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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“They went above and beyond and were extremely aggressive with my case at a cost that was significantly lower than I expected.”
If I could give more stars I would! Working with Edward, Erica and their team was an amazing experience. They went above and beyond and were extremely aggressive with my case at a cost that was significantly lower than I expected. I was extremely blessed to have had Edward and Erica by my side through the toughest battle of my life. I highly recommend this office!- Ricardo E. -
“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. -
“You guys are heaven-sent!”
Dear Ed, You probably don't remember me but I will never forget how comforting and patient you were with me at my time of need. You guys are heaven-sent! I'm the girl that was freaking out because of the car accident I was in and I didn't know if I needed a lawyer and if I was going to lose our house. I pray that the Lord continues to bless you and your business! And that he sends you an angel at your time of need like you were sent to me! Thanks!- M.S. -
“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.
