Best Criminal Defense lawyers in California

10,425 Criminal Defense Lawyers in California

>10.4k

experienced lawyers

George Alejandro Rios III

501 W Broadway Ste 960, San Diego, CA

Business Civil Rights Criminal Defense +1 +4

5.0/5

5.0

1 Reviews

5.0

2 Reviews

01 Mar, 2022 by Alma castro

09 Jan, 2021 by Douglas brown

Jeremy warren is the best attorney.Hes goes way and be one his Duty i never thought i would say that about any attorney or car salesman he took care of my case and then Coleen up the rest of my violations joint suspended and warrants if you Roll like i do Get Jeremy Warren

27 Jul, 2017 by Laura

What can I say George Rios helped us out when we had nowhere to turn. I am so thankful he was able to settle our case successfully. He's a young bright man that knows how to win a case. Highly recommend his counsel.

Joaquin Nava

872 E Front St Ste 100, Ventura, CA

Criminal Defense +1

5.0/5

5.0

3 Reviews

29 Jun, 2024 by Javier hidalgo

06 Nov, 2022 by Ruben r sanchez

Nice

30 Jun, 2022 by Charles hardison

Great defense attorney. Helped me get my felony charge dropped, then after being good for 6 months my misdemeanor charges were dropped too. Appeared for me at all my court dates so I didn't have to travel back to Ventura for every hearing. Took my case for HALF the amount that the LA lawyers wanted. Highly recommended.

Shelby Anne Poteet

2751 Roosevelt Rd Ste 204, San Diego, CA

Business Criminal Defense +2

5.0/5

5.0

3 Reviews

04 Aug, 2015 by Gary m.

Filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy was a very stressful and frightening time for me. There were so many things I was worried about before and during the filling process. Shelby Poteet was beyond incredible in handling my case. The level of professionalism was on point and my stress was easily diffused when working with Shelby and her associates. I couldn't have asked for a better experience. The communication between myself and her office was amazing and I was always kept informed of important information the entire time. I HIGHLY recommend Miss Shelby Poteet for lawyer services, especially for bankruptcy. It was a pleasure working with her!

08 May, 2015 by Carol

Shelby took care of my deposition in a bankruptcy case. I hadn't met her before that day. But she immediately put me at ease, told me exactly what was going to happen and what would come next. She was super patient with me - which couldn't have been easy, and her calm demeanor kept me at ease. She was willing to do whatever I needed in order to get me through. After that, she was great at keeping me informed and advised. I appreciate she has a sense of humor. In my case - she needed it. I never doubted her expertise and was not disappointed.

30 Apr, 2015 by Richard

Shelby was wonderful, friendly, and personable to work with. As my case progressed, Shelby kept me informed on a regular basis, and was always available when I would call for information. Shelby had the answers I needed, and when she didn't, she knew where to get them and get back to me quickly. My case was amazingly successful, and Shelby played a major part in coordinating all entities, Attorneys, Defendants, pounds of paperwork, filings, and hearing dates, together for the success we achieved. Thank you Shelby. As I thanked you in person, I thank you and your team again now.

Jason Allen Ewing

1600 Sacramento Inn Way, Sacramento, CA

Criminal Defense Family Law Personal Injury +3

5.0/5

5.0

3 Reviews

29 May, 2016 by Anika

I live outside of the state and contacted Ewing Law Group when I was faced with a stressful, frustrating case and a very short time frame that would require them to travel to another county. I spoke with Jason Ewing, and during our very first conversation it became clear that he is an honest person of integrity. I explained my situation, and he took the time to answer all of my initial questions, then advised me that he could take my case but that it would be cheaper for me to choose someone closer to the county where my case was filed. Knowing my financial situation, he also offered to help me complete paperwork myself, but in the end, I asked him to take the case to avoid the stress, and I am so glad I did. Through the course of working with Jason, he was very professional, but I felt more like I was communicating with a friend than simply an attorney. I never felt rushed, or that he was “squeezing me in”, even though I had a deadline coming up when I contacted him. He was very knowledgeable, and was always willing to answer any and all of my questions, no matter how annoying I’m sure they were. I tend to worry but he never discouraged my “what if” questions and was patient and understanding of all my concerns. He took the time to break things down into simple terms and make sure that I understood things clearly. I was impressed with his consistent promptness in returning calls and emails – there are attorneys who figure once they have your money, you are basically stuck, so you can wait until they get around to dealing with your situation. He informed me that he believes if he is being paid to perform a service, he owes it to his clients to address their concerns as soon as possible, which is something I really respect. He was very thorough, and I appreciated that if I sent him an email, he made a point to address each issue individually – I never had to email him again or call him back because something was overlooked. Jason went above and beyond in my case, and we got the outcome we wanted. I would not hesitate to recommend Ewing Law Group to my friends and family, and would call him immediately if I ever needed legal assistance in the state of California in the future.

18 Apr, 2014 by Kevin & kay

My wife and I who are senior citizens found ourselves in the grips of grave injustice's being waged against us . We were renting a home from a landlord who made our lives a living hell by failing to provide safe and habitable conditions, and then persecuting us for simply asking management to fix the problems. After my wife became very ill and had to be taken to the emergency room because her airway was closing and she couldn't breath due to the landlord failing to provide safe living conditions , we contacted a law firm. Jason Ewing and his co counsel Janet Haines handled our case with surgical precision, They listened to us and made us at ease, They immediately went to work for us, setting us at ease along the way, Jason and Janet guided us through the complicated litigation process comfortably, they took on what would be a complex muti- layered case, and with their experience, tenacity,and dedication to their clients they sought justice from the mighty insurance industry and a grizzly bear of an opposing counsel, With Jason and Janet's resolve, integrity, honesty, and an unyielding spirit of determination, we were successful in winning our case. Jason and Janet slew the dragon and proved there are angels among us. Thank you Jason and Janet.

