Welcome

Jeffrey J. Merrick, Esq. is a veteran criminal defense attorney in Los Angeles specializing in drug, alcohol and mental health cases. Known for his expertise in alternative sentencing and care advocacy, he is also a respected member of the national treatment and recovery communities. With over twenty-five years in practice, Jeffrey’s clients always get the best legal defense and case resolution. He is known for winning defense strategies and for creating alternatives to criminal punishment.

Jeffrey is also a professional interventionist with over fifteen years of experience facilitating behavioral and mental health interventions. Solid training, experience, treatment planning and recovery knowledge all come into play in a time-honored process of intervention. Jeffrey helps employers, colleagues, families and friends engage their loved one in a new way, transforming crisis into lasting recovery. Intervention is breakthrough work, a process with many moving parts. Intervention is also a process over time, requiring strategic partnership, teamwork, thorough preparation and a solid plan of action.

Acceptance and entry to the highest quality treatment is the main objective of intervention, but also just the beginning of the process. Jeffrey guides a wide range of clients and their loved ones from standstill to solution. His intervention style is highly structured, drawing heavily on his personal longterm recovery and experience in the field. It is a style that is heart-centered and far more invitational than confrontational.

Jeffrey is a strong voice for wellness in and outside the courtroom. He excels at building the strategic partnerships and creative alliances required to win cases, inspire real change and promote client and family healing. He routinely collaborates with some of the best programs, experts and practitioners in the country. Jeffrey works well with all ages and a variety of complex client and family needs. He provides recovery solutions and support through each phase of the legal, intervention, treatment and recovery process.

Reach out for a confidential consultation.

Attorney

Jeffrey J. Merrick, Esq. has been practicing law in California for over twenty-five years, with national law firm litigation experience leading to several years of criminal defense practice. He specializes in alternative sentencing through the courts. He has worked in addiction and mental health treatment, which often comes into play in advocating for client recovery and other alternatives to criminal punishment. The usual form of punishment for criminal defendants, and especially those with alcohol and drug-related charges, is jail and even prison sentences.

Jeffrey works quickly with a client facing a criminal case, analyzing all potential charges and preparing the best possible defense. He knows that these charges often can throw a client and family into fear and crisis, threatening the client’s rights, freedom, reputation, record, the ability to move forward in an academic or professional career. This is why every client’s unique goals and needs are discussed upfront, alongside the legal issues presented. Read more…

I have been a colleague with Jeffrey Merrick in the field of Addiction Recovery for many years. We have had close communication in assisting many members of the community through his Professional Intervention services to get help and stay the course through treatment. I have had on many occasions some clients needing legal assistance which he has guided them through with care and precision. I would highly recommend the services of both intervention and legal assistance from Jeffrey. He is a devoted professional in our field.

Samantha Stone
Cornerstone of Southern California

Jeffrey Merrick is one of the most capable interventionists and treatment facilitators I have come into contact with since I started working at the Prescott House 15 years ago. We specialize in complex dual diagnosis clients and most of our clients come from out of state. A lot of our clients are in need of an intervention process and many have legal issues as well as a result of their behaviors. I feel that Jeffrey is the Swiss-Army knife of interventionists because he can  operate at so many levels. His standing as an attorney can prove to be quite useful in persuading the criminal justice system to consider treatment instead of incarceration. Jeffrey is very adept in the tricky intervention environment and is able to break through the sometimes elaborate walls of denial that those in need of treatment build around themselves. He is also able to help fractured families to begin the healing process. I would definitely recommend his services as a consultant, a legal advocate or an interventionist.

Dave Frey
Admissions Facilitator, Prescott House

I have worked with Jeff Merrick for almost 12 years now. The clients I have referred him have not only had great outcomes with court issues but also and more importantly Jeff assists client in their recovery. His intervention work is as excellent as his legal expertise. He assists families in helping their loved one get back on the right path. Jeff definitely has the client’s best interest at heart in both of his areas of expertise.

Ashton Abernethy
AVA Billing & Consulting

I’ve been fortunate to have worked with Jeff on several occasions and usually the more difficult cases. What makes Jeff so effective is his breadth of experience. As an interventionist and lawyer with years of his own personal recovery, Jeff is uniquely qualified to handle any and all aspects of the intervention process. Jeff is very compassionate and works equally well with clients and their families.  With a very large network of substance abuse and mental health professionals, Jeff is able to ensure that the best possible treatment is available. I highly recommend you give Jeff a call.

