A former federal prosecutor with over 35 years of experience and a proven track record of success.
Contact Us
San Francisco Office
Serving Northern California
315 Montgomery Street, 10th Floor
San Francisco, California 94104 (map)
Text or Call Steven Gruel at 415-533-6973
Los Angeles Office
Serving Southern California
555 West Fifth, 31st Floor
Los Angeles, California 90013
Text or Call Steven Gruel at 415-533-6973
Sacramento Office
Serving All Surrounding Counties
1024 Iron Point Road
Folsom, California 95630
Text or Call Steven Gruel at 415-533-6973
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All News Articles
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SuperLawyers Awarded for 2022Monday July 11, 2022For the 13th consecutive year, Steven’s outstanding legal work has been recognized by the Super Lawyers Award for 2022. Steven Gruel continues to successfully fight for his clients facing criminal charges or civil actions. His 35+ years of legal experience, 16 years as federal prosecutor and his easy direct one-on-one approach with clients combine to provide the complete representation clients expect. visit site |
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Federal Judge Grants Compassion Early ReleaseFriday, April 23, 2021
In light of COVID-19 and other compassionate reasons,
Steven's motion for an early release from an 84 month
sentence was granted. The client's sentence was
reduced and the client was permitted to go home.
He remains successfully released from custody.
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Habeas Petition Filed For Client Facing 210 Months In Federal PrisonThursday, March 18, 2021
A Petition attacking the sentence of 210 Months was
filed by Steven for his new client.
The Judge ordered the prosecution to respond to the
arguments raised in the Petition challenging the sentence.
The Habeas action is pending with the Court.
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Federal Court Orders Early Termination of Client's Supervised ReleaseWednesday July 29, 2020
Steven filed a motion to request early termination of
his client's term of 3 years of probation period.
The prosecution opposed this early relief. After a
hearing on the motion, Judge Edward Chen granted the
request and the client's probation was terminated early.
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CaliConn Studios and Hollywood Fuzz Launched – Steven Gruel selected as General CounselMonday July 20, 2020After 2 years of organizing and planning, media companies CaliConn Studios and Hollywood Fuzz were launched. Caliconn Studios will be developing and producing feature length media presentations while Hollywood Fuzz provides a platform for independent filmmakers to showcase their productions. Not only a principal in these exciting global ventures, Steven serves as the companies General Counsel. watch promo |
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Favorable SEC for Client in Alleged $25M Fraud Scheme – No Criminal Action By The FEDSFriday June 5, 2020Federal law enforcement officials claimed that the client participated in a fraud scheme misleading investors with a bond for the Livermore Charter Schools totaling over $25,000,000 in violation of the anti-fraud provisions of Securities Act of 1933. Working with the SEC, Steven successfully achieved a civil resolution of the case without any federal criminal prosecution. Without admitting any wrongdoing, the client resolved these allegations in federal court with his client agreeing to a $15,000 penalty. court document |
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Steven Gruel Represents Former FBI Agent Fights Bribery Claim Based on Word of Convicted Con ArtistTuesday May 19, 2020A decorated former FBI agent has been charged in federal court in Los Angeles with bribery. Steven Gruel successfully fought to have the former agent released from custody and agreed to represent this respected federal law enforcement officer against these felony charges. read article |
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SuperLawyers Awarded for 2021 – 12 Straight YearsFriday July 9, 2021For the 12th consecutive year, Steven’s outstanding legal work has been recognized by the Super Lawyers Award for 2021. Steven Gruel continues to successfully fight for his clients facing criminal charges or civil actions. His 35+ years of legal experience, 16 years as federal prosecutor and his easy direct one-on-one approach with clients combine to provide the complete representation clients expect. visit site |
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Federal Judge Grants Compassion Early ReleaseFriday, April 23, 2021
In light of COVID-19 and other compassionate reasons,
Steven's motion for an early release from an 84 month
sentence was granted. The client's sentence was
reduced and the client was permitted to go home.
He remains successfully released from custody.
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Habeas Petition Filed For Client Facing 210 Months In Federal PrisonThursday, March 18, 2021
A Petition attacking the sentence of 210 Months was
filed by Steven for his new client.
The Judge ordered the prosecution to respond to the
arguments raised in the Petition challenging the sentence.
The Habeas action is pending with the Court.
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Federal Court Orders Early Termination of Client's Supervised ReleaseWednesday July 29, 2020
Steven filed a motion to request early termination of
his client's term of 3 years of probation period.
The prosecution opposed this early relief. After a
hearing on the motion, Judge Edward Chen granted the
request and the client's probation was terminated early.
