Semarath B.

March 24, 2021 |

Three years ago I was a dumb underage kid drinking wine at the beach with friends. I was caught and written up for an open container. I had half a mind to just pay the fee and be over with it, however, I had an inkling of an idea that it might not be so simple. I was consulted by David over the repercussions of my action over Avvo, a free legal consulting website.

My suspicions were proven true when he responded to my open question that pleading guilty and paying the fine would have resulted in the suspension of my license for a year. At the time I was a working student attending five different colleges and I really needed the mobility of my car to get around.

I dropped by Mr. Kestenbaum’s office within the week after noticing that it was actually pretty close to where I lived. It came as a shock to me when I was quoted a fee that I knew I could not afford. I was honest with Mr. Kestenbaum about my financial situation and we worked out an agreeable arrangement for his services.   David was very thorough over what my options were even prior to obtaining the retainer fee.

He was sincere in recommending that I handle the case myself as it was a pretty streamline case that way I would not have to incur a retainer fee.   I was probably a nervous train wreck on top of being a nervous kid afraid of public speaking at the time.   I knew I could not possibly represent myself coherently to the court and David’s legal experience exuded confidence that seemed very reassuring.

David put me at ease by letting me know that he would handle everything. He even clearly knew I was worried about my parents finding out as he told me not to worry because if I was cited for a different reason my house would’ve already been bombarded with DUI lawyer adverts!!

When the court day came Mr. Kestenbaum went ahead and talked to the citing officer when the opportunity was given. David truly worked some magic as the citing officer dropped the charge. The citing officer was not aware that an open bottle ticket issued to a minor would result in my license being suspended. David had me email him my school transcripts and resume that he showed to the citing officer showing that I was a good kid. Not to mention that I took the complete fall for all of my friends when the officer asked who brought the bottle.

The icing on the cake? David worked some more magic and asked the clerk to move my hearing as the first one heard. I don’t know if I remember correctly but I think the Judge had to ask twice if the officer was dropping the charge as if the initial answer was misheard. I’m sure I must have been the eye of envy of many defendants in the courthouse.

I honestly would not be where I am today if I were to have my license suspended. I’m about to graduate from UCSB in June only because I was able to commute to multiple colleges and to and from work. It’s really all thanks to David Kestenbaum that I am where I am supposed to be in life.

God forbid I ever get into any other legal trouble in the future, but If I were then Kestenbaum Law Group is definitely on my speed dial.