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California Criminal Defense Lawyers

65 distinguished criminal defense law attorneys in California, each reviewed by the Lawyers of Distinction Selection Committee.

California criminal defense law directory

Oshin Baghram

Featured Lawyer

Criminal Defense Law

535 N Brand Blvd #501, Glendale, CA 91203, USA

Oshin Baghram is a highly experienced trial attorney and former prosecutor who has handled a wide range of misdemeanor and felony cases, bringing a strategic and results-driven approach to every matter he takes on. As the founder of Baghram Law Firm, Mr. Baghram leverages his extensive courtroom experience and prosecutorial insight to provide clients with a powerful and informed defense. Link To Facebook Page -

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Paula Canny

Paula Canny

Distinguished Lawyer

Criminal Defense Law

840 Hinckley Rd, STE 101, Burlingame, CA 94010

Paula Canny is one of the premier criminal defense lawyers in California. Paula practices criminal defense law in all county courts within the State of California. Although she focuses her practice primarily in California state court matters, she also handles cases in the federal criminal courts. In recent years, Paula has expanded her practice to include probate litigation, personal injury matters, and other civil litigation cases. Her trial advocacy skills have rendered a remarkable track record of success in both criminal and civil matters. Paula has had extensive experience representing clients in a range of criminal cases, from traffic offenses and misdemeanors to serious felonies. She has particular expertise in substance abuse issues and alternative and creative sentencing resolutions. Paula is active in the San Mateo County Drug Court team and has worked for years to raise awareness that drug abuse is wrongly characterized as a criminal law problem. She is also a staunch opponent of the death penalty. Paula's reputation for being effective at all stages of the criminal process places her in high demand. She knows when a case should be settled and brought to a fair and equitable resolution. She also knows how to successfully try a case before a jury. Paula has won many jury trials, including the first "three strikes" trial in San Mateo more than a decade ago. Paula is a frequent commentator on high-profile cases for Bay Area news and national news programs - both cable and network television. She has personally handled high-profile cases, including representing Greg Anderson, the personal trainer of Barry Bonds. Paula received her law degree from the University of San Francisco School of Law and her Bachelor of Sciences degree from Kirkland College. She is a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, California Attorneys for Criminal Justice, the San Mateo County Bar Association, the San Mateo County Drug Court, and the American Himalayan Foundation. Paula serves on the Board of Directors for Women Defenders.

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Paula Drake

Paula Drake

Distinguished Lawyer

Criminal Defense Law

2522 Chambers Rd suite 100, Tustin, CA 92780, USA

Paula Drake is a criminal defense attorney, practicing in courts throughout Southern California. She attended UCLA , earning a BA in Political Science, and Western State College of Law, where she graduated with honors and published articles for the Law Review. She was a Deputy Public Defender in Orange County and worked on indigent bar panels in Los Angeles and Orange County. In her private practice, she also handles administrative matters and professional licensing disciplinary cases, in addition to all types of felony and misdemeanor criminal cases. Ms. Drake has been in the Top 100 of the National Trial Lawyers, Criminal Defense, since 2024. Currently, she is a member of the California Public Defenders Association and she is an Advocacy Ambassador with the Komen Center for Public Policy. She prides herself on her vast forty years of experience dealing with clients from all walks of life , and she vows to always give each and every client their best defense.

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Criminal Defense Law

22982 La Cadena Dr suite 239, Laguna Hills, CA 92653, USA

Attorney Peter F. Iocona is the Owner of The Law Office of Peter F. Iocona, which focuses on DUI Defense, Criminal Defense and Professional License Defense, in addition to Personal Injury. Mr. Iocona has received high-value settlements for his personal injury clients. Mr. Iocona practices in both the State and Federal Courts of Southern California. Mr. Iocona handles some of the most complicated DUI/Criminal Defense and Professional Licensing cases in Orange County in addition to complex Personal Injury matters throughout the State of California. Rated by Super Lawyers, Mr. Iocona has earned a reputation as being one of the best Trial Attorneys in Southern California and has been named in The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100. Mr. Iocona was selected into the list of America's Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys. Mr. Iocona holds an Avvo-Rating of "Superb" or "10/10" and OC Metro magazine listed him as one of the "Top-Rated Criminal Defense/DUI Trial Attorneys in Orange County".

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Polina Logrue

Polina Logrue

Featured Lawyer

Criminal Defense Law

620 Newport Center Dr Suit 1100, Newport Beach, CA 92660, USA

Polina Logrue is dedicated to protecting your freedom and rights. She provides aggressive representation for a variety of criminal charges and family law cases. As a former prosecutor with the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, Ms. Logrue’s passion for criminal law began during law school. During that time, she clerked at the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, gaining valuable experience in the complexities of prosecuting criminal cases. After graduating from law school, she was accepted into the OCDA Fellowship Program and was subsequently hired as a Deputy District Attorney. During her tenure at the OCDA, Polina handled thousands of criminal cases, ranging from the filing stages, pre-trials, motions, with some cases proceeding to trial. Additionally, she prosecuted cases such as DUI, hit and run, theft, narcotics, domestic violence, assaults, burglaries, robberies, child molestations, and many others. This extensive experience has equipped her with the expertise to effectively challenge the prosecution. In addition, Ms. Logrue served as the assigned prosecutor for the Misdemeanor Human Exploitation and Trafficking Unit, where she oversaw and prosecuted cases involving human trafficking, commercial sexual exploitation, and related offenses. This specialized assignment provided her with extensive experience investigating complex cases, working with law enforcement agencies, and navigating sensitive victim-centered prosecutions. Polina has an exceptional record in the courtroom and has never lost a jury trial. Her extensive prosecutorial experience, combined with her commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for every client, makes her a formidable advocate both inside and outside the courtroom.

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Choosing a criminal defense lawyer in California

Every Lawyers of Distinction criminal defense law member in California is licensed to practice law and has passed a review of achievements, peer recognition and ethics. Compare profiles and reviews, look for experience with matters like yours, then contact an attorney directly from their profile.

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