John Michels

Experienced

Former Prosecutor

Who Will Fight For You

Riverside Criminal Defense Attorney John L. Michels

If you are being investigated for a crime or been charged with a criminal offense, it is critical to retain a knowledgeable and experienced Criminal Defense Attorney immediately.  John L. Michels is one of the Inland Empire’s most respected and accomplished attorneys with a proven record of success.  He is an award-winning advocate who has been aggressively fighting for his clients and winning cases for over twenty-five years.

Having The Right Lawyer Makes All The Difference.

Call Us For A Consultation (951) 276-8900

Experience Matters

Former Deputy District Attorney

Over 25 Years Criminal Law Experience

Former Judge Pro Tem Riverside Superior Court

Honors Graduate University of Notre Dame Law School

Award Winning Riverside Criminal Defense Attorney

While serving as a former Deputy District Attorney, John L. Michels obtained an in-depth understanding of the tactics utilized by prosecutors and law enforcement officers.  For two decades he has employed this knowledge and experience for the benefit of his clients.  He enjoys a reputation as a skilled advocate who is respected and well-liked by clients, colleagues, prosecutors, and judges.

Practice Areas

Assault & Battery

Domestic Violence

Drug Crimes

Murder

Sex Crimes

Theft Crimes

Client Reviews

John Michels and his staff were just what we needed during one of the more stressful times of our lives. After meeting with John we were impressed with his credentials and years of experience so we placed our trust in him and it paid off in a big way. Felony charges were dismissed prior to our court date and we owe that to pre trial review performed by John. He advised us on steps to take and thanks to John and his staff we have a second chance on life and plan to make the most of it. We highly recommend John and his staff based on our experience and outcome.
I am still in shock of my outcome. I am incredibly, grateful for John Michels and his team. This year has been one of the roughest times of my life. This was my first time having criminal legal issues and I am so thankful that I found Mr. Michels. Communication was great, I never felt alone throughout my process, all of my questions were answered. I know that my decision to hire Mr. Michels was hands down the best and most important decision I have made. His advice in handling my case gave me the best option that I could have wanted, given my situation. I am forever grateful
Courteous and professional. Worth every penny. I would refer John to friends and family, and I even got his number on speed dial 👍
I have to start by saying thank you to John Michels and his assistant Daniel for helping me in what has been the hardest part of my life. I was looking at serious time, a felony gun charge & other charges. His professionalism has to be noted he knows what he's doing and doesn't play games. Thank you guys for not just taking my case but working as hard as you did. I wouldn't ever go to anyone else. If you're looking for a good lawyer this is the person! I feel like I've been blessed with meeting such a good lawyer and team that works with him. Thank you guys again! I wish you all the best!
I am so grateful to John L Michaels, and Daniel his assistant. They truly did an amazing job with my son’s case. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!!!!
This is the second time I’ve hired John Michael to represent me in a defense case — and once again, he went above and beyond. I was wrongly arrested despite having no prior record. John meticulously reviewed the police report, examined the body-cam footage, and filed a motion for dismissal. The prosecution offered a drug-class diversion, but I refused because I was truly just in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Having John on my side gave me enormous peace of mind — I knew if anyone could get this dismissed, it was him. Thank you to John and his entire staff for your professionalism, dedication, and outstanding representation.
If your in need of representation from an experienced lawyer who works for you the he is your man.
I can’t thank John Michaels enough for what he did for me. When I first hired him, I was facing a serious felony charge that could’ve changed my life forever. From the very beginning, he was honest, professional, and incredibly dedicated. He took the time to explain every step of the process, kept me updated, and fought hard for the best possible outcome.

His confidence in the courtroom and attention to detail made all the difference, he spotted things in my case that other attorneys would have completely missed. Because of his hard work, my felony was reduced to a misdemeanor, and I was able to move forward with my life.

I truly felt like they cared about me as a person, not just another case file. If you’re ever in a tough legal situation and want someone who will fight for you and deliver real results, I highly recommend John L. Michels. He gave me a second chance at life.
Award winning defense attorney is a highly understated title when describing the talent, mind and abilities that Mr. John L Michels Esquire provides his clients when defending them in a court of law and he is hands down in my book which has quite a few pages of court appearances and many different defense attorneys both in California and the tri State areas. in my days and for the rest of my time on earth if I should ever need to retain another defense attorney I strictly and strongly advise anyone in need of a defense above all the rest look in one direction and one direction only and that is the law offices of Mr. John L Michal's. he is a very smart and methodical and an all knowing attorney that in whichever case is at hand will already know which route what things you should be doing to not only help yourself but help him help you get the best possible outcome. and by fallowing his orders whichever way he advises doing them and by not questioning but only fallowing what his many years of practice has taught him for my case which was a case where my wishes for the outcome were probably both outrageous and 10 times out of 10 would never happen but as I said by keeping my ears open mouth shut and doing everything he suggested not only made the outcome in a case where jail time was more likely than not a mandatory thing but instead I got my rights back that I was about to loose forever to me all without a day in jail and a very minor sentence of probation not only were my wishes answered but the confidence Mr. Michal's makes you feel while in court is like nothing I have gotten from any other attorney iv ever retained I strongly suggest anyone that is serious about getting their best possible most tangible within sight outcome go to only one place and that is and will always be for me THE LAW OFFICES OF JOHN L MICHAL'S riverside California
John Michels was referred to us by a family friend, who also is a lawyer. After meeting with John and explaining the charges at hand he took the time to fully explain his approach and strategy based on the charges. In that initial meeting he gained our full trust, confidence, and respect. We knew that the journey would be a difficult one, but he had back up options and explained them to us. Our family decided to retain his services based on his years of experience and expertise. His whole team is caring and attentive. They are there for you when you have questions that need to be answered throughout the whole process.

