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Practice Areas

We strive to be a full-service firm that puts our clients' needs above any specific practice area. Over time, your legal needs will inevitably change, and we want to be the resource you turn to for anything that life throws your way. 

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Still, we recognize the value of specialization, and below are our primary areas of expertise. If you need help with another topic, or just have general legal questions, please contact us and we'll work to address your particular concern or refer you to the appropriate professionals.

Criminal Defense

At our core, we are criminal trial attorneys - we got into this profession to argue in front of a jury. Ted clerked with the San Francisco District Attorney's gang and juvenile divisions during law school, then worked as an Assistant District Attorney prior to going into private practice. Roscoe spent his law school summers at the Alameda and Contra Costa Public Defender's Offices, and is a current member of the San Mateo County Private Defender Panel.

 

We've worked on both sides of the criminal legal system, giving us a holistic perspective on cases and the considerations that will benefit our clients. We want to fight for you and what you need, whether that requires negotiating to put a case behind you as quickly as possible, or preparing evidence and witnesses to present your case at trial.

Domestic Violence

​Relationships are complicated. Sometimes it's hard to recognize abuse until it becomes all too painfully clear. Sometimes partners perceive similar events through very different lenses.

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For those experiencing intimate partner violence, please contact us. If you're ready to seek a restraining order, we're here to counsel and support you through the process. Even for those who are not ready to seek legal protection, there are often steps that can be taken immediately, from documenting abuse to identifying support systems and creating safety plans. In addition to legal outcomes, these steps can have a significant impact on personal health and long-term security.

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It is an unfortunate truth that people can use restraining orders for malicious purposes, particularly in conjunction with contentious Family Law cases. If you've been falsely accused of domestic violence, we're here to listen and help. We know that every situation is unique, and will ensure that your side of the story is not lost in court.

Juvenile Dependency (Child Welfare)

The prospect of losing a child is terrifying. Even brief exposure to the intrusion of CPS supervision can be overwhelming. We've represented over a hundred parents in the juvenile dependency system - from accusations of severe physical and sexual abuse to chemical dependency and neglect cases. Roscoe was previously a staff attorney with the East Bay Family Defenders in Alameda County, and is a current member of the San Mateo County Juvenile Dependency Panel.

There is a reason why the juvenile dependency system has been called "the greatest civil rights area that no one knows about." We are here to help you successfully navigate this opaque system and keep your family intact.

Estates & Trusts

Proper estate planning can make a world of difference for your loved ones. The pain of losing someone close to you is hard enough, but all too often it's followed by the additional turmoil that comes with disagreement over property divisions. A bit of thought now can save years of cost and conflict for your heirs.

 

We believe that your life should be an inspiration and your memory a benediction. This is your legacy, let us help ensure you're remembered for your prudence and generosity for the generations to come.

Housing Defense

Secure housing is the cornerstone of our well-being. The loss of a home can have drastic effects on mental health, employment, chemical dependencies and child development - not to mention the social impact on communities that have been fractured and driven apart.

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We represent clients who are being unjustly evicted from their homes. Whether you're having difficulty paying rent due to unforeseen hardship, or dealing with an unreasonable landlord pursuing eviction for improper gain, we'll fight to keep you in your home. We've represented people facing all manner of unlawful and forcible detainer allegations, often delaying or preventing their forced removal. 

Tax

No legal subject requires the mastery of dense statutory language and precise mathematical calculation quite like tax law does. It's an intellectual playground, a beautiful disaster of a puzzle, and maybe in the right hands, even a little fun. There's a reason Roscoe jokes that he might be the only Public Defender who ever took Corporate Tax.

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Due to the intricacy of law and personal circumstances in this area, we offer free consultations and significant discounts for research. We might be doing this for fun, but it's only fun if we can save you money in the process.

Criminal
Dependency
Domestic Violence
Estates & Trusts
Housing
Tax
General Questions

How Can We Help?

We've found that sometimes people just need to talk to a lawyer. They have a complicated situation, and they need advice on what to do.

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If you have a question about something not listed above, please feel free to contact us for a General Inquiry Appointment. We charge $100 for an hour session, and if we end up working together further, we'll credit that amount to our future work.

General Questions
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