I was arrested for a DUI charge when stopped for no other reason then finding myself in a precarious position late at night. I was followed from a destination and drove all the way back to my residence, parked my car, then the police lit me up after finding no fault in my driving other than to make w...hat I (know) believe is still an erroneous claim. An officer claimed that I was going 40mph in a 25 zone. I hired Ann and with her help hired an expert and proved that the officer was either in gross error or purposefully lying. I still lost the DMV hearing due to what I (know) believe was incompetence. With the situation looking grim, Ann was still able to use the evidence from a second DMV hearing to convince the DA to reduce a DUI to a wet reckless on a .13 BAC, in a tough court. Even the judge was surprised at such a plea bargain. Ann charged $3,500 and worked for 7 months!! on my case. She answered/returned my phone calls after her regular 9-5 hours and on weekends, responded to all of my emails/text messages, and updated me on my case even when I did not inquire throughout the whole process. She got me a temporary license in the interim period of the battle, never ceasing to get a favorable outcome for me and make the process as painless as possible. Every step of the way she offered me insight and advice, even connecting me with another more-than-credible attorney who did not try to make a quick dollar out of me, but instead offered me their free consultations and sincerest advice about my situation. In the end, I decided to plea on the wet reckless instead of risking the loss of a fight in a climate of a less-than-fair justice system that appeared to be working backwards: basically finding evidence then looking for a way to make it stick, instead of asking, "how was the evidence found." Knowing that I had no legal recourse than to accept the wet-reckless, I realized just how favorable this outcome was, given the circumstances of my case. It is extremely rare to plea to a wet reckless in my situation, and Ann proved to be worth the money in avoiding a DUI charge on my now established criminal record. Although I wish the circumstances were different, and every individual case will vary, I made the decision not to go for a motion to suppress given the court I was working with. I feel I made the best choice (it essentially came down to gambling) and I know Ann did everything possible to gain the most favorable outcome with the cards we were dealt. I could not have asked for a better experience with an attorney. Ann has my utmost confidence and I whole-heartedly believe in her ability to perform the duties necessary and possible in any case she takes on. Her compassion, attention to detail, scrupulous attentiveness to the evidence and my thoughts on the case, availability, genuine concern for my well being, and overall willingness to do everything in her power to resolve the case in my favor proved to be worth more than what was paid to her. When an attorney stands by you for 7 months for a fraction of what such labor is worth, even if working a minimum wage job--and still gets you a favorable outcome--you know you have struck gold. I am grateful and indebted to Attorney Ann Gottesman.

I retained the services of Ann Gottesman to defend me against a charge of felony domestic violence and I am glad I did. If you are charged with either a misdemeanor or felony conviction of DV, I strongly urge you to avoid using a public defender. Although PDs may have your best interests in mind, I b...elieve they are overworked with huge caseloads and cannot give your case the time and attention you will need. After being arrested and making bail, I was given a few weeks before I had to appear in court and be formally charged. I used this time to find an attorney. I had free consultations with 3 attorneys, starting with Ann Gottesman. My wife and I both interviewed her to hear what she had to say about herself and how she would defend my case. Ann's office was not as fancy as the other two attorneys I visited, but I felt she truly listened to me and her strategy sounded reasonable. I knew very little about the process - only what I had read in the papers or seen on the news. Her office is in Pasadena and close to the Pasadena Superior Court. Ann is familiar with all of the judges and Deputy DA's in this court. She described her experience, including being a public defender. Ann explained that she went into private practice because she felt she was doing a disservice to people since there was not enough time in the day to adequately defend them. As I said, I visited two other attorneys. They had a good spiel, with varying stories and strategies. Their fees started at $7500, which I am sure went towards their fancy offices and other overhead. My wife and I hired Ann, and she jumped right in. With a letter from my wife, Ann convinced the Deputy DA to reduce the felony domestic violence charge to a misdemeanor at the arraignment. The Deputy DA also agreed not to request a restraining order from me against my wife. The judge agreed to both conditions. Part of Ann's strategy was for me to voluntarily attend weekly domestic violence classes before the next court date. I also did some research on how a conviction of any kind could affect my employment if discovered. She provided this research, along with my attendance record for the DV classes to the Deputy DA, and then made a deal to dismiss all charges against me if I continue with the DV classes for a total of 9 months. At the next court date, this agreement was presented to the judge, and she accepted it. The judge exonerated my bond and asked me to make another appearance after attending another 5 months of DV classes. This will be to check on my progress. I am very grateful to Ann Gottesman for her tremendous help and thoroughness. She is caring, thoughtful, and willing to talk or communicate anytime. I was able to contact her at her office, cell phone, text, or email. She always responded within 24 hours, even on nights and weekends. You will not go wrong if you choose Ann as your private counsel.

I had searched for attorneys on the Internet, talked with several and just didn't feel at ease, until I found Ann Gottesman's advertisement and I called her and made arrangements to meet with her and felt instantly at ease. I knew that I had made the right choice in having this attorney represent me.... She instantly made me feel that she truly cared and would be there for me every step of the way, and she was. She kept me informed about all of her experience and ensured me that I would be able to keep my job. She went over and beyond what I had expected from her. She postponed court dates to research my entire case, to ensure she would get the results she wanted to benefit me. She went to a DMV hearing on my behalf. She really came through for me. I got minimal jail time and no community service. I had .15 BAC and (2) prior DUI's, 7 years ago. I had hired an attorney, 7 years ago and the attorney was not there for me, he only wanted the money, and I still had to serve 10 days in jail, 13 days of community service, AA meetings, 18 month DUI classes, and probation. With Ann, I got 2 days in jail, no community service, 18 month DUI program and probation. I highly recommend Ann Gottesman as your DUI Attorney.

I recently had a case regarding a second DUI where both my charges were dismissed in traffic court. The DMV, on the other hand, wanted to hold me accountable in spite of this decision so I began to research DUI lawyers. Ann warned me that it was possible I could lose granted it was my second offense,... just as other lawyers told me. However, she was also the only lawyer to give me a few details about how she can navigate the case in my favor simply by using the resources available to her. She also disclosed more knowledge of this field than some of the other lawyers i spoke with. I'm not discrediting their record or their ability to work, but Ann won me over with her compassion and because she really did seem invested in my case, moreover she made me feel confident that she knew how to resolve it. Ultimately, the DMV dismissed my case and I got my drivers license back. She has been a big help and I appreciate the work she put in to my case.

Ann got me probation and NO jail for a misdemeanor charge. She fought real hard for me and I appreciate that. When I called with questions, she answered my calls herself and gave me the info I needed. She knows legal stuff pretty darn well - she explained the whole process step-by-step so that I knew... where I stood. I thought things would be confusing and messy, but she cleared it all up for me. I'm grateful for this woman. She actually gives a damn and worked hard for me.