Fentanyl Overdose Death
For 6 long years, my client has been battling in state and federal court, fighting the accusation that he killed one person and seriously injured three others by giving them fentanyl-laced cocaine. Today, he stared down the United States government and a potential life sentence. The jury found him not guilty.
We did it. Each member of the team at CLFCA earned this one for sure. Thank you all for everything. A true team effort.
DUI
The client was facing felony DUI charges and substantial custody time for a serious rear-end accident on the freeway, and had a blood-alcohol level nearly four times the legal limit. Through the strategic use of motions to suppress the blood results, expert witness opinions, and aggressive cross-examination of the arresting officer during the preliminary hearing that exposed significant inadequacies in the investigation, Chambers Law Firm was able to resolve the case for a misdemeanor and no jail time.
Post Conviction
The client had been sentenced to life without the possibility of parole when Chambers Law Firm took the case over. After two years of court battles, multiple motions, a habeas corpus petition, and two resentencing petitions, the Client was sentenced to time served and was released from prison after 17 years of incarceration.
Gang Crimes
The client was charged with kidnapping, assault with a firearm, and other felony charges that could have resulted in a sentence of 55 years to life in prison. The Client was accused of using a “human shield” to shoot at a rival gang member in a busy intersection in the middle of Los Angeles. Chambers Law Firm took the case over shortly before trial and methodically built a defense, destroyed the credibility of the alleged victim’s story and the investigation by law enforcement, and obtained not guilty verdicts on all of the most serious charges. The client served only a few months in custody for a vandalism charge and was released.
Domestic Violence
The client was charged with multiple counts of the most serious type of domestic violence charge and was facing substantial custody time. Chambers Law Firm broke down the body-worn camera footage, investigated the alleged victim and his prior relationships, and built a defense based upon the victim’s repeated “gaslighting” of the Client. Chambers Law Firm set the case for trial and at the last minute, the prosecutor dropped the case to disturbing the peace with no jail and no probation.
Three Strikes
The client was facing 25 to life as a third-strike defendant and had been charged with multiple residential burglaries. Chambers Law Firm investigated the alleged prior strikes and discovered legal defects in them that forced the prosecutor to negotiate a resolution that resulted in minimal custody time instead of a life sentence.
Sex Crimes
The client was facing life in prison for allegedly fondling his daughters. In a case that seemingly had no defense, Chambers Law Firm methodically broke down the interviews of the children, investigated the background of the family, which revealed other sexual offenses committed by someone other than the Client, and used this evidence to settle the case for greatly reduced charges, including a misdemeanor, that enabled the Client to avoid a life sentence and receive one year in custody.
Murder
In a case that generated national media attention on CBS 48 Hours, the Client was facing the death penalty after waiting for her ex-husband to arrive home and shooting him to death. The client eventually gave a full confession, led authorities to the murder weapon, and then changed her story again, stating that an intruder had killed her ex-husband. After five years of intense investigation, multiple motions, review of tens of thousands of pages of documents, and a four-month trial, the jury could not reach a unanimous verdict and the Client avoided conviction and a death sentence.
Chambers Law Firm Frees Man Sentenced To Life Without Parole
Chambers Law Firm Frees Client Who Spent 16 Years in Prison
On October 8, 2020, Chambers Law Firm client Luis Beltrán walked out of prison after serving nearly 16 years on a murder sentence. After over a year of litigation, Chambers Law Firm secured Mr. Beltran’s release after the judge granted his SB1437 petition.
Witness Intimidation/Criminal Threats/Domestic Violence
The client was facing two felonies (both strikes under California’s Three Strikes Law) related to an incident that took place at client’s apartment with client’s spouse. Chambers Law Firm used pretrial investigation, careful analysis of the 911 call and cross-examination of the alleged victim to hang the jury 8-4 in favor of not guilty. The judge eventually dismissed all charges against the client.
Welfare Fraud
Client was facing multiple counts of perjury and welfare fraud, and was looking at several years in jail. Chambers Law Firm negotiated with the prosecutor to work out an agreement that allowed the client a chance to avoid jail time and get the charge reduced to a misdemeanor.
