For more than 35 years, I have devoted my practice to defending individuals convicted of serious crimes in state and federal court. The most fulfilling moments in my time as an attorney have been when I put my hand on the client’s shoulder in the courtroom and with all of the confidence, clarity, and conviction I have in my client’s cause made the argument that left the prosecution speechless, the judge or justices paying rapt attention, the bailiff shaking his head, and everyone else in attendance in the courtroom believing in my client’s right to a new trial. I will use all the resources at my disposal including my wealth of knowledge, years of experience, tireless attention to detail, and dedication to justice to ensure that you may once again be free. As Albert Einstein famously said, “you cannot solve a problem with the same consciousness that created it.” You would be well-served by consulting with an experienced appellate attorney such as myself who knows what it takes to prevail in a motion for new trial, appeal, or in a writ proceeding.
“Thank you very much for providing this office with the relevant code sections and case law to support the information we requested.The information...
“I have found David’s work to be exceptional. He is a valuable asset to all of us who strive to provide our clients with quality representation. He is also a wonderful asset when trying a case.”
“We commend the parties, both here and in the trial court, for their excellent motions and briefs. ”
“The committee would like to commend you on your exemplary work in this case. The petition for a writ of habeas corpus in which you interviewed...
“Your treatment of the subjective/objective distinction is a superior piece of legal argument and indeed quite a scholarly accomplishment...
“David Carico has been my research attorney since September 1983. I have come to know him very well, professionally and personally...
“The first Excellent plus grade I’ve ever given [for a brief] in my 25 years. ”
“David, your appellate work is outstanding,”
State v. Bergquist (2019) 211 A.3d 946 — I represented the appellant in his appeal to the Vermont Supreme Court from a judgment of conviction for aggravated sexual assault. I successfully argued that a twenty-five-year-old Vermont statute that allowed a child to testify in a criminal case outside the presence of the defendant was unconstitutional.
Corman v. Corman (2015) – I successfully represented the Guardian Ad Litem in two appeals in this lengthy and complex probate litigation: an appeal challenging the court order awarding fees to the Guardian Ad Litem, and an appeal challenging the trustee’s accounting.
Rand v. Board of Psychology (2012) 206 Cal.App.4th 565 — I represented the appellant in this appeal from the denial of a writ of administrative mandamus.
People v. Minifie (1996) 13 Cal.4th 1055 — I obtained a unanimous decision
reversing the defendant’s assault with a deadly weapon conviction.
Arnold v. PG&E; Braun v. PG&E (2011) – I drafted the mediation briefs for the plaintiffs resulting in the largest civil settlements in California in 2011.
People v. Landry (2010, Butte County Case No. CM026101) – I successfully represented the defendant on a motion to withdraw his guilty plea to the crime of child molestation. The case was reported on the front page of the Los Angeles Daily Journal. (See Evan George, Attorney May Pay the Price For ‘All of Nothing’ Defense Strategy (June 3, 2010) San Francisco Daily Journal, Vol. 116, No. 106; http://www.lawyerdup.com/2010/06/attorney-told-client-to-accept-plea.html
Carico Law, Principal 1988 – Present – Appellate and Litigation Responsibilities
Carico Johnson Toomey LLP, of counsel 2005 – 2018 – Appellate Responsibilities
Crist, Griffiths, Schulz & Biorn, associate April 1987 to May 1989 – Litigation and Appellate Responsibilities
Hoge, Fenton, Jones & Appel, Inc., associate January 1986 to April 1987 – Litigation Responsibilities
Judicial Clerkship California Court of Appeal, Fifth Appellate District, 1983-1984
Superior Court of California, County of Monterey
Appellate Certifications Earned
Trial Practice Certification
Dispute Resolution and Mediation Certifications
Current
Former