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Mark A. Davis
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Mark A. Davis
The Law Offices of Mark A. Davis
750 E Green Street
Suite 204
Pasadena, CA 91101
Phone: (626) 440-0477 | Fax: (626) 440-0466
http://www.madlawonline.com
Experienced Attorney for Immigrants & U.S. Citizens
Legal Topic
Criminal Defense
Preferred New Clients
I handle immigration and criminal defense matters in Los Angeles and all of Southern California, including but not limited to:
• Post conviction relief
• Motions to vacate
• Writs of Coram Nobis
• Aggravated felonies
• Crimes of moral turpitude
• Fraud-related offenses
• Drug crimes defense
• Sex crimes defense
• Violent crimes defense
• Domestic violence defense
• Defense for firearms offenses
Sub-Categories
Criminal Defense
- Aiding, Abetting, Accessory, Conspiracy
- Appeals
- Capital Crimes/Capital Cases
- Felonies
- Grand Jury Proceedings
- Misdemeanors
- Probation
- Perjury
- DUI
- Felony Auto Accidents
- Parking Tickets & Towing
- Traffic - Moving Violations
- Open Container
- Driving with a Suspended License
- Driving without a License
- DWI
- 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
- Corporate Espionage & Sabotage
- Embezzlement
- Extortion
- Forgery
- Identity Theft
- Insider Trading
- Insurance Claims
- Money Laundering
- Public Offerings
- Racketeering & RICO
- Securities Fraud
- Smuggling
- Tax Evasion & Fraud
- Trade Secrets
- Wire Transfer
- Arson
- Burglary
- Embezzlement
- Larceny
- Theft
- Vandalism
- Abduction
- Child Abuse
- Child Pornography
- Indecent Exposure
- Prostitution, Solicitation, & Pandering
- Rape
- Sexual Assault
- Stalking
- Trafficking in Women
- Assault & Battery
- Domestic Violence
- Extortion
- Kidnapping
- Manslaughter
- Murder
- Robbery
Legal Topic
Immigration
Preferred New Clients
I handle immigration and criminal defense matters in Los Angeles and all of Southern California, including but not limited to:
• Post conviction relief
• Motions to vacate
• Writs of Coram Nobis
• Aggravated felonies
• Crimes of moral turpitude
• Fraud-related offenses
• Drug crimes defense
• Sex crimes defense
• Violent crimes defense
• Domestic violence defense
• Defense for firearms offenses
Sub-Categories
Immigration
- Citizenship or Naturalization
- Removal or Deportation
- Employer Work Visas
- Permanent Resident (Green Card)
- Political Asylum & Refugees
- Undocumented Workers
- Visas
- Passports
- Family Petitions
- Employer Petitions
- Customs
Bar Admissions
CA, May 1998
Bar Number: 195014
Other Court Admissions
All California and Federal District Courts of California.
Association Memberships
Los Angeles County Bar, Pasadena Bar Association, Langston Bar Association, American Immigration Lawyers Association (www.aila.org), National Association for Criminal Defense Lawyers (www.criminaljustice.org), American Civil Liberties Union (www.aclu.org), Panel Member of the San Gabriel Valley Lawyer Referral Service.
Continuing Education
I attend continuing legal education seminars on the topics of immigration law and criminal defense. I always exceed the required number of continuing education hours.
Papers and Publications
Riverside Lawyers Magazine, September 2006, Volume 56, Number 8: Immigration Consequences of Criminal Convictions.
Example Cases
• My client, a native to Mexico, has been a lawful permanent resident of the United States since 1990. He was convicted of carrying a loaded firearm in public in 1996. The conviction made him deportable despite his wife and children being United States citizens. The immigration authorities did not move to deport my client until he applied for United States citizenship in 2007. We successfully wrote a motion to vacate the conviction based on the court's failure to advise my client on immigration consequences. The matter was subsequently dismissed outright.
• My client was a native of Canada, but a lawful permanent resident of the United States since 1960. In 1974, he pled guilty to arson and received a sentence of 365 days, making him an aggravated felon under today's immigration laws. Recently, he returned from vacation in Scotland and was detained by the immigration authorities because of his conviction more than 30 years ago. I filed a writ of Error of Coram Nobis to withdraw the plea and the conviction was overturned and dismissed.
Education
Degree:
Juris Doctorate
School:
University of San Diego School of Law
City:
San Diego
State:
CA
Year:
1997
Focus and Accomplishments:
• Jessup International Moot Court Trial Team.
