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José M. Lerma
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José M. Lerma
Lerma & Associates, P.C.
33 N. Tucson Blvd.
Tucson, AZ 85716-4737
Phone: (520) 624-2179 | Fax: (520) 624-3332
http://joselermalaw.com/
When Experience Counts, Don't Settle for Less.
Legal Topic
Criminal Defense
Preferred New Clients
I represent clients charged with major felony offenses particularly drug offenses, violent/sex crimes and white collar crime.
Sub-Categories
Criminal Defense
- Aiding, Abetting, Accessory, Conspiracy
- Appeals
- Capital Crimes/Capital Cases
- Environmental Violations
- Felonies
- Grand Jury Proceedings
- Juvenile Crimes
- Probation
- Perjury
- Plea Negotiation
- Search & Seizure
- Child Abuse
- Domestic Violence
- Felony Auto Accidents
- Driving with a Suspended License
- Drug Cultivation & Manufacturing
- Drug Possession
- Intent to Distribute Drugs
- Intent to Sell Drugs
- Medical Marijuana
- Constitutional Rights Defense
- Illegal Possession or Transportation
- Other Weapons & Devices
- Bank Fraud
- Checks & Credit Cards
- Embezzlement
- Extortion
- Forgery
- Identity Theft
- Insurance Claims
- Money Laundering
- Racketeering & RICO
- Securities Fraud
- Smuggling
- Arson
- Burglary
- Embezzlement
- Larceny
- Theft
- Abduction
- Child Abuse
- Child Pornography
- Prostitution, Solicitation, & Pandering
- Rape
- Sexual Assault
- Trafficking in Women
- Assault & Battery
- Domestic Violence
- Extortion
- Kidnapping
- Manslaughter
- Murder
- Robbery
Bar Admissions
AZ, Sep 1972
Bar Number: 003020
Specialty Certifications
Until 1990 when I took judicial position full-time I was Bar Certified Arizona Criminal Law Specialist.
Other Court Admissions
Arizona Courts; Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals; U.S. District Court, Arizona.
Association Memberships
Arizona Bar member.
Continuing Education
I am currently teaching legal education seminars and attending some to complete requirements.
Example Cases
I have well over 250 jury trials under my belt as both attorney (primary) and judge. I've handled 9 first-degree homicide jury trials and have handled thousands of criminal cases involving violent crimes, sex crimes, burglaries, other property crimes, embezzlement and other white-color crimes. Drug cases in both Federal and State Court we handle with great frequency.
Education
Degree:
Juris Doctor
School:
University of Arizona, College of Law
City:
Tucson
State:
AZ
Year:
1969
Honors:
Reginald Herber-Smith Fellowship.
Focus and Accomplishments:
Majored in Government Regulation of Business
Degree:
Bachelor of Arts
School:
University of Arizona
City:
Tucson
State:
AZ
Year:
1966
Honors:
Ford Foundation Scholarship; Special Master's Program acceptance.
Focus and Accomplishments:
Majored in Literature/Philosophy.
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
Arizona
Firm Focus and History
Criminal law and civil litigation involving small business disputes. Limited personal injury and general civil work.
Private practice from 1973 to 1990 when I assumed Superior Court bench in Santa Cruz County (full time in 1990); resumed private practice in Pima County in October, 1999.
Previous Employment Summary
1985 to 1990 Santa Cruz County, AZ, Superior Court Judge Pro Tem (part time); 1990 to October, 1999, Superior Court Judge Pro Tem (full time), and Superior Court Judge elected for Santa Cruz County, AZ.
Activities and Awards
Pro Bono work for legal aid; consulting attorney for Mexican Consulate in Nogales, Santa Cruz County, Arizona; received "OHTLI" award from Mexican Government foreign relations secretary for work performed on behalf of minorities and low-income; past Board Member, MALDEF (Mexican-American Legal Defense and Education Fund); past Board Member, St. Andrews Crippled Children's Clinic, Nogales, AZ.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
Clients should educate themselves on legal issues facing them. however, once they have decided on a lawyer to represent them, their role is to ask questions regarding the matter and to trust their lawyer's recommendations. A lawyer should listen to client input, but not feel bound by it.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
Unless a document prepared by a client is part of a broader issue, I am unwilling to simply review a document for legal deficiencies. If it is simply a guide for a document that I will ultimately prepare, that is another matter.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
As with simply "reviewing" documents for clients, I am generally unwilling to "coach" clients to represent themselves. I cannot teach a client to become a lawyer in one or two sessions. I take my responsibility and liability, much too seriously for this to be a significant option.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I believed as a young man, and still believe, that I could make a difference in our society as a lawyer. Although I've been disappointed on many occasions, I've also enjoyed many moments of success and fulfillment; moments that have impacted greatly on the lives of my clients and their families.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
My jury trial experience is extensive (over 250 jury trials); I have been a Superior Court Judge pro-tem and elected for a total of 15 years; I have been City Attorney for Douglas, Arizona, consultant to the Mexican Consulate; Consultant to Pres. Vicente Fox's IME in Mexico, Board of Directors of MALDEF and a prosecutor for almost three years. The combination of my criminal and civil experience in and out of the courtroom is virtually unheard of in this time of legal specialization. This experience is brought to the service of every client whose case I undertake.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
I have always been fascinated by criminal jury trials and trial work in general. It has always been my personal idea of what a lawyer does.
What do you like best about your career?
The knowledge that I have a tremendously important role not only in my client's personal life (and this interest is paramount), but in seeking to maintain the order, checks and balances which are the hallmark of our criminal justice system. It is a challenging and fulfilling experience.
Tell us about your law firm:
I do have both a paralegal and office manager and clerical help, all of whom are friendly and sensitive to clients' needs. My paralegal holds a law degree and my office manager a master's degree and both have been around the legal profession for years.
What are your strengths and style?
I am an aggressive but affable trial lawyer. In negotiations and pre-trial matters, I'm often low-key and soft-spoken, which is the opposite of my trial demeanor. I'm told that I'm very professional, amiable and effective in front of a jury. As an aside, I will mention that in one of my 1st-degree murder trials, after a verdict of acquittal, in an 8-week jury trial, the jury hosted a party for me and for the Defendant and his family (although the judge was invited, he reluctantly declined). Another of my 1st degree murder trials was "show-cased" in True Detective Magazine (a dubious distinction).
Personal Interests:
I love to read on a variety of subjects: history, philosophy; fiction; esoteric subjects (in both English and Spanish) as well as write poetry and essays. i travel as often as possible; I love nature walks in the desert, forests and beaches.
Office Manager/Assistant
Yolanda
Fax
(520) 624-3332
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
For emergency after hours call:
(520) 256-4635 or (520) 761-3139
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Foreign Languages
Fully bi-lingual staff in Spanish
Additional Offices
Nogales, AZ
1881 No. Mastick Way
Suite Suite 700
Nogales, AZ 85621
(520) 281-4488
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
All cases are different and some criminal cases command minimum fees for $7,500 (simple possession/drug case) to $100,000 (homicide).
Hourly Rates
$300 per hour charged against retainer.
Free Initial Consultation?
No. Charge is $125 per initial consultation unless Pro Bono determination is made.
Typical Retainer
$15,000 to $25,000.
Nolo's Licensing Check
Attorneys have passed a licensing check. Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the applicable bar associations upon joining the directory.
Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any bar association.