Jerry Rude
Director, Life Adjustment Team, Outpatient Programs

Jeffrey has repeatedly demonstrated a level of competence and professionalism that is rare in the Addiction Recovery industry. His legal expertise combined with his depth of knowledge of the dynamics of addiction, makes Jeffrey uniquely qualified to serve as an advocate for treatment as an alternative to incarceration when a clien’s case is being adjudicated. I have thoroughly enjoyed my relationship with Jeffrey and I look forward to our continued collaboration.

Rick Hubbard
Origins Recovery Centers

Jeffrey is a compassionate, skilled attorney and interventionist who combines great training with an uncanny ability to motivate complex cases towards change. This ability coupled with his legal practice has been instrumental in helping clients of mine get access to the help they need. It is the presence of someone as caring as Jeffrey who carries the appropriate leverage that can make the difference in the difficult Interventions. I strongly endorse and recommend him. He is as good as it gets!

John Morris
Reach Aftercare

Jeffrey Merrick was a great person to find in this industry. The combination of interventionist and attorney-at-law is ideal for many of our clients. I have worked closely with Mr. Merrick on both mental health and drug and alcohol abuse cases where his communication, his assistance to the family and my program was above and beyond. He resolved the case and allowed our patient to stay in treatment with minimal interruption. Working with Mr. Merrick is also a pleasure – he is funny, witty and truly cares about what he does.

Lindsey M. Means
Chief Operating Officer, A Mission for Michael

Having strong and cohesive relationships with other professionals working in the addiction and mental health field are vital for the health of my clients. The ease in collaborating with Jeff is one reason we frequently call on him. His combination of legal skill and compassionate interventions can be difficult to find in one person. Additionally, Jeff’s dedicated follow through has proven valuable for the long-term needs this vulnerable population often require.

Carson Winn, LCSW
Alo House Recovery Centers

I have worked with Mr. Merrick in both capacities on a professional level and find his approach and experience extremely beneficial when dealing with people in crisis.

Simon Stone
Cornerstone of Southern California

I am a Licensed Social Worker and Interventionist that works in the mental health and substance abuse field for over a decade. For the last several years I have collaborated with Jeff Merrick with many complex cases. I am pleased to give Mr. Merrick my highest endorsement. Jeff always goes above and beyond to help my clients and their families. He’s fantastic on keeping our clients informed with every aspect of the cases. Jeff demonstrates a sophisticated knowledge of case law, navigates well with the courts, and the intricacies that are involved. He’s always extremely responsive by email and phone, responding immediately every time. When my clients and their families engage with Mr. Merrick they are very lucky to have him working for them.

Jonathan Rauch, LMSW, CASAC-T, CIP
CDI Interventions

Jeff is a consummate professional who possesses integrity and compassion when dealing with clients. I have worked with him personally and professionally. I highly recommend Jeffrey Merrick.

David Mallow
Recovery GPS

I know Jeff Merrick as a personal friend, and as an accomplished professional as a lawyer and interventionist. I can state absolutely that Jeff offers his clients a unique and exceptional background of knowledge, integrity and professionalism. Jeff is one of the few individuals that I have absolute confidence in, and I routinely refer to. On a personal level, Jeff represents the qualities of great moral character and intellect demanded of a professional in the law, as well as in the addiction treatment community. Jeff’s dedication to our profession, and his demeanor reflect well on him, and I believe brings great credit to the legal community and addiction treatment community. I strongly recommend Jeff to all who need his help.

M. David (Mick) Meagher, Esq.
Attorney At Law, Interventionist

One of the most principled, innovative and effective attorneys I have ever worked with. The real deal.

Ed Spatola
New Found Life

I have worked with Jeff Merrick on a few matters and have always found him to be the ultimate professional interventionist. His skills are made even more effective because of his compassion and commitment to his clients. Jeff brings years of experience and expertise to the table, and is also a genuinely concerned, caring individual who miraculously always seems to be able to be there when needed. His huge success appears effortless, but is clearly a result of extreme dedication and skills.

