Client repeatedly stabbed his girlfriend with a knife and, therefore, was charged with Deliberate and Premeditated Attempted Murder (California Penal Code section 664 & California Penal Code section 187(a)), which carries a maximum life sentence. In addition, client was facing sentencing enhancements for the following:
Personal Use of a Dangerous Weapon During the Commission of a Felony (California Penal Code section 12022); and
Inflicting Great Bodily Injury (GBI) (California Penal Code section 12022.7); and
Strike Offense (California Penal Code section 667(a)&(b) and California Penal Code section 1192.7 (because the client had several previous convictions, including for at least one serious felony).
In addition, while out on bail, the client was arrested for sexually assaulting and committing felony domestic violence against a second woman. He was therefore charged with the following new counts:
Corporal Injury to Spouse, Cohabitant, or Fellow Parent (California Penal Code section 273.5); and
Oral Copulation by Force or Fear (California Penal Code section 287).
He was therefore now facing two life sentences.
Fortunately, LADALF founder Ninaz Saffari pushed tirelessly and aggressively towards trial in the first case (thereby always keeping the prosecutor on the defense). As she did so, she was able to successfully argue that there was no proof the attempted murder charge was intentional. Better yet, she was able to present evidence that the attack may have been in self-defense.
Finally, she was able to consolidate both cases into a single felony plea for attempted Voluntary Manslaughter (California Penal Code section 192(a)).
Result: Nine years, out in four-and-a-half with time served and good behavior.