Criminal Defense
As a sole practitioner with a deep background in all aspects of criminal defense, Katie is uniquely positioned to assist clients in all phases of a state or federal criminal case. She has the background and experience to see any criminal case through all stages of controversy, ranging from investigation to settlement, trials to appeals, to petitions for habeas corpus. Through her independent practice, she personally handles matters in a client-facing and cost-effective manner.
Beyond her practical experience, Katie's years as a law professor helped her develop excellent communication skills that enable her to explain in clear, concise, non-legalese, the law and strategy of a case to her clients.
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Exonerated client charged as an adult at age 14 for murder after the preliminary examination magistrate granted due process motions that both the client's confession and accuser's statements implicating client were coerced. "No holding" issued and case dismissed.
Santa Clara County homicide charges dismissed for insufficiency of the evidence after presentation made that established that client was innocent.
Federal Court client facing ten years for gun possession granted probation and no custody due to a persuasive mitigation presentation.
Federal Death Penalty not pursued after mitigation presentation to the Department of Justice.
Legal and factual presentation convinced prosecutor of "mistake of fact" and thereby to not file "DUI" charges against a CEO of a local company who accidentally took an "Ambien" when she intended to take thyroid medication. (Preventing charging allowed the company to go public on schedule.)
“Katie Ross is simply one of the finest lawyers I know. She is smart, she is experienced, and she is tenacious in defending her clients. I have seen hundreds of lawyers over the 40 years I appeared in federal court, and you would find no one who is more dedicated than she is when it comes to protecting her client’s right to the very best representation possible. She is truly outstanding in every regard.”
-Geoffrey Hansen, Former (Acting) Federal Public Defender, Northern District of California. Professor, Hastings College of the Law
