team-member

Derek S Devermont

Santa Monica, CA

Licensed for 13 years

Law Degree

Awards

Primary Practice Area

Criminal Defense

Language

English

About

I started my legal career as a child sleeping on the floors of courtrooms while my father argued cases.  This is how I spent my summers till I started working in my father and grandfather's law firm.  Law is the only thing I know how to do.  I practice in the field of my father and grandfather (social security disability) as well as criminal defense.    I have found preparation, respect, and confidence to be the keys to a favorable result in any case.  My father told me the secret to winning a case is to be "kind to everyone, know the most about your case, and be the smartest guy in the room".  This is what I strive for each and everytime I walk into a courtroom.  I have found this strategy works well. 

Practices Areas

Criminal Defense

Language

English

Contact

429 Santa Moncia Blvd Ste 210Santa Monica, CA, 90402

Office: N/A

Website: N/A

Reviews

Jordan
March 3, 2017

I was driving 120 MPH when I was pulled over and arrested for DUI. It was passed midnight when the lights of the cop car flooded my rear view mirror. I knew I had one too many drinks and I knew I was going to jail. Still, I was hoping I could talk my way out of it. I answered their questions. It didn't help. My speech was slurred. I did their tests on the side of the road. I almost fell over a few times. With each second I could feel the jail closing in on me. The cops didn't care about me. They were so pissed I was driving so fast they couldn't wait to take me to jail. I was arrested and blew .12 twice into the breathalyzer. I thought it was over. I knew of Derek from other friends that had used him. They had their cases dismissed or walked away with very little. He wasn't cheap, but my friends swore by him. I saved every nickel and raised every dime I could to hire him. It was the best decision I've ever made. When I met with him he explained everything. He told me "you're paying me to do the worrying for you" and I truly felt he cared. I know he cared. The Torrance DA (Some woman named Gillian) wanted to send me to jail for months because of some rule that says if you're driving as fast as I was you do a minimum of 2 months jail. I couldn't believe it. Derek wasn't having it. He fought with them, but they wouldn't budge. It was take the jail or go to trial. We went to Trial. I was scared to death when the jury was picked. Then Derek started doing his thing. He showed the jury another side. He showed the cops didn't know what they were doing and that they were lying. They didn't need to lie, but they did. Derek was clearly the smartest guy in the room. Everything they threw at us Derek blasted. More than anything, Derek cared. He put his heart and soul into the case. He really cared what would happen to me. I wasn't just a client. He treated me like I was a member of his family on trial. The jury saw that and I won. MY CASE WAS DISMISSED!!!!!!!

anonymous
April 15, 2016

We hired Derek on 2 separate occasions for a family member. One was a DUI and the other a DV charge. Despite being handed many difficult situations by the client, the judge and D.A., Derek was able to literally pull out a few miracles. The client was able to get very lenient outcomes. Derek is a fighter and likes to win. Even better he doesn't like to lose, so if you need a good lawyer who will fight for you, hire Derek.

Brooke
March 15, 2016

I was dealing with a DUI refusal and I already have one DUI. Luckily Derek was referred to me and thanks to him my case was dismissed! He is tough and great at what he does, and I highly recommend him to any one in a similar situation.

J
November 8, 2015

When I got my dui, I was in shock. But not so much in shock that I didn’t think I could get out of it. Then reality hit hard and someone recommended Derek. Derek had no idea what he was getting when he took me on as a client. He was clear and concise. But more than anything, he was patient and he listened. Derek explained the same situation repeatedly, when I asked him to. He took my calls and answered my innumerable texts. He went above and beyond. Derek got me acquitted on the b count with a .12 BAC using an incredibly obscure and confusing defense. Eventually we settled for a wet reckless, but I got to keep my license. Before, during, and after, Derek was helpful and responsive. Only in retrospect do I see how miraculous he was in a situation that other lawyers wouldn’t have even understood. Derek really cares; he knows the law inside and out; and is totally relentless. But most of all, Derek is the absolute best criminal lawyer there is.

anonymous
August 25, 2015

I was arrested for a DUI refusal and I immediately hired Derek to represent me and It was the best decision I could have possibly made. Derek was able to successfully get my charges knocked down to an exhibition of speeding charge. Through the whole process, Derek was always available and made sure to always clearly explain each step of the process to me. Thank you again Derek!

