Woman denies taking daughter

The attorney tried to get her client released on her own recognizance but failed until a formal hearing can be held.

"It's just a misdemeanor," the defense said. "She's not a harm to society."

The defense attorney pointed out Freiberg's husband in the audience as proof he is involved in her case. He made no public comment. Freiberg also remained silent, in sharp contrast to her earlier appearance before a judge.

Freiberg was arrested by sheriff's deputies in Los Angeles three weeks after taking off with her daughter and the family's dog and cat on Aug. 4. Freiberg and the girl were dirty and hungry at the time of the arrest. They reportedly had traveled around the state and were out of money.

At her first arraignment, Freiberg shocked the judge and court observers by claiming Alana Freiberg was actually her mother and gave a birth date of June 8, 1992. She also pleaded guilty to driving a car without a license.

Freiberg's husband, Robert, confirmed her identity and said she needed medical help. The judge ordered the mental evaluation. Robert Freiberg did not report his family missing until nearly a week after their disappearance because he thought the disappearance was linked to marital problems.

Freiberg remains in custody in lieu of $50,000 bail. If convicted, she faces one year in county jail.

She returns to court Sept. 10 for the bail reduction hearing. A pre-trial conference is set for Sept. 17 followed by a jury trial Oct. 4.

Freiberg's daughter is back in the custody of her father.

Michelle Durand can be reached by e-mail: michelle@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 104. What do you think of this story? Send a letter to the editor: letters@smdailyjournal.com.