SUCCESSES
ALLOW MY EXTREME TENACITY, DEDICATION AND EXPERIENCE TO WORK FOR YOU
Don't be fooled by fake Google reviews posted by anonymous "clients" claiming spectacular miracles. I have posted names, court location and case numbers
When most attorneys were hiding at home during the Covid Pandemic, I successfully
tried 6 Jury trials in 2020, saving my clients' lives at the risk of losing my own
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​ATTEMPTED MURDER WITH PREMEDITATION & DELIBERATION, MAYHEM ASSAULT WITH A DEADLY WEAPON. NOT GUILTY ON ALL COUNTS
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*This marks my 9th consecutive Not Guilty Verdict in 2023-2024*
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Client charged with Attempted Murder with Premeditation & Deliberation as well as Assault with a Deadly Weapon & Mayhem. Bail set at $500,000.00 and client exposed to Life in prison. Attempted Murder dismissed at Preliminary Hearing but then refiled by DA at Arraignment. I then filed a successful 995 motion and got the Attempted Murder charge permanently dismissed. The DA fought me tooth and nail on the 995 Motion but lost. The matter then proceeded to Jury Trial with a now vindictive DA hellbent on sending the client to prison for a very long time. Despite horrific photos of victim's injuries, 40 facial stitches depicting an 11" permanent scar and 4 adverse witnesses, I convinced a highly conservative Jury to find the client NOT GUILTY on all counts after an intense 9-day trial. Due to client's limited funds, I hired no investigator, no expert and no forensic pathologist but single-handedly destroyed them at their own game in obtaining NOT GUILTY verdicts, despite the horrible facts, gruesome & bloody pictures, adverse witnesses and stomach-turning permanent scars. People v. Alan Barona 21NF2491, Orange County Superior Court, (Verdict 2/8/2024, Dept. C35, Judge Sheila Hanson). DA offer before Trial: 18 years and 2 strikes. Client released, Bail exonerated.
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ONE COUNT OF ATTEMPTED MURDER (DISMISSED)
DISCHARGE OF FIREARM, CRIMINAL STREET GANG
ASSAULT WITH FIREARM AND GBI ENHANCEMENT
115 DAYS IN LOCAL CUSTODY
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Client was charged with Attempted Murder, Criminal Street Gangs, Assault with a Firearm, Great Bodily Injury Enhancement (victim was actually shot 3x). After reviewing the file, evidence and police reports, Steven A. Alexander then noted the problems with the case and the DA quickly DISMISSED the ATTEMPTERD MURDER charge and resolved the rest of the case for 115 days that the client had already spent in custody and 2 years' probation. Who gets 115 days in jail for Attempted Murder, Assault with a Firearm in a 3 Strikes Life Case? Client exposed to 25 years to Life. Resolved for 115 days. People v. Alejandro Juarez, 24NF0877. Resolution 8/22/2024​​
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ONE COUNT OF ROBBERY AND TWO COUNTS OF
ATTEMPTED RAPE (3 STRIKES). NOT GUILTY ON ALL COUNTS
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Client was charged with Robbery and 2 counts of Attempted Rape of a complete stranger. This was a 3 strikes case, exposing the client to 25 years to Life. In a bizarre twist of fate, caused solely by a minor inadvertent slip of the victim's tongue, I convinced a Jury that the sexual encounter had been consensual and that the Robbery did not happen. I resoundingly and single-handedly beat them at their own game, with their full-time team of Investigators, Examiners and Forensic Scientists. DA offer before trial: 16 Years State Prison. Client found NOT GUILTY on all counts. 14WF4300, Orange County Superior Court (Verdict 8/25/2015) People v. Jesus Vasquez
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BATTERY WITH 2 ADVERSE WITNESSES
FOUND NOT GUILTY BY JURY
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Client charged with Battery. DA was being stubborn and not making a reasonable offer. So, the matter was set for Jury Trial. Client had an extensive criminal past and could not take the witness stand. Even without him testifying, I successfully argued a self-defense case and in what is a record of the fastest NOT GUILTY Verdict reached in Orange County, the Jury returned a NOT GUILTY Verdict in 13 minutes. People v. Castelan Moran, Case# 22CM07893. Santa Ana Superior Court, Dept. C52, Verdict July 24, 2023
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ASSAULT WITH FORCE LIKELY TO PRODUCE
GREAT BODILY INJURY, PC 245(a)(4) & PC 242
FOUND NOT GUILTY BY JURY
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Client charged with Assault with force likely to Produce Great Bodily Injury and Battery
The case involved not only a full videotaped confession by my client but also gruesome photos of the victim's injuries which required multiple stitches. A grueling and relentless cross-examination of the alleged victim revealed that he was not only lying on the stand but had fabricated some facts to the police. Three prior lawyers had advised client to plead guilty and serve 180 days in jail. Juror statement after the verdicts: "Based on your powerful arguments, we had no choice but to find your client NOT GUILTY". Judge comment to court staff after Not Guilty verdicts read: "And that's how you win a criminal case". People v. Bocanegra Moran 22CM06882, Orange County Superior Court, Santa Ana. Verdict June 1, 2023
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​​$1,000,000.00 SETTLEMENT WHERE CLIENT WAS 100% AT FAULT
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Confidential Per Settlement Agreement
Plaintiff was at fault for an accident that occurred on the 5 Freeway but sustained serious personal injuries. Settlement $1,000,000.00
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​​$4,000,000.00 SETTLEMENT IN SEXUAL HARASSMENT CASE
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Confidential Per Settlement Agreement
$4,000,000.00 settlement with weak facts, no witnesses, and no corroboration.
