Derek S Devermont

I was driving 120 MPH when I was pulled over and arrested for DUI. It was passed midnight when the lights of the cop car flooded my rear view mirror. I knew I had one too many drinks and I knew I was going to jail. Still, I was hoping I could talk my way out of it. I answered their questions. It ...didn't help. My speech was slurred. I did their tests on the side of the road. I almost fell over a few times. With each second I could feel the jail closing in on me. The cops didn't care about me. They were so pissed I was driving so fast they couldn't wait to take me to jail. I was arrested and blew .12 twice into the breathalyzer. I thought it was over. I knew of Derek from other friends that had used him. They had their cases dismissed or walked away with very little. He wasn't cheap, but my friends swore by him. I saved every nickel and raised every dime I could to hire him. It was the best decision I've ever made. When I met with him he explained everything. He told me "you're paying me to do the worrying for you" and I truly felt he cared. I know he cared. The Torrance DA (Some woman named Gillian) wanted to send me to jail for months because of some rule that says if you're driving as fast as I was you do a minimum of 2 months jail. I couldn't believe it. Derek wasn't having it. He fought with them, but they wouldn't budge. It was take the jail or go to trial. We went to Trial. I was scared to death when the jury was picked. Then Derek started doing his thing. He showed the jury another side. He showed the cops didn't know what they were doing and that they were lying. They didn't need to lie, but they did. Derek was clearly the smartest guy in the room. Everything they threw at us Derek blasted. More than anything, Derek cared. He put his heart and soul into the case. He really cared what would happen to me. I wasn't just a client. He treated me like I was a member of his family on trial. The jury saw that and I won. MY CASE WAS DISMISSED!!!!!!!

When I got my dui, I was in shock. But not so much in shock that I didn’t think I could get out of it. Then reality hit hard and someone recommended Derek. Derek had no idea what he was getting when he took me on as a client. He was clear and concise. But more than anything, he was patient and he lis...tened. Derek explained the same situation repeatedly, when I asked him to. He took my calls and answered my innumerable texts. He went above and beyond. Derek got me acquitted on the b count with a .12 BAC using an incredibly obscure and confusing defense. Eventually we settled for a wet reckless, but I got to keep my license. Before, during, and after, Derek was helpful and responsive. Only in retrospect do I see how miraculous he was in a situation that other lawyers wouldn’t have even understood. Derek really cares; he knows the law inside and out; and is totally relentless. But most of all, Derek is the absolute best criminal lawyer there is.

A while ago I was in deep trouble, having a DUI refusal and expired license going against me. Derek was recommended and he was professional, easy going, and knew his field. He was able to knock it down to a wet and reckless and that's just because I decided not to go to trial because of my job and pe...rsonal schedule. But I'm pretty sure, and he was pretty sure, that he could have won the case. Thanks, Derek!

A DUI arrest is a frightening experience, one in which you have to act upon quickly while still in shock. I went with a friend's recommendation and so glad that I did! I met with Derek the day after the arrest (he was kind enough to meet up on a Sunday), and after discussing the situation and the p...rocess ahead of us, I decided to commit to him as my attorney. Each case is different and difficult to predict, but six months after the event is when we actually went to trial. Even though the prosecution had no case they offered absolutely no deals and were committed to trial, which was a mistake on their part. The prosecution brought five people to the stand to testify and Derek tore each one of them apart. The arresting officer was of particular embarrassment as Derek knew the standards of the Field Sobriety Tests better than he did...this officer has made approximately 50 DUI arrests and doesn't even know how to properly administer a Field Sobriety Test. Needless to say, the jury came to a conclusion in 45 minutes. There was hardly any discussion necessary. Verdict was read...NOT GUILTY! Derek is an incredible trial attorney which I witnessed first hand, but had this not been in the City of Santa Monica, I have no doubt that this would never have made it to trial. He has respectful relationships with LA Prosecutors, other Defending Attorneys and even several of the Judges. Derek knows the people, the system, the law and was truly committed to defending me and my rights. I highly recommend hiring Derek if ever you find yourself in a sticky situation.

When i was arrested for a DUI i was referred to Derek Devermont who thankfully agreed to take my case. He met with me quickly and answered all of my questions. He kept me informed of what was going on and i knew i was in good hands. He was able to get my DUI dismissed by the DA which was amazing. Aft...er that we still had my DMW hearing to deal with. He worked hard and was actually able to get the DMV to dismiss the case as well. I couldn't believe it. He is a great lawyer and i can't say enough good things about him. If you find yourself in the same situation hiring Derek Devermont would be the best decision you could ever make.