Weapon Charge
Client was an avid motorcycle rider and club member. Client was pulled over by law enforcement and harassed for having an illegal weapon attached to client’s motorcycle. Felony charges were filed. After discussing the legal issues that were missing from the prosecution’s case and providing evidence from other cases that were not filed against other riders, the case was dismissed.
Theft Charges
Chambers Law Firm has successfully resolved dozens of theft cases for dismissals or reduced charges based upon skillful negotiation and good relationships with prosecutorial agencies, taking advantage of creative solutions to settle these cases.
Strong-Arm Robbery
Client was charged with robbery at gas station and the district attorney sought a state prison sentence. Through use of the store video footage and private investigation work, Chambers Law Firm was able to establish that the elements of a robbery were not present and the case was dismissed.
Stalking/Domestic Violence
Client was being charged repeatedly with stalking, violations of restraining orders and domestic violence by an alleged victim (ex-girlfriend). Chambers Law Firm used private investigation, phone records (cell tower data) and deleted text message evidence to show that the alleged victim was lying about the harassment. The client was offered a low-grade misdemeanor and all other charges were dismissed. The client served no jail time and was saved from possible deportation proceedings.
Sexual Battery
Client was accused of groping an individual at a party. Client was facing lifetime registration as a sex offender. Chambers Law Firm used a mitigation packet and extensive negotiation with the prosecutor to get a reduced charge, no jail time and no sex offender registration.
Sexual Molestation
Client was accused of multiple counts of sexual molestation, including crimes involving force, and was facing over 13 years in prison. After various pretrial motions attacking a search warrant and careful negotiation with the district attorney, Chambers Law Firm was able to negotiate a settlement pursuant to which the client will serve approximately 1.5 years in custody.
Residential Burglary (Multiple Counts)
Client was facing multiple strike felonies for residential burglary, facing strong DNA evidence found at the scene and looking at close to 10 years in prison. Through careful and protracted negotiation, Chambers Law Firm was able to work out a settlement pursuant to which the client will serve only 1 year in custody.
Residential Burglaries (Multiple Counts)
Client was facing 10 counts of residential burglary and facing 18 years in prison. Chambers Law Firm negotiated with the district attorney, put together a mitigation packet for the client and worked with the court to get the client probation and house arrest.
Prostitution
Client was arrested for alleged acts of prostitution in a sting operation. Client was also facing possible immigration consequences. Chambers Law Firm negotiated a settlement that involved a reduced charge and no immigration consequences.
Post-Conviction Help/Record Cleanup
Chambers Law Firm has considerable expertise in helping you rebuild your future by cleaning up prior criminal records. We have helped dozens of clients through the use of Prop 47 and Prop 64 petitions, expungements, probation termination, certificates of rehabilitation and other methods.
Pimping and Pandering
Client was charged with pimping and pandering, was on parole from another state and had a prior “strike” felony alleged against Client. Client was facing approximately 16 years in prison. Chambers Law Firm filed a pretrial motion to throw out an illegal search of client’s phone. Under the threat of that evidence being thrown out, the prosecution offered the client a deal that resulted in the client having to serve approximately 1 year in custody.
Pimping and Pandering
Client was charged with pimping and pandering, had a prior “strike” felony alleged and was on parole. Client was looking at approximately 15 years in prison. Chambers Law Firm filed several pretrial motions attacking the old prior felony (an out of state case) and used pretrial motions to position the case for a settlement that resulted in the client having to serve just over a year in custody.
Pimping and Pandering
Client was charged with pimping and pandering and was already on felony probation. Client was facing several years of state prison time. Through strategic use of pretrial motions and investigative work, the prosecution dismissed the case.
Murder
Client was charged with murdering another person in a liquor store parking lot, and was facing a potential life sentence. Through exhaustive private investigation and use of social media postings, Chambers Law Firm was able to resolve the case for reduced charges that resulted in just a few years in custody for the client.