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CaliConn Studios and Hollywood Fuzz Launched – Steven Gruel selected as General CounselMonday July 20, 2020After 2 years of organizing and planning, media companies CaliConn Studios and Hollywood Fuzz were launched. Caliconn Studios will be developing and producing feature length media presentations while Hollywood Fuzz provides a platform for independent filmmakers to showcase their productions. Not only a principal in these exciting global ventures, Steven serves as the companies General Counsel. watch promo |
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Favorable SEC for Client in Alleged $25M Fraud Scheme – No Criminal Action By The FEDSFriday June 5, 2020Federal law enforcement officials claimed that the client participated in a fraud scheme misleading investors with a bond for the Livermore Charter Schools totaling over $25,000,000 in violation of the anti-fraud provisions of Securities Act of 1933. Working with the SEC, Steven successfully achieved a civil resolution of the case without any federal criminal prosecution. Without admitting any wrongdoing, the client resolved these allegations in federal court with his client agreeing to a $15,000 penalty. court document |
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Steven Gruel Represents Former FBI Agent Fights Bribery Claim Based on Word of Convicted Con ArtistTuesday May 19, 2020A decorated former FBI agent has been charged in federal court in Los Angeles with bribery. Steven Gruel successfully fought to have the former agent released from custody and agreed to represent this respected federal law enforcement officer against these felony charges. read article |
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Steven joins high tech leader JDSS as national General Legal CounselThursday Nov 7, 2019The law firm's expanding legal work now includes service as General Counsel for J. De Salis-Sophrin & Associates, Inc. This national company has patented a method to produce customized date visualization platforms leveraging multiple synchronized stereoscopic video projectors. JDSS has active technical partnerships with hardware vendors such as NVidia, software companies such as OmniSci, satellite imagery platform such as Planet, Inc. as well as Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning labs such as Lambda Labs in San Francisco. JDSS also serves as advisor for a variety of research projects with engagements including NASA and the IRS. visit jdss.com |
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Awarded Super Lawyer: 10 Consecutive Years!Tuesday July 9, 2019Steven was once again acknowledged for his outstanding legal work as an attorney representing clients in complicated state and federal matters throughout California. His 2019 Super Lawyers Award marked the 10th consecutive year Steven received this prestigious award. visit site |
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Federal Judge Dismisses U.S. Attorney 200 Kilo Cocaine CaseWednesday September 26, 2018After successfully filing defense motions to suppress the FBI's evidence, Federal Judge Jesus Bernal in the Los Angeles area dismissed a large drug trafficking case. The case involved 200 kilos of cocaine seized in the Los Angeles area in a semi-truck destined for Canada. Steven aggressively attacked the FBI's use of GPS device to follow his client and arrest him as part of the large drug conspiracy. With the successful attack on the prosecution's case, all the evidence was suppressed and the case dismissed. Steven's client was released and returned safely to his family in Canada. United States v. Slavco Ignjatov, CR-17-0222-JSB court document 1 court document 2 |
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Judge Agrees with Defense Motion; Says that FBI followed GPS IllegallyThursday August 23, 2018For the second time in two months, Steven won another critical motion in federal court suppressing illegal evidence gathered by the FBI. In this case, the FBI attached a GPS to a semi-truck belonging to Steven's client at the Canadian border in Michigan. The FBI believed that the client was involved in an International cocaine organization. The FBI did not apply for a search warrant for the GPS. The FBI followed the truck's movements for days and thousands of miles. Steven filed and the Judge granted a motion to dismiss all of the evidence in the case flowing from the illegal monitoring of the GPS. United States v. Slavco Ignjatov, et al; CR-17-0222-JGB see court decision |
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Awarded Super Lawyer: 9 straight years!Tuesday July 10, 2018In July, 2018 Steven Gruel again earned recognition as a Super Lawyer. His practice of law continues to be viewed by others in the legal profession as outstanding. visit site |
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Federal Judge Tossess Out Evidence Against ClientTuesday July 3, 2018Based on Steven Gruel’s motions to suppress for numerous violations by the FBI agent, a San Francisco Federal Judge agreed and suppressed incriminating evidence against the client. The FBI agent improperly used a cell site simulater to locate and arrest the client. Evidence found on the client and in his apartment was suppressed due to 4th Amendment violations. United States v. Hopkins, CR-16-0477-VC view brief view brief read article |
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New Ad Features Courtroom Drawing By Famed ArtistSunday July 1, 2018Nationally famed courtroom artist William Robles’ drawing of Steven Gruel representing L.A. Private Investigator to the Hollywood Stars Anthony Pellicano is now featured in a new ad for the Law Offices of Steven F. Gruel. (see artwork in the new ad). view photo |
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Law Practice Launches Into Internationl Trade & BankingFriday June 1, 2018Built on years of experience with Brazlian companies, Steven Gruel launched Campo Trade LLC in the United States. Campo Trade LLC works with its sister companies in Brazil in exporting commodities throughout the globe. view photo |