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​$1,200,000.00 FRAUD BY DAUGHTER OF
ELDERLY PARENTS THWARTED &
HOUSE RETURNED TO PARENTS
Self-entitled daughter of a 90-year-old illiterate couple drove her parents to a notary public for them to sign a "Will". Instead, she duped them into signing a Quitclaim Deed and a Promissory Note to their $1,200,000 house in Mira Loma. Daughter then filed a lawsuit to force parents to consummate her scam. Before trial, the Court-appointed Mediator told us: "Sign over the Deed or Pay her $250,000 to settle, because based on the evidence I see, you are sure to lose". The Mediator claimed he was highly experienced, and that we had better follow his advice. I laughed at his advice and proceeded to trial. I then eviscerated the daughter's credibility so profoundly that the Judge not only gave her nothing, but also found her culpable of Elder Abuse and Fraud. An $80,000 Motion for Attorney Fees against her is now pending. (Parada v. Garibay, CVRI2201705, Riverside Superior Court, Dept. 10, Judge Christopher Harmon, Decision 5/16/2024)
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$500 AWARD WHERE CITY OF SANTA ANA WAS DEMANDING A WHOPPING $300,000.00 PLUS OVER $130,000+ PER YEAR IN EXPENSES
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Clients were owners of a Motel in Santa Ana and sued by the City for Public Nuisance and Narcotics Abatement. The City was represented by a team of inexperienced lawyers, who named over 20 police officers and an expert to testify against the clients in an 8-day trial. Clients' absolute liability gave the inexperienced City Attorneys misplaced confidence and they demanded over $300,000 in restitution, costs and expenses. Even though the facts, the law and the evidence were heavily against the clients, I convincingly and effectively picked their case apart during closing arguments, causing the Judge to issue the City a deliberately insulting award of $100 per defendant for a total of $500.00 (Instead of the $300,000 they were demanding). City of Santa Ana v. Sunland Motel, 30-2020-01164465-CU-MC-CJC, Orange County Superior Court.
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$0 AWARD TO PLAINTIFF WHO HAD SUED MY CLIENTS FOR UNINHABITABILITY, NEGLIGENCE, NUISANCE, INFLICTION OF EMOTIONAL DISTRESS AND SOUGHT OVER $250,000 PLUS PUNITIVE DAMAGES & ATTORNEY'S FEES
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Plaintiff claimed that my clients had rented him an uninhabitable and untenantable place that contained a myriad of statutory violations. He alleged severe emotional distress, pain & suffering, loss of wages, loss of sleep, and sought every available legal remedy, including $250,000, plus punitive damages and attorney's fees. He was destroyed during cross-examination and his testimony eviscerated. Due to my clients' limited funds, I hired no expert, no investigator, no doctor, no psychiatrist but single-handedly beat them at their own game with sheer wit and argument. Plaintiff was awarded zero after trial. Client statement after Judgment: "I don't know what to say. I had brought my checkbook and transferred money to write him a check". Aguilar v. Flores & Silva, 30-2022-01260038-CU-RO-NJC, Judgment April 24, 2024, Department C18, Judge Theodore Howard.
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DOMESTIC VIOLENCE WITH A PRIOR (2 Counts)
BY SELF-ENTITLED VICTIM, FOUND NOT GUILTY BY JURY
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People v. Juan O. Gilrey, 19WM10182, NOT GUILTY VERDICTS ON BOTH COUNTS
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When most lawyers were hiding at home due to Covid, I tried 6 back-to-back Jury Trials, risking my life to free clients from custody. The evidence here consisted of gruesome photos of the victim who claimed that client had head-butted her on the nose. Blood covered her entire shirt and face. Victim, her daughter and 3 police officers all testified against client, who also had a prior perjury conviction introduced at trial. Both Judge and DA snickered at my "self-defense theory" as they believed a swift conviction was all but a foregone conclusion. Victim's credibility was then shredded when I relentlessly cross-examined her for over 4 hours. After a full 6-day jury trial conducted during the Covid-19 pandemic, jurors quickly returned NOT GUILTY verdicts on both counts in less than 2 hours. (Verdict 10/13/2021, Dept. W17, West Justice Center)
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LOVE TRIANGLE ATTEMPTED MURDER
CHARGE RESULTS IN NO CHARGES FILED
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Client was part of a love triangle and got involved in a serious physical altercation with the other party, resulting in serious and life-threatening injuries. We meticulously scoured the neighborhood and obtained reluctant but favorable witnesses and then presented a self-defense case to the Fresno County District Attorney, who then declined to file criminal charges against our client who was out on $500,000.00 Bond
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CHILD ABUSE/NEGLECT NOT GUILTY
VERDICT RENDERED IN ONLY 35 MINUTES
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The client was charged with Child Abuse. The facts of the case were horrible and a nightmare for any defense attorney: There was a videotape of the incident, the Client had been drinking heavily, had lied to several police officers, and had 4 independent witnesses against him. The case was completely lost until Closing Arguments, when with the use of exhaustive and convincing legal arguments, I surgically took apart the DA's case piece by piece, employing powerful and strategic PowerPoint slides coupled with overwhelmingly convincing arguments the DA could simply not rebut. The Jury then took only 35 minutes to find the Client Not Guilty. Case # 21CM10559. Verdict 3/21/2022, Santa Ana Superior Court. People v. Kona
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INSURANCE CLAIM INITIALLY DENIED BY INSURANCE COMPANY, SETTLED ON THE EVE OF TRIAL WITH THE CARRIER PAYING THE FULL AMOUNT
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National General Insurance had denied their own insured's claim, alleging fraud, misrepresentation, etc. in the purchase of the policy and would not pay him anything for an accident. I filed a lawsuit against National General and after heavy-handed litigation, forced them into paying the full massive claim on the eve of trial. Romero v. National General, Orange County Superior Court, Santa Ana 9/2023.​
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ATTEMPTED MURDER, SHOOTING AT AN INHABITED
DWELLING, FELON IN POSSESSION OF A GUN, ASSAULT
WITH A SEMI-AUTOMATIC FIREARM
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DISMISSED, 96CF1186, Orange County Superior Court, Santa Ana, People v. Andrew Moreno
Client was charged with Attempted Murder and a Drive-by Shooting. He was on the lam for over a decade. When he was caught, he was held on a no bail warrant. We set the matter for trial and answered Ready. The DA (currently a Superior Court Judge) then asked for a Dismissal prior to Jury Selection.