Kidnapping for Robbery
Client, who was on active parole, was charged with kidnapping for purposes of committing a robbery, residential burglary, residential robbery and other charges, and was facing a potential life sentence. Chambers Law Firm filed a motion to have the life charge dismissed for various legal defects and attacked forensic evidence the prosecutor sought to use against the client. Through extensive negotiation, Chambers Law Firm was able to work out an agreement pursuant to which the client will serve approximately 2 years in custody rather than a life sentence.
Kidnapping for Robbery
Client was charged with kidnapping for purposes of committing a robbery, which carried a potential life sentence. Through creative investigation, skillful negotiation and pretrial motions, Chambers Law Firm was able to work out an agreement pursuant to which the client will serve approximately 3 years in custody rather than life.
Juvenile Drug/Gang Case
Client was charged in 5 different cases with a range of drug, assault and gang charges. Chambers Law Firm leveraged a good relationship with the prosecutor and judge to resolve the case for no further custody time in juvenile hall and probation.
Insurance Fraud (Multiple Counts)
Client was charged with nearly 40 felony counts of insurance fraud and related charges in a highly complex case and was facing over 30 years in prison. Through extensive negotiation and a thorough review of the weaknesses in the evidence of the prosecutor’s case, Chambers Law Firm worked out a settlement of the case for 6 months of house arrest and probation.
Firearm Charge
Client, a member of a Hell’s Angels club, was harassed by law enforcement, had a search warrant served on client’s home and was charged with felony weapons and gang charges. After demonstrating the legal flaws in the prosecution’s case, the case was eventually dismissed.
Financial Elder Abuse
Client hired Chambers Law Firm while client was being investigated for multiple counts of elder and financial abuse. After over 2 years of investigation and close work with law enforcement to convince law enforcement that there was no basis to the charges being investigated. The investigation was eventually closed and no charges were filed.
Firearm Charge
Client was charged with carrying a firearm in LAX. Chambers Law Firm negotiated a resolution of the case that carried no jail and no adverse consequences to the client’s gun rights.
Firearm Charge
Client was charged with carrying a firearm in Long Beach Airport. Chambers Law Firm negotiated a dismissal of the case.
Felony Hit and Run with Death
Client was charged with hit and run and causing death to a pedestrian. Chambers Law Firm used various pretrial motions and a mitigation package prepared for the client to negotiate a resolution that involved a few months of custody and probation. The prosecutor initially wanted several years in state prison.
Felony Hit and Run with Injury
Client was charged with hit and run and causing great bodily injury to passengers. Chambers Law Firm filed various pretrial motions and a motion to dismiss to position the case for settlement. Although the district attorney was demanding several years in state prison, Chambers Law Firm was able to resolve the case for several months of custody and probation.
Evading/Reckless Driving Case
Client was pulled over on client’s motorcycle on dubious grounds and charged with misdemeanor evading. Chambers Law Firm filed a motion to challenge the stop as illegal. The case was resolved for a traffic ticket for speeding and a fine payment.
Embezzlement/Grand Theft
Client was charged with grand theft in an extensive and complicated scheme that involved nearly $100,000 in alleged theft. Client was looking at several years in custody. Through aggressive investigation, persistent requests for discovery to show the weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and extensive negotiations with the district attorney, Chambers Law Firm was able to resolve the case with several months in custody and probation.
Elder Abuse
Chambers Law Firm has helped many clients avoid elder abuse charges by early intervention and investigation that enables us to talk with prosecutors and avoid charges being filed or, if charges are filed, to resolve cases for reduced charges and minimal to no jail time.
Elder Abuse—Neglect Resulting in Death
The client was charged with elder abuse that resulted in the death of the client’s mother. Client was facing over 10 years in prison. Chambers Law Firm worked the case, conducted investigation and used expert witness opinions on various medical issues to position the case for a settlement that involved no jail time and a grant of probation.
DUI — Marijuana
Client was arrested for driving under the influence of marijuana. Chambers Law Firm met with the district attorney, discussed the blood results from the crime lab and used a forensic toxicologist’s opinion to convince the district attorney that it could not prove the charges. No case was filed against the client.
