The year began with some great victories, highlighted by a 2-week DUI trial at the Metro Courthouse. Our client's medical license was on the line. The jury hung 6-6 and we were ultimately successful at getting the court to dismiss the entire case, despite the prosecutor's desire to have a 2nd trial.
Throughout 2013, our firm achieved countless great results for clients, including the dismissal of domestic violence charges, drug charges, and federal bank fraud charges. We also obtained a finding of factual innocence for our client charged with cocaine possession. These motions are hard to come by so it was an absolute thrill availing our client to this kind of remedy, via the Clean Slate Project.
In the summer, we tried a multi-count sex case where our client was accused of aggravated sexual battery. After a one week trial at the Alhambra Courthouse, we were able to secure a hung jury. The jury hung 7-5 in favor of NOT GUILTY. The court ultimately granted our motion to dismiss and we were able to prevent our client from being convicted of a sex offense. While 2 of our cases went to verdict, we also had over 5 cases dismissed at trial, prior to jury selection in 2013!
Throughout the year, along with our diverse caseload, Mr. Sterling participated in other projects while also giving back to his community. Our firm was featured in the November issue of Ventura Blvd. Magazine where the office was profiled as one of the San Fernando Valley's preeminent professional advisors. Mr. Sterling was approached in 2013 to participate in a legal documentary featuring criminal defense attorneys in Los Angeles. Footage was shot at our office and the project remains in development and is being produced by the people that brought you "Selling LA" and "Selling New York."
One of the most fulfilling events we were apart of was being a sponsor and donating to "Memo's Silent Auction." Many of you may have heard about the murder of Guillermo "Memo" Perez in Venice back in November. He was a line cook at Mercedes Grille in Marina del Rey and he left behind a wife and young baby. A truly tragic situation yet it was so uplifting to see how many local business owners, artists, and neighbors responded by offering their support.
We were joined this year by associate Maxwell Wright, our jack-of-all-trades, who managed his own misdemeanor and felony caseload while propounding extensive discovery for one our office's civil rights cases. Max obtained countless great results while honing his skill as a criminal trial lawyer. So well in fact that we lost him to the Los Angeles County Public Defender's Office in May! He was a huge asset and will no doubt bring compassionate and aggressive advocacy to his clients in the public sector.
2013 was the year of new relationships. We formed new alliances and have developed long-lasting relationships with not only legal professionals and other attorneys, but with treatment centers, addiction specialists, and counselors. It is amazing what they have done for our clients who suffer from addiction related illnesses. We have seen true success stories in this area.
Lastly, we closed out the year by expanding and moving our offices to two exciting new locations in Encino and Beverly Hills. We take tremendous pride in the work that we do, so thank you for taking the time. We can't wait to share some of the things we're working on for 2014 - be sure to check back or you can find us on Facebook or CLICK HERE. From our family to yours - Happy Holidays!