26 Sep, 2013 by Courtney

Im one who doesn't trust law enforcement, judges or lawyers. Been through too much, too independent, and count on me. But... when I absolutely needed a lawyer I interviewed and hired jason! Family man. And more importantly was always communicated and in it for me not his own pocket. In this economy and world, he is a lawyer to count on for you not your check I ng account. Thanks jason for making my problem easier on my stress and being there and honest!

Margarette Marie Mow

107 S Fair Oaks Ave Ste 215, Pasadena, CA

Criminal Defense +1

5.0/5

5.0

3 Reviews

30 Aug, 2023 by Helen bashoura

I hired Fernando to complete a premarital agreement for me. He is so personable and pleasant to work with. He is very patient and transparent with all questions that you have. His assistant Darla was also on top of everything. I would highly recommend Fernando for your family law needs

29 Oct, 2021 by Douglas birns

06 May, 2018 by Justin bennett

Annie Berlin

11755 Wilshire Blvd Ste 2140, Los Angeles, CA

Criminal Defense Entertainment Family Law +1 +4

5.0/5

5.0

3 Reviews

29 Sep, 2015 by Steve

I got a DUI back in 2014. Without getting into the details, my DUI case is not the typical DUI case and the DA was playing "hardball." Annie spent over a year fighting for me, filed motions to suppress evidence and was ready to take my case to trial. She refused to take just some plea deal. Annie was always on top of my case and kept me informed and updated. I don't know any attorney that would have put in as much time and effort as Annie did. I knew I was in good hands with Annie and I could not be happier with the outcome of my case.

28 Apr, 2015 by Milo

My case had to do with intellectual property being infringed upon by some VERY big names in the entertainment business. Before coming to Annie, I had my case reviewed by several other lawyers who, I felt, were intimidated because of the high profiles maintained by the potential defendants in my case. NOT ANNIE, however! She displayed an outstanding grasp of the issues involved in my case from our very first meeting . She understood the delicate nature of my relationship with Blink 182 and handled my case with much discretion. She also really understood my music, which was extremely important to me. Annie's kind, caring nature and her prompt response to my e-mails and phone calls allow me to recommend her professional services to potential clients without reservation.

27 Feb, 2015 by Reid e. martin

I had a Workers Comp case handled by a Law firm who used Hearing Representatives instead of Attorney's. After three Mandatory settlement conferences and false promises over a two year period the firm woke up and brought Annie Berlin to join the firm. Annie got more done in a three week period than any Hearing representative did in a two year period. At the settlement conference she was dynamic, professional and took my interest in the settlement. Thank you Annie for stepping up and getting this case settled and keeping me informed of everything that was going on with this case.

Sean Michael Cassis

3281 E. Guasti Road, Suite 700, Ontario, CA

Bankruptcy Criminal Defense Family Law +1 +4

5.0/5

5.0

3 Reviews

11 Nov, 2016 by Valerie morley

He kept me from getting nervous and helped me prior to going in to the court room.

28 Oct, 2016 by Anonymous

He helped us with our chapter 7 banckruptcy a couple years ago and to this day any related issues to that he has been a quick response in helping clear any discripency

05 Sep, 2015 by Gerald

Mr Cassis represented me at my disability hearing on behalf of PREMIER DISABILITY. I felt that he did a GREAT job and was very professional, nice and well prepared.

Gregory E. Martin

485 Morro Bay Blvd., Suite 102, Morro Bay, CA

Business Criminal Defense Medical Malpractice +1 +4

5.0/5

5.0

3 Reviews

07 Jul, 2024 by Ziggyziggy805

Greg has helped me with getting a few of my start up business's going . Seems to be very honest and gets the job done in a diligent manner . I highly recommend him to anyone in need of a lawyer.

01 Mar, 2015 by Lacee

Greg helped me created articles of a corporation for my new company. He was very knowledagble of the process and advised me not to have the paperwork expedited, saving me 500 dollars. I recieved my company documents in just over a week and I could not be more satisfied.

01 Mar, 2015 by Ben

I recently found myself in immediate need of legal advice regarding my landlord's refusal to allow a family member to move into my apartment. A good friend referred me to Greg Martin and I am incredibly glad she did! Greg and his team quickly scheduled a time to talk and then walked me through my options. The advice they gave was crucial in ultimately getting my landlord to capitulate. Greg was very very clear and concise in his directions and seemed very invested in my case. I hope to never have to refer any friends/family for his services, but I would do so in a heartbeat if needed. Thanks Greg!

Theis Finlev

44 Montgomery St Ste 2800, San Francisco, CA

Criminal Defense +1

5.0/5

5.0

3 Reviews

24 Apr, 2019 by Randolph

Jason Wolford is truly the best attourney I've ever worked with. His legal expertise and professionalism went above and beyond my expectations. I am so grateful for his passion, dedication, and professionalism. Thank you so much!

16 Apr, 2019 by Lisa brewer

Jason Wolford professionally and brilliantly represented my case and made THE difference in the successful outcome as well as took a personal interest in my well-being during the process. I would emphatically recommend Jason Wolford as a powerful, professional and brilliant attorney who produces amazing results in a comfortable courageous atmosphere.

