L&W is proud to celebrate an important victory in litigation brought against the Orange County Sheriff’s Department by American Civil Liberties Union attorneys — PEOPLE v. Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes. The ACLU’s lawsuit claimed L&W’s client — the Orange County Sheriff’s Department — was systematically violating the Constitutional rights of OCSD Jail inmates.

L&W’s litigation team, led by Shel Harrell, Jesse Cox, and Marlena R. M. struck back with a vigorous defense which featured compelling testimony from dozens of key OCSD employees. The PEOPLE team’s work was so compelling that once a trial date was assigned, the ACLU abruptly agreed to end their case, dismiss their allegations and walk away with no recovery of any type.

This law enforcement victory represents a shattering defeat for an opponent which frequently sues law enforcement interests. It also represents a stand out performance by multiple components of the OCSD — including civilians and sworn officers.

OCSD Sheriff Don Barnes responded by naming L&W’s key PEOPLE case contact “Sergeant of the Year”. L&W attorneys Marlena Mlynarska and Shel Harrell are pictured here with the honoree:

Ms. Mlynarska was also rightly recognized for her stand out work securing this important victory:

The entire L&W family now congratulates the entire PEOPLE team on this latest key court victory!