Top Criminal Defense Lawyers Near Me in Rancho Mission Viejo Area

California and New York licensed attorney with over 30+ years of experience in either prosecuting  criminal offenses  or  engaging in criminal defense work, to include DUI offenses;  in  repesenting both plaintiffs and defendants in civil litigation matters;  in  supervising  and/or  managing  staff  and  support personnel;  and  in  developing  expertise as a litigation or trial specialist, having engaged in well over 400 jury trials. Background includes over  ten years of public  service with regional  prosecutors office where attained status of chief trial attorney and ultimately engaged in well over 150 jury trials and countless non jury proceedings and hearings.  Later, managed general practice law firm where focus of attention was engaging in criminal defense matters and in that capacity was involved in another 50+ jury trials, etc.  More recently has engaged in criminal and DUI defense work and/or civil litigation matters in the Los Angeles, San Bernadino, Riverside, Orange, and San Diego counties.As a prosecutor,  achieved  a  95%  conviction rate,  and  the  duties included heading the homicide bureau, the career criminal  bureau, and the special investigations unit  (which was responsible for all major or high profile matters). Became the leading trial attorney for the office.   Cases included over thirty homicide trials, various organized crime situations, violent sexual offenses, bank robberies, home invasion matters, etc.Cases as a private defense counsel included the same type of criminal offenses.  Has achieved a 75% rate of acquittal on behalf of the clients and also been recognized as one of the premier attorneys in the area, often receiving referrals from other law firms or attorneys when they could not negotiate a resolution for their clients and the cases were scheduled for trial.   Licensed to practice law in both New York State and California.  When appropriate, is able to effectively negotiate settlements and/or to successfully argue positions  to  lay  people,  attorneys,  and  judges  and  juries  on  variety of matters to most certainly include criminal issues. GENERAL STATEMENT OF ACCOMPLISHMENTSMr. Pilato has made criminal law and civil litigation specialties by obtaining extensive experience on both sides of  the aisle.  Beginning his legal career as a criminal prosecutor, he quickly rose up the ranks so as to become the leading trial attorney in his office and to also learn the attitudes and procedures being utilized by law enforcement agencies and officers.  He then shifted gears and for over 25 years has been a polished criminal defense attorney and civil litigation advocate,  handling all types of matters in local, state and federal courts.  While Mr. Pilato is comfortable in the courtroom fighting for his clients before judges and juries, and has engaged in well over 400 jury trials, he knows  that the two pre-requisites for a favorable end result are establishing a  trusting relationship with his client and  then conducting a thorough and exhaustive investigation.   That  is why he takes whatever time is necessary to know both the client and the agencies or officers that have begun proceedings against the client.  His successes have resulted in  Mr. Pilato  being cited in Marquis Whos Who In American Law on multiple occasions.