When the call came in that my adult son got a third DUI, I felt scared and hopeless. After talking with several attorneys, Jeff Merrick was highly recommended to us. Within minutes of the first call to Jeff, he immediately demonstrated both professional expertise and a sense of calm compassion. It was very apparent that Jeff was by far the best choice. In addition to a clear explanation of possible legal outcomes, he went above and beyond to provide guidance on resources for treatment. He was very knowledgeable about reputable treatment options, as well as which programs were questionable. He passionately cared about both my son and our family as we faced the mental health/addiction issues and a major legal crisis. His communication skills were exceptional. He promptly communicated with both my son and me on matters related to treatment and the legal matters. I had an abundance of questions. He is extremely patient and thorough answering all my questions. Despite my plethora of questions, he never once made me feel like a burden as he took extra time to explain the answers to each question with honesty and reassurance. He took extra care to encourage my son throughout his 7 months of treatment. He quickly noticed my son benefited from having explanations broken down in manageable chunks in order to prevent overwhelming him and he helped my son re-focus when he struggled to let go of unrealistic outcomes based on the seriousness of his actions. As a parent in despair, he encouraged me to get the support I needed and offered advice on moving forward with boundaries to support long term recovery for my son. Going into court, Jeff prepared us for possible outcomes and reassured my son through his anxiety about the court appearance. Despite a tough prosecutor unwilling to budge on harsh penalties, Jeff's expertise of the legal system resulted in the absolute best possible legal outcome....better than we ever expected with the mandatory minimum consequences! Once the case was settled, Jeff sent easy to understand guidance of the legal requirements that needed to be met and a timeline of when tasks needed to be completed. I can't re-iterate enough how incredibly grateful we are for Jeff's impressive legal representation, but more importantly for his genuine care and guidance through the treatment process and preparation for court. You will not find another attorney with both his skill and passion for helping clients and their families through extremely challenging circumstances. With his support and encouragement, my son successfully completed over 7 months of treatment. We are beyond pleased with both the legal outcome and the care provided. If you want both an experienced and skilled attorney and someone who is passionate about the well-being of both a client and their family, Jeff Merrick stands out as a phenomenal choice. read more

I first met Jeff in 2016, during my stay at a drug and alcohol treatment facility in SOCAL. This was my first experience in the judicial system, and I was devastated and convinced that I would never be able to work in the health care field again. Not only did Jeff work miracles to get my case dismissed, but he was also compassionate, empathetic and knowledgeable about criminal justice. He went the extra mile and spent a lot of time consoling my mom, who was extremely worried that my record would haunt me in the future. My addiction and poor decisions don't define who I am as a person. Today my record reflects that, an outcome that wouldn't of been possible without Jeff's guidance and hard work. read more

Jeff Merrick saved my life on January 17,2016. I had been struggling for years with my substance use and criminal activity. Jeff assisted my family and that was one of the best things he could have done for me, create some much needed space between us. He established rapport with me right away. He personally found a wonderful treatment facility and detox center and transported me there. He offered support long after I graduated treatment while fighting my court case. Not only that he is still in my life years later as I established myself as a professional in the recovery field he was one of my references when I applied for the Association of Intervention Specialists. I highly recommend Jeffrey Merrick. You will not be disappointed when choosing Jeff to assist with your loved one, as an interventionist or legally. read more

Was delighted to have worked with Jeffrey J Merrick. If I had any questions or concerns, I know I could always go to Jeff and get it handled. Very responsive and caring and will be by your side even during unfortunate times. read more

Jeffrey was my defense attorney on a few cases I had in different counties. These charges came at a time when I was really struggling with my sobriety. Jeffrey helped me get the cases resolved and off my record. He also gave me support while I was in treatment. Now I work in the recovery field myself and often recommend his services to clients with legal issues. read more

Jeffrey Merrick did a very good job assisting my family in finding placements (rehabs) for a member of my family who desperately needed help. Jeffrey was ALWAYS available providing his support, knowledge, and research into our best options. He put in extra time helping us especially during stressful times. Jeffrey was compassionate as he listened to our families needs. Through his resourcefulness he was able to find the best placements and care for our family member who needed help. He still continues his support for my family if we need it. We highly recommend Jeffrey Merrick as an interventionist and sober support person. read more

