Justia Legal Services & Lawyers Directory

I am committed to defending the constitutional rights of my clients. I do not practice any other kind of law and have always been on the side of the individual. I believe in our system. It is the best in the world and affords individuals rights they cannot obtain anywhere else on the globe.

My goal is simple: to obtain the best possible outcome for my clients. I have developed many relationships within the court system over the last 15 years and frequently put them to use on my client's behalf.

My strategy has always been to personalize my client's situation so that the court and opposing counsel can see the human side of our story, not just a dry police report.

I was a Deputy District Attorney for over 12 years prior to becoming a criminal defense attorney. I worked in Tulare and Orange Counties, prosecuting every type of criminal case, including driving under the influence, theft, three strikes, domestic violence, gang cases and homicides. I spent six years in the prosecution of serious sexual assault cases. For over a year, I worked closely with law enforcement in a narcotics task force assignment. That assignment included extensive work on search warrants and wiretap cases. I believe I have earned the respect of my colleagues in the District Attorney’s Office as well as with the judges I have appeared before. I have handled thousands of cases during all stages of criminal prosecution – from case assessment and the filing of criminal charges to trial and sentencing.

Before attending law school, I worked for over three years as a reserve Deputy Sheriff with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. During that time, I worked uniformed patrol and was involved in all aspects of criminal investigation, from traffic stops to bank robberies and homicide cases. During my time in the academy, I received honors as the top cadet in academics and firearms. I was also given the highest award and named Honor Cadet by the Sheriff’s Department.

In addition to being a trial lawyer, I have taught extensively on many aspects of the law. I currently teach all areas of criminal law at a state-approved police academy, including courses on search and seizure law, criminal interrogation and the laws of arrest. I also teach a course on homicide investigation at a local community college. I have trained other prosecutors during seminars for the California District Attorney’s Association (CDAA) in the areas of trial tactics and crimes against children.

After leaving the DA’s office, I opened my own practice, focused exclusively on criminal defense. As a solo practitioner, every client gets my personal representation - not a junior associate or an attorney unfamiliar with the facts.

For over three decades, I have been helping individuals charged with serious crimes. I have prosecuted and defended thousands of adults and juveniles charged with every type of felony and misdemeanor crime. Specializing in the field of criminal law, I am a recognized expert in Drunk Driving, Addiction-related offenses and Juvenile Law.

Michael P. Ehline, is a former California Court of Appeal Judicial Extern. Michael Ehline "read" for the law in a law office and judge's chambers on the California State Bar Law Office Study Program, passing the California State Bar Exam with no college degree or law degree. This is similar to how President Abraham Lincoln and many other famous lawyers got their start.

The Law Offices of Sergio J. Lopez is a full service firm, offering not only quality legal representation, but also in-house investigations. We handle a wide range of criminal and family law cases in Orange County as well as other jurisdictions in Southern California. Our experience, along with a personal commitment to our clients, combine to offer you competent representation in a supportive, hands-on environment.

Mr. Lopez is a former police officer and criminal investigator who devotes his practice to criminal defense and family law in the state of California. As an attorney, his philosophy is grounded in the strong belief that his clients should be fully informed about every aspect of their case as it progresses.

Profile
Former Orange County Deputy District Attorney & Deputy Public Defender
Mr. Anthony formerly worked for the Orange County District Attorney where he successfully prosecuted serious felony cases for the government. His knowledge of D.A. office policies, procedures and personnel are important ingredients in the recipe for successfully defending your matter.

Furthermore, Mr. Anthony spent many years of his legal career working for the Orange County Public Defender, defending clients in a wide range of criminal matters.

From a background of handling a multitude of cases similar to yours, from both sides of the counsel table, Daryl D. Anthony can offer expertise and insights critical to the successful defense of your case.

PERSONAL BACKGROUND
Born in Dayton, Ohio in 1965, Daryl D. Anthony grew up in Madison, New Jersey, a upper/ middle class suburb about 30 minutes outside of New York City. He moved to California after going to college in Ithaca, New York and graduating from law school in Philadelphia, PA in 1990. He is currently single, never married, residing in Santa Ana and Newport Beach, California.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Daryl Anthony, Attorney at Law--Private criminal defense practice: 1997 to present. Represented numerous criminal defendants in state and federal courts in a wide range of criminal cases including homicides, third strike cases, rape, sex offenses, drug cases, theft cases, assaults, domestic violence, driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs and major complex fraud actions. Successfully represented clients in Orange, Los Angeles, San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino and Santa Clara counties. During this period Mr. Anthony has coordinated and participated in numerous lawyer associations and collaborations. He has also developed a network of professional relationships with a wide variety of experts, investigators and other associates designed to help with the many different aspects of successful criminal defense. Member of state and federal bar associations for over 17 years, with no record of any public discipline.

Orange County District Attorney --Deputy District Attorney: 1995- 1997. Prosecuted several thousand felony and misdemeanor cases for the Orange County District Attorney. Gained experience dealing with law enforcement personnel and witnesses as well as a thorough understanding of the criminal process from inside of the system.

Orange County Public Defender -- Deputy Public Defender: 1991- 1995. Defended over 100 jury trials in various criminal cases. Also represented parents in CA Welfare and Institution section 300 proceedings, where termination of parental rights was at stake. Experienced many difficult and demanding clients with mental health and stability issues. Experienced clients suffering with alcohol and drug addiction and treatment issues. Gained initial experience with scores of expert and professional witnesses, law enforcement, court personnel, client family members and the criminal justice system itself.

EDUCATION
1987- 1990 Juris Doctorate: Temple University School of Law, Philadelphia, PA 19122

- Employed in the legal departments of CIGNA Insurance; Edwards, White & Sooy, an insurance defense firm in San Diego, CA; and Krusen, Evans and Byrne, a maritime law firm in Philadelphia, PA specializing in international shipping, while attending law school full time and earning degree in three years.

- Attended Temple Law Summer Abroad program studying international law at the University of Rome, Italy during the summer of 1988.

1983- 1987 Bachelor of Science: Ithaca College, Ithaca, New York 14850

- Business Management Major; Speech Communication Minor

- Chair of President Host Committee, serving as the representative student for a private college of over 6000 students. Managed and directed over 100 students providing tours to prospective students and their families while attending school and working part time.

Professional Experience
Private Law Practice, Santa Ana, California, 1997 to present
Orange County Deputy District Attorney, 1995-1997
Orange County Public Defender, 1990-1995
Admitted to California Bar, 1990

My private practice focuses exclusively on criminal defense. I believe in providing my clients with excellent service, protecting their freedom and their rights. Before opening Bethune Law Corporation, I worked as a public defender both in Orange County and in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Prior to that I worked as a prosecutor both in Orange County and Cambridge Massachusetts. My practice of law has only ever been in the criminal law arena and I enjoy it tremendously.