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!
-
“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. -
“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. -
“She is passionate, dedicated, professional and very thorough. She responded to all my calls/emails/texts and explained everything to me in the language that I can understand.”
Excellent Work on my behalf. Unfortunately I found myself in a tough legal matter but Erica made the best of my situation. My Charges were significantly reduced with her assistance and I only had to visit the courthouse once. She is passionate, dedicated, professional and very thorough. She responded to all my calls/emails/texts and explained everything to me in the language that I can understand. I am glad to recommend her services. This is what I would consider the money well spent.- C.B. -
“Thank you for always being there for me.”
Ed, Thank you for always being there for me. I know you will lasso a championship next week. C.S.- C.S.
