Criminal Defense

• DUI alcohol and/or drugs
• DMV license suspensions
• Possession, sale, transportation or under the influence of drugs
• Cultivation, possession or sale of marijuana
• Domestic violence
• Theft

Criminal Defense

• Aiding, Abetting, Accessory, Conspiracy
• Felonies
• Misdemeanors
• Parole
• Probation
• Plea Negotiation
• Search & Seizure

Abuse

• Animal Abuse
• Child Abuse
• Domestic Violence
• Elder Abuse

Automotive

• DUI
• Felony Auto Accidents
• Traffic - Moving Violations
• Open Container
• Driving with a Suspended License
• Driving without a License

Criminal Records

• Expungement or Expunction

Drugs

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

Firearms & Weapons

• Illegal Possession or Transportation
• Other Weapons & Devices

Fraud & Financial Crimes

• Checks & Credit Cards
• Embezzlement
• Extortion
• Forgery

Property Crimes

• Arson
• Burglary
• Embezzlement
• Larceny
• Shoplifting
• Theft
• Trespass
• Vandalism

Violent Crimes

• Assault & Battery
• Domestic Violence

CA, Jan 1962
Bar Number: 32366

US Supreme Court, California Supreme Court, 9th Circuit Court of Appeals

California State Bar, Santa Cruz County Bar Association, Santa Cruz Criminal Defense Bar Association

I regularly attended seminars in various aspects of Criminal Law. I always exceed the number of hours required by the State Bar.

1. Felony drug possession dismissed - illegal search & seizure
2. DUI thrown out due to illegal vehicle stop
3. Felony credit card fraud case reduced to misdemeanors - probation
4. Felony domestic violence (spousal abuse) reduced to misdemeanor - no time
5. Felony drug possession charges diverted, case dismissed, arrest record sealed.
6. Felony DUI charges - no time in custody (home detention & alcohol monitoring).
7. 3rd time DUI charges - probation and electronic monitoring
8. 3rd DUI conviction - treatment program instead of jail
9. Felony conviction expunged
10. Not guilty verdicts - jury trials (various cases)

1

California

My current practice is limited to criminal law cases with an emphasis on the defense of those accused of drunk driving (driving under the influence of alcohol and or drugs - DUI). I serve clients in Santa Cruz, Monterey and San Benito Counties, including the communities of: Santa Cruz, Watsonville, Scotts Valley, Capitola, Soquel, Aptos, Boulder Creek, Ben Lomond, Felton, Davenport, Freedom, Corralitos, Monterey, Pacific Grove, Carmel, Carmel Valley, Marina, Prunedale, Castroville, Salinas, and Hollister.

December 1996 - April 1997: Private law practice, San Francisco, CA. Sole practitioner handling criminal defense cases exclusively.

January 1996 - December 1996: Internet Marketing, Thetis Island, British Columbia. Conducted several home-based marketing businesses over the Internet.

January 1995 - December 1995: VP & General Counsel, Ground-Loc Systems, Inc. CA. & WA. Developed marketing strategies, programs and materials. Negotiated and prepared agreements. Analyzed production costs and product pricing.

January 1990 - December 1994: Private law practice, Joshua Tree, CA. Conducted all aspects of sole practitioner law office business unassisted by any other personnel. (criminal defense only).

January 1983 - December 1989: Private practice. Martin & Van Elgort, PLC., Yucca Valley, CA. Partner in two-man, three secretary general practice law firm with emphasis on litigation.

July 1979 - December 1982: Supervising Municipal Court Judge, Morongo Basin Division of the San Bernardino Municipal Court District, Joshua Tree, CA. In addition to presiding over civil and criminal caseloads, I developed and implemented numerous innovative programs to improve the delivery of court services to the community.

January 1977 - June 1979: Judge of the Justice Court, Twentynine Palms Judicial District, San Bernardino County. Presided over both criminal and civil court cases and conducted private law practice on the side. Filed law suit requiring the State and County to upgrade the Court to a Municipal Court, thus bringing increased services to residents of the area.

October 1973 - December 1976: Assistant Public Defender for County of Riverside, Indio CA. In charge of branch offices in the desert portions of Riverside County. Supervised staff of 8 attorneys, 2 investigators and 2 secretaries.

January 1972 - October 1973: Deputy Federal Public Defender, Central District of California, Los Angeles. Staff attorney in newly formed federal program. Represented clients accused of various federal offenses.

June 1966 - January 1972: Executive Director of the Legal Aid Foundation of Long Beach. Developed and managed federally funded, 4 office, 18 attorney legal services program. Also served as a consultant on legal services for the Federal Office of Economic Opportunity.

July 1965 - June 1966: President and General Manager of private escrow corporation In Los Angeles. Operated small private escrow company consisting of 3 escrow officers.

October 1963 - July 1965: Deputy City Attorney, Los Angeles City Attorney's Office. (Criminal) July 1962 - October 1963: Private practice of law, Beverly Hills, California.

April 1997 - Present: Private law practice, Santa Cruz County - Criminal defense only with an emphasis on drunk driving cases.

None

(831) 462-4164

Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Yes

None

Felonies: $2,500 - $5,000 retainer fee, additional fees for motions and trials.

Misdemeanor: $1,500 - $2,500 with additional fees for motions and trials.

I do not charge by the hour.

I will meet with you in my office or by phone, without charge, and with absolutely no obligation, to review your case.

Felonies: $2,500 - $5,000