Award Winning Riverside Criminal Defense Attorney

John L. Michels

Personal Attention And Proven Results

Home
Attorney Profile for Riverside Defense Lawyer John Michels

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

The Law Offices of John L. Michels

5.0

Based on 105 reviews

See all reviews

review us on

Stockpile Precious Metals 3.

John L. Michels is a great Lawyer and I highly recommend his services, I got accused of 2 charges and John L. Michels got both of my charges dropped, I am truly thankful and greatly appreciate what John and his team has done for me, I'm a freeman again with a clean record... God bless John L. Michels and his team 🙏🫡💯

Ashley L

I highly recommend this law office! Attorney John L. Michels helped my son, who was facing a felony charge and potentially two years in jail. John took the time to understand my son’s situation, and thanks to his hard work and the great relationships he has built over the years, we were able to secure a misdemeanor charge, just one year of informal probation, and a work release program- with NO jail time. Attorney Michels worked directly with the DA’s office outside of court to negotiate a favorable deal, which not only made a significant impact, but also shorten the case timeline. They also helped us set up a payment plan that fit our budget, which was a huge relief. The office was professional, supportive, and compassionate throughout the entire process. I can’t thank them enough for their assistance!

Josue R.

I hired attorney Mr. Jhon L. Michels last year for my case. He was great help and had tons of knowledge and advice to give me along the way. His staff was also as helpful as Mr. Michels. Very recommended! Thanks to him and his staff i am relieved.

Robert M.

Daniel provided me with excellent service, and advise. Saved me so much time. Thank you

Juan

Couldn't be happier with the results. My life was flipped upside down over a year ago and I can finally breath easy. I was looking at 5 different felony charges and basically guaranteed to do jail time, John was able to lower my charges to 2 misdemeanors with unsupervised probation and 90 hrs community service. Absolutely money well spent, will definitely be recommending to anyone in need.

Cynthia W.

Mr. John Michael's is an Excellent Attorney look no further! He strives to achieve the best outcome for his clients, his skills in navigating through my case with a favorable
outcome were far beyond excellent! Thank Attorney Michael for being a great advocate on your clients behalf!
We are forever grateful!
CW and VL

Aimee A.

My son found himself in a terrible situation in which he was charged with a felony aggravated assault in Riverside Co. He was looking at serving some serious time. John Michels was able to get him into a mental health diversion treatment program and probation. After my son's successful completion, John was able to get my son's record expunged.

My son and I are so grateful for John's help, recommendations, and guidance as well as his staff for always being so prompt and helpful. The turnout exceeded our expectations and I am extremely proud of my son's complete turnaround.

C S

I am beyond grateful to John and his team for their hard work in resolving my case. Thanks to his expertise and dedication, I’ve been given a second chance, and I couldn’t be more thankful. The outcome exceeded my expectations, and I highly recommend John to anyone seeking an understanding and skilled attorney.

Daniel R.

On August 1 of 2024 my life changed instantly I was arrested for battery. I’ve never been arrested in 44 years I was scared lost didn’t know what to do. I felt like everything around me was going to be lost because of an incident that I didn’t do. I couldn’t sleep at night couldn’t eat frustrated and worried. Then I called Mr. John. Michels , he put me at ease in our first meeting. From the moment I met Mr. Michels I felt safe secure positive all of the above within only a matter of weeks. Mr. Michels was able to get all the charges against me dropped and dismissed. The Law Office of John L Michels is the best, no doubt about it. I just wanted to Thank Mr. Michels and if anyone needs a legal representation just do it don’t look anywhere else he is the best at what he does hands down!!!!

Sage S.

Hired John for my case, it was my first time every getting in trouble and will be my last, I got hit with 3 felony and John was able to get it down to nothing at all on my record, just like if I had never gotten in trouble, he was super helpful and went above and beyond, I recommend him to anyone who needs help, thank you!

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

Email: john@jlmlawoffice.net

Murrieta Office

Call 24/7 | Se Habla Español!

29970 Technology Drive | Suite 103 | Murrieta, CA 92563

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

Email: john@jlmlawoffice.net

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.