For media inquiries, please contact Holly Baird Holly_Baird@geragos.com
Mark Geragos: Gwyneth Paltrow’s legal team had a stronger defense in court
Mar 22, 2023
Scandal-Scarred L.A. Lawyer Wins a Bruising Battle With the California Bar
Feb 10, 2023
California Bar Ex-Director Avoids Some Disciplinary Charges
Feb 9, 2023
Would past crimes unfairly sway Murdaugh jury?
Feb 2, 2023
Andrew Tate’s New Lawyer Represented Chris Brown, Jussie Smollett, and Kesha
Feb 1, 2023
Mark Geragos finds ‘holes’ in Idaho students murders case
Jan 11, 2023
Bryan Kohberger case: Knife sheath points to possible target, experts say
Jan 7, 2023
Mark Geragos – The Chris Cuomo Project (Apple Podcasts)
Jan 3, 2023
California Bar Discovery Gaps Undermine Case Against Ex-Director
Dec 15, 2022
Wife of Texas man killed by police in Arizona settles suit
Nov 23, 2022
Ex-UFC champ Cain Velasquez out on bail in attempted murder case
Nov 9, 2022
Democrats’ Racism, and Elon Buying Twitter After All, with Dave Rubin, Adam Carolla and Mark Geragos
Oct 2, 2022
Cain Velasquez lawyer suggests former UFC champion could take stand in potential trial: ‘He wants the truth to come out’
Aug 29, 2022
Cain Velasquez attorney Mark Geragos gives updates ahead of pre-trial hearing: ‘There are going to be some surprises’
Aug 28, 2022
Lawyer reveals what could set off a prosecutor in Paul Pelosi’s DUI case
Aug 24, 2022
Sheriff’s computer crash leaves defendants who should have been released stuck in L.A. County jail
Aug 22, 2022
Cain Velasquez, former UFC champion, pleads not guilty to attempted murder charge
Aug 05, 2022
LIV Golf Files Suit, NFL Files Appeal
Aug 04, 2022
Elon Musk Sued, Attorney Pleads Guilty, Son Murderer Requests Parole – Apple Podcasts
June 20, 2022
For Depp Atty, Sudden Fame Can Bring Rewards — And Risk
June 9, 2022
Attorney reacts to new video showing Alec Baldwin pointing gun at camera
April 26, 2022
Exclusive: Famed criminal defense attorney closes in on prosecuting first war crime case in Artsakh after 5,000 Armenians were killed
April 21, 2022
Ex-UFC champ Velasquez thanks supporters in first public statement since attempted murder charge
April 12, 2022
Jussie Smollett released from Cook County Jail during appeal
March 16, 2022
Cain Velasquez hires celebrity attorney, Mark Geragos, who slams court for ‘perpetrator’ bail fail
March 8, 2022
Meet Velasquez’s attorney who has long history of representing celebrities
March 2, 2022
NFL: Colin Kaepernick’s attorney lauds Brian Flores lawsuit
February 9, 2022
Brian Laundrie’s parents face potential legal consequences: Mark Geragos
January 28, 2022
Scott Peterson resentenced to life in prison for pregnant wife Laci’s killing
December 8, 2021
CNN faces potential onslaught of lawsuits with top moneymaker Chris Cuomo fired
December 6, 2021
High Profile: Tina Glandian, Attorney to the Stars
November 28, 2021
This charge dismissal may affect the jury in the Rittenhouse trial
November 16, 2021
‘Watters’ World’ on media convicting Kyle Rittenhouse as racist murderer
November 14, 2021
Attorney Mark Geragos joins the show to discuss the possible legal ramifications following the concert tragedy
November 9, 2021
Criminal implications in ‘Rust’ shooting, Americans in Afghanistan, and that Pop-Tarts lawsuit
October 27, 2021
Famed lawyer says he’d be ‘shocked’ if involuntary manslaughter not brought in Baldwin ‘Rust’ shooting
October 26, 2021
Uncovering Brian Laundrie’s secrets; 911 call released from Alex Murdaugh’s shooting
October 25, 2021
Brian Laundrie’s parents face potential legal consequences: Mark Geragos
October 22, 2021
Could Brian Laundrie’s Parents Face Legal Consequences?