09 May, 2018 by Ken murphy

I was recently in a difficult--and frankly, scary--dispute with my landlord, and initially felt completely intimidated and overwhelmed by the situation. I talked to a number of attorneys, including several of the more well-known tenant's rights firms in the Bay Area, many of whom gave me the run-around, or agreed to handle some aspects of the case but not others. I'm very grateful that I finally connected with Jason. He took on the entirety of the case, and developed an overall strategy to navigate the complexities of the situation. He handled the case with great skill and competence, and brought it to a very positive conclusion. He's a clear, strategic thinker, fair-minded, and not intimidated by the bullying tactics one encounters in these situations. And he really is just a good guy, and treats his clients very fairly and honorably. If you find yourself in this kind of situation, look him up!

Jonathan Fang

382 N. Lemon Ave., Walnut, CA

Criminal Defense Estate Planning Family Law +3

5.0/5

5.0

3 Reviews

14 Jan, 2016 by Anonymous

I Called Jonathan for a "No License" citation. Jonathan got it dismissed. I called other law offcies/attorneys before contacting Mr.Fang and they where charging triple the price compared to Fang's fee. Affordable, Friendly, Proffessional overall great experience. I highly recommend him to anyone looking for an attorney.

06 Jan, 2016 by Anonymous

Jonathan was great! Always communicated with me, reachable, and followed up with how I was doing, making sure I understood everything, had all my questions answered and even just to make sure I was doing well.

06 Jan, 2016 by Todd

Jonathan Fang provided me with excellent advice and service during a difficult time. He is knowledgeable about the law and compassionate in his approach. I would recommend him to anyone needing family law services.

Ellen Ann Mendelson

533 Bella Vista Way, San Francisco, CA

Criminal Defense Government +2

5.0/5

5.0

3 Reviews

12 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous

It's amazing what a google search can do. Ellen represented me for my disability retirement hearing with the City and County of SF. I would've been lost without her. She has so much experience dealing with The City that she knew people by first name. "Oh, so-and-so? Yup, no problem." I knew I was in good hands. Ellen is intelligent, sharp, honest, thorough, and doesn't beat around the bush. I love that in a lawyer, especially when I'm in a vulnerable state and waited three years through the pandemic. I highly recommend Ellen, and in fact, I did.

28 Apr, 2022 by Athena

Compassionate advocate that helped represent our case that was dragged on for 2 years. She was able to explain the steps thoroughly and is detail-oriented. With her help, we were able to get a good deal and increase the benefits. Her fees are also reasonable.

07 Feb, 2011 by Shawn

I highly recommend Ellen Mendelson. Not only is she the only attorney, I have ever met that ever beat her reasonable estimate on legal cost. She also answers your call live, or call you back in less than 4 hours. Ellen is both responsive and tenacious. She successfully defended me on complex employment issue, winning me a successful dismissal of charges and allegations, which vindicated me. Ellen looks out for your personal rights and freedoms, as if you were her family. She is an expert in employment law and individual rights, and will vigorously defend your rights. If you are looking for an employment attorney representing you, look no further.

Seyed Masih Kazerouni

245 Fischer Ave, Suite D1, Costa Mesa, CA

Consumer Protection Criminal Defense Personal Injury +3

5.0/5

5.0

3 Reviews

15 Oct, 2013 by Aidin

Got pulled over for expired registration tag and lead to a DUI Check which i had barely drank and being in Irvine with IPD doesn't help much either, as they push and push with their aggressive tactics to get you to do all they ask. Even when the odds were against me I was referred to him by a friend and to say the least he comforted me during the whole process and was very responsive and always checked in with me. Great lawyer for any criminal defence you need. I HIGHLY recommend him for anyone in Orange County! and if it wasn't obvious my case was dismissed. Thank you

16 Jul, 2013 by Mike

I received a DUI, even though I don't think I was drunk. I was pulled over after leaving a club in Hollywood. The officer pulled me over and said I was driving too fast and then continued to do a sobriety check on me. I hired Masih and he represented me from the DMV hearing all the way to the trial. My case was resolved without a DUI due to Masih's work. I never thought they'd drop the case, Masih got them to!!! I highly recommend him, he was worth more than I paid him!

16 Jul, 2013 by Fred

I hired Mr. Kazerouni to assist me in expunging an old criminal record that I had. Mr. Kazerouni resolved the matter faster than I thought was possible. I highly recommend him. He is quick, courteous, and professional.

Timothy Matthew Knight

PO Box 2880, San Bernardino, CA

Criminal Defense Government +2

5.0/5

5.0

3 Reviews

04 Oct, 2019 by Bruce

Mr. Knight represents me on a DUI case, he is very professional, quick to inform, and extremely knowledgeable. Highly recommend.

03 Nov, 2016 by Anonymous

Mr. Knight is a very understanding and kind lawyer. He is very knowlegeable and I would not hesitate to hire him. I highly recommend him.

29 Oct, 2013 by Anonymous

If your in the market for a hands on attorney that puts your case first and considers every possible angle, Timothy Knight is your guy. I had a tricky case with many discrepancies. Not only was Tim always available to keep me calm no matter how worried I became, he really followed through on his claims. He is extremely knowledgeable which became vary apparent at a hearing I sat in on. He went so far as to drive out and physically see the location were the incident occurred. With his knowledge and tenacity, he was able to drastically reduce my sentence . I truly felt like I had a good friend on my side throughout the entire proceedings. I HIGHLY recommend Tim to everyone I know.