Jeffrey J. Merrick is an Attorney at Law in Hollywood, CA that also operates as an interventionist; he markets himself as an interventionist for people addicted to drugs and alcohol. A member of my family had a serious drug problem and everyone was extremely worried about him. The family took up a collection and paid Jeff $4500. We signed a contract that he prepared that stated that he would get to keep the $4500 whether an intervention took place or not. No intervention ever took place because our alcoholic family member immediately agreed to enter into treatment without the need for a professional intervention. Jeff Merrick referred us to a drug treatment facility that was second rate; he merely gave us their phone number. Later, we discovered that Jeff Merrick had been paid a kickback in the form of a referral fee from the rehab facility he sent us to, which is considered a violation of professional ethics among mental health professionals. When we confronted Mr. Merrick about the fact that he was paid $4500 for doing nothing but giving us the name of a second rate drug rehab that secretly paid him a kickback for the referral, Jeff Merrick refused to refund any of the money we paid him. He said his contract said that he was entitled to keep the money whether or not he actually conducted an intervention. Mr. Merrick is an unscrupulous charlatan that preys on families that are in crisis and desperate for help. Anyone seeking an interventionist should avoid Mr. Merrick at all costs as he will take your money and then refer you to the nearest rehab that will give him a kick back without any regard for the welfare of the addict seeking help. read more

Jeffrey Merrick was my defense attorney for a dui case I got in 2016; recommended by a good friend with positive things to say. I had no idea what to do and was looking down the barrel of some serious jail time. Jeff helped me stay level during this confusing time and ultimately got me a reduced sentence in rehabilitation rather than jail. Jeff is diligent in changing the narrative that addicts need recovery rather than jail time and punishment. This change of narrative has helped many, like myself, find a road to permanent recovery. read more

I feel like a 5 star review is actually an inadequate representation of my experience with Jeff Merrick. In fear of sounding dramatic, I hate using the word "angel" but truly there is not a better description. Jeff was my interventionist and criminal defense attorney approx 5 years ago. When we met I was utterly defeated and my parents were horrified and heartbroken. Not only did Jeff personally talk me off of several ledges, he supported my parents and made the legal process less scary. I was a convicted felon with several open cases in multiple counties but Jeff was able to work a deal where all of my cases were closed and past felonies expunged. Today I am almost 5 years sober and I have no criminal record whatsoever. I got a second chance at life. I love this man and will sing his praises always. read more

Wow where to start... 6 months ago my family received a strong recommendation from a very esteemed residential treatment center to work with Jeffery Merrick. I was beyond my rock bottom, and the last thing I wanted was another clinical stranger passing their judgements on me, my decisions, and my illness. To top off all of that, a global pandemic had just unfolded. I felt like I was drowning in unknowns, but it is without exaggeration that I say Jeff has been an anchor through it all. Not only did he meet me exactly where I was mentally, he brought me to higher grounds using his impeccable network of his own experiences, relevant colleagues, comprehensive understating of sobriety in Los Angeles, and unmatched emotional intelligence and empathy. Today I am not only 6 months sober, but the epicenter of a wonderful community of folks who have shown me how to genuinely care about myself -- and it all started with Jeff. Do not hesitate! Take those first scary steps with the best case manager. Jeffery Merrick for intervention, for compassion, for law...for President! read more

In September 2014 I wrote a review of Jeffrey Merrick that was negative, but was truthful and fair given the circumstances. I guess I expected Mr. Merrick to act like a reasonable professional and to make some kind of an effort to correct the situation, e.g. by offering a partial refund of the large fee he was paid, or maybe just offering me an apology. At worst, I thought he would just ignore my negative review. But once again I was mistaken about Jeff Merrick, because instead of attempting to mend fences he decided to double down and tried to intimidate me by making public threats on Yelp to sue me for defamation if I did not immediately withdraw my review of him. When I refused to comply with his demand, Mr. Merrick attempted to dilute my review by asking 17 of his personal friends and colleagues to write positive reviews of him that were posted on Yelp. However, because they were not written by actual clients or customers, they were in violation of Yelp's Terms of Service and accordingly Yelp removed and deleted every one of them. I waited for well over a year before I posted this update because I wanted to give Jeff Merrick ample opportunity to make good on his public threat to sue me for defamation of character. And just as I expected, the one year statue of limitation on a cause of action for defamation under California law expired in 2016, and Mr. Merrick never made any attempt to sue me. The reason Jeffrey Merrick failed to make good on his public threats to sue me is simple: because truth is an absolute defense to a defamation action and he know he would lose in court . read more

Jeffrey Merrick assisted our family when my son was the victim of a serious crime. He represented my son with the court process which can be very intimidating. Using his extensive legal background, he counseled my son with his testimony so that he gave a truthful and clear testimony which assisted the prosecuting attorneys make their case successfully. Jeffrey is an excellent attorney with great compassion. read more