In the News
Criminal Case Dismissed and Civil Rights Action with a Multi-Million Dollar Verdict
During his early career as a criminal defense lawyer, Ed Madrid and three (3) other defense lawyers defended 4 individuals who were wrongfully accused of child molestation. This case along with the infamous McMartin Case were the two leading cases that started a pandemic of child molestation paranoia and pseudo satanic rituals in public, private and day care schools, retreats and neighborhoods across the United States. The media was relentless. Many individuals were falsely arrested, incarcerated and wrongfully prosecuted, including the entire McMartin/Buckey family, the O’Keefe family and Ed’s clients, the Valentin/Malave family.
After putting on an affirmative defense at a six (6) week preliminary hearing, the criminal case was dismissed.
Ed and his colleagues filed a civil rights action against the County of Los Angeles, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, deputies and accusers. After prevailing in the 1st trial, the County appealed and the case was remanded for a retrial. At the 2nd trial, the verdict was doubled. The case was appealed and remanded for a retrial only on damages. At the start of the 3rd trial, the Court made some unfavorable rulings on the measure of damages. A writ was filed by both sides. The trial was halted. Both Writs of Mandate were granted and set for a hearing. The case resulted in a published opinion. County of Los Angeles, v. Superior Court (2000) 78 Cal.App.4th. 212. This case established the correct measure of damages in a civil rights case filed in state court.
The case was remanded for trial number 4. As jury selection commenced, the County made a multi-million dollar offer, which our clients accepted. The other two plaintiffs proceeded to trial and received multi-million dollar verdicts. Their award was reduced and the case was finally settled.
From start to finish, Ed litigated this case for 17 years. The following article, “And Now The Revenge,” was published by the California Lawyer Magazine in 1990 after the 1st trial. Click HERE to view the Article.
There is no substitute for experienced trial lawyers on your side. Call us at (909) 628-0068 today!
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“I would recommend them to anyone thank you for your help!!!”
Very helpful and understand helped me and answered every question I had, I would recommend them to anyone thank you for your help!!!- Joshua F. -
“Collectively they go the extra mile and are very confident in what they do.”
We have used Madrid Lawfirm for years, most recently a car accident resulting in severe injuries. Both Ed and Erica are true professionals in every sense of the word, not to mention ethical and responsive. Collectively they go the extra mile and are very confident in what they do. Always looking out for your best interest and to provide you with the highest quality representation. Without question we will not only continue to use them both for all our needs but continue recommending them to those around us.- Ryan H. -
“Excellent work. Ever grateful to you, your dad and Cindy.”
Erica: A special thank you for your excellent work. Ever grateful to you, your dad and Cindy. On behalf of our grandson, Fondly, S.H. & B.H.- S.H. & B.H. -
“You always made sure I was protected and secure.”
It is unfortunate that we had to meet under the circumstances that we did, however, I am very privileged to have met you and your daughter, Erica Madrid. During the time you were my attorney, you and your daughter always treated me with the most respect. You ALWAYS listened and paid attention to all the details of my case. The matter in which you treated me and my case is just amazingly great, I felt as if I was the most important client you had. You always made sure I was protected and secure. These past three months have been the longest three months of my life. I just could not move on with my life, it was as if my life was put on hold! Every court appointment that we had, you ALWAYS represented me with the most professionalism, which says a lot of your law firm. My preliminary hearing date came up and I was very nervous, scared, and I just was not myself. The entire preliminary hearing was very intense, however, I always felt so confident in my attorney representing me. After a long hour and a half, it came time for the judge to make a decision, and when the judge said "case dismissed," I could not hold back the tears and the emotions going through my mind and body, I felt so much joy! Right away, I was thanking The Lord for the blessing of continuing on with my life. I was able to breathe without feeling afraid. There are no words to express to you and your team how thankful I am for all the hard work that was put in into my case. Thank you for fighting for me, my life, and my family! God Bless you, your family, and your law firm. May you continue to service others like the way you and your law firm did for me.- S.P.
