San Bernardino, CA – Charges were officially dropped today against A. Ochoa, who was arrested in January for assault with a deadly weapon.
Mr. Ochoa was at his girlfriend’s residence in January 2016 when her abusive ex-husband repeatedly knocked on the door while yelling obscenities. When Ochoa answered, the ex-husband became enraged and lunged toward him, swinging his fists. Ochoa fought back in self-defense. When the ex-husband went to his car to grab a knife, Ochoa ran inside and quickly dialed 911. The police arrived to the home and arrested both men on assault charges.
Known by law enforcement as a PC 245, assault with a deadly weapon carries up to four years in state prison and up to $10,000 in fines. Ochoa retained Jorgensen and Salberg’s criminal defense attorney Jeffrey Salberg to fight his case.
Salberg explains, “There are various degrees of severity within a PC 245 charge.”
“In Ochoa’s case,” he continues, “He was charged with a PC 245 (A)(1),meaning his assault did not include the use of a firearm. Still, it’s a tough charge to beat.”
After working closely with the DA, Salberg was able to get all charges dropped.
Ochoa, who is nearly finished with the immigration process to become a legal U.S. citizen, could have faced deportation if convicted. “I’m just really thankful,” says Ochoa, “I could have ended up in jail for defending myself, and that’s scary. Salberg took care of me like a brother.”
*Name has been edited to protect the identity of the defendant.
