Case Results

Our client Cohen M. was charged with multiple counts of felony domestic violence and assault with a shotgun. After extensive investigation and pretrial settlement talks, the District Attorney’s office offered our client a non-jail plea bargain in exchange for community service and domestic violence counseling. Our client was facing 9 years in state prison of convicted.

However because defense investigation revealed serious credibility issues and a motive to lie on behalf of the complaining witness, our client (despite a very reasonable and safe plea offer) elected to go to trial. After a week-long trial, the jury returned not guilty verdicts on all counts. The jury credited Mr. Sterling’s aggressive cross-examination of the government’s witnesses as the reason for disbelieving the victim’s accusations.

Our client Michael V. was under investigation by the United States Attorney’s Office for conspiracy to commit fraud, among many other federal charges. After an 8 month inquiry, our aggressive advocacy and cooperation resulted in the case being dropped by authorities.

Our client Leticia M. was charged with multiple counts of residential burglary and felony evading arising from a crime spree that spanned many months and included numerous victims. The District Attorney’s office had also alleged that the homeowners were present during the commission of all of the burglaries which served as a special allegation, increasing our client’s potential state prison sentence.

After presenting to the District Attorney’s office, the many factors in mitigation, including depression, duress, and addiction, we successfully obtained probation and no jail for our client. Leticia, who was set to enroll in UCLA prior to being arrested, was facing 10 years in state prison if convicted.

Justin B. was charged with felony possession of cocaine. The case arose from a set of unusual circumstances when police believed that Justin was the victim of a crime. After conducting a welfare check at his home, police discovered cocaine in Justin’s dining room.

After cross-examination of the investigating officer at the preliminary hearing, Mr. Sterling persuaded the court to dismiss all charges based on insufficient evidence.

Mr. Sterling subsequently filed a motion for a finding of factual innocence on Justin’s behalf. In a second hearing on the issue of actual innocence the court issued a written opinion finding Justin factually innocent. The court then ordered for the sealing and destruction of the arrest record in our client’s case.

Oscar G. was charged with sexual battery of a co-worker. The incident was alleged to have occurred within the workplace.

After a 6-day trial, the jury returned hopelessly deadlocked and unable to reach a verdict. A poll of the jury revealed a 7-5 split in favor of an acquittal for Oscar. The court subsequently denied the DA’s request to re-try the matter and granted our motion for dismissal.

Conviction of the sex offense would have resulted in jail-time and lifetime registration as a sex offender for our client.

Stephanie J. was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and refusing to submit to a chemical test as is required under California law. The entire incident was captured on audio. The defense was able to demonstrate to the jury that certain statements made by the investigating officers were exaggerated. Aggressive cross-examination of the Government’s witnesses also revealed sloppy police work.

The jury deadlocked 9-3 in favor of a not guilty verdict. The case was dismissed against our client. A DUI conviction would have jeopardized Stephanie’s medical license.

Our office took on dual representation of husband and wife accused of aggravated battery toward one another. Both were booked on felony domestic violence charges. Prior to the couple’s arraignment in court, Mr. Sterling persuaded the DA’s office to drop all charges for both clients.

Heather C. was charged with DUI and being under the influence of Demerol. Extensive motion work related to the legal merits of the DUI ultimately resulted in the DA dismissing the DUI charge. Defense proceeded to trial on the under the influence charge wherein we obtained a complete dismissal of the case.

Morrison T. was accused of robbing a man at knifepoint. He professed his innocence at all stages of litigation. The defense prepared for trial, rejecting all offers from the District Attorney’s Office, the last of which was 7 years in state prison. If convicted, Morrison T. was facing 25 years to life in prison under California’s Three Strikes law.

Prior to jury selection, Mr. Sterling obtained a dismissal for his client. Morrison T. was released the same day.

Trumell D. was accused of robbing a young adult at knifepoint. During the altercation the alleged victim sustained numerous stab wounds as a result of the robbery.

Through cross-examination, the defense was able to establish that the alleged victim’s identification of Trumell D. was impressionable and unreliable. The defense also exposed the fact that the police neglected to investigate other suspects, one of which matched the initial description given by the victim.

The jury acquitted Trumell D. of the stabbing and voted 9 to 3 in favor of not guilty on the robbery. Trumell D. was facing 25 years to life in prison if convicted.