Saman Manavi

433 N Camden Dr Ste 400, Beverly Hills, CA

Business Criminal Defense Real Estate +3

5.0/5

5.0

3 Reviews

25 Oct, 2020 by Anonymous

Let me start by saying Saman is amazing! I had a legal matter and felt lost and confused. I got advice from friends and family that are attorneys but was still lost, until I was referred to Saman by a friend. He took his time and really listened to my issues and my concerns. He is extremely thorough, knowledgeable, easy to get a hold of, hard working and most importantly he really cares about his clients. I have friends and family in the field, but without a doubt he will be the person I go to if I am ever in need of an attorney again. Do yourself a favor and seek him out, he is the best at what he does.

03 Apr, 2013 by Anonymous

Was thorough(background info with the case), effective, prompt, intelligent, hard-working, easy to get a-hold-of/deal with, patient, reasonable, and had a Porsche poster in his office. He reassured me often and followed through when he said he would do something. I wouldn't recommend anyone else in LA. Best experience with a lawyer I ever had ...

14 Jan, 2013 by Tony

Sam is a great attorney, very sincere and pleasant to have as an attorney, I didn't know who? to get as my lawyer and I was referred to him. He helped me in every step of the process, he assured me that everything would be OK and guess what? everything is great! :) he even helped me by giving me an excellent payment plan! I recommend Saman Manavi.

Ryan M. Wolfe

210 W. Temple St., Los Angeles, CA

Criminal Defense +1

5.0/5

5.0

3 Reviews

13 Oct, 2015 by Daniel

Ryan Wolf is an immensely intelligent and competent attorney who did everything he could to make sure my case had the best outcome. He takes a strong interest in his client. A good listener and great advisor. I highly recommend this lawyer.

19 Aug, 2013 by Janet

MR. Wolfe is very bright and intelligent. He can spot legal issues with ease and he is a good listener. I observed him to be an honest person. I also think that he will give a trustworthy assessment of the legal issues.

10 Jun, 2013 by Sam

Mr. Wolfe was extremely professional and thoughtful in handling my case. I required a demand letter from a non paying client that was in breach of their contract. Mr. Wolfe met with me after work to collect documents and interview me regarding the case. He then turned a well drafted letter around extremely quickly. I would not hesitate to use him again for any general legal matter.

Thomas D. Allison

300 S Park Avenue, Pomona, CA

Business Criminal Defense Family Law +3

5.0/5

5.0

3 Reviews

17 Jan, 2019 by Carlton

Contacted Thomas D. Allison in regards to a case that I had been charged with, and not only did he give me his great professional opinion he also explained to me every option possible. Mr. Allison did not beat around the Bush with me at all and kept everything honest not only was he very professional he handled everything in a very timely manner I am overjoyed with the outcome of my case. I would recommend his service 10 times out of 10 and will definitely use his services again. Again I thank you Mr. Allison your an awesome lawyer and keep up the outstanding work.

26 Mar, 2018 by Anonymous

Thomas took on a matter for me when I was in difficult legal situation with a bench warrant. He was reassuring and straightforward in our initial meeting, and kept in touch with me throughout the legal proceedings. Most importantly, he quickly reached a favorable legal outcome for me. His rates were extremely reasonable.

25 Feb, 2017 by Anonymous

I was referred to attorney Allison by a good friend, gave him a call and he immediately scheduled an in person meeting for the following day -A SATURDAY. I know from experience most attorneys don't dare come into the office on a weekend to meet clients. :-) Thomas Allison was on time, he created a strategy and listened. He didn't stress me with an unreachable financial retainer fee; he was more concerned with how he could help me legally. His associate Lauren Sorsby is also a gem! If you are looking for a FAIR and SMART attorney- Mr. Allison is your guy!

Paul William Hecht

1504 Brookhollow Dr. Suite 112, Santa Ana, CA

Criminal Defense Debt Settlement Litigation +3

5.0/5

5.0

3 Reviews

19 Jan, 2014 by Ken dickson

I've never heard of anyone who'd been mentally ill having their firearm rights restored, but my team of Attorneys Paul Hecht and Bill Conner delivered! I can almost hear everyone exclaiming "What?" in shocked disbelief with all the negative mental health publicity these days. So, let me clarify: in 2011, I underwent surgery. That surgery and adverse reactions to medications led to my temporary mental illness which lasted only a few weeks. I've been back at work as a successful engineer for several years, but that brief bout caused me to lose my gun rights. Sincerely, Author: Ken

09 Dec, 2013 by Matt

I am an extremely satisfied client. Paul William Hecht and his staff went above and beyond what can be expected for their reasonable fee. My case was tougher than average and they were straight-forward with me before any fees were paid. Thanks to their incredibly hard work, and despite opposition from the DA, they achieved the results I hoped for. I will be forever grateful and feel like the weight of the world is off my shoulders. There truly are no words to adequately express just how thankful and pleased I am.

13 Jul, 2012 by Anonymous

Paul Hecht filed a complete and concise motion before the court allowing the Judge, and District Attorney, to effeciently understand the facts and circumstances of my situtation resulting in my motion being granted. Mr. Hecht took the time nescessary to understand all the relevant facts of my situtation so they could be properly conveyed before the court resulting in the best outsome possible.