Inside Edition spoke to lawyers Alan Dershowitz and Mark Geragos about the case
September 22, 2021
Entrepreneur Says He’s Owed $3M For Role In LA Pot Venture – Law360
August 26, 2021
Mark Geragos Vermögen 2021 – Reich, reicher, Mark Geragos!
August 13, 2021
TikTok Users Are Protesting Convicted Killer’s Innocence Because ‘He’s Too Cute’
August 10, 2021
A California couple’s Tesla caught fire while charging overnight, ignited another Tesla next to it, and caused a massive house fire. They haven’t been home in 8 months.
August 5, 2021
Cuomo report: Could he face criminal charges?
August 5, 2021
Could Cuomo Face Jail Time Following Attorney General’s Harassment Report?
August 5, 2021
Driving Forces: Andrew Cuomo Investigation
August 5, 2021
Banfield: Cuomo rejects Democrats’ calls to resign over harassment allegations; FAA reports record number of unruly passengers
August 4, 2021
Businesses, governments weigh vaccine mandates
July 28, 2021
‘Nobody Believed Me’: How Rape Cases Get Dropped
July 18, 2021
Tesla Model S Plaid catches fire and briefly traps owner after electronic door handles fail, attorneys say – The Washington Post
July 1, 2021
Tesla Model S Plaid Spontaneously Caught Fire, Lawyer Says
July 1, 2021
Tesla Model S Plaid caught fire while driver was at the wheel, says fire chief
July 1, 2021
Ja’Wuan James files $15 million grievance against Denver Broncos, reaches two-year deal with Baltimore Ravens, sources say
Jun 7, 2021
‘Tragic but justified:’ Legal, police experts examine decision not to charge officers in fatal shooting of Andrew Brown on ‘Banfield’
May 19, 2021
Ex-MLB Pitcher Says Signs Were Trade Secrets In Astros Suit
May 14, 2021
Businesses Take COVID-19 Coverage Fights To 9th Circ.
May 11, 2021
Evidentiary hearing in Jussie Smollett case scheduled in July
May 10, 2021
The actor has to be present at the hearing on July 14, Judge James Linn said. The hearing, closed to the public, will center on the possible contact between one of Smollett’s attorneys and the brothers who were allegedly paid by the former “Empire” star to stage a phony hate crime.
Exclusive Panel: Armenian genocide recognized formally by President Biden, why now and what’s the global impact?
Apr 25, 2021
After Derek Chauvin conviction, longtime defense attorneys sound off: ‘A preordained conclusion’
Apr 20, 2021
Fyre Festival settlement may award ticket holders more than $7,000 each
Apr 16, 2021
Nearly four years after the infamous Fyre Festival flamed out, scammed ticket holders might finally see some restitution for the biggest party that never was.
Attorney Mark Geragos discusses defendant not taking the stand, defense’s rest in day 14 of Chauvin trial
Apr 15, 2021
Criminal defense lawyer Mark Geragos joined Ashleigh Banfield Thursday to discuss the defense resting without putting Chauvin on the stand. Chauvin informed the court that he will not testify, saying he would invoke his Fifth Amendment right not to take the stand.
The New York Times – Fyre Festival Ticket Holders Win $7,220 Each in Class-Action Settlement
Apr 15, 2021
Nearly four years after the infamous festival stranded thousands of attendees in the Bahamas, 277 ticket holders learned they will receive payouts, pending approval.
Fyre Festival Ticket Holders Awarded $7,220 in Class Action Settlement
Apr 15, 2021
Fyre Festival has reached a settlement with 277 aggrieved ticket holders of the infamous 2017 Bahamian event, awarding each of them $7,220 payouts. The settlement between the ticket holders and the trustee of Fyre festival assets was filed in U.S. Bankruptcy Court – Southern District of New York on Tuesday.
Just how much of an uphill battle does the defense have in the Derek Chauvin trial?
Apr 14, 2021
Ashleigh Banfield welcomes trial attorney Mark Geragos and Brian K Williams, who is the Executive Director of the LA County Sheriff Civilian Oversight Commission, to her program.
NACPA – Interview: Mark Geragos
Mar 29, 2021
There are several significant names in the fabric of American life that have a background in music promotion. We can start with film entrepreneur Jerry Weintraub. There are others like Roger Ailes, who produced Broadway shows. There are yet others that nobody wants to talk about anymore.
