A Lynberg & Watkins trial team headed by Shel Harrell and Merily Sanchez just recorded a huge win on a long-running, hard-fought case – Barber v. County of Orange, et al. Plaintiff alleged that he was victimized by three Orange County Sheriff’s deputies’ use of “excessive force” during a 2020 arrest incident. The deputies flatly denied Plaintiff’s many assertions.

At trial, Shel and Merily successfully argued for the admission of key items of evidence – including key aspects of Plaintiff’s criminal history as well as his narcotics history. After oral argument, United States District Court Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett agreed with Orange County’s position. Plaintiff’s counsel thereafter declined to proceed to the scheduled jury trial and, instead, dropped his entire case without further time, effort and expense.

Congratulations to Shel and Merily on this latest important trial victory!