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ATTEMPTED MURDER, SHOOTING AT AN INHABITED DWELLING, FELON IN POSSESSION OF A GUN, ASSAULT WITH SEMI-AUTO FIREARM, $1,000,000 BAIL
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Client had allegedly fired 6 shots with a .45 caliber pistol into the victim's car in broad daylight. Case Fully DISMISSED, on the day of Jury Trial, DA was offering 15 Years State Prison, Orange County Superior Court, Santa Ana
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FELONY DUI, VIDEOTAPED FELONY HIT & RUN,
DRIVING OVER THE VICTIM CAUSING 8 CRACKED RIBS,
FOUND NOT GUILTY ON ALL COUNTS
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Client Charged with Felony DUI, and Felony Hit & Run, cracking 8 ribs on the victim and then fleeing the scene, all videotaped by the McDonald's drive-thru cameras. Found NOT GUILTY on all counts after a brutal 10-day trial. Deputy District Attorney during closing arguments: "Mr. Alexander is a real smart attorney. He knows what he's doing. I mean, he really knows what he's doing". Juror email after trial: "Your client was guilty as hell. We found her not guilty solely based on your lawyering skills". I hired no expert, no lab technician, and no Forensic Scientist but beat the DA at its own game with sheer argument, tactics and tenacity. People v. Castillo, 14NF4466
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KIDNAPPING FOR RAPE, RAPE, SEXUAL PENETRATION
FALSE IMPRISONMENT WITH AN EXPOSURE OF LIFE IN PRISON
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Case involved a full confession made by the client to detectives. Client's exposure: Life in Prison. I convinced the DA to make a no jail offer to a misdemeanor sexual battery, which the client gladly accepted. When he walked out of the courthouse that same day, he told me the following: "I didn't think I'd see freedom again". People v. Machadoparada, Orange County Superior Court, Harbor Justice Center, Case# 21HF1714
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ATTEMPTED MURDER, DISCHARGE OF FIREARM AT VEHICLE
ASSAULT WITH SEMI-AUTO WEAPON, FELON IN POSSESSION
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Life Sentence reduced to 3 Years, 07CF2429, Orange County Superior Court, People v. Andrew Morales
Client charged with Attempted Murder, Discharge of Firearm at Vehicle, Assault with Semi-automatic weapon, Felon in possession of firearm. Attempted Murder charge Dismissed, all other counts dismissed. Pursuant to a plea bargain, Client pled guilty to a lesser charge of Aggravated Assault and avoided a Life Sentence, reduced to 3 years. DA was initially offering 14 Years State Prison
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SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES MURDER, LYING IN WAIT
& PREMEDITATION, ATTEMPTED MURDER
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Client charged with Special Circumstances Murder, lying in wait & premeditation and also one Count of Attempted Murder, with Street Gang Enhancements, Personal Use of a semi-automatic Firearm, and Conspiracy in a brazen shooting in broad daylight on a busy street, witnessed by 4 separate individuals. Client was facing the Death Penalty. After intense negotiations with the District Attorney's Office, zealous and thorough Investigation of the facts, Death Penalty offer was reduced to only 13 years, minus Client's credits for good behavior. People v. Hector Martinez, Orange County Superior Court, case #: 09CF0221
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DEATH PENALTY SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES MURDER
WITH PREMEDITATION & DELIBERATION
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Client was under investigation for a Special Circumstances Murder with Premeditation and Deliberation, Murder for Profit and Lying in Wait. He faced the Death Penalty. The case was very weak and relied heavily on flimsy circumstantial evidence and unreliable witnesses, as well as a botched and sloppy forensic investigation. The only scientific evidence against the client was a partial shoe print left at the murder scene. While client hired me during the initial investigation, he later retained another attorney, because he was quoted a lower retainer fee. Client then proceeded to trial with the cheaper attorney who did a terrible job on cross-examining the "shoe print expert", failed to ask highly relevant questions of other witnesses and then presented a weak closing argument. Client was quickly convicted and received a Sentence of Life without Parole. He is serving his life sentence at Calipatria State Prison. The case was completely defensible. People v. Carlos Ceron, 01CF0449, Orange County Superior Court, Santa Ana
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INDECENT EXPOSURE, LEWD ACT, NOT GUILTY BY JURY, DESPITE A PROACTIVE JUDGE WHO WAS TRYING HARD TO FORCE A GUILTY VERDICT
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Client charged with Indecent Exposure, Lewd Act. Found Not Guilty by Jury, after a 9 day Jury trial, with a full Client confession introduced to the jury and 2 independent witnesses. After a 3 hour cross-examination, the victim finally admitted that she had in fact not seen client's private parts and that her statement had been coerced by the Detective (The Detective was later placed on administrative leave and then forced to retire). DA was initially offering 90 days jail plus lifetime sex-offender registration. Client did no jail at all and paid a $100 administrative fee instead. 04CM05777, People v. Mauricio Perez, Orange County Superior Court, Santa Ana
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TWO (2) COUNTS OF ATTEMPTED MURDER WITH USE OF A FIREARM
FOR BENEFIT OF A GANG, GREAT BODILY INJURY STRIKE
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Client was charged in an 8 Count Information alleging Two (2) Counts of Attempted Murder with Use of a Firearm for the Benefit of a Criminal Street Gang, Great Bodily Injury (Victim was shot in the eye and lost an eye, was in a coma for 6 months and never fully recovered), Vehicle Theft and Discharge of Firearm from a Vehicle (Drive-by Shooting). DA's initial offer was "Life without Parole". "Life Offer" reduced to only 13 years. People v. Joshua Ayon, 07WF2752, Orange County Superior Court, Santa Ana
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UNDERPAID OVERTIME WAGES, NO MEAL/REST BREAKS AGAINST
A CAR WASH, $250,000.00, SETTLED 10 MINUTES PRIOR TO JURY SELECTION
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Two clients claimed underpaid overtime wages, no meal/rest breaks against a local Car Wash. In response to a letter sent to them, Car Wash owner initially offered $500 per client, denying the hours they worked, and claiming that their illegal work status would bar them from any recovery. The case settled for a total of $250,000.00 10 minutes prior to Jury Selection.
