Areas of Practice
Criminal Defense
TRIALS
If you’ve been accused of a crime or it is possible that charges will be pressed against you, it’s important you have effective legal representation. I have extensive experience in all facets of criminal defense in both misdemeanor and felony cases in both state and federal court including:
DUIs
Homicides
Domestic Violence
Sexual crimes
Regulatory offenses
While collar crimes
Gang-related crimes
Drug offenses
Probation violations
I have extensive courtroom experience and know that thorough investigation, research and preparation is the key to successful outcomes.
I also recognize that most cases don’t go to trial, and are resolved by a plea bargain or dismissal. I walk my clients through all the pros and cons of going to trial, and if they decide to plea bargain, I use extensive investigation and litigation to try to obtain the best result possible. This includes presenting your humanity and specific life circumstances to the the prosecution and judge so they understand a real person is behind all the legalese.
APPEALS AND WRITS
Once you’ve been sentenced, there are other resources the law can provide through the process of appeal. An appeal entails thorough research of potential legal errors in your case, including effective representation by counsel, trial issues and appropriate sentencing. An appeal can have different outcomes such as a re-trial, new hearings, re-sentencing or even a reversal of the conviction.
While most convictions do not result in a reversal, I have successfully obtained reversals in a number of serious cases.
I have handled over 300 appeals and have argued before:
The California Supreme Court
The First, Third, Fourth and Fifth District Courts of Appeal for California
Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals
Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces (the highest military court)
l am counsel of record for more than a half-dozen published cases, meaning those cases are binding on other court.
WRITS, such as writs of habeas corpus and writs of mandamus, are special kinds of proceedings aimed at specific errors.
POST-CONVICTION REMEDIES
California law now provides many different ways to get relief from your conviction depending on your needs. Some convictions can be set aside and dismissed (commonly called “expungement”) for employment purposes. In some cases, sentences or convictions can be modified to help avoid immigration consequences. Also certain arrests records can actually be sealed and destroyed.
Understanding what remedies are available and will actually be helpful can be complicated.
Please contact me to discuss whether there is a remedy that may suit your specific needs.
In addition, I can assist in denial of parole, or in applications for pardons.
CIVIL LITIGATION
CIVIL RIGHTS
On a select basis, I handle civil rights cases including police misconduct and First Amendment cases.
BUSINESS DISPUTES
I have experience in commercial litigation both on the plaintiff and defense side. My commercial practice is focused on state court.
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW
DRIVER’S LICENSE HEARINGS
I have experience handling administrative hearings before the Department of Motor Vehicles involving license suspension matters. The DMV can try to suspend your license for a variety of reasons - a DUI, too many violations (“negligent operator” hearings), or medical reasons. These are complex and specialized proceedings. I have experience defending clients in all types of DMV hearings.