AJ
January 14, 2015

A while ago I was in deep trouble, having a DUI refusal and expired license going against me. Derek was recommended and he was professional, easy going, and knew his field. He was able to knock it down to a wet and reckless and that's just because I decided not to go to trial because of my job and personal schedule. But I'm pretty sure, and he was pretty sure, that he could have won the case. Thanks, Derek!

anonymous
November 24, 2014

A DUI arrest is a frightening experience, one in which you have to act upon quickly while still in shock. I went with a friend's recommendation and so glad that I did! I met with Derek the day after the arrest (he was kind enough to meet up on a Sunday), and after discussing the situation and the process ahead of us, I decided to commit to him as my attorney. Each case is different and difficult to predict, but six months after the event is when we actually went to trial. Even though the prosecution had no case they offered absolutely no deals and were committed to trial, which was a mistake on their part. The prosecution brought five people to the stand to testify and Derek tore each one of them apart. The arresting officer was of particular embarrassment as Derek knew the standards of the Field Sobriety Tests better than he did...this officer has made approximately 50 DUI arrests and doesn't even know how to properly administer a Field Sobriety Test. Needless to say, the jury came to a conclusion in 45 minutes. There was hardly any discussion necessary. Verdict was read...NOT GUILTY! Derek is an incredible trial attorney which I witnessed first hand, but had this not been in the City of Santa Monica, I have no doubt that this would never have made it to trial. He has respectful relationships with LA Prosecutors, other Defending Attorneys and even several of the Judges. Derek knows the people, the system, the law and was truly committed to defending me and my rights. I highly recommend hiring Derek if ever you find yourself in a sticky situation.

anonymous
June 17, 2014

I was charged with aggravated assault with a deathly weapon and mayhem. Mr. Devermont was able to get a deal with the DA and I walked out of Court without jail time. My family and I are amazed with the positive result.

anonymous
February 18, 2014

When i was arrested for a DUI i was referred to Derek Devermont who thankfully agreed to take my case. He met with me quickly and answered all of my questions. He kept me informed of what was going on and i knew i was in good hands. He was able to get my DUI dismissed by the DA which was amazing. After that we still had my DMW hearing to deal with. He worked hard and was actually able to get the DMV to dismiss the case as well. I couldn't believe it. He is a great lawyer and i can't say enough good things about him. If you find yourself in the same situation hiring Derek Devermont would be the best decision you could ever make.

anonymous
January 16, 2014

Derek saved my life... and my career. I was pulled over for a DUI during the summer and because the breathalyzer wasn't registering, I had to give blood (which they say is more accurate). My result came back at 0.18... over 2x the limit. And Derek had my case dismissed. I'm a healthcare professional... A DUI could have meant losing my license. Now, there's nothing on my record. It's like it never happened. During the whole process, I dealt with things by not dealing with things. I pushed it to the back of my mind and let Derek worry about everything. I didn't show up for a single court date... I let Derek handle everything. He would call me to tell me the important things and was always available, but I pretty much didn't involve myself in anything. It was a scary ordeal and it's finally over. I don't know what he did, or how he did it, but I am truly amazed that I'm walking away from this without a blemish. If you want the same results, I would say hire this guy. He obviously knows what he's doing. My case should have been an easy conviction.. people asked me why I even hired a lawyer in the first place. I'm glad to say they were wrong.

Jordan
March 3, 2017

I was driving 120 MPH when I was pulled over and arrested for DUI. It was passed midnight when the lights of the cop car flooded my rear view mirror. I knew I had one too many drinks and I knew I was going to jail. Still, I was hoping I could talk my way out of it. I answered their questions. It didn't help. My speech was slurred. I did their tests on the side of the road. I almost fell over a few times. With each second I could feel the jail closing in on me. The cops didn't care about me. They were so pissed I was driving so fast they couldn't wait to take me to jail. I was arrested and blew .12 twice into the breathalyzer. I thought it was over. I knew of Derek from other friends that had used him. They had their cases dismissed or walked away with very little. He wasn't cheap, but my friends swore by him. I saved every nickel and raised every dime I could to hire him. It was the best decision I've ever made. When I met with him he explained everything. He told me "you're paying me to do the worrying for you" and I truly felt he cared. I know he cared. The Torrance DA (Some woman named Gillian) wanted to send me to jail for months because of some rule that says if you're driving as fast as I was you do a minimum of 2 months jail. I couldn't believe it. Derek wasn't having it. He fought with them, but they wouldn't budge. It was take the jail or go to trial. We went to Trial. I was scared to death when the jury was picked. Then Derek started doing his thing. He showed the jury another side. He showed the cops didn't know what they were doing and that they were lying. They didn't need to lie, but they did. Derek was clearly the smartest guy in the room. Everything they threw at us Derek blasted. More than anything, Derek cared. He put his heart and soul into the case. He really cared what would happen to me. I wasn't just a client. He treated me like I was a member of his family on trial. The jury saw that and I won. MY CASE WAS DISMISSED!!!!!!!

anonymous
April 15, 2016

We hired Derek on 2 separate occasions for a family member. One was a DUI and the other a DV charge. Despite being handed many difficult situations by the client, the judge and D.A., Derek was able to literally pull out a few miracles. The client was able to get very lenient outcomes. Derek is a fighter and likes to win. Even better he doesn't like to lose, so if you need a good lawyer who will fight for you, hire Derek.