Beverly Saxon Leonard

1034 Walnut Street, Napa, CA

Criminal Defense Family Law Litigation +1 +4

5.0/5

5.0

2 Reviews

5.0

1 Reviews

09 Jun, 2020 by John tripper

13 Nov, 2013 by Thomas

I have referred beverly Saxon Leonard since 2001 when she helped me in regards to a business matter. Not only did she give honest and valuable advice, I referred her to other friends and she obtained very favorable results. Beverly does not over-promise. If you are looking for a glad hander, she is not the one you want. If you seek great results and a attorney who has integrity and a solid track record, Beverly is the perfect choice. I know many lawyers in Napa. I like most of them.Beverly is far and above the one I would trust to handle my legal issues. If you live in Napa, or if you have a need and live in the greater San Francisco Bay Area, Beverly is my number one referral

12 Sep, 2013 by Anonymous

Beverly is very professional, honest, fair, and will not waste your time or money. Beverly keeps you informed, and will honestly tell you, your options allowing you to make the best informed decision. Beverly plays no games, she is all business. Our case was highly litigated, and full of useless emails back and forth, pointless arguing, of course an extension of the recent divorce. Beverly would not respond to emails she was copied on, unless needed to protect our legal rights, or enforce an agreement. Beverly is very professional, and knows what she is doing, the attorney she was dealing with on the opposing side, was less professional, and honestly sort of comical, but Beverly stayed focused and prevailed at everything we asked for her assistance with in our case. Beverly was able to over-turn a full physical custody to 50/50, obtained orders to protect my rights as a parent, and get financial obligations calculated based on fair division. Beverly had to do all this with the opposing party not forthcoming. Best Attorney in NAPA!

William Howard Safford

P.O. Box 211, Palo Alto, CA

Criminal Defense Federal Crime +2

5.0/5

5.0

3 Reviews

12 Jul, 2020 by Anonymous

I hired Mr. Sanford to represent me in a difficult matter, where the other side had grossly exaggerated events. Mr. Safford explains the process, is very fair in setting expectations for costs and retainer. He returns your calls within 24 hours or sooner. He was able to get the cases dismissed.

04 Mar, 2016 by Anonymous

Defense attorney William Safford was hired by me for a complicated legal matter. William Saffords work ethic and performance is very strong. Examples, of this are answering your calls, following-up with you, educating you on the process, finally and most importantly arguing and winning your case for you. Seeking the best possible outcome for his clients. William is an excellent attorney. If you were thinking of using a Public Defender, try hiring the Law Offices of William Safford instead.

10 Dec, 2015 by Yonghong shen

Mr. Safford helped my son with his speeding ticket from Oct. 2015 to Dec. 2015. My son had above 100 mph speeding citation. Since he was tried as adult and is 17 year old, the outcome for the case looked grave. In fact, the judge was so determined to teach the teenage a lesson; he refused to let the case go when the officer did not show up in court. Mr. Safford understood my son’s worries and the teenage mentality. He planned a strategy for the next scheduled court date. He is sympathetic to our situation and understood that this was also a teachable moment for the youngster. When the police officer did not show up the 2nd time, the case was dismissed. We had a better outcome than we hoped for, thanks to Mr. Safford! I gave him a five stars because he dealt well with our case and responsive promptly for all my inquires through email or text.

Christopher N Mandarano

726 N. State Street., Hemet, CA

Criminal Defense Estate Planning Litigation +3

5.0/5

5.0

3 Reviews

30 Dec, 2014 by Tim

Chris is reliable, trustworthy, knowledgeable, empathetic and most of all wise. When emotions are high, his Solomonesque advice can help one avoid the pitfalls of simply lashing out or striking back with legal force. He knows when to wield that power and when to pull it back and let cooler heads prevail. He has assisted us with some legal issues related to a commercial lease and landlord problems. He has also helped us in the preliminary stages of preparing a new commercial lease for a future move to a new location. Our business depends on sound legal advice. He made cogent and meaningful suggestions along the way and he helped us to make sure that we were not getting ourselves into trouble with the new lease.

09 May, 2014 by Amy

A Great Attorney The Best there is out there. 100 percent recommend this attorney. He was brought a horrible situation case and made it a positive one! A miracle I'm Gratefully proud of how it all was resolved The passion You have for life and your profession I thank you for the answer to it.:-)

20 Feb, 2014 by Lori

Mr. Mandarano recently created my living trust. I thought this would be a long tedious process but I was pleasantly surprised. Mr. Mandarano completed the process in just a few days. I have recommended Mr. Mandarano to several acquaintances already.

Lou Spinelli

East Los Angeles Courthouse, Los Angeles, CA

Criminal Defense +1

5.0/5

5.0

3 Reviews

27 Jul, 2012 by Claudette

Lou represented me years ago, and still is, the best attorney I've ever had! He is very thorough, explains court procedures and takes the time to explain what is happening, to the client. There is no arrogance with him!

22 May, 2012 by Cameron

very dedicated and hard working attorney that had me fairly tried. And truly cares for his clients.

31 Aug, 2011 by Richard

Immediately took control of my case, explained the legal aspects and ramifications, advised me of the options available, recommended a plan of action with a thorough explanation, and instilled my confidence in him with extensive knowledge and experience. He is very approachable and unassuming.

Andrew Phillip Krause

290 Maple Ct Ste 118, Ventura, CA

Car Accident Criminal Defense Litigation +1 +4

5.0/5

5.0

3 Reviews

30 Aug, 2011 by Timothy

Mr Krause and his staff were a pleasure to work with in regards to the law suit they handled for me, I would use him and his team and or any referral from him any given time.....