Edward C. Stark, Esq.
Attorney At Law / Professor of Law / Cron, Israels & Stark

I have been a recovery professional for several years and routinely recommend my friend and colleague Jeff Merrick to clients and families in crisis. He is a committed, knowledgeable and seasoned attorney who consistently gets great results for his clients and motivates them to make better choices. Where the client has substance abuse or mental health disorders, and so often these days clients are struggling with both, Jeff is a strong voice in the courtroom for client care and alternative sentencing. Jeff is also one of the best interventionists in the field and an invaluable resource not just to families with treatment resistant loved ones, but to the treatment programs they go to. He stays connected to the clients and families he works with, and understands that intervention, like recovery, is a process and a family affair.

Meg Higgins, CADAC
Certified Drug & Alcohol Counselor

With the current landscape of the criminal justice system, now more than ever we need more professionals like Jeffrey Merrick. Mr. Merrick is a skilled criminal defense attorney and interventionist. Often the first time we are able to identify there is a concern regarding substance use or mental health the individual in need has recently has interaction with law enforcement. Mr. Merrick helps navigate the criminal justice system in a professional and compassionate way. We as a society are not able to incarcerate our way out of mental health epidemic. Alternative sentencing options used by Mr. Merrick are essential for helping those in need.

Adam McClean
Sabino Recovery / National Care Advocate

Jeff Merrick is like no other Substance Abuse Professional that I have ever had the opportunity to work with – being that he is both an Intervention Specialist and Attorney at Law. This combination has proven extremely beneficial to many of our clients. Jeff has always provided incredibly insightful direction to my clients facing legal challenges. Jeff is one of those incredibly passionate and caring professionals that will help me and guide me with legal challenges even when he wasn’t going to take on the case himself. Those are ethics. That is true passion for helping others. With respects to being an Intervention Specialist, Jeff is extremely knowledgeable, trusted, respected and ethical. He is respected in his professionalism, and his follow through with families is impeccable. Jeff is an overall incredible professional who I would highly recommend to any family in need of his specific services.

Christopher Bennett, CADC-II, CIP, BRI-I
Chris Bennett Interventions

Jeff Merrick provides a unique combination of expertise and skills to clients facing and professionals treating substance use and mental health disorders. Being a seasoned criminal defense attorney and alternative sentencing specialist allows Jeff to partner with the courts, bridging clients out of the criminal justice system and into necessary treatment. From extensive training and practice of intervention, Jeff understands and provides for the motivational and social needs of his clients and their families. Add to this Jeff’s personal and professional commitment to recovery and you will find a professional uniquely prepared to help clients and families facing the most difficult situations.

David Lisonbee
CEO & President, Twin Town Treatment Center

Jeffrey Merrick is an excellent interventionist, attorney, and legal advocate in support of treatment and recovery. I have had the pleasure to work side by side with Jeffrey on multiple cases, in which his ability to address legal concerns, communicate effectively with district attorneys, navigate the criminal justice system, and act as a liaison to the court on behalf of his clients, all come together to create an extraordinary skill — and one that is much needed in the field of addiction intervention. Jeffrey is also an excellent interventionist in his own right, who is passionate about recovery and dedicated to the families he works with. I am honored to call Jeffrey both a colleague and a friend.

Jenny Rodin
Hope Interventions

The complex and critical manner in which successful interventions are expedited depends solely on the knowledge and experience of the interventionist. The intervention is the suffering person’s first step of surrender into the recovery process. Jeff Merrick is professional, compassionate, extremely knowledgeable, and most importantly, invested in the recovery process of the addict and the addict’s family.

Janine Fox CATC II, CAADE
Wildwood Recovery

Jeff Merrick is a long awaited hope in this industry. He has both the intervention and professional legal experience to help clients navigate their darkest hours and emerge hopeful, with a plan for recovery. I have worked with Jeff and would recommend him to anyone.

Jamie C. Vance
Addiction Professional

I have known Jeffrey Merrick for the past 6 years on a professional and personal level. I have partnered with him on multiple cases and he is always my first call when it comes to advocating for my clients with the courts. He navigates the legal system with deftness and ease, guiding the families with whom we have worked into long term solution. Whenever I think of Jeffrey, I think of a man who is caring, fair, ethical and does whatever he can to help the families he works with move past the problem and into the solution. There are few people that I will summarily recommend, but Jeffrey is one of them.

Sean Firtel, RAS, CIP
Interventionist. CEO & Founder, West Coast Recovery Centers

Jeffrey Merrick is one of the best. Whether you are having a legal problem or your loved one needs an intervention for substance abuse and/or mental health, Mr Merrick navigates with skill, grace and compassion. I would not hesitate in hiring him.

