Experienced. Strategic.
On Your Side.

Cheryl is a Certified Criminal Law Specialist with more than 20 years of experience in California criminal defense. A former public defender and experienced trial attorney, she has devoted her practice since 2016 exclusively to providing legal research, writing, and litigation support to criminal defense attorneys.

Trial Experience. Practical Perspective.

Before focusing exclusively on legal research and writing, Cheryl spent more than ten years as a Deputy Public Defender in Solano County. She tried more than 65 criminal cases, including approximately 35 jury trials, and litigated more than 70 contested motion hearings. None of the three homicide cases she tried resulted in a conviction.

That experience distinguishes Cheryl's approach to legal research and writing. Having spent years litigating motions and trying cases, she understands the difference between an argument that works in theory and one that is likely to be effective in a courtroom. Her goal is not simply to identify every conceivable argument, but to help counsel determine which arguments matter and how best to present them.

That practical approach is particularly important during trial and other active litigation. Cheryl works dynamically with counsel as cases unfold—responding to new legal issues, evaluating how developments in the evidence affect existing arguments and strategy, and helping formulate a plan in real time.

Specialized Research, Writing & Litigation Support

Cheryl has written hundreds of complex motions and briefs and has substantial experience with Racial Justice Act litigation, gang cases, writs and interlocutory appellate litigation, search and seizure, electronic surveillance and wiretaps, and homicide and sex offense cases. Several of the writs she has prepared have resulted in published California appellate opinions.

Cheryl has also written and assisted with amicus briefing on behalf of the California Public Defenders Association and other public defense organizations in cases before the California Supreme Court involving gang law, the Racial Justice Act, and the California Electronic Communications Privacy Act (CalECPA).

She has been approved by judges, appointed-counsel panels, and public defender offices to provide ongoing research and writing assistance in serious and complex cases, including pretrial and post-conviction capital litigation.

Teaching & Speaking

Cheryl teaches criminal defense attorneys on developing and complex areas of California criminal law. Her presentations have addressed the California Racial Justice Act, California's reformed gang laws under AB 333, and preservation of evidentiary issues. She has presented at national criminal defense conferences, including the annual CACJ & CPDA Capital Case Defense Seminar, as well as for California defense organizations, appointed-counsel programs, and public defender offices.

Cheryl received her J.D. cum laude from UC Law San Francisco (formerly UC Hastings) in 2004. During law school, she clerked for a trial team at the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia in The Hague. Cheryl works remotely from Germany and is an active member and Certified Criminal Law Specialist with the State Bar of California.