Our Case Results
Experience. Aggression. Insight. Compassion.
These are the pillars of our practice, all directed towards a single purpose:
utilize the law for the maximum benefit of our clients. Our approach has
made us the legal voice for mainstream media programs across the nation,
with over 500 appearances. More importantly, our approach has worked for
the good of our clients. Our dual understanding of the law and its many
contexts makes our firm an incredible asset for a wide range of legal
needs. After 35 years of practice, Lead Attorney Michael Cardoza has created
powerful legal solutions for clients in the courtroom and the boardroom.
Landmark Wrongful Death/Animal Attack Case
Mr. Cardoza represented Sharon Smith when a dog mauling attack killed her
domestic partner Diane Whipple. Ms. Smith rightfully demanded reparations
on behalf of her partner, despite laws at the time forbidding same-sex
couples from filing claims of that kind. The case successfully overcame
discriminatory same-sex laws while Ms. Smith received over $1 million
in reparation as a result of our efforts.
The San Francisco Zoo Mauling
The Cardoza Law Offices represented the Sousa family in a 2007 wrongful
death case. Their son, Carlos Sousa Jr., was killed by a tiger that had
escaped its enclosure, and successfully fought for reparations on behalf
of Carlos and his family. Attorney Michael Cardoza successfully challenged
allegations that the boy was responsible for his own death by taunting
the tiger, and the firm succeeded in determining that the Zoo was the
guilty party.
The Barry Bonds Steroid Trial
When Steve Hoskins, the best friend of renowned Giants hitter Barry Bonds,
testified before the Grand Jury about his steroid use, he chose Mr. Cardoza
as his representation. The Grand Jury eventually indicted Bonds for perjury
as a result of Hoskins' testimony and Cardoza's counsel.
Defense Against Murder In A Drug Raid Gone Wrong
Attorney Cardoza's client, James Murphy, was charged with a murder
from an unsolved case 30 years prior. Our attorney and the legal team
challenged the testimony of the witnesses, ensuring that the only evidence
brought against the client was legitimate and trustworthy. In the end,
the efforts of Mr. Cardoza and his group of litigators determined that
there was not nearly enough evidence to prove that Mr. Murphy was guilty
of murder. He was awarded a not-guilty verdict, the first in San Mateo
in over 20 years.
Oakland Assault Charges
Mr. Cardoza successfully defended his client from felony assault charges
that alleged that he was part of a group of attackers in an assault. Our
attorney challenged each testimony and evidence that was not admissible
or satisfactory. In the end, he sufficiently proved that the evidence
was not applicable to his client, and the client was found not guilty.