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2024

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Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Murrieta, CA

Our Recommended Top 12

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Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored Murrieta Criminal Defense Lawyers on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.

91Reviewed

59Curated

12Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

29995 Technology Drive, Murrieta, CA 92563

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
4.7 (31)
Facebook
4.2 (2)

Why choose this provider?

Attorney John Pozza, at John Pozza Attorney at Law PLC, is a criminal lawyer in Murrieta with over 25 years of experience in protecting the freedoms of clients facing criminal charges. Mr. Pozza works on DUI and drug-related cases and helps offenders get alternative sentences, such as house arrest and enrollment into diversionary programs. He is also well-versed in creating and executing impactful defense strategies in cases involving sexual offenses, such as statutory rape, child pornography, solicitation, indecent exposure, and sexual battery.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
John Pozza - PrincipalActive30 yrs

27247 Madison Ave STE 111, Temecula, CA 92590

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.7 (12)
Yelp
3.5 (12)
Facebook
1.0 (3)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of David E. Grande represents individuals and organizations involved in criminal defense cases in Murrieta. Among the types of criminal defense cases that the law firm handles are DUIs, theft crimes, vehicular manslaughter, and violent crimes. Its principal lawyer, David E. Grande, has been dedicating his entire career to providing criminal defense since 2002. The Law Office of David E. Grande has offices in Temecula and Riverside.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
David Grande - PrincipalActive22 yrs

30754 Wealth St, Murrieta, CA 92563

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
5.0 (57)
Yelp
5.0 (8)

Why choose this provider?

Attorney Christopher J. Whelton is a criminal defense lawyer who's been advocating for persons near Murrietta charged with misdemeanor and felony offenses for more than 22 years. He helps clients prosecuted for DUI and DMV charges in navigating the criminal justice system to receive reduced punishment. Whelton protects the rights of clients facing theft, fraud, and white-collar criminal charges. His practice also handles probation violations, sexual offenses, drug charges, and homicide allegations.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Christopher Whelton - PrincipalActive33 yrs

4192 Brockton Ave Ste 100, Riverside, CA 92501

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
3.3 (4)
Facebook
5.0 (3)

Why choose this provider?

Cal-Defender offers criminal defense in Murrieta for felonies and misdemeanors, including DUI and traffic tickets. It focuses on thorough preparation, uncovering and presenting any detail that will help the client's defense. The firm also assists with expungements to help avoid future criminal stigma. Managing attorney Daniel J. Tripathi was recognized as one of the 10 Best Attorneys for 2018 by the American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys. In addition, he has been included in the Top 100 Trial Lawyers list of the National Trial Lawyers.

  • DWI/DUI
  • Domestic Violence

25026 Las Brisas Road, Murrieta, CA 92562

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (13)
Yelp
5.0 (7)
Facebook
5.0 (3)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of Nicolai Cocis provides legal assistance to clients in Murrietta and the surrounding areas. Cocis is a criminal defense attorney who has represented both adults and minors involved in criminal law cases since 1999. He is focused on protecting the rights of his clients and is passionate about defending wrongly accused individuals against criminal charges such as assault, drug crimes, DUI, juvenile crimes, and sex-related offenses. Cocis provides services in English, Romanian, and Spanish.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Nicolaie Cocis - PrincipalActive25 yrs

43537 Ridge Park Drive, Temecula, CA 92590

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (15)
Yelp
5.0 (6)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of Michael W. Donaldson is the private practice of the Temecula-based criminal defense attorney who also serves the Murrieta area. Donaldson focuses on resolving criminal law cases such as assault and battery, domestic violence, drug crimes, and theft. He also provides DUI and nursing license defense. Furthermore, he helps clients with Prop 47 and expungement. Donaldson also practices in the area of personal injury and is a member of the California Attorneys for Criminal Justice.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Mike Donaldson - PrincipalActive10 yrs

38975 Sky Canyon Drive, Murrieta, CA 92563

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
5.0 (14)
Facebook
5.0 (4)
Yelp
5.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

Karen E. Lockhart handles criminal defense cases in Murrieta. Attorney Lockhart offers legal counsel to persons accused of murder and manslaughter. She helps victims of domestic violence to file for restraining and criminal protective orders. The firm represents people charged with possession, sale, and trafficking controlled substances. Persons accused of theft, embezzlement, and fraud can also seek legal counsel. Karen E. Lockhart works on traffic violation cases involving DUI and hit and runs, and represents clients in DMV hearings.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Karen Lockhart - PrincipalActive31 yrs

30754 Wealth St, Murrieta, Murrieta, CA 92563

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
5.0 (57)
Google
4.9 (11)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of Christopher J. Whelton, APC, defends Murrieta clients who are charged with criminal offenses. Whelton represents individuals involved in cases related to domestic abuse, theft, battery, gang violence, and probation violations. He guides clients in filing petitions and presenting defense arguments in litigation, negotiation, and expungement proceedings. He has been practicing law for more than 29 years and has been a member of the Board of Directors of the Collaborative Courts since 2012.

  • Expungement

4333 Orange Street, Riverside, CA 92501

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
3.5 (28)
Avvo
3.5 (10)
Facebook
5.0 (7)

Why choose this provider?

