In today’s complex and costly legal environment, navigating through the justice system can be overwhelming and financially draining. For those facing serious legal battles, the difference between freedom and incarceration often boils down to resources—financial and otherwise. Lifeline Capital Group, co-founded by Roy Sahachaisere and David Lamb, is aiming to change that by providing innovative financial solutions to help individuals and families weather these storms. In a recent interview with Travis Lindsay of CSUF Entrepreneurship, Roy and David shared their journey in founding the company and their vision for the future.
The Beginnings of Lifeline Capital Group
Roy Sahachaisere, a recent graduate from Cal State Fullerton, and co-founder David Lamb, came together with a shared mission. Lifeline Capital Group was born out of their experiences and observations working in the legal field. As David explains, “Money often makes the difference between someone’s freedom and incarceration for life.” With over 30 years of experience in criminal defense, David has seen firsthand how the legal process can be prohibitively expensive for most people, and how financial limitations can lead to devastating outcomes.
The two co-founders recognized that many individuals, especially those facing serious legal charges simply cannot afford the necessary defense costs. These costs aren’t limited to hiring attorneys but also extend to bail, expert witnesses, investigators, and other related expenses that quickly add up to hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The goal of Lifeline Capital Group is to help individuals finance these costs, ensuring that they have a fair chance in the legal system. Their company provides various financial products that allow clients to access the equity in their homes or other assets, giving them the funds they need to mount a strong defense. By offering tailored solutions, they aim to provide hope and assistance to those in their most vulnerable moments.
A Unique Approach to Legal Financing
Unlike any other business in the market, Lifeline Capital Group is focused on a very specific niche: financing for criminal defense cases. As Roy explains, “We are a business that doesn’t exist anywhere else. We’re the only ones doing this the way we are doing it.” This makes their approach both innovative and essential in a landscape where financial disparity can drastically impact the outcomes of legal proceedings.
David expands on the challenges that arise in serious criminal cases. For example, the cost of bail for serious charges can range between $500,000 and $1,000,000. Even if the defendant can post bail, they will still need to find ways to pay for their defense, which can cost another $100,000 or more. Without sufficient resources, many defendants are forced to settle for inadequate representation, often from lawyers who lack the expertise to handle complex cases.
“We’ve seen too many cases where defendants end up in jail or prison not because they were guilty, but because they couldn’t afford a proper defense,” says David. Lifeline Capital Group aims to level the playing field by providing access to the necessary funds, enabling defendants to hire experienced attorneys and other legal professionals.
Flipping the Script – A Podcast for Legal Empowerment
Beyond providing financial services, Lifeline Capital Group is also working to educate the public through their podcast, Flipping the Script. In this series, Roy and David dive deeper into the intricacies of the legal system, exploring topics such as the importance of securing a good defense and understanding the costs associated with legal battles. Their goal is to empower individuals with knowledge, so they can make informed decisions when faced with legal challenges.
The podcast is structured as a 10-part series that follows the criminal legal process from start to finish. David’s years of experience in criminal defense have given him a unique perspective on the emotional and financial toll of legal battles. The episodes focus on how individuals can better prepare for the legal process and how Lifeline Capital Group’s financial services can help them throughout.
“We want to give people hope that there are options,” says Roy. “Too often, people feel helpless and don’t know where to turn. Our podcast is about flipping the script on that narrative. We want people to know that they can take control of their situation and that there are resources available to help them.”
From Incubator to Marketplace – CSUF’s Role in Lifeline’s Success
Lifeline Capital Group is a resident of the CSUF Startup Incubator, which has provided Roy and David with the resources and support needed to launch their business. As a recent graduate of Cal State Fullerton, Roy has been able to leverage his education and the connections he made during his time at the university to help build the company’s infrastructure.
“We’re using everything we can from the CSUF ecosystem,” Roy explains. “From working with professors and students to utilizing incubator resources, we’ve been able to make significant progress in a short amount of time.”
Roy’s education at Cal State Fullerton played a critical role in the formation of Lifeline Capital Group. During his time in the entrepreneurship program, he learned how to turn business leads into marketable opportunities, a skill that has been essential in building their client base. “We’re utilizing surveys, market research, and strategies that I learned during my time at CSUF,” says Roy. “This has given us a solid foundation to grow our business.”
A Business with a Social Impact
Although Lifeline Capital Group is a for-profit business, Roy and David are deeply committed to making a positive social impact. “We’re in this to help people,” says Roy. “We want to make a difference in the lives of individuals and families who are facing some of the most difficult challenges imaginable.”
David adds, “Yes, we are a business and we do expect to make a profit, but we’re also focused on doing good for people. We believe that everyone deserves a fair chance, and that’s what drives us every day.”
In the future, Roy and David hope to expand Lifeline Capital Group’s services beyond California, reaching clients in other states and eventually across the country. They are also looking at developing new financial products, such as insurance offerings, that can provide additional support to their clients.
Looking Forward – What’s Next for Lifeline Capital Group?
As they look to the future, both Roy and David are optimistic about the growth of their business. “Right now, we’re focused on California, but we see this expanding nationwide,” says David. “There’s a real need for the services we provide, and we want to make sure we can help as many people as possible.”
In addition to expanding geographically, they also plan to add new financial products that can help their clients tap into other forms of equity, such as high-value personal assets like cars, art collections, and even businesses. “We’re constantly looking for new ways to serve our clients,” says Roy. “This is just the beginning.”
As Lifeline Capital Group continues to grow, their mission remains the same: to provide financial solutions that level the playing field for individuals facing serious legal challenges. With their innovative approach, commitment to social impact, and strong foundation at CSUF, Lifeline Capital Group is poised to make a significant difference in the legal finance industry.
If you’re interested in learning more about Lifeline Capital Group, check out their website at Lifeline Capital Group. You can also listen to their podcast, Flipping the Script, on their YouTube channel.