Anti-Trump PAC: Current GOP ‘No Different’ from ISIS
Jan 31, 2021
A recently released video clip from the left-wing MeidasTouch PAC brands Republican Party members as “traitors” unworthy of being called conservatives while describing the GOP as “no different” from the ISIS terror group.
MeidasTouch To Air TV Ad Targeting Traitors Who Incited Capitol Insurrection…
Jan 18, 2021
Today MeidasTouch, a leading progressive Super PAC, launched a six-figure TV buy behind their new video ad targeting the leaders who incited the deadly insurrection on the Capitol.
Lincoln Project and MeidasTouch Team up To Canvass Georgia Ahead of Jan 5th Runoff Election
December 23, 2020
Colin Kaepernick’s Change the Whirled™
December 8, 2020
We are so inspired by Colin Kaepernick’s bold activism for racial justice that we did what we do best: We whipped up a euphoric flavor to honor his work.
L.A. County must show evidence for outdoor dining ban, judge orders
December 2, 2020
A judge on Wednesday ordered Los Angeles County public health officials to show scientific evidence justifying the outdoor dining ban imposed last week amid soaring coronavirus cases.
Nearly a decade after his murder conviction, Bulos Zumot to face new trial
November 4, 2020
Federal judge grants petition to man convicted of strangling Jennifer Schipsi, setting their cottage on fire
California Supreme Court Orders Scott Peterson’s Murder Convictions To Be Reexamined
October 15, 2020
A judge on Wednesday ordered Los Angeles County public health officials to show scientific evidence justifying the outdoor dining ban imposed last week amid soaring coronavirus cases.
Man Who Sped at 103 mph, Causing Fatal Crash, Wins New Sentencing
August 3rd, 2020
A youth who sped his Chevrolet Camaro at 103 mph in a residential area of Hacienda Heights, colliding with another vehicle and causing the death of the driver, succeeded in 2018 in beating a murder charge, and has now prevailed in the Court of Appeal for this district to the extent that he will be resentenced for vehicular manslaughter and reckless driving.
The Walt Disney Company Announces Overall First-Look Deal with Colin Kaepernick
July 6th, 2020
The Walt Disney Company today announced an overall first-look deal with Colin Kaepernick’s production arm Ra Vision Media. The partnership will focus on telling scripted and unscripted stories that explore race, social injustice and the quest for equity, and will provide a new platform to showcase the work of Black and Brown directors and producers.
Travelers Insurance Hit With Wave of Lawsuits Over Coronavirus Coverage
April 10th, 2020
Mark Geragos and his law firm — along with multiple clients — are suing Travelers Insurance for initially denying coverage of their pandemic-related claims.
Attorney Ben Meiselas on Repping Colin Kaepernick, Interning for Diddy and Hillary Clinton
Apr 10, 2019
While there are many notable attorneys in the world, it’s a safe bet that Ben Meiselas has had one of the most remarkable careers of any 33-year-old lawyer working today.
Eric Reid, through Mark Geragos’ law firm, demands invalidation of CBA
March 30th, 2020
If you thought the fight over the new CBA was over, think again. Free-agent safety Eric Reid has enlisted his collusion-case lawyer, Mark Geragos, to request invalidation of the new labor deal based on differences between the version proposed to players on March 5, 2020 and the final version, dated March 15, 2020, after the players ratified the CBA by a vote of 1,019 to 959. The letter also seeks a new vote on the CBA, along with an independent investigation regarding the reason(s) for the changes.
Most defamation claims vs. Smollett lawyers tossed
March 19th, 2020
A federal judge tossed most of the claims in a lawsuit accusing two of actor Jussie Smollett’s lawyers of defaming brothers accused of helping the former “Empire” actor stage a racist and homophobic hate crime.
Colin Kaepernick, Eric Reid attorneys rip NFL labor deal, says players are ‘left vulnerable’
March 9th, 2020
Prominent attorneys who represent Carolina Panthers safety Eric Reid and former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick urged players Monday to reject a proposed collective bargaining agreement with team owners.
I take great offense to that. I’m not white. I’m Armenian
March 12, 2018
Suge Knight’s lawyer removed from murder case after charged with bribing witnesses.
Did This L’Oréal Relaxer Make Women Go Bald?
September 15th, 2016
A relaxer marketed as a product that would make hair “instantly thicker and fuller, reversing damage from day one,” has allegedly done just the opposite, according to two women who tried it and are now suing the manufacturer, L’Oréal, for their subsequent scalp burns and hair loss.