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RESTRAINING ORDER WITH GUN SEIZURES
Flores v. Rutkiwiecz, July 2020
Client was accused of damaging furniture and punching holes in the walls of his house, where he lived with his wife of 8 years. Wife obtained a Temporary Restraining Order, seeking emergency protection, ordering him to turn in his guns, and stay away from the house. The matter finally came to trial and after a thorough and relentless cross-examination of the complaining wife, and item-by-item impeachment of her testimony, Judge Scott Cooper denied the Petition, finding "glaring inconsistencies in testimony". Client's rights were fully restored, and his weapons were returned to him the following day.
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SEXUAL HARASSMENT, UNDERPAID WAGES, EMOTIONAL DISTRESS, INVASION OF PRIVACY, (RESTROOM PEEPING), WRONGFUL TERMINATION/RETALIATION. $450,000.00
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Three (3) Clients claimed Sexual Harassment, Underpaid Wages, Emotional Distress, Invasion of Privacy (Restroom Peeping), and Wrongful Termination/Retaliation. During initial negotiations with the defendant corporation, defendant initially offered $2,500.00. The matter was settled 2 weeks later for $450,000.00 when defendant was told that a case would be filed that same day. Case Info Confidential pursuant to a Confidentiality Agreement.
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DOMESTIC VIOLENCE. DISMISSED
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Client charged with Domestic Violence. Client had made a full confession to the police who arrived minutes after the incident. DA statement at arraignment: "180 days in jail would be a gift". Case Dismissed. 05NM12821, People v. Rufina Hernandez, Fullerton
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POSSESSION AND TRANSPORTATION OF OVER 12 POUNDS OF METHAMPHETAMINE. 25 YEAR OFFER REDUCED TO 4 MONTHS
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Client was charged with Possession and transportation for sale of over 12 pounds of Methamphetamine, possession of over $500,000.00 in cash, suspected of running a Meth Lab and a major drug empire. Client's exposure was 58 years in State Prison. Based on hyper-technical defects discovered by the defense, DA's 25 year offer was reduced to 2 years in prison, which client gladly accepted. Based on time credits, client was released 4 months after the plea. People v. A. Farias, Riverside Superior Court
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DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, BATTERY AGAINST
CO-HABITANT, DISMISSED
​06CM08950, People v. Rudy de la Torre, Orange County Superior Court
Client charged with Domestic Violence, Battery against co-habitant. Case Fully Dismissed 10 minutes before Jury Selection was scheduled to commence. DA had offered 60 days jail and stay-away from his own house, wife & children for 3 years. 06CM08950, People v. Rudy de la Torre, Orange County Superior Court, Santa Ana, Dept. C53, Judge Barry Michaelson after the Dismissal: "Mr. De la Torre, your attorney has pulled off a miracle for you. Don't mess it up".
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Domestic Violence, Battery against spouse, Child Endangerment
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Found NOT GUILTY by Jury of the serious counts, avoided 60 days Jail and was sentenced to 30 days Community Service after 10 day Jury trial, 07NM02523, Orange County Superior Court, Fullerton
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Domestic Violence, Battery against spouse, Child Endangerment
Terrorist Threats, Residential Burglary, Aggravated Felony Assault
Criminal Street Terrorism, Possession of a firearm
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Confidential due to Client being a Minor
Client charged with Making Terrorist Threats, Residential Burglary, Aggravated Felony Assault, Criminal Street Terrorism, Possession of a firearm. All counts dismissed, instead client pled guilty to Possession of a Firearm and spent 90 days in Juvenile Hall, avoiding 6 years in the California Youth Authority. Confidential due to Client being a Minor
False information to police officer, falsely representing self to police officer
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06NM09774, Orange County Superior Court, Fullerton
Client charged with unlawfully providing false information to police officer, falsely representing self to police officer. Charges Dismissed. DA was recommending 60 days jail. Client did no jail. 06NM09774, Orange County Superior Court, Fullerton.
