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Robert Juan Saria
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Robert Juan Saria
Saria & Saria, Attorneys at Law
11344 Coloma Rd.
Suite 110
Gold River, CA 95670
Phone: (916) 631-3553 | Fax: (916) 631-3563
http://www.sariaattorneys.net
Ex-District Attorney and Dept. of Justice
Legal Topic
Criminal Defense
Preferred New Clients
Criminal defense clients who understand that the most successful representation often demands investigation, expert consultations, witnesses and trust in their counsel.
Sub-Categories
Criminal Defense
- Aiding, Abetting, Accessory, Conspiracy
- Appeals
- Environmental Violations
- Felonies
- Grand Jury Proceedings
- Juvenile Crimes
- False Identification
- Truancy
- Military Crimes (UCMJ)
- Misdemeanors
- Parole
- Probation
- Perjury
- Plea Negotiation
- Search & Seizure
- Victims' Rights
- Domestic Violence
- DUI
- Felony Auto Accidents
- Open Container
- Driving with a Suspended License
- Driving without a License
- DWI
- Hacking
- Malicious Code
- Unauthorized Access
- Expungement or Expunction
- 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
- Racketeering & RICO
- Securities Fraud
- Smuggling
- Trade Secrets
- Wire Transfer
- Arson
- Burglary
- Embezzlement
- Larceny
- Shoplifting
- Theft
- Trespass
- Vandalism
- Assault & Battery
- Domestic Violence
- Extortion
- Kidnapping
- Manslaughter
- Murder
- Robbery
Bar Admissions
CA, Jun 1987
Bar Number: 128749
Other Court Admissions
California Supreme Court; U.S. District Court, Central District; U.S. District Court, Eastern District.
Association Memberships
Sacramento County Bar Association and California Public Defender's Association.
Continuing Education
I attend seminars sponsored by the California Public Defender's Association. I always exceed the required number of hours required.
Papers and Publications
As a prosecutor, I was frequently published in publications of the California District Attorney's Association. I wrote a chapter on Bail in the California District Attorney's Association manual on Gang Prosecutions.
Example Cases
People v. Candelario Garza III - Yolo County Superior Court, client charged in the conspiracy and double murder and double attempted murder of teenagers in Woodland, CA on Halloween, 2002, known as the "Halloween Homicides." Client alleged to be the leader of all southern Hispanic gang members in the area and the person who authorized the shooting. After nearly ten weeks of trial, the jury acquitted the defendant of all charges after deliberating for a couple of days.
People v. Ronald Toppila, Sacramento Superior Court, client a former psychiatric social worker was accused of murdering his elderly mother in a delusional state that the prosecution contended was malingering. The client was found to be not guilty by Reason of Insanity after the defense presented no less then five expert psychiatric/psychological witnesses. Client is presently being treated at a state mental hospital and has been recommended for outpatient treatment.
Education
Degree:
Bachelor of Arts
School:
University of Southern California
City:
Los Angeles
State:
CA
Year:
1982
Honors:
Distinguished Military Graduate, Army ROTC
Focus and Accomplishments:
International Relations
Degree:
Juris Doctor
School:
Southwestern University School of Law
City:
Los Angeles
State:
CA
Year:
1986
Honors:
Honor Student and Dean's List.
Focus and Accomplishments:
Moot Court Honors Program.
Number of Attorneys
2
State Licensed In
California
Firm Focus and History
Representing the criminal client in all matters but particularly with clients who have a history of mental health issues and concern. This information will be used to mitigate any potential punishment and to mitigate on the issues of guilt.
Saria & Saria was created in September 2006 to provide a boutique criminal defense practice for clients who need the more focused representation and communication with the attorney.
Previous Employment Summary
I worked for 17 years as a Deputy District Attorney for Los Angeles, Plumas, Butte and Sacramento Counties, prosecuting complex homicides, gang crimes, major narcotic offenders, Third Strike cases and large complex fraud cases. I also served in the Special Litigation Section, Civil Rights Division of the United States Department of Justice where I monitored conditions within state mental hospitals on behalf of the individuals committed for involuntary treatment.
Activities and Awards
Adjunct Professor, Administration of Justice Department, Sacramento City College and Adjunct Professor at the Sacramento Regional Public Safety Center, McCellan Park. Training Consultant for the Advanced Training Center, California Department of Justice.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
I provide all clients with a copy of the materials, pleadings, documents of their case known as the discovery. I encourage clients to take an active role in their representation. Clients bring a non-legal perspective that is frequently invaluable to me as their attorney.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
I will review all documents prepared by the client. I will incorporate the information into existing pleadings or arguments. If it is not used, I will make every effort to explain to the client the basis for that decision.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
As an officer of the court, I will provide whatever assistance a client needs to exercise the fundamental right to represent themselves.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I was drawn to the competitive nature of a criminal trial practice and the mental challenges that accompany a jury trial.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
Prior to entering law school, I held a commission as a U.S. Army officer and left service as a Captain. I was trained to quickly assess situations and develop courses of action based upon all available information. A jury trial demands that the attorney be engaged in this very fast paced and stressful analysis in order to present evidence favorable to the client or to prevent the introduction of evidence damaging to the client's interest. In the face of a changing environment, I do not hesitate. I use this training to represent my clients fully and completely.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
I wanted to be a trial attorney. The area of criminal law provided the most comprehensive environment to learn the trial skills necessary to be the best at this focus.
What do you like best about your career?
I like the fact that I have the sole responsibility to represent the needs of the client and I operate under the rule that I get to make "the right decisions for the right reasons."
Tell us about your law firm:
I am the sole trial attorney in this Saria & Saria. If appellate practice is needed, my partner is available to provide those specialized services.
What are your strengths and style?
I have been told by clients that my strength is that I provide them with confidence and support so they can maintain their mental focus during the difficult process. I have a courtroom style that places people at ease yet my presence is recognized and respected by court and other counsel.
Personal Interests:
Being of Pacific Islander decent, and having moved to California from Hawaii as a child, I am involved in the Hawaiian community in Sacramento by participating in outrigger canoe paddling, hula and other cultural events.
Fax
(916) 631-3563
Office Hours
By appointment.
Emergency After Hours
No
Foreign Languages
No, but with advance notice, most languages can be accommodated.
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
Fees are fixed and separated into phases:
• Pre-filing intervention in an effort to prevent the filing of criminal charges
• Proceedings through a preliminary hearing
• Trial proceedings and sentencing matters
Hourly Rates
$250.
Free Initial Consultation?
I will make time to meet with the serious client.
Typical Retainer
• Minimum fee for felonies is $7,000.
• Minimum fee for misdemeanors is $3,500.
• Trial fees are never typical and will be determined by evaluating the complexity of the facts, length of trial and preparation time.
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.
