For more than 30 years, Dean Steward has fought for his clients in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. He has handled more than 200 appeals, and has more than 40 published opinions (cases where the Court felt the issues were of enough importance to publish the decision publically). Often, Dean has taken over cases from other attorneys after conviction, and pressed the appeal for that client.

The process involves a careful review of the trial transcripts, seeking issues that may result in a reversal of a conviction. After preparing the appellate briefs for the client, Dean then argues the case before the Ninth Circuit three judge panel. Attention to detail, experience and creativity make the difference in appellate work: Dean brings all three to his appellate practice.

Other Federal Agencies

  • Los Angeles Federal Cases
  • Santa Ana Federal Cases
  • San Diego Federal Cases
  • Honolulu Federal Cases
U.S. v. Lori Drew - (MySpace teen suicide case) Successfully defended mid-western Mom charged in the death of a teenage girl in suburban St. Louis. Week long jury trial, acquitted of all charges after defense motions.

U.S. v. Riley - client acquitted or mail fraud, wire fraud and conspiracy in connection with an investment firm. Four week jury trial.

U.S. v. Freyer - client was an international business man accused of selling prohibited item abroad.
U.S. v. Carona - client was the Orange County Sheriff, indicted on political corruption charges. Represented Mike Carona for more than 2 years prior to indictment, and held off the charges for that period of time.

U.S. v. Khatami - successful defense of client charged with witness tampering. Client was acquitted of the charges.

U.S. v. Gati - Client was charged in connection with her work in international adoptions- government alleged she was selling the babies. Case dismissed on defense suppression motion.

U.S. v. O’Toole - Client was charged with the sale of prohibited items to a restricted country. All charges dismissed after successful defense motions.
U.S. v. Bailleaux - (Safeway poison pickle case) Nation’s first products tampering case. Two week jury trial with allegations that client attempted to extort money from Safeway Stores by strategic placement of poisoned jars of pickles.

U.S. v. Fitzgerald - After 4 year fight with the IRS, all charges dismissed by the Court. Client is a CPA and attorney.

U.S. v. Fowler - Six week jury trial involving an investment firm. Client convicted, but conviction overturned on appeal.
U.S. v. Dusty Brown - Client charged with homicide, drugs counts and conspiracy. She was acquitted of all charges except second degree murder, and received a lenient sentence.

U.S. v. Quincy - Fraud charges against 15 defendants in connection with a major time-share project. Thirteen of the 15 defendants acquitted in month long jury trial.