SEXUAL BATTERY AFTER UNLAWFUL ENTRY TO HOUSE
HUNG JURY (7-5) LEADS TO FULL DISMISSAL
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Client charged with Sexual Battery after Unlawful Entry to house. Hung Jury (7-5) after an 8 day intense Jury Trial, led to a Full Dismissal. DA had initially offered him 180 days Jail, 5 years Probation & register for life as a Sex Offender. On cross-examination, the alleged victim's credibility and Police Officer's competence were so destroyed, that the initial City Attorney refused to re-try the case, stating: "I don't want to be humiliated in front of the jury again". The following is an excerpt of what the City Attorney also told the Judge after a 1 hour cross-examination of the Lead Detective by me: "Your Honor, I think Mr. Alexander has effectively destroyed this Detective's credibility and I don't think his image can be repaired before the Jury." Judge: "He's your witness, not mine". Client went home after paying a $100 administrative fee instead. 09NM11638 Fullerton.
RESISTING ARREST & TRESPASSING. DISMISSED
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Full Dismissal 15 minutes prior to Jury Selection
Client charged with Resisting Arrest and Trespassing. Client had pled guilty with another lawyer and received 10 days jail. Client retained me post-conviction and I set aside the guilty plea and set the matter for trial, obtaining a Full Dismissal 15 minutes prior to Jury Selection. 09CM05789
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ATTEMPTED MURDER OF A POLICE OFFICER & ASSAULT
WITH A DEADLY WEAPON ON POLICE OFFICER, People v. J.G
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Client was under investigation for Attempted Murder of a Police Officer & Assault with Deadly Weapon on a Police Officer. Upon investigation of the matter by Steven A. Alexander and a private investigator, it was established that the police officer was the initial aggressor by attempting an unlawful detention of our client after an unauthorized and warrantless entry into his home. We found and convinced extremely reluctant witnesses who had been intimidated by the police to divulge exculpatory statements. After the results were submitted to the District Attorney, the investigation was closed with no charges filed against Client. People v. J.G
CHILD ENDANGERMENT. DISMISSED
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Client charged with Child Endangerment. Social Services were called and client was offered 180 days jail, stay away from her own children for 3 years. I set the matter for trial and through relentless and zealous representation, the entire case was Dismissed. 09CM09666, Orange County Superior Court, Santa Ana
CHILD CRUELTY. DISMISSED
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Client charged with Cruelty to a Child. The evidence against the client consisted of 8 photographs, bearing 3" wide deep belt buckle marks, welts and lacerations, a confession by the client, and two adverse witnesses. DA offer was 120 days jail. Case Fully Dismissed, 10CM10640, Orange County Superior Court, Santa Ana.
DRUG POSSESSION/TRANSPORTATION FOR SALE
CONSPIRACY TO DISTRIBUTE NARCOTICS
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Client pled guilty to Drug Possession/Transportation for Sale of Narcotics & Conspiracy. A search of his vehicle had yielded $28,000.00 in cash. The cash was seized and Asset Forfeiture Proceedings were initiated by the DA. He then hired this office to recover his cash. All $28,000.00 returned to the Client after 1 court appearance and case Dismissed. 30-2009-00123643-CU-AF-CJC
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POSSESSION OF NARCOTICS FOR SALE/DISTRIBUTION
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Client was arrested for Possession of Narcotics for Sale and his home worth over $2,000,000.00, a 50' yacht, $250,000 in vehicles and a Harley Davidson and over $400,000.00 in cash were seized as a result. We not only convinced the authorities NOT to file any charges, but all of client's assets were returned to him in less than 30 days. Here's what the assigned DEA Agent told me after he learned of the disposition of the matter: "Hey listen, I've got you on speed dial if I ever get into trouble".
Confidential, as no case filed
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UNDERPAID FOR OVERTIME/NO LUNCH & MEAL BREAKS
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Client was a former employee for a local gas station/mini-mart and had been working 56 hours per week, and being underpaid for overtime, and not afforded lunch and rest breaks. Plaintiff had no documentary evidence, written proof, or corroboration. It was his word against that of over 20 other current employees, managers and corporate officers. Defendants were offering $274 to settle. After an intense 4 day trial, 5 witnesses and a defense expert testifying against the client, and over 6,000 adverse documents presented against client by 2 separate lawyers defending all the defendants, Client was awarded $40,000.00 plus costs and attorney's fees, for a total of over $90,000.00. After the verdict, one of the defendants was overheard saying: "We didn't just lose the case. This f***** crucified us".
UNDERPAID WAGES/OVERTIME. $133,000.00
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Client was a former employee of a garment store and was being underpaid for wages and overtime. After suit was filed, defendants retained a local fancy and well-known law firm, which offered $2,500 to settle the matter. The matter went to trial, with defendants being represented by 3 separate lawyers, a full support staff of 3 other professionals, as well as a forensic CPA. While the defendants and their lawyers were seen laughing and snickering on the first day of trial, their laughter soon dissipated when Client was awarded $133,000.00 plus $185,000 in attorney's fees.
Unpaid Overtime. $75,000.00
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Case settled for $75,000.00 on the eve of trial
Client was a gas station employee, not being paid overtime. Defendants were being represented by another famous high-powered Orange County law firm, which offered $5,000 to "go away". After depositions were taken on the 14th floor of their fancy building by arrogant lawyers sipping on Cappuccino and quipping about the client's case, the matter settled for $75,000.00 on the eve of trial
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UNPAID OVERTIME. $65,000.00
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Client worked 75 hours per week at a local mini-market, and not paid for overtime. While Defendants had promised "our high-powered corporate lawyers will eat you alive" and then laughed at a $25,000 settlement demand extended 9 months before trial, they were very anxious to settle the case for $65,000.00 on the very morning of Jury Trial. J.Perez v. S.F. Orange County Superior Court, Dept. C23, Judge Robert Moss (Ret.)
