- American Owned & Veteran Operated
Expert Witness Services
Court-qualified testimony on police service dog training, deployment and use of force, backed by nearly 50 years of selecting, training and supplying working dogs to law enforcement.
Why Adlerhorst
Adlerhorst has been retained in over 75 cases. Not every case goes to trial, but every case presented to a jury has resulted in a verdict in our favor, in both civil and criminal matters.
Because of that record, court challenges have decreased over the years. Under Michael Reaver, Adlerhorst remains active in representing police service dogs as a positive asset to law enforcement and our communities.
Our Experts
President · Lead Expert Witness
Now leading Adlerhorst expert witness services. Working with police K9s since 1993, U.S. Army veteran, and former full-time trainer for a U.S. Army special mission counterterror unit.
Founder · Retired
Founded Adlerhorst in 1976 and built its court record as the first expert retained in the use and training of police service dogs. Now retired, his work set the standard Michael carries forward.
Began working with police K9s in 1993
Completed basic narcotics detection and basic patrol courses at the Adlerhorst K9 Academy at age 15
Deployed to Kosovo as an Infantry Fire Team Leader (2000)
Deployed to Iraq as an Infantry Squad Leader (2004)
Assisted with detection and basic patrol courses
Worked with handlers and agencies across the country
Built an explosive detection method for a large airport police department, still in use
Several K9 procurement trips to Europe
Prepared dogs and handlers for the global war on terror
Helped train the first K9 teams for the FBI Hostage Rescue Team and United Kingdom Special Air Service
Instructed Ranger and Special Forces battalions plus Canadian and German special operations forces
Trained K9 Cairo and his handler from Operation Neptune Spear
Procured and trained Combat Assault Dogs
Deployed to Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria; advised the unit Judge Advocate General on dog use under the Geneva Convention
Travels to Europe six times a year to select dogs
Lead instructor for the basic handler course; about 70 K9 teams trained each year
Court Record
Court qualified as an expert on dog behavior, training and deployment of police service dogs, detection dogs and privately owned dogs, with additional qualification as a dog bite expert.
The Ninth Circuit has created case law in three canine cases. It is considered the most hostile circuit toward law enforcement, yet it is the only circuit with positive canine cases leading to case law.
Retained or consulted in these cases referred to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. Use of a police service dog was deemed acceptable in every one.
A partial list of cases in which Adlerhorst has been designated as an expert, including pending and settled cases.
| Year | Case | Court |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | State of California v Herring | Superior Court, Los Angeles |
| 2015 | Vega v Riverside | U.S. Federal Court, Riverside |
| 2015 | Casey v Kern County | U.S. Federal Court, Fresno |
| 2015 | Garlick v Kern County | U.S. Federal Court, Fresno |
| 2016 | Ali Alkhafaji v CHP | U.S. Federal Court, San Diego |
| 2016 | Deferraz v City of Hemet | U.S. Federal Court, Riverside |
| 2016 | McQuery v San Diego | U.S. Federal Court, San Diego |
| 2017 | Newman v Fresno County | U.S. Federal Court, Fresno |
| 2018 | Koistra v San Diego | U.S. Federal Court, San Diego |
| 2018 | Reader v Arizona DPS | Superior Court, Maricopa County |
| 2018 | Cheatum v San Diego | U.S. Federal Court, San Diego |
| 2018 | Chavarria v Downey | U.S. Federal Court, Los Angeles |
| 2018 | Rocha v Spokane County | U.S. Federal Court, Spokane |
| 2018 | Cash v San Diego | U.S. Federal Court, San Diego |
| 2018 | Rushing v Butte County | U.S. Federal Court, Sacramento |
| 2018 | Judge v LA County | U.S. Federal Court, Los Angeles |
| 2019 | People v Alex Geiger | Superior Court, San Luis Obispo |
| 2021 | Judge v LA County | Superior Court, Los Angeles |
Agencies
Law enforcement agencies across the western United States have retained Adlerhorst as a court-qualified expert.
Credentials
Fees
Initial Retainer
$3,500
Applies to any work conducted on the case. Due upon designation of the expert witness.
Office Rate
$300 per hour
Document review, report preparation, deposition and courtroom preparation, and telephone consultations.
Examination of K9
$300 per hour
Does not include travel and mileage.
Deposition and Trial Testimony
$450 per hour
Agencies on monthly maintenance training receive 20% off testimony.
Travel
$50 per hour
Plus $0.50 per mile from Jurupa Valley, California. Beyond 50 miles: $350 per day per diem plus hotel.
Agency Discount
20% off
Trial and deposition testimony for agencies currently contracted with Adlerhorst for monthly maintenance training.
Invoices are due within 30 days of the invoice date. A late fee of 10% per annum applies to overdue balances.
Call our office or email us to set up a meeting about a case or potential liability.