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Judge Agrees That Drug Case Not Aggravated FelonyTuesday October 17, 2017Immigration Judge Joren Lyons agreed with the reasoning in Steven’s legal papers filed with the Court that the client’s state drug conviction did not constitute an aggravated felony for immigration removal proceedings. This significant ruling now permits the client to pursue many forms of relief from deportation which would have been forelosed to him. In Removal Proceedings, Hai Guang Tan, A035-591-734. view brief |
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Immigration Tosses Marriage Fraud ChargeFriday May 5, 2017In a huge immigration victory, an Immigration Judge granted Steven’s motion to dismiss charges that his client engaged in marriage fraud to obtain an alien registration card. Steven’s motion highlighted the lack of evidence to support ICE’s claim that the client was engaged in fraud. The entire deportation case was terminated by ICE. In Removal Proceedings, Chen Yu Feng, A060-580-188 |
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Federal Anti-trust Trial Results In No RestitutionMonday April 24, 2017In a hotly contested federal anti-trust case involving bid rigging in the public auction of foreclosed real estate, Steven had numerous counts dismissed, achieved one hung jury and then later successfully argued that his client owed no restitution based upon his conviction. Although the federal prosecuters argued for 41 months in custody and huge restitution figures based on $12.6 million dollars impact on commerce, Steven’s client was sentenced to just 14 months with no restitution owed whatsoever. Others sentenced in the large scale bid rigging schemes received considerably greater time and were ordered to pay large sums of restitution. United States v. Robert Rasheed, CR-14-0582-JD. view brief |
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Federal Drug Case Thrown Out For Weak EvidenceThursday April 28, 2016The DEA filed a hugh conspiracy case charging 26 defendants with a large scale drug ring which was obtaining and selling oxycodone and hydrocodone throughout the country. With an aggressive investigation and pretrial motions, Steven successfully conviced the federal prosecutors to dismiss the indictment against his client. Of the 26 people charged, only this person was able to achieve a dismissal. United States v. Frankie Miller, et al, CR-15-0127-WHO. |
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Steven Represents Client in Bay Area Bid Rigging ChargeMonday June 22, 2015The Antitrust Division of the United States Justice Department has charged a large scale bid rigging in the sale of foreclosed houses in the San Francisco Bay Area. The case consists of over 2.5 million pages of documents and records which allegedly support the charges. Steven has agreed to represent an individual charged in this scheme. The case is before Chief Federal Judge Phyllis J. Hamilton. |
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Awarded "Premier 100"Monday June 22, 2015Steven received a 2015 "Premier 100" award by the American Academy of Trial Attorneys. |
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Awarded "Ten Best for Client Satisfaction"Sunday June 21, 2015Steven received a 2015 "Ten Best for Client Satisfaction" award, by the American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys. |
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Super Lawyer: 6 years in a row!Wednesday June 10, 2015For the sixth straight year Steven has been awarded the prestigious Super Lawyer designation and has been included in their highly regarded publication. visit site |
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Steven Continues Appointment as President and Chief CounselThursday June 04, 2015The CBRH Board of Directors renewed its appointment of Steven as President and Chief Counsel for CBRH. Steven continues his leadership role as CBRH explores business opportunities in Brazil. |
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Awarded "Nation's Top One Percent"Wednesday April 22, 2015Steven received the "Nation's Top One Percent" award by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel. |
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Lawsuit Filed Against Carl's Jr.Monday August 25, 2014A security guard working at Carl's Jr. in San Francisco attacked and seriously slashed someone in the restaurant with a box cutter. Steven has filed a major lawsuit against Carl's Jr. for the serious injuries caused by this security guard. See attached complaint. view attachment |
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Probation Sentence For Mortgage / Wire FraudWednesday June 25, 2014Although facing multiple years in federal prison for a large mortgage / wire fraud, Steven argued to the Judge that his client deserved probation. The Federal Judge agreed and his client received a sentence of 3 years probation with 30 days in a halfway house and 5 months of house arrest. United States v. Monroy, case number CR-12-0010-EMC |
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Former CISCO Employee Defended in Federal Mail Fraud ProsecutionMonday November 18, 2013Steven has taken on the defense of former CISCO employee Loc Xuan Hoang against a federal indictment charging a criminal conspiracy to steal and sell CISCO Systems’ materials. Mr. Loang’s initial appearance pursuant to a summons is scheduled for November 20, 2013 in the San Jose Federal Courthouse. United States v. Dang, et al, CR-13-0486-EJD. |
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Medical Supplier Defended in Federal Medicare Fraud TrialFriday November 15, 2013Steven is currently defending a Los Angeles Durable Medical Supplier (DME) named Debs Medical Supply, Inc., and Patrick Sogbein in a complex multiple defendant federal fraud jury trial. The Jury is expected to begin its deliberations in the case in early December, 2013. United States v. Sogbein, et al, CR-12-054-JSW. |
