Top Criminal Defense Lawyers Near Me in Santa Barbara Area

We will always work for the best available result for you, our client.  We will not make promises that cannot be kept.  Having been a criminal defense attorney for over 35 years, I understand the realities and will not promote litigation for my own benefit.  I will do the best I can to obtain the best results for you.. I specialize in Criminal Defense, including DUIs, Murder, Burglary, Robbery, Assault, Rape, Kidnapping, Child Molestation, Embezzlement, NSF checks, Forgery, Contempt of Court/Violating Restraining Orders, Parole and Probation violations, Resisting Arrest, Public Intoxication, Bail and Juvenile Delinquency matters; Administrative Proceedings, including DMV proceedings, state licensure board proceedings, etc.. I also specialize in Appeals and Post-Conviction Proceedings, including petitions for writs of habeas corpus and/or writs of error coram nobis, motions to vacate judgments, withdraw pleas and dismiss cases, motions for early termination of probation, motions to reduce felonies to misdemeanors; Personal Injury actions, including automobile accidents, medical malpractice, wrongful death actions and slip-and-fall accidents.

Mr. Makler is the only Santa Barbara lawyer that has been awarded the top rating (A-V) by Martindale-Hubbell (since 2013), 10 out of 10 by avvo (since 2010) and who is also ranked in the Nation's Top 1% by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel. He has also been determined to be in the Top 100 by the National Trial Lawyers. He is a former felony deputy public defender for both Santa Cruz and Santa Barbara Counties.  He also taught Evidence as a member of the regular faculty of the Santa Barbara College of Law. He has more than 30 years of experience working in the state and federal criminal justice systems. His considerable experience and skillful lawyering brings his clients very satisfying results at a reasonable cost. In addition to his work as a criminal defense lawyer, Mr. Makler brought several class action lawsuits as lead class counsel against police agencies resulting in system-wide changes that benefit individuals who were arrested but whose cases were never prosecuted. He remains active in various bar associations, including an association of Santa Barbara criminal defense attorneys he helped found: Santa Barbara Defenders. Mr. Makler is regularly recommended for hire by other criminal defense lawyers, judges and members of law enforcement.

Born Los Angeles, California, December 1, 1956.Admitted to State Bar of California, 1984; Admitted U.S. District Court, Central District of California, 1985; Admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court, 1994.Education: University of California at Santa Barbara (B.A., 1977); Santa Barbara College of Law (J.D., 1983).Member: State Bar of California; Santa Barbara County Bar Association.. Delegate First Barrister's Club; Judge Pro Tem, Santa Barbara Superior Court, 1989 to 2005. Legal Aid Project Outreach Attorney, 1984 to present.. Past Member: American Bar Association (Panel of Arbitrators);. Consumer Attorneys of California; and California Public Defenders Association, and California Applicants' Attorneys Association.. Since 1984, my law practice has been located in the same office in downtown Santa Barbara in the beautiful La Arcada Building.. I'm available and waiting for your call! Please let me help you with your legal problem!

AV rated by Martindale-Hubbell

Experienced Criminal Defense attorney serving clients in Santa Barbara and surrounding areas.

Experienced Criminal Defense attorney serving clients in Santa Barbara and surrounding areas.

Experienced Criminal Defense attorney serving clients in Santa Barbara and surrounding areas.

Experienced Criminal Defense attorney serving clients in Santa Barbara and surrounding areas.

Experienced Criminal Defense attorney serving clients in Santa Barbara and surrounding areas.

Experienced Criminal Defense attorney serving clients in Santa Barbara and surrounding areas.

Experienced Criminal Defense attorney serving clients in Santa Barbara and surrounding areas.

Experienced Criminal Defense attorney serving clients in Santa Barbara and surrounding areas.

Experienced Criminal Defense attorney serving clients in Santa Barbara and surrounding areas.

Experienced Criminal Defense attorney serving clients in Santa Barbara and surrounding areas.

Experienced Criminal Defense attorney serving clients in Santa Barbara and surrounding areas.