DUI
Client was pulled over and eventually arrested for DUI. Client provided a blood sample, the results of which were twice the legal limit. Chambers Law Firm filed a motion challenging the blood draw. The motion was granted and the blood result thrown out. Client was offered a very favorable disposition of the DUI case and avoided substantial jail time.
DUI — Probation Violation
Client was on probation from a prior DUI and driving on a suspended license. Client was pulled over and had been drinking. Chambers Law Firm filed a motion challenging the legality of the traffic stop (an alleged failure to use a turn signal). The motion was granted and all charges were dismissed.
DUI
Client was charged with a DUI and blew a .09/.09 on the breath machine. Chambers Law Firm filed a motion challenging the initial traffic stop and demonstrated the poor maintenance history and problems with the breath machine to settle the case for a minor misdemeanor of speed exhibition.
DUI
Client and client’s spouse fell asleep and were involved in an accident. The client’s spouse was driving at the time of the accident. After the crash, the client and spouse switched seats and when police arrived, the client was eventually arrested for DUI. Chambers Law Firm used a biomechanical expert to show that the client was not driving the car and hung the jury 10-2 in favor of not guilty. The district attorney eventually dropped the DUI charges and the client plead to a minor misdemeanor charge.
DUI
Client was charged with a DUI and blew a .10/.09 on the breath machine. Chambers Law Firm engaged a forensic toxicologist to exploit weaknesses in the scientific evidence, attacked the credibility of the arresting officer and prosecution expert to force a hung jury.
DUI
Client was charged with a DUI and blew a .09/.09 on the breath machine. Chambers Law Firm engaged a forensic toxicologist to exploit weaknesses in the scientific evidence, used aggressive cross-examination of the arresting officer and discredited the prosecution’s expert. The client was found not guilty on all charges. The client’s driving privileges were saved from a DMV suspension.
DUI
Client was charged with a DUI and blew a .08/.09 on the breath machine. Chambers Law Firm engaged a forensic toxicologist to exploit weaknesses in the scientific evidence and used aggressive cross-examination of the arresting officer to force a hung jury. The charges were eventually reduced and the client’s driving privileges with the DMV were preserved.
Drug Trafficking
Client was arrested in a car with several pounds of methamphetamine in the trunk. Client was facing 14 years in jail. Chambers Law Firm negotiated with the prosecutor and used weaknesses in the district attorney’s case and resolved the case for approximately 1 year in custody.
Drug Charges (Multiple Counts/Multiple Cases)
Client had a lengthy record of drug convictions and prison sentences, and was facing over 23 years in jail. Chambers Law Firm filed several pretrial motions, challenged the client’s detention by police and sought police personnel records to leverage and position the case for a favorable result. Eventually, the prosecutor offered the client a no jail offer in exchange for a 6-month residential drug treatment program. All remaining charges were dismissed.
Domestic Violence
Client was accused of physically abusing client’s spouse in their home. Misdemeanor charges were filed and the client was facing a loss of client’s job. Chambers Law Firm investigated the case and attacked the legal elements of the charge. Eventually, the prosecutor dropped the case.
Domestic Violence
Client was accused of physically abusing client’s spouse. Chambers Law Firm was hired and investigated the case to show that no abuse occurred and that the alleged victim was using the alleged abuse as leverage in a pending divorce case. No charges were filed against the client.
Domestic Abuse/Rape
Client was accused of raping client’s spouse and physically abusing the spouse. After client was arrested, Chambers Law Firm used social media postings, phone records and investigation to damage the alleged victim’s credibility and to show the allegations were being used for a child custody battle. The district attorney rejected the case and no charges were filed.
Child Abuse (Multiple Counts)
Client was charged with multiple felony counts of child abuse and facing several years in state prison. Through the use of a mitigation package, pretrial counseling and other techniques, Chambers Law Firm was able to resolve the case for no custody time and probation.
Child Abuse (Multiple Cases)
Chambers Law Firm has represented multiple clients who have been accused with and/or investigated for child abuse that involved CPS as well. Through early intervention and aggressive investigation of the allegations, Chambers Law Firm has convinced prosecutors to close their files and not file criminal charges.
