Education

Law School/Year: University of San Francisco, 1975

College/Year: San Diego State University, 1972

Bar Admissions

U.S. Supreme Court; U.S. Courts of Appeal for the 5th, 8th and 9th Circuits; U.S. District Courts of the Northern, Eastern, Central and Southern Districts of California; Southern District of Indiana; Western District of Michigan; U.S. District Courts for Nevada, Colorado and Arizona; U.S. Tax Court

Practice Areas

Criminal Law

Asset Forfeiture

Major Cases

I was co-counsel in United States v. Garrett before the U.S. Supreme Court. I have additionally handled a number of cases before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, which resulted in significant rulings for the claimants on the issues of innocent ownership, attorney’s fees and probable cause.

Professional Background

I have practiced for over 30 years in the area of federal criminal defense. Additionally, I have represented literally hundreds of claimants in criminal, civil and administrative forfeiture actions.

Professional Affiliations

I am a member of the national Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

Personal background

I grew up in Millbrae, Calif., a suburb of San Francisco. I attended San Diego State University, returned to the Bay Area for law school at the University of San Francisco, and then came back to San Diego to practice. I am married, my wife is Senior Corporate Counsel at Kyocera Wireless Corp., and have one son, Benjamin, age 10.