Cheryl McLandrich
CALIFORNIA CRIMINAL DEFENSE
RESEARCH & LITIGATION SUPPORT
Every case is different. Some attorneys contact me for targeted research or briefing on a single difficult issue. Others bring me into a complex case for broader assistance—from reviewing discovery and identifying potential motions through pretrial litigation, writ proceedings, and trial.
My work is tailored to the needs of the attorney and the case and may include:
Targeted research and preparation of motions, oppositions, replies, and evidentiary briefs involving novel, complicated, or research-intensive legal issues. I have substantial experience with the California Racial Justice Act, gang allegations, homicide and sex offense cases, capital cases, search and seizure, confessions, electronic surveillance and wiretaps, and other specialized areas of California criminal law.
Reviewing preliminary hearing transcripts and related discovery, identifying viable challenges to the holding order, and researching and preparing § 995 motions and related briefing.
Conducting a global review of discovery to identify potential motions, evidentiary issues, legal challenges, and other issues that may affect defense strategy. This can include large and complicated records where counsel needs a second set of experienced eyes to assess the case as a whole.
Working with mental health, gang, and other specialized experts to develop the defense theory and litigation strategy; coordinating the legal and factual issues that require expert analysis; and researching and preparing briefing concerning the admission and scope of expert testimony.
Researching and preparing writ petitions and related briefing, including challenges arising from pretrial rulings. Several of the writs I have prepared have resulted in published California appellate opinions.
Working with counsel during trial as legal and evidentiary issues develop, including assistance with motions in limine, evidentiary briefing, jury instructions, pinpoint instructions, voir dire, and other issues requiring research, briefing, or strategic analysis on a short timeline. Because I work from Germany, the nine-hour time difference can be an advantage during trial: counsel can send me an issue after court, allowing me to research and work on it during California's overnight hours.
The scope of my involvement can be as narrow or as broad as the case requires. I am available for targeted research on a discrete legal question, preparation of a particular motion or writ, or more comprehensive assistance with a complex case from discovery review and pretrial litigation through trial.
For ongoing matters, I work collaboratively with counsel as the case develops—reviewing new evidence, identifying issues as they emerge, researching unexpected questions, and helping counsel adjust litigation strategy in response to developments in court.