Today’s blog highlights a long-standing client, Altair Law - specifically Craig Peters, a partner and veteran plaintiff trial attorney. Craig Peters recently received the prestigious Attorney of the Year award from the Consumer Attorneys of California (CAOC) for his work on the landmark civil rights case Aaseylei Loggervale, et al. v. County of Alameda, et al. Altair Law is a boutique trial litigation firm specializing in catastrophic personal injury and employment litigation. Known for their commitment to justice, especially for those facing difficult odds, they tackle legal challenges with creativity, tenacity, and collaboration.
Let’s dive into the groundbreaking case that led Craig Peters and his co-counsel, Brian Gearinger and Joseph May to becoming CAOC attorneys of the year. In Loggervale v. County of Alameda, Aasylei Loggervale and her two teenage daughters sued Alameda County and its sheriff deputies for civil rights violations after being wrongfully detained in police vehicles for roughly 60 minutes, without cause or charges.
The incident occurred in 2019 at a strip mall with a Starbucks, where the family had stopped to rest after a long drive from Las Vegas. Despite no reasonable suspicion, deputies detained them and searched their vehicle and belongings without consent or a warrant. Plaintiffs sued under federal and California civil rights laws, including Section 1983, the Bane Act, and Monell liability. The jury compensated each Loggervale $2.75M for the harm caused, for a total of $8.25M. The jury found that the search and detention were unconstitutional. Under the 4th Amendment, citizens have the right to be free from unreasonable searches, which includes being asked for ID if an officer can't articulate that a person has committed a crime.
While the size of a verdict is not typically a matter considered for many cases nominated for Consumer Attorney of the Year, the jury’s valuation in Loggervale says something important about how the community now views the individual and societal harm done by systemic racism. Specifically, the jury awarded seven-figure compensation without corresponding physical injuries. As such, the Loggervale verdict significantly reshapes the evaluation of civil rights cases: it provides an opportunity for many civil rights cases to be filed and heard that were previously thought to have little value, and resets the appropriate valuation for the harm done in civil rights cases.
This landmark case sends a powerful message against race-based policing and affirms that law enforcement agencies will be held accountable for unconstitutional conduct.
Advocate Capital is honored to support Altair Law and its tireless work in ensuring that justice is served for those most deserving. Congratulations, Craig Peters on a most deserving win for Consumer Attorney of the Year. Advocate Capital prides itself on working hand in hand with each law firm to maximize their success.
