Edward J. Ortega
General Practice Attorney
Personalized Service in the 21st Century
Introducing the Attorney
Most attorneys go from high school to college, to law school -- Ed had a life before he became an attorney. Beginning with the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department where he worked many assignments; later he moved onto San Bernardino County Fire Department; then the Department of Defense as a contractor specializing in live counter-surveillance. So much of his life has been focused on helping others.
Before becoming a lawyer himself, Ed had the pleasure of working with some of the finest attorneys in Los Angeles, which gave him the experience needed to handle police misconduct cases, criminal defense, legal malpractice, family law, civil litigation and personal injury.
Now, as an attorney, he is still serving the community but in a new capacity.
Law Area Focuses
1
Estate Planning
and Probate
You should be in control of your property, not the government. This is why Prior Proper Planning Prevents Probate, Probate Taxes.
My goal is to avoid unnecessary litigation for your property and that your wishes are followed.
Regardless of where you live, you should have several basic estate planning documents in place: a will, a durable power of attorney for finances, and a medical directive. If you live in California, where there are sky-high real estate values, it's a good idea to also think about planning to avoid probate and probate taxes after your death.
2
Family Law
Divorce has become an everyday part of our modern world. My approach with divorce is to promote a fair settlement the parties can agree on and reduce the unnecessary costs of litigation, where the marital assets dwindle away.
In 2021 the average cost of a divorce in California was $17,500 (www.cfli.com) and the costs increase significantly with each issue and court appearance.
When litigation is needed, I focus on the best interests of my client's children and the best interests of my client's future.
3
Personal Injury and
Civil Litigation
I have investigated countless personal injury cases, from auto accidents to dog bites and slip and fall cases.
When dealing with the Courts and insurance companies it's what you can prove, not what
you know.
4
Criminal Defense for Law Enforcement
Police Officers are human and can find themselves on the wrong side of the law, being investigated by their own and prosecuted and potentially losing their freedom, let alone their career, livelihood and family.
My background and experiences in life including my knowledge of the Peace Officer's Bill of Rights are invaluable in helping defend you and protecting you.
5
Civil Rigths & Criminal Law
I believe everyone has a right to defense - my experience proves that sometimes, the wrong person is charged or accused and sometimes people are arrested, charged and even convicted without probable cause.
As Johnnie Cochran said, "You can guarantee that you will never commit a crime, but you can never guarantee that you won't be charged with a crime."
My background in law enforcement and experience as a use of force instructor at the academy gives him an insight into what is reasonable force versus excessive force.
Justice Robert Jackson, Nuremberg Prosecutor, Supreme Court Justice:
"Any lawyer worth his salt will tell the suspect in no uncertain terms to make no statement to the police under any circumstances."
Watts v. Indiana, 338 U.S. 49
