alleging counterfeiting, fraud and drug possession charges. At preliminary hearing, all felony counts dismissed in lieu of plea to misdemeanor for no jail time and drug treatment program.
May 5, 2009: Los Angeles County firefighter arrested for DUI facing loss of employment if convicted or license suspended. At DMV admin per se hearing, license suspension set aside. Four (4) day jury trial on Vehicle Code sections 23152(a), driving under the influence, and 23152(b), driving with a .08 or greater blood alcohol level, results in not guilty verdict on DUI charge, and hung jury, eleven (11) to one (1) not guilty on .08 or greater. Count two (2) dismissed on motion of court saving client from loss of career as a firefighter.
April 10, 2009: Client charged with petty theft of lost property, a violation of Penal Code section 485. On day of trial setting, case is dismissed by District Attorney pursuant to Penal Code section 1385, case could not be proved beyond a reasonable doubt.
