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) 309-7500

Client Reviews

John and his team literally saved my life! I am 22 years old and was facing 25+ years in state prison with 3 major charges of attempted murder, discharge of a firearm, and a GBI. John was able to get me a deal for probation and 240 community service hours. This outcome seemed unrealistic in the beginning but John got it done! The best representation in Riverside County hands down! I owe him my life and am beyond grateful for what he did for me. Worth every penny! – Antonio J.

John is the bomb...His professionalism and knowledge in his field is unmatched by any attorney in Riverside County. I was facing a mandatory three-year term and a violation of probation. I had five different Felonies and John was able to get me probation. Keep in mind that this was a case with a mandatory three-year term… This is not one of those attorneys that you cannot reach when you need him. Your case matters to him and he walks you through your case hand in hand. Trust me when I tell you this ...You will not be disappointed with John Michels. If I could give him a 10 star rating I would. – Keith N.

Highly recommended. I had a big Insurance Fraud case against me. John is extremely skilled and knowledgeable in this area. He did an amazing job for my case. Do not hesitate to reach out to him. He'll definitely take care of your case and make you feel like you’re his only client. – Delia L.

John and his team knocked my legal issues out of the park! He helped deal with my insurance company, got my felony case reduced to a misdemeanor, and was helpful in guiding me along the way. I couldn't be happier with the results. I would recommend him 10 out of 10 times to friends and family. – Warren W.

My son was charged with a Juvenile Felony Assault case and Attorney Michels was able to get it dismissed and removed from our son’s record. He was very detailed and informative from start to finish and made us feel like family. Thank you Attorney Michels and may God bless you and your family. We are very grateful that we found you to represent our son. – Sonia S.

I was looking at 2 years in prison for a Felony DUI with GBI in Riverside County. I hired John in 2020 and we closed my deal with it being dropped to a misdemeanor with work release. Let’s just say John was amazing & I’m very grateful that he helped me & I didn’t have to go to prison! If you need a lawyer, I recommend John Michels as he is the best Lawyer in Riverside County. He will always be very honest & upfront with you. Thank you John for all your help! – Jer L.

Working with John was a great experience! He was quick to respond, extremely personable, and able to handle my expungement case very quickly. I felt completely taken care of and had all of my questions answered thoroughly throughout the whole process. I would highly recommend hiring John for any of your legal needs! Best lawyer here in Riverside! – Chloe M.

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) 309-7500 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) 309-7500 | 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) 309-7500| 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.