Chris Brown: How His Defense Team Will Ensure Charges Are Dropped — Lawyer Speaks
September 2nd, 2016
Chris Brown may never see the inside of a courtroom when it comes to the assault with a deadly weapon charges caused by Baylee Curran’s gun accusation.
Chris Brown’s Lawyer: Accuser ‘Fabricated’ Gun Story
September 1st, 2016
Chris Brown’s lawyer reiterated his client’s innocence and dismissed the allegation that the singer pulled a gun on a woman, The Los Angeles Times reports.
Chris Brown’s attorney blasts accuser, claiming ‘fabricated’ allegation of gun threat
August 31st, 2016
As police continued examining evidence seized from Chris Brown’s home — including security camera footage — the R&B singer’s attorney insisted Wednesday on his client’s innocence and questioned the motives of the accuser, a dethroned beauty queen and aspiring actress.
EXCLUSIVE: Caught on camera – the Zara price ‘gouge’: Trendy fashion store is STILL ‘labeling in euros then charging in dollars’ claims man at center of multi-million dollar suit
August 29th, 2016
One of the world’s most recognizable clothing brands is in the limelight, not for a new fashion line but because of a lawsuit alleging it has engaged in deceptive pricing tactics.
Lawsuit Alleges Zara Deceived Customers, Charged More than Prices Listed in Euros
August 24th, 2016
One of the world’s most recognizable clothing brands is in the limelight, not for a new fashion line but because of a lawsuit alleging it has engaged in deceptive pricing tactics.
Zara Accused Of “Bait And Switch” Pricing In New Lawsuit
August 23rd, 2016
Rose, who works in business finance, told the cashier that he was overcharged. He said the cashier explained the store bases its price conversion on exchange rates at the time that the merchandise is manufactured, not sold.
EXCLUSIVE: Zara – the fashion retailer favored by Kim Kardashian and Kate Middleton – accused of duping customers out of billions in a massive bait and switch pricing scam in class action lawsuit
August 22nd, 2016
Clothing company Zara has been accused of duping millions of American consumers in a massive pricing scam, according to a $5million class action lawsuit obtained exclusively by Daily Mail Online.
FASHION RETAILER ZARA ACCUSED OF UNLAWFUL PRICING IN U.S.
August 23rd, 2016
Zara is a clothing company of choice of many celebrities, but the fashion retailer Monday got hit with a lawsuit for allegedly cheating American shoppers out of billions of dollars.
Nine years ago, this student said his new teacher was touching little girls. But his school wouldn’t listen.
August 18th, 2016
Luis Perez, an Indio teenager, was watching television one night about four years ago when he saw a haunting face on the news. His fourth grade teacher had been arrested for molesting students.
Geragos Firm Goes After Glassdoor for Email Blast Blunder
August 1st, 2016
Glassdoor Inc., the operator of the anonymous job review website, is facing down a massive class action after inadvertently revealing the email addresses of hundreds of thousands of users by failing to “blind CC” recipients on a mass email.
Fired LAUSD teacher Rafe Esquith wins legal round against district
July 13th, 2016
A former Los Angeles Unified School District teacher won a round in court Wednesday when a judge ruled he can move forward with his lawsuit alleging he was removed from his classroom for criticizing many of the school district’s policies and initiatives.
Former L.A. Unified teacher Rafe Esquith can continue with his lawsuit, judge rules
July 13th, 2016
A popular former Los Angeles Unified teacher who was investigated and fired after allegations of inappropriate behavior will be allowed to continue his defamation lawsuit against the school district, a Los Angeles Superior Court judge ruled Wednesday.
JUST IN: Judge denies LA Unified request to dismiss lawsuit filed by fired teacher Rafe Esquith
July 14th, 2016
A Los Angeles Superior Court judge Wednesday denied LA Unified’s request to dismiss a lawsuit filed by well-known former fifth-grade teacher Rafe Esquith, who was fired in October.
Snapchat sued by 14-year-old over sexually explicit content
July 8th, 2016
Celebrity attorney Mark Geragos filed a class-action lawsuit against the social media app on behalf of a 14-year-old boy from Los Angeles, whom the lawsuit refers to as John Doe, claiming that publishers are sharing content that parents would likely prohibit if they knew their children were being given unrestricted access.
