Michelle A. Mathes

- Attorney
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Michelle achieved her BA degree, cum laude, in Social Ecology with a minor in Psychology in 1991, and her Teaching Credential in 1993 from U.C. Irvine. In 1997, Michelle obtained her J.D. degree, cum laude, from Southwestern Law School. While in law school, Michelle was a member of Law Review, the Moot Court Honors Program and the recipient of numerous academic awards, including three American Jurisprudence Awards in criminal law, property and civil procedure, and the Corpus Secundum Award for Excellence in the study of criminal law. She also received recognition for her academic pursuits as a recipient of the Paul W. Wildman Scholarship and the Justice Marshall Francis McComb Memorial Scholarship. Michelle was admitted to the California State Bar in 1998 and is also admitted to federal practice in the U.S. District Court, Central District of California. She is a member of the California State and Los Angeles County Bar Associations. In 1995, she was a judicial extern for the Honorable Arthur L. Alarcon, Senior Judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit. Michelle has also worked as a senior law clerk at the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office. Michelle has spent the majority of her career helping people being investigated for or charged with criminal offenses. She is a fearless and tireless advocate for her clients. She has a strong record of successful results over the course of over two decades.
Areas Of Practice
- Criminal Defense
- DUI/DWI 20%
- Drug Violations 20%
- Domestic Violence + Neglect 20%
- Sex Offenses 20%
- Sexual Abuse 10%
- Traffic Tickets 5%
- White Collar Crime 5%
Bar Admissions
- California, 1998
Education
- Southwestern Law School, Los Angeles, California
- J.D.
- Honors: cum laude
- Honors: Dean's List
- Honors: With Distinction
- U.C. Irvine, Irvine, California
- B.A.
- Honors: cum laude
- Honors: Dean's List
Professional Associations and Memberships
- California Attorneys for Criminal Justice, 2020
- California Public Defenders Association, 2020
Past Employment Positions
- Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, Judicial Extern, 1996 to 1996
- Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office, Senior Law Clerk, 1997 to 1998
Honors
- American Jurisprudence Award for Criminal Law
- Corpus Juris Secundum Award for Excellence - Criminal Law
- American Jurisprudence Award for Real Property
- American Jurisprudence Award for Civil Procedure
- Paul W. Wildman Scholarship Recipient
- Justice Marshall Francis McComb Memorial Scholarship Recipient
Languages
- English
Practice Areas
- Violent Crimes
- Criminal Threats
- Elder Abuse
- Robbery
- Murder
- Second-Degree Murder In California: Different Than Zimmerman?
- Torrance Criminal Lawyers – Involuntary Manslaughter Defenses
- Murder Defenses In California
- Murder | Degrees
- Arson
- What Can Be Learned About Your Defense
- Tips For Finding The Right Arson Lawyer
- Arson FAQ
- How To Fight Felony Arson Charges
- Child Endangerment
- Child Abuse And Child Endangerment | Resources
- Assault And Battery
- Assault And Battery Explanation
- California Assault And Battery Crimes
- Charged With Assault or Battery in Torrance, CA? What You Should Do if You Are Accused
- Weapons Charges
- Los Angeles Criminal Defense Lawyer: Carrying A Concealed Weapon
- Other California Weapons Charges
- Concealed Weapons
- Theft Related Offenses
- Petty Theft And Shoplifting
- Grand Theft Vs. Petty Theft
- Identity Theft
- California Identity Theft Law: Penalties And Defenses Available
- Facing Identity Theft Charges?
- White Collar Criminal Defense Attorney
- Identity Theft | Credit Card Theft
- Embezzlement Charges
- Burglary
- Embezzlement
- Charged With Embezzlement?
- Embezzlement | Burden of Proof
- Sex Crimes
- Drug Offenses
- How To Avoid A Drug Crime Conviction
- Alternative Sentences For Drug Crimes
- Possession Of Drugs For Personal Use
- Possession Of Marijuana Laws
- Possession Of Marijuana For Sale
- Drug Possession For Sale
- Possession Of Methamphetamine For Sale
- Possession Of Heroin For Sale
- Marijuana Possession
- Marijuana Possession For Sale
- Possession Of Cocaine For Sale
- Mental Health Diversion
- Immigration Relief
- Military Diversion
- Veteran’s Court
- Expungements
- Sealing And Destruction Of Arrest Records
- DUI Defense
- Attacking The Evidence In A DUI Case
- DUI DMV Hearing
- DUI Reductions Overview
- DUI FAQ
- DUI Court Case
- DUI Reduction: Dry Reckless
- DUI Reduction: Wet Reckless
- DUI Reduction: Exhibition Of Speed
- DUI Under 21
- The No Driving Defense
- 10 Common DUI Questions
- Real DUI Success Stories
- Social Media Could Hurt Your Los Angeles DUI Case
- The ‘Rising Blood Alcohol’ Defense
- What Happens When One Or More Minor Children Are Present In The Car When Arrested For DUI?
- You May Not Have Been Drunk When You Were Arrested For DUI In L.A.
- DUI-Related Reductions
- DUI-Related Enhancements
- Juvenile Defense
- Domestic Violence
- General Felonies And Misdemeanors
- Conspiracy
- Hit-And-Run
- Disturbing The Peace
- Accessory After The Fact
- Driving With A Suspended License
- Caught Driving With A Suspended License?
- Vehicular Manslaughter
- Texting And Driving – Distracted Driving Can Lead To Vehicular Manslaughter
- Vehicular Manslaughter | Resources
- Public Intoxication
- Can I Get My Public Intoxication Charge Dismissed?
- Vandalism
- Tagging, Graffiti Can Lead To Stiff Penalties In Los Angeles
- Torrance Vandalism Lawyers Explain The Law And Your Defense
- California Vandalism Graffiti Law Penal Code 594
- Other Practice Areas
- The Criminal Court Process
