Case Summaries

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We represent clients in all stages of the criminal process from investigation, through pretrial motions, in plea negotiations and at trial. We are pleased that we have been able to achieve success at each level of the criminal process for our clients.

Following are actual cases showing outcomes reached through negotiation or trial:

Possession of Drugs for Sale

Exposure: Potential 5 year prison sentence
Forfeiture of money and equipment (100,000)
Facts: Client (2) accused of cultivation of marijuana and possession of marijuana for sale
Suppression motion at Preliminary Hearing
Motion granted
Case dismissed
Case: People v. C.V.

Felony DUI with injury

Exposure: 5 years in State Prison
Facts: Both driver and passenger injured when truck turned over.
* Client also had prior strike and drug charges.
Negotiation: 6 months electronic home confinement
Case: People v. W.H.
Exposure: 5 years in State Prison
Facts: Head on collision with another car (less than 40 mph)
Driver of the other vehicle was pregnant and an additional child in the vehicle.
Negotiation: 4 months actual jail time and Probation
Case: People v. R.O.

Manslaughter

Exposure: 15 years in Prison
Facts: Client in fist fight with other man. “Victim” is hit, falls down, hits his head on ground, and dies.
Pre-complaint representation:
District Attorney declines to file since case is deemed defensible if the case would have gone to trial.
Case: People v. J.G.

Sexual / Registration as sexual predator

Exposure: Lifetime Registration as a sex offender under 290 PC
Facts: Client accused of masturbating in a co-ed public health club Jacuzzi in front of a woman
Negotiation: Client receives Volunteer work. Prosecutor offers *NO Sex Offender Registration and *No jail time.
Case: People v. A.O.
Exposure: Lifetime Registration as a sex offender under 290 PC
Facts: Client accused of masturbating in his vehicle at a Starbucks parking lot with his door open. Two Wells Fargo employees witness the act and take photos of the defendant.
Negotiation: Client to attend counseling. Prosecutor offers *NO Sex Offender Registration and *NO jail time.
Case: People v. O.R.
Exposure: Lifetime Registration as a sex offender under 290 PC
Facts: Santa Rosa Police pose as underage girl on the internet. Client goes to meet “girl” and is arrested.
Negotiation: Client to attend counseling. Prosecutor offers *NO Sex Offender Registration and *NO jail time.
Case:

Murder/ Triple Homicide

Exposure: Life in prison without parole
Facts: Client involved in marijuana deal that went very bad.
Negotiation: 8 years at half time served locally in county jail.
Case: People v. F.D.

Third Strike Cases

Exposure: 25 years to life
Facts: Client accused of slicing victim in throat
Trial: After cross examination of the victim by defense attorney, District Attorney mistakenly declares mistrial. Defense attorney moves for Double Jeopardy ruling. Judge agrees and bars prosecution from a second trial. Client is released
Case: People v. L.P.
Exposure: 25 years to life
Facts: Client accused of strong armed robbery of victim. Police officer watches the acts.
Negotiation: Romero motion filed and granted prior strike removal (struck) for sentencing purposes. Client receives 3 year sentence served at half time.
Case: People v. W.A.

Attempted Murder (5 counts)

Exposure: Life in state prison*
Facts: Client shot 7 times at 4 Deputy Sheriff’s by mistake.
Trial: Acquitted of all serious charges except possession of a sawed off shotgun.
Case: People v. M.C.H.

Attempted Murder with Gang Allegations (2 counts)

Exposure: Life in state prison*
Facts: Client accused of being involved in the stabbing of 2 victims. Gang crime enhancements were charged.
Negotiation: Client received no prison, was granted probation.
Case: People v. A.R.A.

Attempted Murder

Exposure: Life in state prison*
Facts: Client shot 15 times at the driver of a vehicle.
Trial: Acquitted of attempted murder
Case: People v. T.L.M.L.

Assault with Great Bodily Injury

Exposure: 7 years in state prison
Facts: At a bar the Client was confronted by several men. Client struck victim first. Victim received concussion.
Trial: Acquitted
Case: People v. J.L.

Home Invasion with Weapon

Exposure: Life in state prison*
Facts: Client accused of home invasion with shotgun and stealing of financial records.
Trial: Acquitted of home invasion charges. Found guilty of financial fraud and sentenced to 3 year sentence served at ½ time.
Case: People v. R.M.

Domestic Violence

Exposure: One year in county jail (misdemeanor)
Facts: Client accused of choking former girlfriend.
Trial: Acquitted

Manslaughter

Exposure: 21 years in state prison
Facts: Client accused of shooting man in forehead.
Negotiation: 2 year sentence at 1/2 time
Case: People v. P.S.

Possession of Drugs for Sale

Exposure: 3 years, 8 months state prison
Facts: Client was driver of car in which drugs were found. Drugs were thrown out of driver’s side window.
Trial: Acquitted of all charges including transportation of drugs
Case: People v. K.L.

Sexual Assault

Exposure: Life in state prison*
Facts: Client accused of kidnapping and raping a 74 year old woman in her home.
Negotiation: 9 years state prison served at 85% time
Case: People v. A.M.

*Life sentences are those that are called “Indeterminate”. For example, with a 25 year to life sentence, the Parole Board determines if the Client is eligible to be released after the base term of 25 years is served.