Decker v Washington, Los Angeles County Superior Court Case Number BC700973.


From the Los Angeles court online case records it is Lawzilla's understanding the following occurred:

Attorney Doug Mastroianni is the attorney for the plaintiff in motor vehicle accident case.




During the lawsuit the defendant served discovery requests to produce documents and to answer written questions about Mr. Mastroianni's client's claims.

Responses were not provided.

Defense counsel made multiple attempts to meet and confer about the matter, but no responses to the discovery requests were made.

Defendant then brought motions to compel and sought sanctions.




Lawzilla's review of the online court file indicated Doug Mastroianni, Esq., did not file an opposition to the motions to compel or sanctions requests. The judge also indicated no opposition was filed to the motions.

In a tentative ruling the judge said the motions would be granted.

Plaintiff would be given ten days to answer the discovery without objection




The judge also said sanctions of $1290 would be imposed against attorney Doug Mastroianni, as well as his clients.




When it came time for the court hearing on the motions attorney Mastroianni did not appear in court. The judge's minute order indicates both attorneys submitted to the tentative ruling.

The judge then said the tentative order would stand as the final ruling of the court.

Note: At the time this article was prepared the California State Bar had initiated disciplinary action against attorney Doug Mastroianni.

There have been no rulings or determinations about the bar's allegations. They are simply that: allegations.

The bar also released a "consumer alert" against Mastroianni related to a claim that he made a major misappropriation of client funds.




With regard to the sanctions order, it is unknown why discovery was not being responded to or what the discussions were between attorney Mastroianni and his client.

To us, though, it is not a good look when a motion is filed seeking sanctions against an attorney and the lawyer does not oppose the motion.

Would you hire Doug Mastroianni as an attorney?

Why? With the pending State Bar action there is a possibility he may be suspended or disbarred and unable to complete your case.

There are thousands of great attorneys in California not subject to consumer alerts or bar disciplinary action. We suggest finding one.

Lawzilla found a California State Bar order, involving a different attorney, that being sanctioned can itself cause State Bar discipline for failing to competently perform legal services.

Albert Douglas Mastroianni was admitted to the California Bar in 1990. Bar Number 150438.

A. Douglas Mastroianni
Post Office Box 3548
Pls Vrds Pnsl, CA 90274-9505

Law School: University of Pennsylvania

Sanctions are Recoverable as a Judgment - Analysis of the little known fact that sanctions awarded in a lawsuit can be enforced as their own separate judgment. Surprise someone by putting a lien on their bank account, home, wages, etc.