Dr. Louise Stanger, Ed.D, LCSW, BRI II, CIP
Founder/Director, All About Interventions

I have known Jeff Merrick for ten years and have worked with him in many capacities. Jeff has a gift for working with families and directing them towards the healthy change that is needed for them to grow. As a gifted attorney, Jeff has the ability to also intervene on complex legal cases that so many times are an added roadblock to recovery. He is an honest and ethical man who I would recommend to anybody struggling with an addicted loved one and the legal consequences of their behaviors.

Kathy Oyler, CIP, CAT
Divine Interventions

I met and worked Jeff Merrick several years ago and immediately could see he had a great passion for his work. His ability to connect with and guide families in tough times was impressive. Jeff is armed with a very unique set of skills and continues to perfect merging them. His legal background with his family work and his intervention skills are what makes what he does so special. Jeff’s work does not end when he drops off a client, actually it has just begun. He follows-up on the client and when possible will show up to support and assist if a client needs it. It’s a pleasure knowing Jeff personally as well as working with him professionally.

Manny Rodriguez
Director, La Fuente Hollywood Treatment Center

Over the past ten years I have worked on numerous client cases with Jeffrey Merrick. I can honestly say that I have never met a man that cares so much about the families and clients he represents. Jeffrey will go above and beyond to make sure his client’s needs are met. He is one of the most honest and ethical men I have ever had the pleasure of working with, he will never compromise his values and will never lead a person down the wrong path.

The combination of personal and professional experience give him with the utmost competence to fight addiction head on. Whether he is representing the family or the client, they will always have the best possible care.

Kim Self, M.A.

Jeffrey Merrick is one of the rare attorneys who is not only professionally invested in his clients’ cases, but also emotionally invested in his clients’ lives. Jeffrey is the first person on my speed dial to collaborate with on cases where clients need diversion or alternative sentencing options. He is passionate and committed to client’s recovery and I’ve personally worked with Jeffrey in obtaining successful outcomes for clients in need of recovery resources, placement and intervention. He has always been a great resource for myself and my clients and I am pleased to call him a trusted colleague.

Nafisé Nina Hodjat, Esq.
Managing Attorney, DUI Partners
Intervention

An intervention is a serious, well-planned conversation with a loved one expressing concern over his or her mental health problems and/or abuse of drugs or alcohol. The process needs to be supportive and heart-centered, free of anger, judgment or blame.

Interventions can be a one-on-one conversation, but are much more successful if several people are involved. After thorough preparation and action planning, a group of people that the individual loves and respects comes together to present a pre-planned conversation about the addiction and/or mental health problems that need to be addressed. Everyone joining the conversation is there to offer love, encouragement and hope with the unified objective of helping the loved one accept the treatment he or she needs.

It is a widespread misconception that you have to wait for your loved one to reach “bottom” before moving forward with an intervention. The truth is that most individuals in a worsening cycle of addiction and other untreated mental health disorders are at a point where they cannot see their problem clearly let alone create a treatment solution. It is also true that it becomes harder to reach a loved one the longer they remain in untreated and worsening chemical dependency and/or mental illness.

Experience has shown that it is a much better strategy for concerned family and friends to focus more on whether they have had enough of seeing the person they love continue to put themselves and others at risk, hurt themselves and keep self-destructing. Most intervention teams come together and take action when they can accept that they are at a “bottom” all their own — the point where they decide that they cannot and will not continue to see the person they love slip away in worsening health and at risk for bad outcomes.

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Jeffrey 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 to provide 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 whenever we need it.

We highly recommend Jeffrey as an interventionist and sober support person.

Shelly R.
Marina Del Rey, California

Today is the eve of my second year of recovery. I want to thank Jeff Merrick for the important role he played in a critical time in my early recovery. He helped me put my recovery first, introduced me to the local recovery community and helped me prevail in an extended professional licensing board action and investigation that threatened to take away my ability to practice medicine. He helped me build a positive record and plan of action, advocated for my continuing recovery and helped me continue the work I am meant to do. He also helped me liaison and strategize with an impressive array of other professionals and experts to present a winning case. I am grateful for his patient, loving and honest support and encouragement for me to grow and keep moving forward. Anyone needing his expert assistance should know they can count on him and that he truly cares about their success not just as clients but as human beings.

