Defender of LA

09/08/2023

09/23/2022

Preliminary Hearings matter.

Two weeks ago, in Compton, the court granted my motion to dismiss a charge of conspiracy to commit murder (four murders!).This week the court, in Van Nuys, granted my motion to dismiss a special circumstances allegation, which carried life in prison without the possibility of parole. Yesterday, in a third favorable ruling in the past two weeks, the court, Downtown, granted another motion to dismiss the gang allegation attached to a murder charge (which carried an additional 25 years to life)

12/31/2020

The battle for needed sentencing changes is raging in Los Angeles Superior Criminal Courts.

Immediately upon taking office on Dec. 7, DA George Gascón implemented a series of sweeping reforms, including an end to sentencing enhancements, such as for using a gun during a crime. That has set off resistance among some judges and some of Gascón's deputy DA's. Frank Stoltze reports

06/23/2020

Client has been in custody since April. His bail was $500,000.00. He witnessed his girlfriend being murdered. He was too scared to go to court. He missed court a few times. He was jailed as a material witness and could have remained there until he testified at trial, another three months.

He retained us yesterday. Spent two hours with him in jail. Then prepared for today.

Following the bail review hearing the judge reduced his bail to zero and ordered his release on his own recognizance.

Argued to the court that the Sheriff released 5000 inmates due to Covid concerns but kept a WITNESS in jail. Reminded the court how stir crazy we were being home with the Covid stay at home orders. Asked the court to imagine being in a dark cell, 6 x 9, by yourself, 24 hours a day (protective custody), for three months.

Prepped client yesterday to address the court today. He told his story. The judge got it. Client released.

Law Office of Adrian Baca

05/22/2020

If practical, the best time to retain an attorney is before you are arrested. A young man was being investigated for a crime. The police went to his home and attempted to interview him. He gave the police our information and invoked his right to remain silent.

We met with the young man and his father. We got his side of the story. We gathered evidence. I decided to share part of this evidence with the police. Based on the evidence we presented, the, today, District Attorney's Office decided not to file charges.

The young man avoided being arrested and charged. I am happy for him and his family.

04/27/2020

See our new website at https://www.defenderofla.com/

03/11/2019

Five week gang murder trial. Client was looking at 50 years to life. Not guilty.