I am a Fresno based federal and state criminal defense and government investigations attorney. I provide the highest level of service for my clients.
I understand how federal and state prosecutors think - how they decide whether or not to file a criminal charge and what persuades them to decline filing, dismiss a case, or reduce the charges. I know how to challenge the admissibility of evidence (suppression motions) and how to present a criminal case to a jury or Judge. My experience includes over 100 criminal jury trials.
For ten years I was the Chief of the Violent Crime and Narcotics Unit for the United States Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of California, Fresno. My review and approval was needed for every wiretap, grand jury indictment, and plea bargain. I evaluated every petition for commutation or pardon relating to a drug or violent crime conviction. I personally prosecuted hundreds of federal criminal cases including conspiracy, drug and marijuana offenses, tax, money laundering, fraud, civil rights, firearms, assault, offenses by federal correctional officers and inmates, and offenses on federal land including Yosemite National Park and Sequoia Kings Canyon National Park. I also have extensive experience in presenting cases to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.
My experience also includes five years as a state court prosecutor with the Tulare County District Attorney’s Office. The jury trials I presented ranged from driving under the influence through burglary, robbery, sexual assault, and murder. I have used the California Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA) to suppress digital evidence obtained when law enforcement searched a cell phone. A client's felony case was recently dismissed becasue we successfully moved for Mental Health Diversion (Penal Code ) and my client successfully completed her mental health program.
Facing a government investigation or criminal charges is stressful and involves serious potential consequences. If you find yourself in the unfortunate position of being investigated or charged with a criminal offense, I look forward to the opportunity to speak with you.
