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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“If I had to describe The Madrid Law Firm in one word it would definitely be FAMILY.”
It was a Sunday morning, I was in my restroom, in tears, scared, lost and clueless when someone gave me the number to Ed Madrid. I immediately called, not knowing what to say, what to ask, or even if someone would answer (it was Sunday). Ed answered very politely, friendly and caring. He right away gave me comfort and walked me through what we needed to do to get on top of everything. My brother was charged with a very serious drug case, where he was facing 25 years to life. Never had we had to deal with anything remotely close to this so my family and I were scared, confused and saddened. When I walked in to meet with Ed and his daughter Erica, they right away made me feel welcomed and comfortable. They were very honest in giving me the information and at the same time caring as it wasn't easy to hear what my brother and my family would have to face in the process. We had millions of questions and it never mattered what time it was, Ed always answered and explained everything thoroughly. Initially my brother was facing 25 to life for the severity of the charge, Ed and Erica were able to drop it down to 7 – 9 years and, in the final sentencing, they brought it down to 5 years. My brother has currently served half of his sentence and The Madrid Law Firm has never stopped checking up on my family and I to make sure we are all doing ok. In March there was a sentence reduction amendment sent to congress that would benefit my brother, if passed. Ed is already on it! He's giving me the information and is ready to move forward as soon as the law is passed. I always had the impression that attorneys would be sneaky, take your money and when the case was closed they were done and that was the end of the story. Not with The Madrid Law Firm, they always stay in contact and make you feel like you're dealing with family. Thank you Ed for all your patience, your help and your friendship. My family and I will be forever grateful for all your help.- N.M. -
“You made every effort to make this process easier for me, since I was out of the state and I greatly appreciate that.”
Mr. Madrid, I would like to thank you so much for your hard work and dedication to my case. You made every effort to make this process easier for me, since I was out of the state and I greatly appreciate that. Please let everyone who worked on my case that I am thankful for their work! I will definitely pass your name along, to anyone who may need your services. I wish you the best in your business. Sincerely, D.C.- D.C. -
“Erica is very easy to talk to and explained everything.”
Like most folks, I am not up on lawyer talk and/or the big words you see on certain documents. Erica is very easy to talk to and explained everything. She took the time to make us feel comfortable during our misfortune. Erica's hard work is true and her kindness is genuine - she took time with us and we were not just another client to bill. In our uncertain world these days, Erica is a breath of fresh air! Should we ever need legal aid again, we will call on her again!- Lois D. -
“Madrid Law Firm will do the absolute best for you in your situation and they will not stop fighting for you until you are satisfied with the results.”
Madrid Law Firm had been a referral from someone that I know. Hands down this is the best Attorney and law firm that I have had to deal with. Nobody wants to have to hire an attorney, but if you have to I will highly recommend Madrid Law Firm. I was in a car accident a few weeks before delivering my precious baby girl so being in a car accident was scary and stressful. Madrid Law Firm took care of everything to make sure that my baby was happy and healthy before and after her birth. They even went above and beyond what I have seen with other attorneys, to accommodate my needs. The entire staff is caring, kind and extremely proactive. Madrid Law Firm will do the absolute best for you in your situation and they will not stop fighting for you until you are satisfied with the results. And to top it off my attorney is HONEST. Even though my attorney was able to get more money for me than we had anticipated, he didn't take more money out for himself. He gave it all to me. Wow, now that is a rare gem of a find in an attorney. Madrid Law Firm you rock. Thank you for your amazing service.- Vine A.