06 Aug, 2011 by Anonymous

I highly recommend Andrew! He (unlike the other attorneys I've hired and fired) is trustworthy. He truly has his clients' best interest in mind versus his pocket. I always trust that he will guide me in the right and honest direction. It's hard to find an honest lawyer and Andrew is it! Additionally, what I like about Andrew and his firm is that they relate to you...they put themselves in your shoes and make suggestions and recommendations as if it was them. All in all, I highly recommend Andrew and his firm!

01 Aug, 2011 by Scott f.

I was the plaintiff against a Fortune 500 company. Not an easy task. After hiring a "high powered" litigator in downtown LA and being disappointed, I fired that lawyer and went on a search. Andrew impressed me with his attitude. He did a great job against a much larger law firm. Recommend him highly.

Michael G Abrate

655 University Ave Ste 230, Sacramento, CA

Business Criminal Defense Debt Collection +1 +4

5.0/5

5.0

3 Reviews

12 Dec, 2017 by Glen

Mike put together a living trust for me and my family. He put a lot of effort into making sure our estate plan was personalized and correct. His personal touch was much appreciated. I would refer him to any friend who was looking to get a trust.

13 May, 2016 by Barry

Michael has helped me both personally with a trust as well as in debt collection for my business. He returned my calls, answered questions and did a great job with both. Frankly, I thought I would pay a lot more as well. Highly recommended.

13 May, 2016 by Steve

Michael is very knowledgeable in the field of estate planning, he is familiar with trusts both living and testamentary and the other tools used to assist clients with health care issues including powers of Attorney , he is highly recommended in this field.

Lamar Peckham

555 Sebastopol Road, Ste. C, Santa Rosa, CA

Criminal Defense Immigration +2

5.0/5

5.0

3 Reviews

03 Jul, 2019 by Glenda

I hired Lammar few years ago and he was great, thanks to him i was able to become legal in this country and if i have to choose a lawyer again it will be him .

11 Feb, 2010 by Maria

He helped my family by helping my husband get his papers. After going to different attorneys would tell us that there was nothing that could be done at the moment. Now we came to Lamar Peckham and he told us was going to be done and how long and how much. After we hired him in about 5-6 months we had the interview and now my husband has his resident card. Now we could move on.

06 Jan, 2010 by Anonymous

I had such a hard immigration problem. Other lawyers said nothing could be done for my situation. I felt hopeless. Then a friend told me about Mr. Peckham. So I called him. I got a free appointment right away for the next day. And even though I live in Eureka it was no problem because he met with me on the telephone! And he listened carefully to my problem. Then he said that even though my case would not be easy, he thought he would be able to help me. I thought he would want $10,000 or so like the San Francisco attorneys, and I was so surprised when he said he would help me with my hard case for under $2000! Even though my case was hard, he was able to help me fight immigration and get my green card. Me and my whole family are so happy now. His office workers were always friendly and caring and helpful and if I ever had questions, all I had to do was call and they would answer my questions. Mr. Lamar Peckham helped me when no one else would even try! If you have a hard immigration case you should call Mr. Peckham right now!

James Phillip Vaughns

6114 La Salle Ave Ste 289, Oakland, CA

Criminal Defense Federal Crime Immigration +3

5.0/5

5.0

3 Reviews

26 Feb, 2024 by Cindy

Mr. Vaughns was a pleasure to work. His response time and communication is very impressive. He assisted my mom with getting her properties returned after many attempts with working other attorneys. He is patient and never gave up on this case. My mom and I really appreciate him and his work ethic. We worked with and called many attorneys during this troubling period and we wish we had known Mr. Vaughns earlier.

14 Jul, 2010 by Vanessa

James has helped me out with Immigration issues and also a Federal case that my boyfriend had. He has been nothing but hard working , honest , reliable and is just an all around good person. You believe what he tells you and his knowledge is amazing. He has lots of knowledge in Immigration Law & also Criminal Law. I would recommend James Vaughns as your new attorney who gets results.

14 Jul, 2010 by William

I've gotten myself into some situations. This year my dad died and my grandma entered a hospice facility. You name it and I've gotten into it. Well let me tell you. There isn't a better criminal attorney in Alameda County to do what needs to be done when the wheels come off in life. Phil Vaughns has stood tall on my behalf when most bay area attorneys would have been more interested in collecting a check. By his reputation, his intergrity, his knowledge Phil has truly helped me. In case you didn't know James Phillip Vaughns was a Deputy District Attorney for Alameda County before becoming an AUSA(Assistant United States Attorney). If you were a secret service agent or an FBI agent who positively wanted to send someone to prison for a very long time and you were in the bay area, I suspect you worked with Phil to dot your I's and cross your T's. I can tell you this. I have never regretted a dime I've paid Phil. I was never ever disappointed in the resolution of any matter Phil addressed on my behalf.

Byron Vidar Aldana

1539 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA

Criminal Defense +1

5.0/5

5.0

3 Reviews

23 Feb, 2011 by A.m.

In 2008, my brother was placed in INS detention and removal proceedings at Eloy Arizona for a 1986 conviction. The INS claimed that his felony conviction was an aggravated felony and that he was no longer eligibile to maintain his lawful permanent residency status. Byron Aldana investigated my brother's case and discovered that my brother was not advised of the immigration consequences at the time he entered his plea. Thanks to Mr. Aldana's efforts, my brother's conviction was vacated and he was released from INS custody at Eloy detention center, and more importantly he was able to retain his lawful permanent residency.

22 Feb, 2011 by Jorge

Byron Aldana helped me remove my aggravated felony conviction, Assault with a Deadly weapon by filing a motion to withdraw my plea based on the court's failure to advise me of the immigration consequences. I was originally sentenced to 2 years state prison. Thanks to his efforts, I was able to enter a new plea to a misdemeanor assault and a new sentence of 179 days county jail. As a result I am now able to retain my lawful permanent residency.

