Award Winning Riverside Criminal Defense Attorney

John L. Michels

Personal Attention And Proven Results
John Michels
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Attorney Profile

  • Top 100 Trial Lawyers
  • Past President Leo A. Deegan Inn of Court
  • Recipient of Terry Bridges Outstanding Attorney of the Year
  • NACDL National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • CACJ California Attorneys for Criminal Justice
  • Riverside and San Bernardino County Bar Associations
John L. Michels is an experienced criminal defense attorney who has zealously represented clients in a broad range of criminal matters throughout the Inland Empire for twenty-five years.  Attorney John L. Michels completed his undergraduate education at the University of San Diego where he graduated with honors and completed a prestigious internship with the State of California Department of Justice working in the Criminal Division of the Attorney General’s office.  He received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Notre Dame Law School, graduating with honors in 1998 and winning the award for the top mock trial attorney in his graduating class.

 

As a former Deputy District Attorney with the Riverside County District Attorney’s office, Attorney John L. Michels handled a wide variety of criminal prosecutions including misdemeanors, general felonies, fraud, embezzlement, and major narcotics cases.  He was also assigned to a special juvenile law prosecution unit.  Attorney Michels left the District Attorney’s office in 2001 and opened his own criminal defense firm, The Law Offices of John L. Michels.

 

Having the

right lawyer

makes all

the difference

Attorney John L. Michels is one of the Inland Empire’s most respected and accomplished attorneys with a proven record of success.  He has defended clients accused of all criminal matters, ranging from misdemeanors to murder.  He enjoys a reputation as a skilled and formidable advocate who is respected and well liked by his clients, colleagues, adversaries, and judges.  Attorney John L. Michels is a member of the California Attorneys for Criminal Justice, Riverside and San Bernardino County Bar Associations, and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.  He is a highly active member of our local legal community having served as a long-time executive board member and past president of the Leo A. Deegan Inn of Court, and as a Judge Pro Tempore for the Riverside County Superior Court.  Attorney John L. Michels has been named one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers by the National Trial Lawyers Association and was the recipient of the prestigious Terry Bridges Outstanding Attorney of the Year award in 2017.

Education

Notre Dame Law School – Juris Doctorate with Honors
University of San Diego – Bachelor of Arts with Honors

Bar Admissions

California State Bar Association
United States District Court – Central District of California

Judicial Experience

Former Judge Pro Tempore – Riverside County Superior Court

Call Us For A Consultation (951) 276-8900

Client Reviews

I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for your dedication, compassion, and professionalism throughout my case. From the very beginning, you were kind, straightforward, and genuine -- you didn't sugarcoat anything, but you always took the time to truly listen and guide me through one of the most difficult times in my life.
Your knowledge, patience, and persistence gave me hope when I felt lost, and your commitment to justice reminded me that I wasn't alone in this process. You not only represented me with skill, but you also encouraged me to grow, invest in my sobriety, and believe in the possibility of a better future.
I truly appreciate how you handled my case with both strength and understanding, balancing your legal expertise with genuine humanity.
Because of your hard work and support, I've been able to find peace, clarity, and a renewed sense of purpose. Thank you for standing by me, believing in me, and helping me take steps toward healing and restoration. I will always be grateful for the difference you've made in my life.
I cannot say enough positive things about my experience working with Attorney John Michales. This was my first run-in with the law, and I was overwhelmed, anxious, and unsure of what to expect. I am so glad I made the decision to hire John — he guided me through every step with clarity, reassurance, and genuine care.

From the beginning, he was incredibly helpful, patient, and diligent. He never took the easy way out or pushed me into a quick plea. Instead, he fought hard for me at every stage to achieve the best possible outcome. The mitigation steps he advised me to take were essential in building a strong, thorough package that ultimately played a major role in getting my charge reduced.

I also want to acknowledge his staff, especially Daniel, the paralegal. Daniel was incredibly helpful, responsive, and supportive throughout the entire process. Their teamwork made a stressful situation feel manageable, and I always felt like I had a dedicated team behind me.

My case was complicated and took longer than expected, but John’s fees remained fair and transparent the entire time. He never tried to increase the cost or take advantage of the situation — something I deeply respect and appreciate.

Because of John’s advocacy, strategy, and the work we did together, my original felony charge was reduced to a misdemeanor, and I received only the statutory minimum probation. The outcome was far better than I ever expected, and it would not have been possible without John and his team.

If you need an attorney who truly cares about his clients, knows the law, and will fight for you with integrity, I highly recommend John Michales. He made a real difference in my life.

-Teddy
Attorney John kept my son Chris out of jail and very serious felony charges dismissed. Thank you John and Daniel for all your hard work and expertise. Our entire family is truly grateful
Attorney John Michels saved my husband from a serious Felony. We can't thank John enough! This Attorney came highly recommended by our neighbor. A retired Judge. Bottom line. This Attorney gets the job done ✅
I'm eternally grateful for Attorney John Michels and his Excellent Team. John gave me the second chance that I desperately needed. Now my family and I can continue moving forward. I highly recommend this Attorney. Don't wait. Get this guy now! Thank you John
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!!!!

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.