UNDERPAID WAGES/SEXUAL HARASSMENT &
OPPRESSIVE WORKING CONDITIONS $160,000.00
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Clients were 4 Exotic Dancers at a local Strip Club and claimed Underpaid wages, Sexual Harassment & Oppressive Working conditions. While we were first told to "go file whatever case you wanna file, you won't get a penny from us", their joint matters later settled for $160,000.00. Case Info Confidential pursuant to Confidentiality Agreement
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DOMESTIC VIOLENCE. HUNG JURY LEADS TO DISMISSAL
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Client was charged with Domestic Violence. Two of client's children testified against him, convincingly stating that they had witnessed the event and that their father had guzzled ½ a Tequila bottle prior to striking their mother. DA's offer was 120 days jail, 52 weeks of alcohol and DV program, stay away from the house and children for 3 years. The case went to trial and a self-assured DA presented a total of 4 witnesses and 2 police officers, all testifying against the client. The client took the stand in his own defense, admitted to heavy drinking and prior incidents of domestic violence but claimed self-defense. After 6 hours of deliberation, the Jury was hung 9-3 in favor of Acquittal NOT GUILTY. Case was then Dismissed by the Judge. People v. Malfavon, 11CM00089, Orange County Superior Court
MURDER, DRIVE-BY SHOOTING & POSSESSION OF
AN ASSAULT RIFLE, GANG RELATED CRIMES
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Client was being investigated for a Murder, Drive-by Shooting & Possession of an Assault Rifle, Gang-related Crimes, after being positively identified as the Shooter. Although client had admitted to the police that he was an active gang member and on Parole, he had denied involvement in the shooting. Although he claimed he was in a different part of town at the time of the shooting, client had no alibi, no favorable witnesses and no hope. He was also wanted on a No Bail Parole Hold and therefore a fugitive on the run, but claimed to be innocent. I then personally visited the area at 2 a.m. and from a remote distance, located an apartment security camera which could have captured client's presence in the area, and therefore act as an alibi. I obtained the security tape which clearly showed client driving alone in his vehicle, with his arm hanging out the window with a cigarette in his hand, and 9 miles away at the time of the shooting. The Parole Hold was also lifted. Client avoided a life sentence. People v. Jose Alfredo Jimenez (No case filed).
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PROBATION VIOLATION FOR POSSESSION OF
A SHOTGUN & AMMUNITION. DISMISSED
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Client was charged with Probation Violation for being in possession of a shotgun and ammunition, and faced a minimum of 4 years in State Prison, and held in custody without Bail. Once the shoddy, incompetent and improper police tactics were brought to the District Attorney's attention, Probation Violation was dismissed. Client was sent home. People v. Cesar Ayala, 10CF1565
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FALSE IMPRISONMENT & BATTERY
AGAINST COHABITANT. DISMISSED
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Client charged with False Imprisonment & Battery Against Cohabitant, arising out of a boyfriend/girlfriend relationship. DA offer 180 days jail, 3 years probation, 52 Weeks of Anger Management, do not possess any weapons for 10 years. A guilty plea to any law violation would have forever shattered client's dreams of becoming a Police Officer. I personally scoured the neighborhood, in search of favorable eyewitnesses, speaking with the homeless, pimps and street prostitutes, leaving no stone unturned, eventually finding enough exculpatory evidence to get the case DISMISSED. People v. M. Miranda, 11CM06117, Santa Ana.
​HIT & RUN WITH PROPERTY DAMAGE. DISMISSED
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Client charged with Hit & Run with Property Damage, and running a red light, arising out of a serious auto accident, with 3 witnesses testifying against client. Case Dismissed. 11CM14271, People v. Ramirez de Castillo, Santa Ana.
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BATTERY ON A POLICE OFFICER
& RESISTING ARREST
Serious charge NOT GUILTY, client paid a fine.
Client charged with Battery on a Police Officer (PC 243(b)) & Resisting Arrest (PC 69), arising out of client allegedly hitting a pedestrian police officer with his truck, fleeing, and then resisting arrest when detained by officers who chased him. Client was guilty of the Resisting Arrest Charge, and although I attempted to negotiate a plea to the charge and a dismissal of the Battery charge, the DA steadfastly refused and insisted on 60 days Jail, fines and 3 years of Probation. The matter proceeded to Jury Trial. Verdict: NOT GUILTY of Battery on police officer after Jury Trial. The Judge was so upset at the DA for not accepting my pre-trial compromise that, after trial, the judge sentenced him to only pay $100 in fines. People v. Jorge Garibay11CM10201, Santa Ana Superior Court.
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UNDOCUMENTED WORKERS IN AGRICULTURAL AREA OF FRESNO
FORCED TO WORK 12 HOUR SHIFTS FOR $5/HR. SETTLED FOR $600,000
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Clients were 5 undocumented Farm workers in the agricultural outskirts of Fresno, forced to work 12-hour shifts for $5.00 per hour, picking vegetables under 105-degree temperature, with no restroom breaks. They had no documentary proof or corroboration. We contacted the employer who in turn threatened to contact his son-in-law, a Homeland Security Officer, to have clients deported. Employer was told that we were unimpressed with his silly threats, and when we sent him an unfiled copy of a Fresno Superior Court lawsuit, the matter settled for $600,000.00, just 3 days later. Case Confidential per Confidentiality Agreement.
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INSURANCE CLAIM FOR A STOLEN CADILLAC
ESCALADE DENIED BY INFINITY INSURANCE
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Client's Insurance claim for a stolen Cadillac Escalade had been "Denied" by Infinity Insurance, as they were in their 9th month of "investigating" the claim. The vehicle had been recovered in Tijuana and Infinity Insurance claimed that client had had a hand in its disappearance, yet offered no insight, evidence or final determination to client. 3 hours after a letter of representation was faxed to the carrier, a $58,000.00 settlement check was hand-delivered to the office.
