ATTORNEY- AT- LAW
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Who I am
I am a criminal defense attorney with over 20 years of experience.
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I was trained at the Los Angeles County Alternate Public Defender's Office (APD) where we had formal professional development for criminal defense lawyers, promotional examinations, and developed experience fighting in the trenches. I proved myself and was promoted to the most senior level of trial attorney (grade four trial attorney). At that level, I handled death penalty eligible murder cases. ​My final trial as a public defender was a death penalty eligible case and resulted in a not guilty verdict. You can read more about that case and others in my Past Successes page.
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I excel in jury trials
I don't fear hard cases and I am an excellent trial attorney. Back in the APD, my success at trial not only increased the likelihood of a good outcome from the jury, but it also improved the offers the prosecution made. Making the District Attorneys understand that they could lose is the best way to get the best offer possible.
I won the Heavy Hitter of the Year award at the APD in 2018, an award that goes to the lawyer that handled the most murder cases that year.
I was the office expert in marijuana cases.
I have previously worked in a law firm specializing in marijuana and other drug cases. When I joined the APD I gave trainings on how to handle medical marijuana cases and how to handle marijuana cases post-legalization. I consulted with attorneys on their cases.
I have experience defending non-citizens.
I was as an immigration attorney prior to becoming a LA criminal defense attorney and learned how to mitigate the risks that non-citizens face in their criminal cases.​ I have represented non-citizens both in immigration proceedings and criminal court.
My consultations are free and I take cases anywhere in California
I only accept cases that I think I can be a good fit for both me and the client. We will have our first meeting by web video.
If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges, give me a call or fill out the contact form. Let's fight for your freedom!
I look forward to discussing your case and to see how I can help.
Who I am not
A Personal Injury lawyer
Loud and obnoxious lawyers are rarely the most effective, especially in criminal law. Aggressive tactics might work in personal injury cases, but DAs aren't intimidated by lawyers who can't back up their threats. As a result, these lawyers often pressure their clients into accepting unfavorable deals.
A Former District Attorney
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Some defense attorneys boast about being former DAs, claiming they have insider knowledge and connections. However, they've spent years putting people in jail. If your lawyer is friends with the prosecutor, you should question how hard they will fight for you rather than prioritizing their friendship over your case. They are more likely to pressure you to accept a deal rather than go up against his lifetime friend.
A Basic Bob
"Basic Bobs" make up most lawyers and even they can't explain how they ended up in this profession, instead of real estate law. At their best, they're bright and effective, willing to go to trial if there's a clear error in the evidence. At their worst, they're lost and ineffective, relying on endless continuances when a client rejects an offer and the DA won't budge, hoping someone eventually gives in or dies of old age.