Earl Carter & Associates has offered criminal legal representation to clients in Murrieta for over 30 years. The attorneys defend individuals charged with drug, sex, assault, and domestic violence charges. They assess available evidence and file appeals for clients convicted of felony and entrapment charges. The legal team also offers legal assistance in expungements. Attorney Daniel J. Fester is a member of both the Los Angeles and San Bernardino Bar associations.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Allan Gonzalez - West Covina Criminal Defense AttorneyActive34 yrs

29995 Technology Drive, Murrieta, CA 92563

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
5.0 (7)
Facebook
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Keith H. Rutman, Attorney at Law is the private practice of a criminal defense attorney who serves clients in the Murrieta area. Rutman has years of experience in representing individuals with felony and misdemeanor cases in both federal and state courts. Since 1989, Rutman has been helping people involved in criminal cases such as domestic violence, drug crimes, DUI, fraud, and gang-related crimes. Rutman is also skilled in handling business litigations and restraining orders.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Keith Rutman - PrincipalActive35 yrs

27475 Ynez Road, Temecula, CA 92591

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (8)
Facebook
5.0 (6)
Yelp
5.0 (5)

Why choose this provider?

Suzanne M. Ferguson, Attorney at Law, is a criminal defense lawyer in Murrieta. Ferguson was a Deputy Public Defender for Orange County before she decided to start her private practice. She handles cases of misdemeanors and felonies. In addition, she represents clients involved in assault and battery, domestic violence, hit and run, prostitution and solicitation, theft, and vandalism. She covers cases related to drug offenses, gang cases, sex crimes, and traffic offenses. She also handles expungements, juvenile cases, probation violations, and warrant recalls.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Suzanne Ferguson - PrincipalActive18 yrs

41951 Remington Avenue, Temecula, CA 92590

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (39)
Yelp
4.0 (23)
Avvo
5.0 (9)

Why choose this provider?

Camarata & Fuller, LLP is a Murrieta law firm that provides legal representation in criminal defense cases. Its team of defense lawyers provides guidance on the criminal justice system and creates defense strategies for various felony and misdemeanor charges, including DUI, domestic violence, violent crimes, property crimes, and drug crimes. The firm also practices and offers services in family law. It is composed of attorneys and paralegals with more than 25 years of combined experience.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Justine Fuller - PartnerActive13 yrs
Joseph Camarata - PartnerActive22 yrs

Compare our Top Criminal Defense Lawyers

NameExpertise RatingAddressPromotionsLearn more
John Pozza Attorney at Law, PLC
29995 Technology Drive, Murrieta, CA 92563
The Law Office of David E. Grande
27247 Madison Ave STE 111, Temecula, CA 92590
Attorney Christopher J. Whelton
30754 Wealth St, Murrieta, CA 92563
Cal-Defender
4192 Brockton Ave Ste 100, Riverside, CA 92501
Law Office of Nicolai Cocis
25026 Las Brisas Road, Murrieta, CA 92562
The Law Office of Michael W. Donaldson
43537 Ridge Park Drive, Temecula, CA 92590
Karen E. Lockhart
38975 Sky Canyon Drive, Murrieta, CA 92563
Law Office of Christopher J. Whelton, APC
30754 Wealth St, Murrieta, Murrieta, CA 92563
Earl Carter & Associates
4333 Orange Street, Riverside, CA 92501
Keith H. Rutman, Attorney at Law
29995 Technology Drive, Murrieta, CA 92563
Suzanne M. Ferguson, Attorney at Law
27475 Ynez Road, Temecula, CA 92591
Camarata & Fuller, LLP
41951 Remington Avenue, Temecula, CA 92590

Disclaimer:  Consumers utilizing Expertise.com are free to communicate and contract with any lawyer they choose. Expertise.com is not involved in the confidential attorney-client relationship. Featured lawyers pay a reasonable advertising cost to market their legal services with Expertise.com and must meet similar selection criteria as other lawyers. All cases are different. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Murrieta, CA Criminal Defense FAQs

  • What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Murrieta, California?

    The Murrieta Police Department's non-emergency line is 951-696-3615.

  • Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Murrieta, California?

    A copy of a police report can be obtained by filling out a form provided by the Murrieta Police Department. You also need to present a copy of your identification.

  • What are the benefits of hiring a criminal defense attorney in Murrieta?

    Hiring a criminal defense attorney in Murrieta can help protect your legal rights and get your charges dismissed or reduced. An attorney will provide expert advice in navigating the legal system to protect your future and avoid potential life-altering consequences. Being charged with a crime can be a stressful and emotional experience, and your attorney can provide emotional support as you go through the legal process.

  • What should I do if I get arrested for a crime in Murrieta?

    If you get arrested for a crime in Murrieta, it is important to contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. A lawyer can help protect your rights and build a strong defense on your behalf. You should also exercise your right to remain silent and avoid making any statements to the police until you have spoken to a lawyer.

  • What are the potential punishments for domestic violence in Murrieta?

    The potential punishments for the crime of domestic violence are the following:

    • For misdemeanor domestic violence - up to 6 months in prison and a maximum of $2,000 fine
    • For felony domestic violence - 1-4 years in prison If you have been charged, you must complete 52 weeks of counseling, undergo community service, and be issued restraining orders.
  • What qualifies as a violent crime in Murrieta?

    Violent crimes in Murrieta include offenses such as the following:

    • Murder
    • Weapons charges
    • Armed robbery
    • False Imprisonment
    • Kidnapping Each offense has its respective punishment, which can be severe. That's why if you have been accused of any of these offenses, it is important to reach out to a criminal defense lawyer immediately so you can be legally represented.
  • What is the difference between felony and misdemeanor crimes in Murrieta?

    Misdemeanors and felonies are criminal charge categories that carry different penalties and consequences. In California, where Murrieta is located, a felony committed is punishable by death or a sentence of more than one year. At the same time, a misdemeanor crime entails a punishment of up to six months in the local county jail.