21 Feb, 2011 by Manuel

The Law Office of Byron Aldana helped me remove my solicitation of prostitution conviction, a crime of moral turpitude, and changed it to simple trespass, a non-crime of moral turpitude. As a result I was able to retain my lawful permanent residency and I am now in the process of becoming a U.S. citizen.

Peter Eric Goldbeck

131 Stony Cir, Santa Rosa, CA

Criminal Defense Personal Injury +2

5.0/5

5.0

1 Reviews

5.0

2 Reviews

12 Oct, 2021 by Susan evola

Colby Kuvara was extremely helpful in settling my injury in which I was rear ended and required surgery. My medical bills were massive but she got them drastically reduced and got me a very fair settlement for my pain and suffering. Her responses to any of my inquiries were immediate and knowledgeable. I would highly recommend this firm to anyone who has been injured.

03 Jul, 2020 by Chanel salinas

06 Dec, 2017 by Shane

Peter Goldbeck is the most competent, brilliant attorney you could ever hope to have. has done amazing things for me and alot of my friends!! Hire him!

Stephen Mark Moskowitz

180 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, CA

Criminal Defense Tax +2

5.0/5

5.0

3 Reviews

17 Oct, 2011 by Anonymous

I have been a client of the law firm of Stephen Moskowitz for a few months. They handled my unfiled taxes with the IRS and two states I had worked in. Immediately apparent is that Mr. Moskowitz really knows the tax business, and is intelligent and knowlegeable in his field. He and his staff handled my case expertly and quickly and to my benefit. They literally gave me my life back, and made a truly firightening case much less so. I recommend this firm without reservation!

07 Jan, 2011 by Shawn

Working with Stephen Moskowitz and his firm has been a great experience. They are informative, responsive and easy to get in contact with unlike some of the other lawyers I've worked with in the past. I would recommend them to anyone looking for a tax attorney or law firm.

11 Sep, 2010 by Anonymous

Got the job done, less money for the IRS and more for me . Can't ask for much more than that.

John B Steinhart

P.O. Box 1283, Ramona, CA

Appeals Criminal Defense Personal Injury +1 +4

5.0/5

5.0

3 Reviews

04 May, 2015 by Ben

I was pulled over for an OWI some months ago and hired John Steinhart as my legal representation. My professional license and career has been a challenged by this. My family life has been in a similar situation. John as my legal representation has helped me not only with my legal problems but also in my family/civil problems. Not many turn to an attorney because they are doing well, I am just grateful I have had an attorney that has been thoughtful and very helpful through my hardest times.

04 May, 2015 by Ben

16 Apr, 2015 by Charlotte

I found in Mr. Steinhart a very experienced ,knowledgeable, Professional attorney. But even more valuable was discovering Mr. Steinhart was a man to whom you felt cared about your case. He actually doesn't just by trade care about our justice system, but truly cares that our justice system at times fails us. He is a man that I felt doesn't just give concern to the monetary value of a case, But actually cares about the persons in the case. I feel its important to trust in attorneys that just winning every case isn't what's the most important , but making sure truth & Justice win the case. Thank you Mr. Steinhart for your willingness to help my son. May God Bless You and Yours Wherever Life's Journeys takes yall. Ms. Charlotte

Irma P Cordova

170 Sotoyome Street, Santa Rosa, CA

Criminal Defense Estate Planning Immigration +1 +4

5.0/5

5.0

3 Reviews

14 Mar, 2017 by Chris

My spouse and I consider Irma our guardian angel. We are a same sex couple and we hired Irma for her immigration services in June 2014 to see about getting my spouse his green card. We were very unsure of the process but we were impressed how well Irma explained the process. We liked working with Irma because she was thorough, well deatiled, and always accessible. I sent some evening emails and I would often receive a response the same night. It was a true comfort knowing that Irma was always in our corner fighting for us and watching over things during the process. The paperwork that was sent in was done right the first time and her hardship waiver that she prepared was perfectly written towards our situation. Finally, in February 2017, my partner had his immigrant visa interview in Ciudad Juarez and now we are just waiting for the green card in the mail. One other thing that we liked about Irma was that she was always so warm and welcoming every time that we came to the office. I will definitely be using Irma for the other services she offers.

07 Oct, 2016 by Susana

About 2 years ago, we went to Irma for immigration assistance with my husband's case. She gave us a layout of what would or could happen. And she helped us through the end. My husband is now a legal permanent resident and it's all thanks to Irma. She is honest, caring and detailed. She goes above and beyond.

29 Jul, 2013 by Francisco javier hernandez

I would like to recommend lawyer Irma Perez Cordova to the public in need of help with criminal defense, immigration cases. I recently worked with her, she kept a good organized plan and was always on to of every court session with me. It was sure a long process because of many previous misdemeanor tickets I have had. Court days would arrive and my immigration documents would not arrive, or neither the procedure move on. Mrs. Cordova would always be there for me giving me advice keeping me with my head up. At every court session Mrs. Cordova would always be prepared and do a great job on speaking to the judge in all court sessions she would do great and be approved for extensions of time. After my last court session a couple weeks passed and finally I was given the news by that all the courts and tickets were cleared. My family and I were so happy and appreciated with all of Mrs. Cordova's hard work. Personally I would say Mrs. Irma Perez Cordova overall did a great job my family and I are very appreciated for all her hard work and effort she put into everything and for all her time. She is a very well experienced lawyer that has great skills and knowledge I would definitely recommend her to friend's, family and the public.