Certificate of Rehabilitation
Client, who had a lengthy but old prior record of various theft crimes), hired Chambers Law Firm to file a certificate of rehabilitation (the first step toward a governor’s pardon). After Chambers Law Firm built a solid record and court filing for the client, the court issued the certificate of rehabilitation.
Certificate of Rehabilitation
Client, who had a lengthy but old prior record of various drug crimes), hired Chambers Law Firm to file a certificate of rehabilitation (the first step toward a governor’s pardon). Despite a major procedural hurdle, the court issued the certificate of rehabilitation.
Attempted Murder
Client was alleged to have been the driver during a drive-by shooting. Client had a lengthy prior record and was an alleged gang member. Client was facing a potential life sentence Chambers Law Firm used focused private investigation to convince the district attorney to resolve the case against the client for approximately 9 years in custody.
Attempted Murder (Multiple Counts)
Client was alleged to have shot at several people outside a restaurant in Hollywood and was an alleged gang member. Chambers Law Firm used forensic techniques to enhance surveillance video of the restaurant, social media sources, phone records and crime scene photos and private investigation to convince the district attorney to drop the case against the client.
Assault with a Deadly Weapon
Client was charged with assault with a deadly weapon and other charges resulting from a fight with his brother. Through aggressive private investigation work and by building a solid case for self-defense, the district attorney dismissed the case on the day of trial.
Assault with Deadly Weapon
Client was looking at over 15 years in prison and a prior strike. Chambers Law Firm spent considerable time reviewing the client’s history of mental health difficulties, spent time conducting private investigation and eventually positioned the case for a settlement that involved roughly 2 years of custody time.
Assault with Force Likely to Result in Great Bodily Injury
Client was on active felony probation and accused of aiding and abetting an assault with force likely to result in great bodily injury. Despite offers from the prosecutor and court that involved a state prison sentence and a loss of the client’s job, Chambers Law Firm put on a defense at the client’s probation violation hearing and avoided any custody time for the client.
Assault on a Police Officer
Client was arrested after being drunk in public and charged with attacking police officers. Chambers Law Firm spent considerable time building a mitigation package for the client and negotiated a settlement with the prosecution that resulted in a dismissal of all charges.
Assault/Battery
Client was charged with battery after getting into a fight at a rock concert. Chambers Law Firm was able to negotiate a settlement of the case that resulted in all charges being dismissed.
Firearm/Weapons
Client was arrested and charged with felonies involving an attempt to buy a firearm while being a convicted felon. Through investigation of the client’s previous conviction and use of the prior court filings, Chambers Law Firm was able to convince the district attorney that the client was not a convicted felon. All charges were dismissed.
Sex Crimes
Client was being investigated for alleged sexual offenses involving a minor. Through early intervention with the district attorney’s office and investigation of the alleged victim’s lack of credibility, Chambers Law Firm was able to persuade the district attorney not to file charges.
Drug Trafficking
Client was charged with possession for sale of cocaine base. A large amount of cocaine base was found in client’s apartment that he shared with his wife. Chambers Law Firm performed intensive private investigation and evaluated the evidence allegedly seized by law enforcement to demonstrate that the evidence had been planted by officers servicing the search warrant. The client was facing 29 years in prison if convicted, but the jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict. This outcome prompted the district attorney to make a better offer than the offer made before the trial. Client received probation and no jail time.
Domestic Violence/Harassment/Violation of Restraining Order
Client was charged with multiple counts of violating a restraining order involving his ex-girlfriend. Through private investigation and subpoenaing the alleged victim’s phone records, Chambers Law Firm was able to show that the alleged violations were being made up by alleged victim. The case was dismissed and the client received no jail time.
DUI
In a retrial of a case that hung 8-4 in favor of not guilty the first time around, Chambers Law Firm won a hard-fought acquittal in a case involving breath test results of .08/.09 and a subsequent blood test of .10. Chambers Law Firm used strategic cross-examination of the arresting officer and key expert witness testimony to demonstrate to the jury that the client was not under the influence of alcohol at the time of driving and that the client’s blood alcohol was actually below .08 at the time he drove his vehicle
Drug Trafficking
In a highly-publicized case with strong evidence against our client, our client was charged with multiple counts of drug trafficking and sale, along with firearms charges and prior strike offenses, and was facing over 30 years in prison. Through thorough investigation, aggressive negotiation with the Major Narcotics unit of the district attorney’s office, and use of new laws such as Proposition 57, Chambers Law Firm was able to negotiate a resolution that resulted in the client receiving a sentence that will involve approximately 6 years in custody.