Brooke
March 15, 2016

I was dealing with a DUI refusal and I already have one DUI. Luckily Derek was referred to me and thanks to him my case was dismissed! He is tough and great at what he does, and I highly recommend him to any one in a similar situation.

J
November 8, 2015

When I got my dui, I was in shock. But not so much in shock that I didn’t think I could get out of it. Then reality hit hard and someone recommended Derek. Derek had no idea what he was getting when he took me on as a client. He was clear and concise. But more than anything, he was patient and he listened. Derek explained the same situation repeatedly, when I asked him to. He took my calls and answered my innumerable texts. He went above and beyond. Derek got me acquitted on the b count with a .12 BAC using an incredibly obscure and confusing defense. Eventually we settled for a wet reckless, but I got to keep my license. Before, during, and after, Derek was helpful and responsive. Only in retrospect do I see how miraculous he was in a situation that other lawyers wouldn’t have even understood. Derek really cares; he knows the law inside and out; and is totally relentless. But most of all, Derek is the absolute best criminal lawyer there is.

anonymous
August 25, 2015

I was arrested for a DUI refusal and I immediately hired Derek to represent me and It was the best decision I could have possibly made. Derek was able to successfully get my charges knocked down to an exhibition of speeding charge. Through the whole process, Derek was always available and made sure to always clearly explain each step of the process to me. Thank you again Derek!

AJ
January 14, 2015

A while ago I was in deep trouble, having a DUI refusal and expired license going against me. Derek was recommended and he was professional, easy going, and knew his field. He was able to knock it down to a wet and reckless and that's just because I decided not to go to trial because of my job and personal schedule. But I'm pretty sure, and he was pretty sure, that he could have won the case. Thanks, Derek!

anonymous
November 24, 2014

A DUI arrest is a frightening experience, one in which you have to act upon quickly while still in shock. I went with a friend's recommendation and so glad that I did! I met with Derek the day after the arrest (he was kind enough to meet up on a Sunday), and after discussing the situation and the process ahead of us, I decided to commit to him as my attorney. Each case is different and difficult to predict, but six months after the event is when we actually went to trial. Even though the prosecution had no case they offered absolutely no deals and were committed to trial, which was a mistake on their part. The prosecution brought five people to the stand to testify and Derek tore each one of them apart. The arresting officer was of particular embarrassment as Derek knew the standards of the Field Sobriety Tests better than he did...this officer has made approximately 50 DUI arrests and doesn't even know how to properly administer a Field Sobriety Test. Needless to say, the jury came to a conclusion in 45 minutes. There was hardly any discussion necessary. Verdict was read...NOT GUILTY! Derek is an incredible trial attorney which I witnessed first hand, but had this not been in the City of Santa Monica, I have no doubt that this would never have made it to trial. He has respectful relationships with LA Prosecutors, other Defending Attorneys and even several of the Judges. Derek knows the people, the system, the law and was truly committed to defending me and my rights. I highly recommend hiring Derek if ever you find yourself in a sticky situation.

anonymous
June 17, 2014

I was charged with aggravated assault with a deathly weapon and mayhem. Mr. Devermont was able to get a deal with the DA and I walked out of Court without jail time. My family and I are amazed with the positive result.

anonymous
February 18, 2014

When i was arrested for a DUI i was referred to Derek Devermont who thankfully agreed to take my case. He met with me quickly and answered all of my questions. He kept me informed of what was going on and i knew i was in good hands. He was able to get my DUI dismissed by the DA which was amazing. After that we still had my DMW hearing to deal with. He worked hard and was actually able to get the DMV to dismiss the case as well. I couldn't believe it. He is a great lawyer and i can't say enough good things about him. If you find yourself in the same situation hiring Derek Devermont would be the best decision you could ever make.

anonymous
January 16, 2014

Derek saved my life... and my career. I was pulled over for a DUI during the summer and because the breathalyzer wasn't registering, I had to give blood (which they say is more accurate). My result came back at 0.18... over 2x the limit. And Derek had my case dismissed. I'm a healthcare professional... A DUI could have meant losing my license. Now, there's nothing on my record. It's like it never happened. During the whole process, I dealt with things by not dealing with things. I pushed it to the back of my mind and let Derek worry about everything. I didn't show up for a single court date... I let Derek handle everything. He would call me to tell me the important things and was always available, but I pretty much didn't involve myself in anything. It was a scary ordeal and it's finally over. I don't know what he did, or how he did it, but I am truly amazed that I'm walking away from this without a blemish. If you want the same results, I would say hire this guy. He obviously knows what he's doing. My case should have been an easy conviction.. people asked me why I even hired a lawyer in the first place. I'm glad to say they were wrong.