Our family member was involved in a terrible and tragic automobile accident that lead to the following charges PC 192 (C)(2) Severity (M) Vehicular manslaughter without gross negligence, a misdemeanor charge. Our hearts go out to the families involved and not a day goes by that this accident doesn't weigh heavy on our hearts. As a parent I hope that none of you would ever have to experience this type of tragedy. John Michels was truly empathetic to what we were going through and was there for us the whole way.

His goal was to try to attain a Judicial Diversion. A Judicial diversion is a pathway for eligible defendants to get charges dismissed without a conviction, preventing the negative consequences that follow a criminal record. Participants must agree to and complete certain conditions, such as obeying all laws, appearing at court reviews, and paying restitution, if applicable. If all terms are successfully met, the charges are dismissed, and the record of the arrest may not be used to deny employment, benefits, or licenses.

John Michels was very upfront that a Judicial Diversion was a long shot. We understood that from the beginning, but he also conveyed to us his back up strategies. I read on my own about how difficult a Judicial Diversion could be in California for the charges at hand. Our court date at the Riverside Hall of Justice was yesterday. Words can not express the emotions that we were going through as we sat in the courtroom waiting for the Judge to speak. Our son stood at the podium and John Michels right next to him. As a parent you always want to be by your child's side, but in this instance we were wholeheartedly thankful that we chose John Michels to be there for him. We are happy to say that a Judicial Diversion was achieved. There are conditions that must be met to complete the process and then the charges will be dismissed.

We can not begin to express how grateful we are to John Michels and his whole team. They are the reason we are writing this review and hope you take the time to read it. We want you to know that John Michels and his team will be there for you.
If I could give attorney John Michels and his assistants 10 stars I definitely would! From the consultation call to every call and email in between, he and his assistants proved to be professional and knowledgeable. They were always available to answer my questions and kept in contact with me through every step of the way.
The case he handled for my family involved my juvenile brother who was facing two felony gun possession counts. The biggest fear my family had was that my brother would not only live with felony charges on his record but that he would be doing hard time. With his counsel and legal expertise my brother walked out of the court room with 1 year of probation and community service! Fast forward to a year and successful completion of the above terms, my brother’s case was dismissed and sealed.
My family and I cannot thank attorney John Michels and his staff enough! His connections and experience in juvenile law and as a former deputy district attorney were invaluable. Attorney John Michels is professional, understanding, and straightforward. If you’re ever in need of a criminal defense attorney, do not hesitate to contact the Law Offices of John L. Michels.

Contact an Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer in Riverside and San Bernardino County

If you have been arrested or are being accused of committing a crime, contact Attorney John L. Michels for a free consultation.  Se Habla Español.

Attorney John L. Michels and his investigative team of former law enforcement officers will fight aggressively to win your case.

Contact Criminal Defense Attorney John L. Michels today by calling (951) 276-8900 to speak directly to one of the region’s most highly respected and accomplished Criminal Defense Attorneys.  You may also contact us online.  All consultations are free and confidential.  We have offices conveniently located in Riverside and Murrieta and represent clients in all Riverside County and San Bernardino County Courts.

Contact Us

Riverside Office

Call 24/7 | Se Habla Español!

7095 Indiana Ave. | Suite 200 | Riverside, CA 92506

Phone: (951) 276-8900 | Fax: (951) 602-8900

Murrieta Office

Call 24/7 | Se Habla Español!

29970 Technology Drive | Suite 103 | Murrieta, CA 92563

Phone: (951) 276-8900| Fax: (951) 602-8900

Riverside Criminal Defense Attorney John L. Michels defends clients in all criminal defense matters throughout Riverside and San Bernardino County, including: Banning, Beaumont, Corona, Hemet, Homeland, Lake Elsinore, Menifee, Moreno Valley, Murrieta, Norco, Nuevo, Perris, Rancho Cucamonga, Romoland, San Bernardino, Sun City, Temecula, Wildomar, Winchester.