Business Details
Civil Rights & Criminal Defense Attorneys in Pasadena
MBL is a distinguished law firm with decades of collective experience in civil rights litigation and criminal defense. Our team of seasoned attorneys combines aggressive advocacy with meticulous preparation to deliver superior results for clients facing complex legal challenges. We specialize in representing individuals whose civil rights have been violated and defendants navigating federal and state criminal proceedings. Our approach emphasizes early case strategy development, thorough pre-trial investigation, and leveraging our deep institutional knowledge to achieve dismissals, reduced sentences, or favorable verdicts.With a proven track record in appellate courts and high-profile cases, we maintain an unwavering commitment to client collaboration and ethical representation. Our attorneys have secured landmark settlements in class action lawsuits and successfully argued numerous cases before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeal. We prioritize transparency in communication and tailor our strategies to each client's unique circumstances while adhering to the highest standards of legal professionalism.
Services
Civil Rights Litigation
Criminal Defense
Appellate Practice
Bail Hearings
Class Action Lawsuits
Highlights and features
- We have over 100 combined years of experience in civil rights and criminal defense litigation
- Our attorneys have successfully argued more than 40 cases before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeal
- We implement a strategic pre-trial investigation process to expose weaknesses in prosecution cases
- Our team includes recognized leaders in class action lawsuits and appellate practice
- We provide continuous client collaboration throughout all stages of legal proceedings
What people say
Proven track record
Aggressive representation
Successful appeals
Client collaboration
Landmark settlements
Services
Civil Rights Litigation
MBL specializes in civil rights cases involving police misconduct, unconstitutional jail conditions, and discrimination. Our attorneys have secured landmark settlements in class action lawsuits against government entities. We represent clients in federal and state courts, focusing on excessive force claims, wrongful imprisonment, and constitutional violations.
Criminal Defense
Our criminal defense practice covers federal and state charges including drug crimes, white-collar offenses, and violent crimes. We employ strategic pre-trial investigations to expose case weaknesses and negotiate dismissals. The team has successfully defended clients in over 150 combined trials while maintaining a strong focus on client collaboration throughout proceedings.
Appellate Practice
MBL attorneys have argued more than 40 cases before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeal. We provide continuity from trial to appellate stages, leveraging institutional case knowledge to challenge unfavorable rulings. Our appellate successes include evidence suppression orders and significant sentence reductions based on legal technicalities and constitutional violations.
Bail Hearings
We specialize in securing favorable bail conditions through strategic hearings that expose prosecution weaknesses. Our approach combines early case investigation with aggressive cross-examination to demonstrate lack of probable cause or establish community ties, often resulting in case dismissals or reduced charges.
Class Action Lawsuits
The firm has led major class actions addressing systemic discrimination, unconstitutional jail practices, and housing violations. Notable successes include a $53 million settlement against the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department and policy reforms in transgender detainee treatment. We focus on cases with significant public impact and systemic change potential.
People
Marilyn Bednarski
Partner
With over 40 years of experience, Marilyn Bednarski specializes in criminal defense and civil rights litigation. She began her career in 1983 with the Federal Public Defender's Office and has been instrumental in shaping MBL's litigation strategy.
Barry Litt
Partner
Barry Litt brings decades of federal criminal defense experience, having worked on landmark cases including the Pentagon Papers and Chicago Eight trials. His expertise spans appellate practice and complex criminal litigation.
David McLane
Partner
David McLane focuses on civil rights litigation against law enforcement and criminal defense in state and federal courts. He has represented clients in high-profile cases involving police misconduct and constitutional violations.
Lindsay Battles
Partner
Lindsay Battles specializes in civil rights cases related to police misconduct and jail conditions. Since joining MBL in 2008, she has played key roles in significant class action lawsuits addressing systemic discrimination.
Kevin LaHue
Partner
Kevin LaHue combines legal expertise with strategic litigation skills developed through education at Loyola Law School. He focuses on complex civil rights cases and criminal defense matters requiring detailed legal analysis.
Questions
What should I do if a loved one has been arrested?
Contact MBL immediately to initiate bail proceedings and begin case investigation.
Can you handle both civil rights and criminal defense cases?
Yes, our firm specializes in both civil rights litigation and criminal defense at state and federal levels.
Do you handle appeals and post-conviction matters?
We have extensive experience in appellate practice with over 40 cases argued before the Ninth Circuit.
How are civil rights cases typically resolved?
Cases may result in settlements, policy changes, or jury verdicts depending on case specifics.
What payment options are available?
We offer contingency arrangements for civil rights cases and discuss payment plans for criminal defense.