Forgery (PC 470(a)), Forgery of Governmental Seal (PC 472)
Manufacturing of False Governmental Documents (PC 113)
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People v. Nahed Gonzalez, 11CF2963, Santa Ana.
Client was charged with 3 felonies: Forgery (PC 470(a)), Forgery of Governmental Seal (PC 472) & Manufacturing of False Governmental Documents (PC 113), arising out an elaborate sting and surveillance, involving ICE officials, Department of Justice, Department of Homeland Security, Orange County District Attorney's office and Santa Ana Police. Client was caught with numerous computers, scanners, printers and over 1,000 fake green cards. Client's minimum Prison exposure was 5 years and $75,000.00 in fines. ICE and DHS officials had placed the DA under extreme pressure and scrutiny to make certain client is sent to State Prison for the 5-year term. When the DA was threatened with a Motion to Exclude Evidence due to improper seizure of the items in his house, the DA quickly made a 180-day offer, allowing the client to be released from custody that same day. Client did 85 days jail, and only because he refused to post bail. People v. Nahed Gonzalez, 11CF2963, Santa Ana.
Felony Domestic Violence, Great Bodily Injury (Strike), 8 stitches and lacerations on victim. HUNG JURY leads to FULL DISMISSAL
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Client charged with Felony Domestic Violence with a Great Bodily Injury Enhancement (Strike Felony). The evidence consisted of a large and horrific gash on the victim's chin which required 7 stitches, a pool of blood, horrific photos, and 4 police officers and a victim testifying against him. Client was also involved in 2 prior incidents of domestic violence with the same victim, one of which had led to a prior arrest. DA offer before trial: 180-270 days in Jail, plead guilty to a felony, hefty fines and 3 years of Formal Probation. Case went to trial and the DA presented 5 adverse witnesses, showed blowup photos of victim injuries and argued what she believed to be a "slam dunk victory". On cross-examination, Victim's credibility was so destroyed by Steve Alexander that Jurors intimated the following after trial: "You did a great job on your cross-examination of her. We just couldn't believe anything she said anymore. She just wasn't credible at the end". Result: Hung Jury (6-6). On retrial, the same DA dismissed the entire case. People v. McCullough, 10HF2038, Orange County Superior Court. Judge Lance Jensen, Dept. W12, Westminster
Felony Domestic Violence, Assault with a Firearm, Kidnapping, Witness Intimidation/Tampering, Destruction of Evidence and Child Abuse. DISMISSED
Client charged with Felony Domestic Violence, Assault with a Firearm, Kidnapping, Witness Intimidation/Tampering, Destruction of Evidence and Child Abuse. The evidence consisted of two separate recorded 911 calls by two separate witnesses, a tacit confession by client, a loaded .45 semi-automatic, and a pool of blood. DA offer at Arraignment was 14 years State Prison. Client would have been glad to accept a 5 year offer. DA arrogantly rejected our 3 year counter-offer and we prepared for an intensive Jury Trial. Result: Case Fully Dismissed 30 minutes prior to Jury Selection, as the DA moved to "Dismiss in the Interest of Justice". Client released from custody. People v. A.P. San Bernardino Superior Court
Road Rage and Assault with a Deadly Weapon (vehicle), Hit & Run with Serious Injuries
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Client's Insurance Company paid for the vehicle damages. People v. J.M.
Client was being investigated for Road Rage and Assault with a Deadly Weapon (vehicle), Hit & Run with Injuries. The evidence consisted of irrefutable iPhone video taken by another motorist. We fully resolved the matter with the Fresno District Attorney's Office with no case ever filed. Client's Insurance Company paid for the vehicle damages. People v. J.M.
Corporal Injury to a Child (Penal Code 273d(a)) and Child Abuse & Endangerment . DISMISSED
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Corporal Injury to a Child (Penal Code 273d(a)
Child Abuse & Endangerment (Penal Code 273a(b)
Most defense attorneys are horrified of these cases and most scramble to get a plea deal. DA offer before trial: 60 days Jail, Probation and stay away from victim for 3 years. Case fully Dismissed. People v. Alicia Palacios, Orange County, North Justice Center, 07NM13041
Felon in Possession of a Gun. DISMISSED
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Case Dismissed, People v. Aurelio Morillon
Client charged with being a Felon in Possession of a Gun, and held in custody on a No Bail Parole Hold. Result: Case Dismissed, People v. Aurelio Morillon, 12NF1849, Orange County Superior, North Justice Center.
Client was a Registered Dental Assistant working at Smile Implant Center in Newport Beach, and not being paid overtime
Defendant Dr. Thomas Teich adamantly insisted that client was an Independent Contractor and not entitled to overtime, but offered $2,500.00 to settle. Before trial, plaintiff offered to settle the case for a total of $25,000.00 but the doctor arrogantly refused. Although at trial, they played every trick in the book, Judgment was awarded in favor of the client in the amount of $31,662.00, plus costs and attorney fees, to exceed $70,000.00 total. He did not pay the Judgment, so I had his dental license suspended. Jose Gomar v. Thomas Teich, Smile Implant Center, 30-2011-00461624-CU-OE-CJC, Orange County Superior Court, Dept. C19, Hon. Judge Margines
Kidnapping, Robbery with a sawed-off shotgun, Assault with Deadly Weapon, Dissuading a Witness, Weapon Enhancements. DISMISSED
People v. Justin C. Gonzalez, 08WF0360, Orange County Superior
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Client and 4 other defendants were charged in an 8 count Felony Complaint with Kidnapping, Robbery with a sawed-off shotgun, Assault with Deadly Weapon, Dissuading a Witness, Weapon Enhancements in Case # 08WF0360. The arrest and horrific Al Capone style facts about the arrest were documented by the Orange County Register, LA Times, and other local magazines. While the DA thought they had the perfect case, the case started falling apart piece by piece, month by month. When the matter was finally set for Jury Trial and all parties answered "Ready", DA moved to dismiss the Complaint and all defendants were freed and all charges were Dismissed. People v. Justin C. Gonzalez, 08WF0360, Orange County Superior.