Fraud/Forgery
Our client was charged 18 felony counts of fraud, identity theft and forgery. She was facing over 14 years of jail time. Chambers Law Firm took the case over from another law firm and went to work investigating the signatures on the various checks and conducted a conditional examination of the alleged victim. Through effective cross-examination and impeachment of the alleged victim, we were able to show that the victim had little credibility and had lied about key parts of her testimony. The client plead to one misdemeanor offense and did no jail time. All felony charges were dropped.
Animal Cruelty
Our client was charged with multiple counts of animal cruelty involving a horse. The case was being handled in a courthouse that covered an area with many horse and farm animal owners. Chambers Law Firm was able to get an attractive offer to resolve the case but our client wanted to have his day in the court. Through careful analysis of the police reports and related photographs of the alleged abuse, as well as devastating cross-examination of the key animal control officers, the jury returned a verdict of not guilty on all charges after a tough two-week trial.
Elder/Dependent Adult Abuse
Our client was a psychiatric technician at a state mental hospital and was charged with beating a patient. Through aggressive cross-examination of the prosecution’s witnesses, exhaustive pretrial discovery and investigation and multiple motions to gather additional evidence, a jury found the defendant not guilty on all charges.
Chambers Law Firm Achieves Another Favorable Result
On March 27, 2018 in Stockton, California, Chambers Law Firm resolved a special circumstance murder case, where the client was facing a potential sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole, for a plea bargain pursuant to which the client will serve approximately 14 years in prison.
The client had been charged with “lying in wait” to murder the alleged victim in a public park in Manteca, California in August 2014. When the alleged victim arrived at the park, two groups of people began shooting firearms at each other. After exhaustive private investigation work, analysis of all of the relevant evidence and positioning the case for a viable claim of self-defense, Chambers Law Firm was able to persuade the district attorney to agree to a disposition of the case for a sentence that will involve approximately 14 years of actual custody time.
DUI Marijuana
20-year old client was facing a DUI for marijuana. Chambers Law Firm filed several motions to aggressively attack the blood testing and results. After several months of litigation, the prosecutor agreed to reduce the charge to reckless driving and the client avoided any DMV consequences to her driving privileges.
Sex Crime
Client was an 18-year old facing lifetime registration as a sex offender for acts committed against his sister. After thorough investigation and building a mitigation packet of positive background material for the client, Chambers Law Firm convinced the prosecutor agreed to allow the client to plead to a lesser charge that did not require sex registration.
Death Penalty Murder
In a high-profile death penalty case that drew nationwide attention and an episode on CBS 48 Hours, Chambers Law Firm took on a murder case in which the client had given several different statements to police and ultimately confessed to the killing. After over 3 months in trial and thousands of hours of investigative work, in a hostile jurisdiction and against long odds, Chambers Law Firm was able to achieve a hung jury on first degree murder and a mistrial was declared.
Possession of an Assault Weapon
Client was charged with possession of an illegal assault weapon. He was facing the loss of his job and many other negative developments if convicted. Chambers Law Firm educated the jury on the changes in gun laws about which the Client was not aware and convinced the jury that the client did not know his rifle, which was legal when he bought it, had become illegal. The jury found the client not guilty.
Kidnapping/Assault with a Firearm/Gang Allegations
Client, an alleged 18th Street gang member, was facing 54 to life for alleging holding a woman as a human shield and walking her across a busy intersection while shooting a gun at a rival gang member. Chambers Law Firm broke down security camera footage of the incident and called into question the eyewitness identification of the witnesses to build a defense for the client. After two weeks of trial and a week of deliberations, the jury found the client not guilty of the most serious charges. The client served only 6 additional months in custody and was home in time for Christmas with his two young children.