Snapchat Is Getting Sued, And The Reason Is Actually Kind Of Legit
July 7th, 2016
In the class action lawsuit, filed on behalf of the minors who were exposed to these “raunchy” materials, they seek a $50,000 payout for each alleged violation of the Communications Decency Act of 1996.
Snapchat hit with class-action lawsuit over sexual content in Discover
July 7th, 2016
Snapchat is facing a new lawsuit over claims that Snapchat Discover routinely serves sexually explicit content to minors without warning them or their parents.
Snapchat sued for being too sexy for minors
July 7th, 2016
Sapchat doesn’t do enough to warn teenagers and parents about sexual content on its app, according to a lawsuit filed Thursday by celebrity attorney Mark Geragos on behalf of a family.
>>Read more
Judge holds up Uber settlement with drivers
June 30th, 2016
A federal judge withheld approval Thursday of a settlement of $84 million to $100 million for hundreds of thousands of Uber drivers in California and Massachusetts and questioned whether the deal would compensate drivers adequately for the claims they were giving up.
Teen sues Pomona police over altercation at county fair
June 28th, 2016
A teenager who says he was subjected to an unprovoked beating by police at the Los Angeles County Fair when he was trying to film his father being taken into custody filed a lawsuit Monday in superior court against the Pomona Police Department.
Arbitrator Revives Dunn Claims Against State Bar, Holden
June 20th, 2016
An arbitrator Friday revived claims brought against the State Bar by its former executive director, Joseph L. Dunn. Edward L. Infante, who dismissed all of Dunn’s claims in April but granted leave to amend with respect to three of them, overruled demurrers to two of the three amended claims.
Arbitrator revives Dunn lawsuit against State Bar
June 20th, 2016
JAMS Arbitrator Edward A. Infante ruled Friday that three of Dunn’s four remaining causes of action could proceed past motions to dismiss, and he kept all three defendants in the case.
Dunn Clears Hurdle in Retaliation Suit Against Bar
June 17th, 2016
An arbitrator on Friday gave a green light to whistleblower-retaliation and breach of covenant claims filed by Joe Dunn against the State Bar of California stemming from his November 2014 ouster as executive director.
Police corruption scandal spills over into Ramirez lawsuit
June 9th, 2016
A still-unfolding scandal involving the criminal activities of former Bakersfield police detectives Damacio Diaz and Patrick Mara may be bleeding over into the wrongful-death case of Jorge Ramirez.
Some Uber drivers object to proposed $100 million settlement
May 17, 2016
One hundred million dollars is enough to fund a blockbuster movie, snap up several Beverly Hills mansions and, in Uber’s case, potentially settle two class-action lawsuits filed by drivers in California and Massachusetts who want to be classified as employees rather than contractors.
Geragos Seeks Atty Ouster Over ‘Collusive’ $100M Uber Deal
May 12, 2016
Celebrity lawyer Mark Geragos and the former president of the Consumer Attorneys of California objected Wednesday in federal court to a proposed $100 million Uber driver settlement and called for removal of the plaintiffs’ lead attorney, saying drivers are being shortchanged by approximately $1 billion.
Los Angeles Drivers File Objection To Uber Settlement
May 11, 2016
Uber’s $100 million class action settlement with drivers faces a new challenge in Southern California.
Attorney demands justice for Daniel Shaver and his family
May 4, 2016
(Video) Los Angeles attorney Mark Geragos demands justice for the family of Daniel Shaver
Calif. Bar Discipline Chief To Resign, Ending Turbulent Run
April 28, 2016
Law360, New York (April 28, 2016, 6:04 PM ET) — California’s top disciplinary trial counsel, Jayne Kim, announced her pending resignation Thursday following a tumultuous five-year tour.
Thomas Jefferson School of Law Hosts Lecture on Armenian Genocide
April 27, 2016
Last week, Thomas Jefferson School of Law hosted a lecture entitled, “Genocide and the Law 101 Years Later.” The event was organized by the Thomas Jefferson School of Law Armenian Law Student Association.
Sunnyvale-based Intuitive Surgical settles litigation over robotic arms
April 21, 2016
SAN JOSE — With a jury weighing its alleged liability, Intuitive Surgical on Wednesday settled a lawsuit brought by a Placer County woman who blamed severe internal injuries suffered during a hysterectomy seven years ago on an early generation of the Sunnyvale-based company’s robotic arms.