Dr. Stewart L., MD
Hancock Park, California

I want to tell you that in the most sincere way I can say via email, rather than in person, I don’t know how I would have survived and dealt with the past 3+ months without you. I have spoken and worked with many many professionals in the field of addiction and psychiatry in regards to [my daughter’s] extensive issues and no one has come close to helping me deal with all that’s evolved with addiction, legal and mental health issues. You have been wonderful. Thank you.

Melody T.
Boston, Massachusetts

William is 5 months sober today because of the time you took to answer my call in November last year. Thank you, thank you!

Robert L.
West Hollywood, California

I am the father of an adult addict who could not control his addiction. My son died at the age of 25 from an overdose. I want to let people in need know that Jeffrey Merrick is without a doubt the best source of quality information in regards to addictions. He has helped my family during the insanity and after the death of my son. Jeff has also been a true friend for my three other children, allowing them to be able to gain their trust in him as they now often call on his kindness and understanding to help them through these hard times. Jeff has been a beacon of light in the darkest times for me and was a champion for my son before his death. He handled all legal matters that inherently become a reality as the disease of addiction progresses. I would recommend Jeff to any friend or family member sooner rather than later.

Thomas P.
Fresno, California

Without the help, caring, and love of Jeffrey Merrick, my son would not be alive today. My son was on his final downward spiral in his horrible addiction. My husband and I had tried everything known to man to help our son. Nothing worked. No rehab, doctor or medication could get through to him. Tragically, my husband was killed in a plane crash ten days after our son turned 20 years old. My worst fears were realized as my son went totally over the edge.

Jeff was recommended to me and I called him immediately. He took charge right away, was honest with me about what was going to happen and what I would need to do to help get my son to one last rehab. Though both my son and I were struggling with our broken hearts, I had to be strong and turn my son over to Jeff and what he said to do. It was so hard. My son fought Jeff at every turn. I had to hang the phone up on my son and tell him not to call me again unless he listened to Jeff. I couldn’t have done what I did without Jeff guiding me everyday and helping me stay strong. I had called Jeff to help my son, but he helped me as well, and just as much.

Jeff got him on a plane and flew with him to Florida. He took him to a wonderful rehab that deals with grief as well as addiction. We just celebrated his first year of being sober in five years. I have spoken with Jeff several times and we have emailed and kept in touch over this last year. Jeff is in it all the way with the families that he helps. He has many resources and shares them with you. I highly recommend Jeff to anyone who needs his services. You couldn’t have a better friend in your corner and he will do anything in his power to help you and your loved one.

Mary C.
Raleigh, North Carolina

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.

Ron D.
Los Angeles, California

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.

Marike B.
West Hollywood, California

My brother-in-law was a struggling crack addict who was in denial about his situation and unwilling to seek treatment. He didn’t recognize the negative effects of his behavior on himself and others. Jeff Merrick, as an interventionist, presented a structured opportunity to make changes before things got even worse. Jeff’s resolve along with his knowledge and compassionate caring nature for both the team members and patient were outstanding.

Jeff plans out the process and keeps everyone informed as to their duties and responsibilities.He gathers information, builds an intervention team, and helps them to decide on specific consequences.

Communications between Jeff and team members is an integral part of the process.He manages the process and gets team members thinking along the same lines when it comes to consequences. He is always there to answer questions and explain what will happen next in the intervention process.

I’m happy to report my brother-in-law has been drug free for almost one year, and is working and contributing to society. Without Jeff, the outcome would have been far different.

Steve A.
Palos Verdes, California

Jeff’s knowledge and support as I was going through a difficult legal matter was superb and simply the best! He was always responsive and looking out for my best interest and how to further help me during a difficult time. I am forever grateful for Jeff and what he has done for me.

Lane B.
Ventura, California

We know first hand how attuned Jeff is to his clients, possessing a great deal of empathy tempered with intellect, background and forward thinking. We have the highest praise for this man!

Sandi & John C.
Roanoake, Virginia

My family and I have been blessed to work with Jeff for the last seven months. My family reached out to Jeff to hold an intervention for my drug addiction and get me into a treatment facility. Jeff has been supportive of my journey the whole way through and goes above and beyond to stay in touch with my family and keep them updated and answer any questions they may have. He also helped me with legal issues I had hanging over my head and worked to make sure my record stayed as clean as possible. Jeff is personable, compassionate, and invested in his clients’ lives, and never fails to inspire and encourage. I am honored to know him and I would highly recommend Jeff to anyone.

