David Kaloyanides | Chino Criminal Lawyer

• National Association of Criminal Defense Lawers, Life Member
• Federal Bar Association, Inland Empire Chapter
• American Humanist Association

• Southern California SuperLawyers
  2012-2016

Drug case-possession with intent to sell, client was facing state prison because of prior convictions. Public defender was pushing a deal involving custody. After examining the case more carefully and evaluating the evidence, persistent discussion with the prosecutor turned a custody sentence into a drug-court disposition with no jail time.

Experience and a reliable (trusted) referral. Not relying on comments from internet "customer" sites. However, no matter how good and experienced a lawyer is, if the client is not comfortable with the lawyer, if the client does not trust the lawyer, the lawyer-client relationship will not be a success. Clients should look for lawyers who are focused on the client's goals-what is in the client's best interests and working to achieve the client's goal.

It is critical for a lawyer to know the local rules of the court in which they appear. This is a requirement of the Rules of Professional Conduct in California-all lawyers must be familiar with the rules of court. Moreover, it is important to know how the particular judges and courthouses operate. Each have their own peculiar procedures and preferences. Knowing these rules and policies give you credibility before the judge and don't distract the judge from focusing on the facts and the law of the case.

Two main differences. First, all my cases use a defense team approach regardless of the case. This ensures a thorough analysis of the case and strategy to determine how to achieve the best outcome in light of the client's goals. Each case has a law clerk, a paralegal and an investigator. For most cases, this does not increase the cost. The additional costs usually come in where extensive investigation is necessary (locating and interviewing numerous witnesses, surveillance, digging up additional evidence). A client cannot make an informed decision unless I can provide them with an analysis of the case and advice on the different options available. I do not take cases and simply go to the prosecutor and try to bargain. Negotiating requires preparation. Even if the case will not go to trial (and most do not), the only way to make sure the client gets the best result is by thorough preparation. Second, I am the only lawyer on the case. I do not bring other lawyers in to handle my cases, meet with clients, or appear at court. When a client hires me, I am the lawyer they get.