Berry Wilkinson Law Group

09/11/2023

22 years ago, our Nation suffered one of its greatest tragedies. The lives of 2,977 people were taken in an act of terrorism. We must never forget those who men and women who tirelessly climbed the stairs to help strangers, co-workers, friends and loved ones to escape the building as it crumbled around them.
"The best way to honor the victims of 9-11 is to live as if every day is September 12th"- Unknown

05/02/2023

Departments, especially in California, are under tremendous pressure to reform and rebuild trust with communities that are fed up with biased policing. Alison Berry Wilkinson, a lawyer who often represents officers in disciplinary hearings, said that the CLEAR Act is simply a continuation of a trend she is already seeing of departments no longer being able to tolerate bias.

Like Senate Bill 2, another reform measure that for the first time allows California to decertify officers for serious misconduct so that they can’t hold a badge anywhere in the state, it is the codification of public will.

“It’s a clear statement of what’s already going on,” she told me. “Individuals who have these beliefs, who are expressing hate in the manner of those text messages, they do not belong in this industry.”

Racism within the ranks of law enforcement has long been a contentious issue. But a new California law may force departments to clean house when clear bias is proved.

04/04/2023

https://www.ktvu.com/news/20-police-officers-decertified-in-california

"This is the new reality," said Alison Berry Wilkinson, who represents many police officers, although none of her clients are currently on POST's list. "But this does present some challenges."

The officers' on the most recent POST decertification list worked in departments including Rohnert Park, Redwood City, Sonoma County and San Francisco, San Diego, Kern, San Bernadino counties and Stockton.

02/18/2023

The PVEPD has received reports that highly addictive substances will soon be circulating in our area. These substances go by names like "Thin Mints,"
"Caramel DeLites," "Peanut Butter Patties," and "Lemonades."

These substances are distributed by strong, smart, fearless young women who will lure you in with their good-cause story and get you hooked. Many people start with just one box, but one turns into two, two turns into five, and the next thing you know, you're hiding your stash in your freezer.

We want the community to know that we are here for you. We have set up a dropoff location for these "Girl Scout Cookies" at the Palos Verdes Estates Police Department, where our officers can dispose of them safely.

Cookie jokes aside, our officers had the pleasure of meeting with a local Girl Scout group today. If you'd like, an officer to attend or speak at your youth group event in Palos Verdes Estates, please call our dispatch line and we'll gladly arrange to come!

02/10/2023

08/06/2022

https://profiles.superlawyers.com/california/san-rafael/lawyer/alison-berry-wilkinson/0a68f41f-39ff-42d4-aa63-e0bd48cb5f9d.html

Alison Berry Wilkinson is one of the top rated Civil Rights attorneys in San Rafael, CA. She has met the stringent Super Lawyers selection criteria.

07/28/2022

Mariposa County Sheriff's Office OES Sergeant Wes Smith was working to aid in the evacuation of hundreds of people during the Oak Fire when his own home was lost in the same fire. Fortunately, Sergeant Smith's wife, Jane, was able to escape AS the fire raged their property.

The Mariposa Sheriff's Management Association is requesting donations to aid the Smith family with purchasing needed clothing and supplies as well as a place to stay while they rebuild. Sergeant Smith has been a pillar of the community he serves for decades now and even though he only has the uniform he was wearing while his home was lost, he continues to serve his community every day.

We would be eternally grateful for your support to lend a helping hand to one of our local hero's while he tries to fight through adversity and protect our community.

https://porac.org/fundraiser/mariposa-officer-house-burns-down-while-working-fire/?fbclid=IwAR04l03JY6GVyrwu5ZY6T66T-H0Kl58J8JiPRiZpAGMCxTC_Zb8009CxxIc

Mariposa County Sheriff's Office OES Sergeant Wes Smith was working to aid in the evacuation of hundreds of people during the Oak Fire when his own home was lost in the same fire.

07/14/2022

DOCTORS CREDIT ALAMEDA FIRST RESPONDERS FOR SAVING AN INFANT'S LIFE

Over the weekend, dispatchers received a call about an unresponsive infant. An attentive APD officer noticed the incoming call and immediately proceeded to the scene. As the first to arrive, the officer took the baby and performed chest compressions.

Alameda Fire personnel arrived soon after and transported the infant to a local hospital. During transport, the baby regained a pulse and began breathing on their own. Doctors acknowledged the outstanding work put forth by APD and AFD personnel, citing the baby's life was likely saved by first responders’ quick and thoughtful response.

We are proud of the timely actions taken by the parents, APD, & AFD to help one of our littlest community members.

We would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone how to perform CPR on infants, as it is different from how CPR is performed on adults.

According to the American Red Cross, these are the steps if an is infant choking:
- Kneel beside the baby.
- Perform chest compressions by pushing hard and fast. For infants, use one or two fingers to deliver 30 quick compressions that are each about 1.5 inches deep.
- Give two rescue breaths. For infants, use your mouth to make a complete seal over the infant's mouth and nose, then blow in for one second to make the chest rise.
- Continue until you see obvious signs of life, until an AED is ready to use, another trained responder is available to take over, you're too exhausted to continue, or the scene becomes unsafe.

07/14/2022

I was honored at the invitation to speak on such an important topic at the 2022 PORAC Legal Defense Fund Member's Conference along with my MAJ colleagues Lina Balciunas Cockrell and David Kruckenberg! The panel was well received, with one commentator dubbing it: “Best in Show.”

http://majlabor.com/maj-presents-on-media-management-at-porac-ldf-conference/

07/07/2022

I am honored to have been selected as a presenter for the 2022 PORAC Legal Defense Fund Member Conference on the topic of "Managing the Media and the Message." I hope you can join me and my MAJ colleagues in Las Vegas next week!

04/08/2022

“The officers are grateful the District Attorney recognized that this tragic death was an unintended consequence of their legitimate and lawful actions,” said Alison Berry Wilkinson, the officers’ attorney, in a statement.

Officers Eric McKinley, James Fisher and Cameron Leahy arrested Gonzalez, 26, the morning...

03/24/2022

Been there, done that. I can relate.

“Girls, I know it has not been easy as I have tried to navigate the challenges of juggling my career and motherhood,” Jackson said in her opening statement Monday before the Senate Judiciary Committee. “And I fully admit that I did not always get the balance right. But I hope that you have seen that with hard work, determination, and love, it can be done. I am so looking forward to seeing what each of you chooses to do with your amazing lives in this incredible country. I love you so much.”

Jackson, a mom of two, said she has learned, "you don't have to be a perfect mom."