Derick E. Konz

Mr. Konz has developed a particular expertise in Civil Rights matters, especially in representing Peace Officers. He has defended officers, and their departments, in both state and federal courts for over 13 years. Derick has handled a number of jury trials, in state and federal courts, but is also skilled at achieving favorable pre-trial resolutions, thereby minimizing the cost to clients in time and money. His cases range from false arrest and excessive force claims to alleged abuse in state prisons, to First Amendment issues pertaining to the recording of law enforcement activities such as prisoner abuse allegations or wrongful incarceration allegations. He has won cases at the trial court level and then successfully handled their appeals in the 9th Circuit or District Court of Appeal. Derick is also frequently asked to represent Superior Courts and Judges by the Judicial Council of California, a clear indication of his high standing in the legal community.

Derick enjoys conducting educational panels for both the law enforcement community, such as the NCCSIF Police Chiefs annual meetings, and for the local legal community. It’s not surprising that he is asked to present in educational settings since he was a high school math teacher in Stockton for eight years before switching to law in 2012. Moreover, his ability to keep the attention of high-schoolers in an Algebra II class is useful while outlining complicated constitutional principles to a jury.

Derick is creative in his approach to handling his cases, reflecting lessons he put to use as a teacher.