Pleasanton: Lawsuit filed in fatal officer-involved shooting of teen
April 05, 2016
PLEASANTON — The family of a San Jose teenager who was shot dead by a police officer in an incident last summer filed a state lawsuit against the Pleasanton Police Department on Monday.
Chris Brown — Alleged Ex-GF Shut Down in Court … No Restraining Order
March 29, 2016
The woman claiming to be Chris Brown’s ex-girlfriend didn’t get the restraining order she requested after failing to produce any evidence she’d ever dated the singer.
Family of Texas man killed in Mesa Police shooting at odds with state over treatment of defendant
March 24, 2016
The family of a Texas father who was fatally shot by a Mesa police officer in January is demanding a federal investigation into what they are calling an “outrageous police cover-up” by the Mesa Police Department and county prosecutors as they await the release of vital information related to the man’s death.
Zillow Sales Reps Win Class Cert. In OT Wage Suit
February 29, 2016
Law360, Los Angeles (February 29, 2016, 10:09 PM ET) — A California federal judge granted class certification on Friday to a group of Zillow Inc. sales representatives accusing the online real estate marketplace of stiffing them on overtime, saying Zillow has failed to refute the workers’ two common questions at the heart of the suit.
Eos settles lawsuit over rashes, blisters
January 28, 2016
A class action lawsuit against eos lip balm that claimed the product caused a California woman to break out in a severe rash and blistering has been resolved, the company announced Thursday.
Women Say They Have Blisters And Rashes After Using EOS Lip Balm
January 13, 2016
A new class-action lawsuit against EOS lip balm claims that the product causes rashes and blisters around users’ mouths.
EOS Lip Balm Can Damage Skin, Class Action Lawsuit Alleges
January 13, 2016
A class action lawsuit has been filed against EOS, claiming its lip balm causes skin to crack, bleed and blister.
EOS Lip Balm Sued by Consumer for Allegedly Damaging Skin, Causing Rashes on Lips — Read the Lawsuit
January 13, 2016
A woman is suing EOS, the widely popular circular-shaped lip balm, alleging that the product left her with damaged skin; dry, bleeding lips; and in severe pain for several days.
Class-Action Lawsuit Claims EOS Lip Balm Causes Skin to Crack, Blister and Bleed
January 13, 2016
A class-action lawsuit claims the popular lip balm by EOS causes skin to crack, bleed and blister.
Education Matters Attorneys for famed teacher Rafe Esquith criticize release of documents
December 09, 2015
Attorneys for nationally recognized teacher Rafe Esquith on Wednesday criticized the release of disciplinary records that provided the first extensive details of allegations against the educator, calling them “discredited and baseless.”
Man who lost part of skull in shooting files claim against LAPD
December 06, 2015
LOS ANGELES – An unarmed man who lost a quarter of his skull after being shot by a Los Angeles police officer notified the city and police department on Wednesday that he plans to sue, claiming the shooting was part of a broad, disturbing pattern in the police force of the nation’s second-largest city.
One-Time Suspect in Transgender Beating Argues LAPD Ignored Evidence
December 06, 2015
In May 2013, then-22-year-old Vivian Diego, a transgender woman, was brutally beaten on the streets of Hollywood. She was hospitalized for a week with a broken jaw, broken ribs and fractured eye sockets.
Attorney for famed teacher Rafe Esquith files class action suit against L.A. Unified
December 06, 2015
An attorney for celebrated Los Angeles Unified teacher Rafe Esquith on Thursday accused the district of employing an “investigative hit squad” to drum up false charges against older, well-paid teachers in an effort to avoid paying their retirement benefits.
Famed teacher Esquith sues school system amid release of new allegations
August 13, 2015
Famed teacher Rafe Esquith sued the Los Angeles school district Thursday as officials released new abuse allegations against the fifth-grade instructor.
Aspiring actor to be retried on previous rape and assault convictions
August 10, 2015
A Los Angeles County judge has ordered a new trial on the remaining sexual assault convictions against an aspiring actor after finding that his previous attorney — famed celebrity lawyer Robert Shapiro — provided ineffective counsel during his sexual assault trial.