Gardener claiming Unpaid Wages. $11,000 Case turns into a $365,000.00 Nightmare from Hell. Dominguez v. KJS, Kerry J. Snyder, et.al., 30-2012-00611672, Orange County Superior Court
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When reasonable people would have settled in a simple case, these mindless fools gambled on an $11,000 case. They offered nothing at the beginning and nothing at a Mandatory Settlement Conference and laughed at the idea of settlement at Mediation. Their inexperience and cocky ignorance landed them in front of a jury with incredible tales which the Jury rejected by awarding plaintiff $13,500.
After Trial, the judge awarded plaintiff an additional $122,000 in attorney fees, for a total of $135,500.00. Did they do the right thing and pay that amount? No, of course not. Instead, they filed appeal after appeal, and lost. Their final appeal was rejected by the 4th District Court of Appeal. The total damage they inflicted on themselves was now $365,000.00 (10% interest over 6 years and $85,500.00 more in attorneys' fees on the Appeals plus a malicious prosecution action), for a total of $365,000.00; all on an $11,000 case. This case is the poster child for mind-boggling stupidity by a litigant and his attorney. ​Dominguez v. KJS, Kerry J. Snyder, et.al., 30-2012-00611672, Orange County Superior Court
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$300,000.00 damage caused by client's negligence settled for $15,000
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Allstate Insurance Companies subsidiary v. Thomas O'Neil
Client was an unlicensed contractor performing Heating and Air Conditioning services at various homes. An unapproved heating unit he installed burned down a house insured by Allstate, causing over $300,000 in damage. After intense negotiations and litigation, I settled the client's $300,000 debt for $15,000, payable in 5 installments over a 1-year period. Other lawyers had recommended bankruptcy despite client's extensive assets.
Two counts of Child Abuse, Injury to Phone Lines and Domestic Violence, DISMISSED
People v. D. Martinez, 16CM00979
Client charged with 2 counts of Child Abuse, Injury to Telephone lines, and Domestic Violence Battery, with $20,000 Bail. DA offer at arraignment: 180 days jail, 3 years probation, Stay Away from family for 3 years and hefty fines. After zealous investigation of the facts, interview of neighbors, we set the matter for trial, and answered "Ready" on the first day. DA then dismissed the case.
Nasty Partnership Dissolution
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Daniel Cano v. John Roberto
"Our partnership has ended. Give me $150,000 and $50,000 in equipment back". Our client was sued by a former partner in a demolition business venture. The former partner claimed all kinds of damages, loss of profits, return of property, conversion, fraud and punitive damages. After a 4-day trial, Plaintiff was awarded zero dollars in damages.
Unpaid Wages with an interesting twist
Sotelo v. MNC
Client was working as a manager at a retail store and not being paid overtime. Defendants claimed that not only was client paid, but she was in fact overpaid and they filed a cross-complaint for the alleged overpayment, for fraud and embezzlement. Plaintiff's case had a top value of $25,000. After the first round of Demurrers, discovery exchanges and setting of depositions, defendants were eager to settle the matter for $48,000.00 and dismiss their cross-complaint.
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Payment denied to Dentist for burglary
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MN v. Safeco, no case filed
Client was a highly-skilled Dentist whose office was burglarized and over $100,000 worth of equipment and personal belongings were stolen. When he made a claim with his insurance company for reimbursement, they denied his claim, claiming it was an "inside job" and questioned the burglary. The doctor retained our firm and after a short in-office interview with the client and the attorney for the insurance company, they were eager to issue a check for $115,000.00
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The Unlawful Detainer Case from Hell
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Castro v. Miranda, Case #: 30-2018-0102276-CL-UD-CJC
Client owned a residential property in Santa Ana and hired another attorney to evict a non-paying tenant. The tenant hired Public Law Center and 3 other law firms to defend her, claiming Age/Race Discrimination, Uninhabitability, Retaliation, etc., requested a Jury Trial and demanded over $85,000 in damages and monies. The previous attorney had recommended that landlord actually pay $50,000.00 to oust the tenant. The landlord was terrified and hired me for further representation. I immediately set the case for trial and appeared at the pretrial conference. The tenant appeared, represented by 4 different attorneys from different firms, all armed with Jury Instructions, 38 Motions in Limine, Witness Lists, and 4 separate Statements of the Case. After their motions were denied one after the other, and the proposed Jury Instructions they attempted to lodge were refused by the court, they were anxious to settle the case for $100 and move out in 8 days. Their lead attorney uttered the following: "I've asked around about you and everybody tells me you know your stuff".
Another Unlawful Detainer Case from Hell
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Johnson v. Gomez, Richard, Harbor Justice Center
Our client was a senior citizen homeowner having mistakenly leased her property to a group of thugs and gang members, who would not pay rent, had terrorized the neighborhood, and had sublet the property to at least 10 other individuals. When the client came to us, the tenants were already 2 months behind in rent. When the process server went to serve them with a 3 Day Notice to Pay Rent, he was chased away by armed gang members and pit bulls.
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The matter was set for trial and I appeared in Department H14 of the Harbor Justice Center. 4 gang members appeared to intimidate the landlord. They were ousted in 6 days with a court order.
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