Amanda L.
Costa Mesa, California

We immediately saw Jeff Merrick’s passion for helping recovering addicts get their lives back on track. He took the time to explain what we could expect every step of the way. His knowledge, humor, and genuine concern for both of us and our daughter greatly helped us through a very difficult situation. Jeff was able to work through several courts to get multiple charges and sentences cleared up for our daughter. We were extremely happy with the outcome and highly recommend his services to anyone.

Jane & Rick P.
Newport Beach, California

Wow where to start … Six months ago my family received a strong recommendation from a very esteemed residential treatment center to work with Jeffrey Merrick. I was beyond my rock bottom, and the last thing I wanted was another clinical stranger passing their judgments 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 ground using his impeccable network of his own experiences, relevant colleagues, comprehensive understanding of sobriety in Los Angeles, and unmatched emotional intelligence and empathy. Today I am not only six 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.

Drew M.
Brentwood, California

Jeffrey Merrick is truly an angel in my life! I was referred to Jeffrey and right away I knew he would have my best interests at heart. He is passionate, dedicated, and responsive. He is always checking in with me to make sure I’m keeping up with my DUI classes and other terms. I came to Jeffrey with a pretty bad DUI case, a hit and run and crashed into 3 cars. Jeffrey got the hit and run charge dropped and now all I’m having to do is a few classes. I know people with similar cases and they are doing WAY more than I am. Jeffrey is very quick and very sharp, and not only that I have built a great relationsip with him because unlike most attonerys I can actually talk to him which is absolutely amazing! In addition to being a wonderful attorney, he also went far beyond my expectations by genuinely expressing concern for what I was experiencing. I could go on and on about him but once you talk to him in the first minute you will know he’s the one you want.

Amanda E.
Santa Monica, California

When my sister and I realized that our brother was an addict we were devastated. We had no idea how to handle the situation. We were terrified. We got busy networking and by the grace of God we found Jeff. He spent several hours with us evaluating my brother’s needs and helping us find the appropriate treatment program for him. Jeff guided and coached us as a family into stronger boundaries, and as a united team we had a successful intervention. We were able to break through my brother’s denial and resistance, put real consequences into place, and offer him treatment as the only solution. My brother agreed to enter treatment, came to understand we would only support him in recovery and he is still sober today. I don’t know what we would have done without Jeff. He was there for all of us any time we needed him, and almost a year later, he still is. I will always be grateful to Jeff for saving my brother’s life.

Paula A.
Los Angeles, CA

For years we have watched our son struggle with jobs, relationships, and general life management. We thought there might be a problem with alcohol and that an intervention could help, but we weren’t sure. We contacted Jeffrey Merrick initially just to have him help us decide if an intervention was necessary/appropriate. He guided us with many questions until it became quite obvious that alcohol was a serious problem.

Jeffrey met with us many times before the intervention (via Skype), guiding us along the process, helping us with book suggestions, video links, and helping us organize the details of the actual day. When the day came for the intervention, we felt VERY prepared and confident in our part. Jeffrey also with the other members of the intervention team, so they, also, knew exactly what was expected.

The first twenty minutes of the intervention were worth Jeff’s entire fee. He addressed my son (and the rest of us) with such compassion, understanding, and love, that he set the tone for the rest of the morning. We were all very nervous and stressed out, but he managed to keep everyone on track with his loving guidance, so that the intervention proceeded quite beautifully. Our son agreed he had a problem, and he and Jeff left that afternoon for the treatment program.

Jeff has continued to support us through the treatment period. We Skype’d with him almost every week, as he keeps us apprised of the recovery process, and what to expect in the future.

Jeffrey Merrick made an enormous difference in our lives. He is in recovery himself, so he really understands the disease of addiction. He is compassionate but firm, loving but smart; he doesn’t fall for any manipulations or lies. What a gift it has been to work with him, and to see our beautiful son get sober.

I highly recommend Jeffrey to anyone needing an interventionist. His background as a lawyer, a recovering user, and a compassionate heart make him ideal for this work.