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Anthony Pellicano’s Appeal Argued Before Ninth CircuitMonday November 04, 2013Arguing before a three judge appellate panel in Pasadena, Steven presented several arguments outlining why Anthony Pellicano’s RICO convictions and 15 year sentence should be thrown out. The Ninth Circuit’s decision is expected in February, 2014. United States v. Anthony Pellicano (Case Number 08-50570). |
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President and Corporate Counsel for X LegacyThursday July 12, 2012Steven serves as President and Corporate Counsel for X Legacy. Working with investors and officers, Steven established and operates this corporation and its Team as it explores and manages business opportunities in Brazil and China. |
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Corporate Counsel for CBRH Conglomerate of AmericaMonday July 02, 2012Steven's practice includes service as Corporate Counsel for CBRH Conglomerate of America, Inc. CBRH is a conglomerate of several established corporations engaged in international business ventures around the globe. |
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Mirkarimi Ethics Hearing in San FranciscoMonday April 23, 2012Steven comments on the Mirkarimi ethics hearing which is being held to determine if Sheriff Mirikimi will be permanently removed from his position. visit site |
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Office Opened in Dallas, TexasWednesday February 01, 2012Steven’s years of experience are now available to assist clients in federal civil and criminal law matters as well as immigration proceedings in Texas. Call 972-863-7887. |
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Roadmap for the Ross Mirkarimi CaseTuesday January 31, 2012Steven provides legal insights into the battles facing San Francisco Sheriff Ross Mirkarimi as Mayor Ed Lee contemplates suspension and removal proceedings before the San Francisco Ethics Commission. visit site |
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Guilty Plea Thrown Out in Federal CourtWednesday December 07, 2011After Steven was retained in this high profile, white-collar prosecution case, which involved bank/mortgage fraud, he was able to convince the Court to allow the client’s previous improper guilty pleas to be withdrawn. Trial is set for June 4, 2012. United States v. David Papera, CR-10-105-CRB. |
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Super Lawyer Award for Second Straight YearMonday August 01, 2011SuperLawyers.com publishes its list of top attorneys in California. Steven was awarded 2011 Super Lawyer recognition for his outstanding criminal defense work again. visit site |
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Corporate Counsel for ThinkProducts, Inc.Thursday January 20, 2011Steven serves as Chief Corporate Counsel for Thinkproducts, Inc. Working with Dr. Suess and Universal Pictures, Thinkproducts, Inc., is involved in producing a national line of clothing associated with the new movie called The Lorax. |
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Charges Dismissed in Marijuana Cultivation ProsecutionTuesday January 11, 2011Steven successfully represented 3 defendants charged with cultivating marijuana with an “indoor grow.” Steven pointed to prosecutors the weaknesses in their case and was able to get 2 defendants completely dismissed from the case. The 3rd defendant was sentenced to probation with home confinement. People v. Ling, et al; CR-H50599 |
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Anthony Pellicano, Hollywood's High Profile PIWednesday December 01, 2010The Law Offices of Steven F. Gruel submitted its brief to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals challenging Mr. Pellicano's RICO and wiretapping convictions. The brief also attacks the government's improper search and seizure of evidence from Mr. Pellicano's offices. The brief points to recent decisions by the U.S. Supreme Court and federal appellate courts which are extremely favorable to Mr. Pellicano's appeal. view attachment |
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2010 Super Lawyers Award and RecognitionSunday August 01, 2010SuperLawyers.com publishes its list of top attorneys in California and Steven F. Gruel was awarded 2010 Super Lawyer recognition for his outstanding criminal defense work. visit site |
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Habeas Corpus Petiton Filed In CA Supreme Court For Steven NaryFriday July 30, 2010The Offices of Steven Gruel Petitioned the California Supreme Court for the immediate release of prisoner Steven Nary. The Petition maintains that Mr. Nary should be granted parole in accordance with the law. Respected author Jack Cashill has written about Mr. Nary's legal plight in What's The Matter With California. The Petition is pending with the California Supreme Court. view attachment |
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Brief Submitted To U.S. Supreme Court for Senator Leland YeeMonday July 19, 2010Supporting California's law restricting a minor's access to violent video games, the Law Offices of Steven F. Gruel prepared and submitted its brief on behalf of the law's sponsor, California Senator Leland Yee to the U.S. Supreme Court. With scientific support showing the effects of violent video games on minors, the brief showed that Senator Yee's law is constitutional under the First Amendment and should be upheld. The Court heard oral argument on November 2, 2010 and the decision is pending. view attachment |
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Sacramento Office Now OpenMonday July 05, 2010The Law Offices of Steven F. Gruel now include California's State capitol, Sacramento. Steven Gruel can be directly contacted at 916-442-7415. |