• President, Student Bar Association
Degree:
Bachelor of Arts, Economics
School:
Stanford University
City:
Stanford
State:
CA
Year:
1986
Focus and Accomplishments:
Varsity baseball, Four-year Letterman, All Pac-10
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
California
Firm Focus and History
The Law Offices of Mark A. Davis was established in the city of Pasadena in 2003.
My firm primarily focuses on representing non-citizen criminal defendants in criminal court with a focus on maintaining their lawful immigration status (if they have it) or their eligibility to get lawful immigration status (if they don't have it yet). Often times, I represent non-citizens after they have already been convicted and I attempt to remedy their situation by writing motions to vacate the original conviction. Post conviction relief is often necessary for my clients to have any chance at legal status in the United States.
Previous Employment Summary
• 1986-1994: Professional baseball player
• 1997-2001: Office of the District Attorney, Riverside, CA, Deputy District Attorney
• 2001-2003 IMG Sports Marketing-Baseball Agent
Activities and Awards
• 1999: Riverside County Misdemeanor Prosecutor of the Year
• 2006: Super Lawyers in Southern California/Top Young Lawyers
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
I applaud clients who take a legal interest in their case and believe in empowerment through knowledge. I will gladly explain the legal issues at play and answer any questions clients have regarding the legal status of their case.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
I am prepared to review all documents pertaining to a criminal case during consultation with my clients. In fact, I encourage all clients to bring all relevant paperwork at the time of their consultation which often may save the client the cost of an official investigation, or the necessity of a motion to vacate.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
There are certain situations that do not require the services of a lawyer. If, after an extensive interview, I determine that a client would be better served to handle his own situation, I will inform as much. Sometimes if all a client needs is a simple expungement or to request an extension on a progress report, or something that will place him or her at risk, I will instruct them represent themselves without incurring the expense of a lawyer.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
When my professional baseball career ended, I was inspired to go to law school by former Stanford classmates. Colleagues and professors always thought I had a strong legal mind and that law was my calling.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
As a professional baseball player, I have always been very competitive. I always prepare to be successful. I work hard to put myself in a position to be successful whether it is in sports, the classroom or in the courtroom. As one of my old coaches used to say, "winning is better than losing," so we should all prepare to win.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
When I was a prosecutor, I was on the other side of post conviction motions on a number of occasions. When I decide to hang up my own shingle, I was fortunate enough to get a couple of case where I represented noncitizens. I had success in those cases and word spread that due to my experience as a prosecutor, I was fairly effective in helping noncitizens.
What do you like best about your career?
I like the fact that that I have a perspective from both sides of the aisle. Because of that perspective, I know when it is time to fight and how to reach a fair disposition.
Tell us about your law firm:
The staff of the Law Offices of Mark A. David is a group of people that are both knowledgeable and sensitive to the needs of clients. They are personable and hard working. We strive to provide the best service to our clients and pride ourselves on excellent communication skills. Everyone in the firm speaks Spanish and we will communicate with you in your native tongue. Our clients come to us from Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside, Ventura and San Diego counties.
Regardless of whether a client has walked in off the street, referred by CARECEN (www.carecensf.org), referred by an immigration attorney, or refereed by a prior client, the staff treats everyone with respect and understanding.
What are your strengths and style?
I inspire confidence. My even temperament and knowledge of criminal law shows that I have everything under control. My clients are confident that I will get the job done since I do not judge my clients and work diligently on their behalf.
Personal Interests:
I am an avid sports fan and enjoy watching my children's afterschool activities.
Office Manager/Assistant
Gabriela V. Jasso
Fax
(626) 440-0466
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Emergency After Hours
No
Foreign Languages
My entire staff and I are fluent in Spanish.
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
There are no set fees. The fee is determined by the individual circumstances of each case. Basic investigations start around $2,000. Motions to vacate can be $4,000 to $10,000 depending on the complexity of the issue. The fee for general criminal representation will depend upon the seriousness of the charges and the complexity of the issue.
Hourly Rates
Not applicable.
Free Initial Consultation?
$100. The fee is credited to the account if the attorney is formally retained. Consultations are generally 1/2 hour, however, if the client requires more time, I will gladly comply.
Typical Retainer
Upon confirmation of legal representation, a retainer agreement is prepared. The office will not accept any money from the client until the entire agreement is explained to the court in English and, if necessary, Spanish as well.
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.
