Case Results

The following is a sample of recent case results:

• Conspiracy to Distribute Multiple Kilograms of Cocaine.  Defendant with criminal record, including homicide, facing possible 20 year sentence.  Result: After start of jury trial, case dismissed for government misconduct.  U.S. District Court, Los Angeles, CA.

• Conspiracy to Commit Mail and Wire Fraud, Money Laundering.  Defendant with prior criminal record for theft.  Potential sentence of approximately 10 years.  Result:  After jury trial, Not Guilty of Mail and Wire Fraud (2 counts).  Sentence of Money Laundering reversed by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.  U.S. District Court, San Jose, CA.

• Conspiracy to Commit Mail and Wire Fraud related to real estate loans.  Defendant’s first lawyer advised client to sign a plea agreement where he would receive approximately 3 years in federal prison.  Result:  Mr. Severo brought into the case.  Plea Agreement set aside, case set for jury trial.  Just before trial, U.S. government dismissed the case, and never re-filed it.  U.S. District Court, Los Angeles, CA.

• Revocation of supervised release (similar to parole or probation) after defendant was convicted of conspiracy to distribute cocaine.  Defendant absconded and was a fugitive for nearly 10 years.  Result:  8 months for the violation.  U.S. District Court, Los Angeles, CA.

• Prosecution for murder, first degree.  Defendant, a drug dealer, accused of murdering another at a Thanksgiving gathering. Prosecution requesting 75 years to life in prison.  Result:  After jury trial, hung jury.  Defendant chose to plead guilty to involuntary manslaughter, 5 year sentence.  Los Angeles County Superior Court, Pomona, CA.

• Prosecution for assault with a deadly weapon.  Defendant shot at another individual and near a group of women and children.  Potential sentence of 27 years.  Result:  After jury trial, Not Guilty.  Riverside County Superior Court, Temecula, CA.

• Conspiracy to Commit Mail Fraud in connection with real estate loans.  Over $3 million in alleged losses by the government exposed the defendant to a 5 year sentence.  Result:  Probation, no jail time.  U.S. District Court, Los Angeles, CA.
  
• Conspiracy to Distribute Multiple Kilograms of Pseudoephedrine, a chemical used to make methamphetamine.  Defendant exposed to a 10 year minimum sentence. Result:  Reduced to a lesser count (“Illegal Use of Telephone”) with a maximum of 4 years. Received 31 months.  U.S. District Court, Los Angeles.

• Conspiracy to Distribute Multiple Kilograms of Cocaine.  Defendant’s second offense in federal court, exposed to 20 year sentence.  Result: Probation, no jail time.  U.S. District Court, Spokane, WA.

• Conspiracy to Commit Mail Fraud, Money Laundering and Tax Evasion.  Represented main defendant in alleged $100 million fraud scheme in real estate loans.  Result:  After a negotiated plea, potential 17½ year sentence reduced to 51 months.  U.S. District Court, Los Angeles, CA.

• Prosecution for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.  Result:  Dismissed after successful motion to suppress the evidence.  Los Angeles County Superior Court, Los Angeles, CA.

• Grand Jury Investigation of attorney for committing mail fraud related to auto accident fraud scheme.  Grand jury issued subpoena to attorney for her records.  Law firm filed a motion to quash the subpoena.  Result:  No Prosecution.  U.S. District Court, Los Angeles, CA.

• Grand Jury Investigation of attorney for committing mail fraud related to false auto insurance claims.  Investigation included tax evasion charges.  Result: No Prosecution.   U.S. District Court, Los Angeles, CA.

• Prosecution for murder, second degree.  Client accused of starting gunfight that resulted in murder.  Result:  Case dismissed after successful motion in the trial court.  Los Angeles County Superior Court, Los Angeles, CA.