HUNG JURY in a federal trial where Client was facing a mandatory life sentence if convicted on charges that included murder for hire, use or possession of a firearm to commit murder, conspiracy, possession with intent to distribute heroin, and possession of firearms in connection with drug trafficking offenses. After presenting the results of several witness interviews, photos, defense witness testimony, and only 48 hours of deliberations, the jury was hopelessly deadlocked. The charges stemmed from an investigation into a multi-state marijuana trafficking investigation and a murder on the streets of Oakland, California. The government agencies that investigated the allegations included the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s San Francisco, New Orleans, and Houston Divisions; the Criminal Investigation Division of the IRS; the Oakland Police Department with the assistance of various county and city law enforcement agencies in the southern United States. As of this update, the U.S. Attorney’s Office plans to retry the case in October 2022... Stay tuned.
NOT GUILTY on all counts. Our Client - a university grad student in her late 20s - was accused of battering a female in her early 60s in a parking lot brawl. The Client's exposure was a fine of $2,000 and/or 6 months in jail or both. My numerous photographs, diagrams, and hour-long courtroom testimony helped convince the jury that the elderly female was the aggressor - the district attorney portrayed her as the "poor old lady." The jury deliberated 30 minutes and delivered a not guilty verdict.
CASE DISMISSED against a Nevada County man charged with murder. Since his arrest in May 2018, the Client - who had 25 years to life in prison hanging over his head - maintained his innocence. He was alleged to have been in possession of the victim's car and credit cards around the time that he was taken into custody. In August 2018, a witness interview I conducted clearly pointed to a different suspect. It appeared the district attorney ignored that interview until October 2019 when a witness came forward and provided a statement that supported my August 2018 interview. After reviewing the statements, the district attorney did not feel that the case could be proven beyond a reasonable doubt and the case was dismissed.
NOT GUILTY verdict on all charges. My courtroom testimony helped convince the jury that the evidence presented by the district attorney did not support allegations that included lewd conduct. The jury's acquittal was likely influenced by the young prosecutor's personal attacks on me; a seasoned defense investigator and retired deputy sheriff. As Michael Mortimer, a San Francisco federal trial lawyer and published author, once wrote in an article intended for other attorneys, "Putting on an act in the courtroom may not be as entertaining as you think."
NOT GUILTY on all charges, including murder and conspiracy to obstruct justice. Our Client was charged along with a prominent criminal defense lawyer, three CHP Officers, and his own brother. After fighting through the third-longest criminal trial in California history, the jury came back with acquittals on all charges for all defendants.
CASE DISMISSED against our Client who was charged with murder and robbery in connection with a marijuana grow. Enhancements included great bodily injury and the use of a gun. Two co-defendants were sentenced to lengthy prison terms after reaching plea agreements with the district attorney that included testifying against the Client. A Superior Court judge ruled that Nevada County authorities “repeatedly violated” constitutional principles by ignoring or bypassing the Client's rights.
NOT GUILTY verdict on all charges for murder conspiracy with gang enhancements. Our Client was released from custody on the day of the verdict; he was facing 35 years to life in prison. The prosecution used wiretap phone calls, informant testimony, gang expert opinions, and rap videos in an attempt to prove a conspiracy that our Client was trying to kill alleged gang rivals.
NOT GUILTY on all charges for our Client - a member of the Vallejo Chapter of the Hells Angels. The Client was charged with felony assault with great bodily injury. The alleged victim was a police officer’s son, who bumped into the Client’s female friend. When the Client asked him to apologize, the cop’s son refused and a brawl ensued. The jury acquitted based on self-defense.
BERESFORD INVESTIGATIONS has achieved successes in lesser known cases. Ask and we'll be glad to share.