Celebrity lawyers Shapiro and Geragos at odds over sex tape in actor’s rape case
June 14, 2015
Two women, who didn’t know each other, told authorities about separate incidents in which they had accompanied actor Robert Aaron Stephens on a night out in Hollywood. They both accepted a drink from him and quickly felt dazed after drinking it. Each woman testified that they were later sexually assaulted at his apartment.
Judge dismisses charges against owner of Rottweiler killed by Hawthorne police
May 21, 2015
A Los Angeles County judge has dismissed all remaining charges against the owner of a Rottweiler whose dog was shot and killed by Hawthorne police, an incident that was recorded by cameras and went viral, sparking a national debate about excessive force and animal cruelty.
Judge dismisses remaining charges against Leon Rosby in Hawthorne police dog shooting case
May 20, 2015
A judge today dismissed the remaining charges filed against a Hawthorne man whose Rottweiler was shot to death by a Hawthorne police officer during his 2013 arrest.
Panel reverses murder conviction, cites judicial misconduct
April 20, 2015
A state appellate court has reversed a mother’s 50 year-to-life sentence for second-degree murder in the death of her newborn after finding that the trial court judge improperly withheld evidence, disparaged the defense’s expert witness and bolstered the prosecution in the jury’s presence.
Riverside County Superior Court Judge W. Charles Morgan, “through his comments, conveyed to the jury his belief that the defense case was meritless and the prosecution’s case was strong,” wrote 4th District Court of Appeal Justice Kathleen E. O’Leary in a 50-page unpublished opinion. The “cumulative effect of the trial judge’s misconduct and the evidentiary errors requires reversal.” Justices William W. Bedsworth and Richard M. Aronson concurred. People v. McGee, G050402 (Cal. App. 4th Dist., filed Sep. 6, 2012).
Marlo Sheree McGee was a 30-year-old mother with sickle cell anemia who gave birth to a healthy daughter named Keira in 2007. A month after the baby’s birth, McGee found the child in her crib not breathing around 3 a.m. The child was pronounced dead by paramedics who arrived a short time later, and an autopsy revealed three blunt force trauma injuries to the skull as well as methadone in the newborn’s blood.
Andrew S. Mestman of the state attorney general’s office repeatedly referred to McGee as a “lazy drug addict who loved drugs more than she loved the health of Keira,” according to a trial transcript cited in the opinion, despite the fact that evidence showed McGee had therapeutic, not excessive, levels of prescribed medication in her system that doctors had said would not interfere with her breastfeeding.
“There was a lot of racist code language used throughout this trial,” said McGee’s appellate counsel, Mark J. Geragos of Geragos & Geragos PC. “After I read the transcript I was appalled.” McGee is African-American.
When trial defense counsel Miles Clark III of Clark, Clark & Associates PC attempted to show that McGee’s medications often resulted in her becoming drowsy and unsteady, and that any injury the child sustained could have been accidental and linked to the mother’s involuntary intoxication, Morgan repeatedly prevented the defense’s key witness, a toxicologist, from testifying about the drugs’ side effects and the mother’s condition.
The expert attempted to raise the importance of sickle cell disease in the case both to highlight the severity of the mother’s pain and to explain how the child’s internal bleeding in the head could have appeared more severe than the injury that caused it due to her possibly also having sickle cell anemia. But Morgan interjected, saying “I’m not going to allow this complete fabrication or potential fabrication to come into evidence.”
When the expert said that the judge was not allowing him to respond, Morgan responded by saying, “Doctor, you know, I’m in charge.”
Both statements occurred in front of the jury, and the appellate court repeatedly disapproved of the fact that the judge did not call defense to sidebar, but chose to disparage him openly and leading the jury to believe that throughout the trial the court found the defense incredible.
“The trial judge belittled and discredited Pietruszka, the defense’s key witness, when in the jury’s presence he repeatedly told Pietruszka there was nobody on this ‘earth’ or ‘planet’ who could say Keira’s death was accidental,” the justices said. “Although the judge may have intended to say no expert could testify as to the manner of death, given the judge’s general hostility toward the defense, it is far more probable the jury interpreted the judge’s statement to mean no juror could reasonably conclude her death was accidental.”
Interestingly, the justices found that there was sufficient evidence to establish that McGee did inflict the injuries causing her daughter’s death – the fact that McGee was alone with the child for hours with the door locked after 10:30 p.m., when other family members had last seen the baby in good health.
