Back to Search Results

Eric D. Shevin

Law Offices of Eric D. Shevin
15260 Ventura Boulevard
Suite 1050
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
Map

Phone: (818) 784-2700 | Fax: (818) 784-2411
http://www.shevinlaw.com

National Medical Marijuana Specialist

Types of Cases
Qualifications
Work History
Personality & Philosophy
Office Information
Fees

Legal Topic

Criminal Defense

Preferred New Clients

State and Federal Criminal Defense matters.

Sub-Topics

Abuse

Domestic Violence

Aiding, Abetting, Accessory, Conspiracy

Appeals

Automotive

Driving with a Suspended License
Driving without a License
DUI / DWI
Felony Auto Accidents
Open Container

Capital Crimes/Capital Cases

Computer Crimes

Unauthorized Access

Criminal Records

Expungement or Expunction

Drug Crime

Drug Cultivation & Manufacturing
Drug Possession
Intent to Distribute Drugs
Intent to Sell Drugs
Medical Marijuana

False Identification

Felonies

Firearms & Weapons

Constitutional Rights Defense
Illegal Possession or Transportation
Other Weapons & Devices

Fraud & Financial Crimes

Bank Fraud
Checks & Credit Cards
Embezzlement
Extortion
Forgery
Identity Theft
Money Laundering
Racketeering & RICO
Smuggling
Tax Evasion & Fraud

Grand Jury Proceedings

Juvenile Crime

Misdemeanors

Perjury

Plea Negotiation

Probation

Property Crimes

Arson
Burglary
Embezzlement
Larceny
Shoplifting
Theft
Trespass
Vandalism

Search & Seizure

Violent Crimes

Assault & Battery
Domestic Violence
Extortion
Kidnapping
Manslaughter
Murder
Robbery

Bar Admissions

CA, Dec 1992
Bar Number: 160103

Other Court Admissions

All Federal courts in California, Louisiana, Tennessee, Wisconsin, admitted to United States Supreme Court.

Association Memberships

• National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
• California Attorneys for Criminal Justice
• Criminal Courts Bar Association
• Lifetime Member, National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) Legal Committee

Continuing Education

I teach continuing legal education seminars on Criminal Law, and I attend continuing legal education seminars as required in the State of California.

Papers and Publications

The 420 Times, "As A Medical Marijuana Patient, What Are My Rights? "; Volume 3, 2010.

West Coast Leaf, "LA's Strict Ordinance Draws Patient Backlash"; Volume 3, No. 2, Summer 2010.

I have been featured and/or quoted in more than 25 articles and news stories including the following media outlets:
• Los Angeles Times
• Los Angeles Daily Journal
• ABC News
• CBS News
• MSNBC
• Newshour with Jim Lehrer
• Huffington Post
• National Public Radio
• Hartford Courant
• Orange County Register
• The 420 Times
• West Coast Leaf
• Marijuana Anti Prohibition Project
• Press Enterprise
• Metropolitan News Enterprise
• Hemp Evolution
• The Compassion Club
• Cannabis News
• The Medical Marijuana Magazine
• The Marijuana News
• High Times Freedom Fighter of the Month

Example Cases

Represented Jack Herer and the 1994 California Cannabis Hemp and Health Initiative before the California Supreme Court.

Federal Medical Marijuana Sales case resulting in no jail time, client facing ten year mandatory minimum.

Numerous dismissals for illegal police conduct and illegal searches.

Education

School:

University of San Diego School of Law

Degree:

Juris Doctorate

City:

San Diego

State:

Year:

1992

Honors:

• Judicial Externship
• District Attorney Internship
• San Diego Juvenile District Attorney's Office

School:

San Diego State University

Degree:

Bachelor of Science

City:

San Diego

State:

Year:

1989

Honors:

• President, FMA National Honor Society
• Order of Omega Honor Society

Focus and Accomplishments:

Finance

Number of Attorneys

State Licensed In

California

Firm Focus and History

State and Federal Criminal Defense practice specializing in medical marijuana defense, business formation and representation. I have been practicing exclusively in the area of criminal defense since 1993.

Previous Employment Summary

Named partner of Margolin and Shevin, Attorneys at Law, focusing on state and federal criminal defense.

Activities and Awards

• SuperLawyer for Southern California
• Defender of Justice Award
• Faculty for the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
• Minimum Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) faculty for National Business Institute
• Faculty to Los Angeles Superior Court Judiciary

"Has Medicine Gone to Pot; (The Marijuana Law, Its Impact on You and Our Community)", 2nd Annual Pasadena Medical Society and Alliance Community Forum.

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Advanced Criminal Law Seminar, Aspen 2011. "Tomorrows Issues Today, Defending Medical Marijuana Cases in Federal Court and Medical Marijuana Business Formation and Representation .

"Medical Marijuana Legal Seminar ", Course on Medical Marijuana Law to the Los Angeles County Judiciary, Winter 2011.

What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?

It is incredibly helpful for a client to have a detailed understanding of the laws in order to understand the criminal process and to have a realistic perception of the possible consequences.

Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?

I am always available to review work product by my clients, and often it is incredibly insightful and helpful.

Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?

I strongly discourage clients to represent themselves, as they are at a significant disadvantage.

Why did you decide to be a lawyer?

I became an attorney initially to help disadvantaged youth in the criminal justice system, and my practice expanded once I saw the incredible injustices people face over their use of marijuana. Marijuana prohibition is the result of big business waging a war against their competition, whether for paper products (hemp) or for medicine.

What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?

I was a partner in a high volume criminal defense practice specializing in marijuana matters, unlawful searches, illegal police conduct and unauthorized destruction of evidence. I represented the California Hemp and Health Initiative on Writ of Mandate to the California Supreme Court and developed expertise in the areas of cannabis yield ratios, medical efficacy of marijuana, and government cultivation guidelines.

Through 18 years of daily courtroom experience, I have developed extensive knowledge of all issues concerning marijuana and medical marijuana. Including but not limited to defending marijuana cases in State and Federal court, cannabis yield ratios, medical efficacy of marijuana, and State Guidelines for the operation of medical marijuana cooperatives.

Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?

Marijuana law seems to have chosen me. Due to the many successes I have had in state and federal court, defending the rights of good people and medical patients alike.

What do you like best about your career?

I genuinely enjoy being there for my clients as they go through what may be the most difficult experience in their life. I continue to meet very interesting people who need guidance in understanding the laws concerning medical marijuana; which are vague and subject to gross misunderstanding.

Tell us about your law firm:

I am a sole practitioner, so all my clients deal directly with me. I have an associate, Stephen Fisch, who works closely with me on all my cases. My office manager, Ruey Shepherd, is incredibly attentive to the needs of my clients and has a wealth of knowledge on issues that affect the handling of all clients' matters.

What are your strengths and style?

I take pride in giving clients my personal attention, and make myself available at anytime via my cell phone. You never know when a client needs a question answered. Every case has a “best possible outcome” and the case is not over until that outcome is achieved.

Personal Interests:

I am a single father, so I take great pleasure in spending as much time with my kids as possible. Travelling to exotic, distant places as much as possible, which is not often enough, is another passion. I also make an incredible cabernet sauvignon from Napa Valley that started as a hobby and has turned into a labor of love. Golf, surfing, jazz and the Lakers round out my personal interests.

Office Manager/Assistant

Ruey Shepherd

Fax

(818) 784-2411

Office Hours

The office is open:
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

I am available 24 hours a day by calling my office.

Emergency After Hours

Yes

Foreign Languages

Spanish and French

Fixed-Price Services and Fees

Most criminal cases are billed on a flat fee basis.

Hourly Rates