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What a Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Do for You

A criminal defense lawyer provides legal representation to individuals or organizations accused of criminal conduct. If you're facing criminal charges, a defense lawyer will work to protect your rights, build a defense strategy, and ensure you receive a fair trial. Their primary goal is to reduce or dismiss charges, secure an acquittal, or negotiate a favorable plea deal.

Criminal defense lawyers have extensive knowledge of criminal law and court procedures. They investigate your case, identify weaknesses in the prosecution's evidence, and represent you in court, ensuring that you have the best possible defense.

When Should I Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer?

It’s crucial to hire a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible if you are facing any criminal charges. Some situations in which you should seek legal representation include:

Arrest or police questioning: If you've been arrested or are under investigation, hiring a lawyer early on can prevent self-incrimination and protect your rights during police questioning.
Felony charges: Crimes such as murder, assault, drug trafficking, or robbery carry severe penalties, including long prison sentences. A defense lawyer is essential in these cases.
Misdemeanor charges: Even for less serious offenses like DUI, theft, or simple assault, a lawyer can help reduce penalties, negotiate alternatives to jail, or get charges dismissed.
Plea negotiations: If you’re considering a plea bargain, a lawyer can evaluate the deal, advise you on its consequences, and negotiate for more favorable terms.
Probation or parole violations: If you’ve been accused of violating probation or parole, a lawyer can defend you against additional penalties or revocation.
Juvenile offenses: For minors charged with criminal acts, a criminal defense lawyer can protect their future by minimizing legal repercussions or keeping the case in juvenile court.

What Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Do?

Criminal defense lawyers provide comprehensive legal services to protect their clients’ rights throughout the criminal justice process. Their duties include:

Case evaluation and investigation: Reviewing the evidence, interviewing witnesses, and investigating the facts to develop a strong defense strategy.
Legal advice: Advising you on your rights, the charges you’re facing, and potential defense strategies, including whether to take a plea deal or go to trial.
Negotiating plea bargains: Working with prosecutors to negotiate a plea deal that could reduce charges or minimize penalties.
Court representation: Representing you in all court hearings, including bail hearings, pretrial motions, trials, and sentencing hearings.
Filing motions: Filing motions to dismiss charges, suppress evidence, or reduce bail, depending on the specifics of your case.
Trial preparation and defense: Preparing a defense strategy and presenting arguments, evidence, and witnesses during trial to contest the prosecution's case.
Appeals: If you are convicted, a defense lawyer can appeal the conviction or sentence, arguing errors in the trial process or legal rulings.

How Are Criminal Defense Lawyers Paid?

Criminal defense lawyers generally charge clients in one of three ways, depending on the complexity of the case and the lawyer’s experience. Payment structures include:

Flat fee: For straightforward cases (e.g., minor misdemeanors), some lawyers charge a one-time flat fee that covers all aspects of the defense.
Hourly rate: For more complex or ongoing cases, lawyers may charge by the hour, with rates varying based on the lawyer’s experience and geographic location.
Retainer fee: In cases where extensive work is expected, the client may pay a retainer fee upfront. The lawyer then bills against that retainer for their work on the case.

The cost of criminal defense services can vary greatly, so it’s important to discuss fees during your initial consultation.

How Much Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Cost?

The cost of hiring a criminal defense lawyer depends on several factors, including the severity of the charges, the complexity of the case, and the lawyer’s experience. General cost guidelines are:

Misdemeanor cases: For relatively minor offenses, such as a DUI or petty theft, a flat fee may range from $1,500 to $5,000.
Felony cases: More serious charges, such as assault or drug trafficking, can range from $10,000 to $100,000 or more, depending on the complexity and duration of the case.
Hourly rates: For cases billed by the hour, lawyers may charge anywhere from $150 to $500 or more per hour, depending on their expertise and the case's location.
Additional expenses: You may also be responsible for other costs, such as filing fees, expert witness fees, or the cost of private investigators.

Be sure to clarify the lawyer’s fee structure and any potential additional costs during your consultation.

How to Check the Credibility of a Criminal Defense Lawyer

To verify the credibility of a criminal defense lawyer, take the following steps:

Check their standing with the state bar: Confirm that the lawyer is licensed and in good standing with your state’s bar association. Look for any past disciplinary actions or complaints.
Read online reviews and testimonials: Platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google can provide insights from previous clients about the lawyer’s communication, professionalism, and case outcomes.
Ask for references: A reputable lawyer should have past clients or other professionals who can speak to their competence and work ethic.
Review their case history: Look at the lawyer’s website or professional profile to see their experience with criminal cases, including high-profile or complex cases.
Look for trial experience: If your case might go to trial, make sure the lawyer has a strong history of courtroom advocacy and success.

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To make the most of your first consultation with a criminal defense lawyer, bring the following:

Details of your case: Be prepared to provide a detailed account of the charges against you, including any documents related to your arrest, police reports, and court dates.
Criminal history: If you have any prior criminal convictions, inform your lawyer so they can understand how that may affect your current case.
List of witnesses or evidence: If there are any potential witnesses or evidence that may support your defense, share this information during the consultation.
Questions for the lawyer: Prepare questions about their experience, legal strategy, and fees to ensure you understand how they will handle your case.
Bail or release documents: If you’ve been released on bail, bring any paperwork related to your release conditions or restrictions.

By being well-prepared, you can help your lawyer quickly assess your situation and begin building an effective defense strategy.

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