But “the critical issue at trial was whether her death was intentional or accidental,” O’Leary wrote. Finding that the error violated due process under the Constitution, the panel found that cumulative effect of the judge’s conduct was not harmless beyond a reasonable doubt.
“One of the lessons here is that you need to get on the record exactly what the judge is doing, and if you’re objecting to it you have to explain why, even if the judge is ordering you not to talk,” said Geragos. “It’s the basic fundamental oath that every lawyer takes, to zealously represent your client even at the risk of harming yourself.”
america_hernandez@dailyjournal.com
Leon Rosby Verdict: Jury Finds Owner of Dog Shot by Hawthorne Police Not Guilty of Dissuading Witness
March 10, 2015
The owner of a Rottweiler shot to death by a Hawthorne police office was found not guilty Monday of dissuading a witness, and jurors deadlocked in his favor over whether he interfered with officers by playing loud music at a special weapons team operation.
Three-Year Federal Investigation of Ansun Biopharma, Inc. Ends With No Criminal Charges
January 7, 2015
The three-year investigation of San Diego based biotech company Ansun Biopharma, Inc. concluded without any criminal convictions. Ansun cooperated with the United States Attorneys Office in San Diego in arriving to both a criminal and civil settlement.
Accusations fly as State Bar of California leader Joe Dunn fights ouster
December 8, 2014
The agency that regulates California’s lawyers is once again beset with conflict, riddled by accusations involving expense accounts and ethics.
The turmoil became public last month when the board of the State Bar of California fired its executive director, Joe Dunn, a former state senator from Orange County.
Zillow Sued for ‘Shocking’ Sexual Harassment
December 1, 2014
SAN FRANCISCO — Lawyers with L.A.’s Geragos & Geragos have slammed Zillow Inc. with its third employment lawsuit in a month—this time alleging the online real estate company fostered an “adult frat house culture” that led to extreme sexual harassment.
The complaint filed Monday centers on former Zillow sales consultant Rachel Kremer, who claims she was fired in August after resisting repeated sexual overtures from male supervisors.
Geragos Firm Accuses Zillow of Workplace Abuses
November 20, 2014
A pair of employment suits filed in the Central District of California on Wednesday blasts Zillow Inc. for allegedly failing to pay overtime, denying meal breaks and retaliating against an employee.
The suits were brought by Mark Geragos, a Los Angeles lawyer famous for representing A-list celebrities including Michael Jackson, Winona Ryder, Nicole Ritchie and Chris Brown. His firm, Geragos & Geragos, has teamed up with Costa Mesa firm Samini Scheinberg.
Adam Carolla Settles Lawsuit Over Popular Podcast Business in Midst of Trial
September 9, 2014
A day after being cross-examined on the witness stand at a trial in Los Angeles Superior Court, Adam Carolla has come to a settlement with his ex-producer Donny Misraje, a former long-time friend who helped the comedian and Fox News contributor build what has been called the world’s most downloaded podcast.
Scottie Pippen files countersuit over Malibu altercation
February 25, 2014
Scottie Pippen has filed a countersuit against a Malibu man who alleged the former NBA All-Star assaulted him at a restaurant last year.
Camran Shafighi filed a $4-million lawsuit against Pippen, accusing him of a “brutal and unjustified physical attack” that allegedly occurred outside upscale Nobu restaurant after Shafighi had sought a picture with the former Chicago Bull.
But in a cross-complaint filed earlier this month, Pippen’s lawyer Mark J. Geragos alleged Shafighi cursed at Pippen using racial slurs, spat on him and his children and said, “I’m going to kill you.”
The cross-complaint also alleges that Shafighi was “extremely aggressive and noticeably intoxicated” and calls for unspecified damages “according to proof.”
Rottweiler owner sues Hawthorne over police killing of dog
February 14, 2014
A Hawthorne man is suing the city in connection with the fatal shooting of his pet Rottweiler by police last year in an incident that was caught on video and viewed nearly 3 million times online.
Leon Rosby filed the lawsuit Thursday in Los Angeles Superior Court, naming Hawthorne police Officers Christopher Hoffman, Michael Matson and Jeffrey Salmon as defendants. Rosby alleges violations of civil rights, negligence and intentional infliction of emotional distress, and is asking for unspecified compensatory and punitive damages.