Kay D.
Colorado Springs, Colorado

Jeff was my interventionist and criminal defense attorney five 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 out a deal where all of my cases were closed and past felonies expunged. Today I am almost five 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.

Laurel H.
Los Angeles, California

About one year ago my son entered a rehab for drug and alcohol abuse and was doing quite well.  Unfortunately, he relapsed after being clean for nine months and had legal problems stemming from his relapse –  so I was referred to Jeffrey Merrick, Attorney and Interventionist.   Immediately during our initial conversation I was impressed by Mr Merrick’s calm mannerism yet “direct approach to the facts on hand” attitude. He was straightforward, explaining what to expect regarding the case, and at the same time he was positive, professional, and reassuring, always returning a phone call ASAP -how rare is this!  His knowledge of the law, in addition to his understanding compassion of the circumstances was such a comfort.  He is an articulate, confident and smart, as well as a unique individual, giving his time, skills, effort and guidance to my son and all the family with kindness.  Mr Merrick has helped initiate a “real” change in my son’s attitude, and has encouraged him through the ups and downs of his addiction. This is something you ordinarily do not find in an attorney –  just as I previously mentioned “a unique individual”.

Donna N.
Brooklyn, New York

I was so lost before running in to Jeffrey. He was referred through a colleague that is an attorney but doesn’t quite have the same resources as Jeffrey. He was very helpful working my friend through rehab and guiding our family through this treacherous process. He is an Excellent resource to have.

Grace J.
Mount Hope, Kansas

James Russell Lowell said, “All God’s angels come to us disguised”. Our angel appeared in the guise of legal counsel for our son’s transgressions; as a sober coach for our son; as an interventionist, and as a caring advocate. Jeffrey Merrick possesses the gifts of keen intuition and immense empathy. His words soothe a tortured heart, and his messages lift downtrodden spirits. Jeffrey  lives his own personal life in recovery, which enriches his impact on those whose lives have been wrecked by addiction. From our initial contact with this extraordinary man, we felt an intense connection. Jeffrey continues to play a multi-faceted role in the recovery of our son and supports us in our own personal healing. His law profession, intervention training, personal insight, and amazing talents have each surfaced at just the precise moment of need.

Greg & Linda G.
Kansas City, Missouri

Our son has struggled over the years from serious mental health and substance abuse disorders.  He was facing criminal charges and was in custody in Orange County recently for a theft that occurred during a complete mental breakdown.  Jeff Merrick came highly recommended to us as someone who would help not just with the legal issues but who was also knowledgeable about how the legal issues intersect with both addiction and mental disorders. Together we were able to bridge our son to much needed treatment, and the case was ultimately dismissed in exchange for the continuing care our son’s long-term recovery still very much depends on. Jeff was able to maximize alternative sentencing options, promote ongoing treatment and build strategic partnerships with my son’s treatment team, the Court and the District Attorney. We would not have been able to navigate both the out-of-state court system or the mental health system without his guidance and advocacy.  He is a committed and knowledgeable advocate for his client’s care, and understands the importance of family health and wellness to recovery.  We would recommend Jeff highly to anyone needing his assistance.

Dana H.
Nashville, Tennessee

Jeffrey has truly been a blessing to our family during a very stressful and uncertain time with our daughter. Jeffrey has been working with us as an interventionist and care advocate since July, 2018. 

He has always shown compassion and commitment to helping our family through many trials. He always brings integrity and calm to formulating interventions. He has an amazing resource network of treatment facilities and care advocates all across the country. He is very thoughtful in alignment of treatment facilities that best meet his clients’ needs. He cares deeply about his clients and is always ready to help in any way he can.

You are never prepared when dealing with an adult child with addiction and Jeffrey brings wisdom and expertise that helps greatly. He has been instrumental in helping encourage our recovery as parents as well. He uses a very holistic approach caring for the family as a whole. We are so grateful for Jeffrey for all he has done to help our family and our daughter.

Stacy & John R.
Rancho Santa Fe, California

If one needs an attorney with the courts for alternative sentences, an interventionist for the family and a friend in your darkest hours be it for yourself or a loved one, Jeff Merrick is your person.  We became friends in my quest to get my son some help with his court cases and to overcome some serious resistance my son had to the treatment he needed. Jeff is passionate in all he does, knows the 12 step program and was a total Godsend for myself and my son. Having someone like Jeff in my corner in those hours was truly a blessing.

Randy H.
Altadena, California