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Craig Michael Sturm
also known as Craig M. Sturm, Attorney Sturm
About Craig
Biography
Designated a 2020-2021 SuperLawyer™ by his attorney peers and judges, partner Craig Sturm brings 20 years of DUI, drugged driving, and criminal defense success to Artz & Sturm Law Group. Sturm began his career as an LA County Public Defender, defending individuals in assault, domestic violence, theft, firearms, possession, and DUI drugs and alcohol cases. He later added “big firm” criminal defense experience at Kavinoky Law Firm, one of the largest DUI firms in California, where he became Trial Managing Attorney of the largest DUI firm in California.
Craig Sturm has specialized in drunk/drugged driving defense for almost two decades, and is known throughout Los Angeles and Orange County for his successful motions, reduced PreTrial charges, and for winning difficult DUI and criminal trials, including receiving a not-guilty verdict on a DUI murder trial. He is trained in all breath machines used in LA and Orange County, and is the only DUI attorney who has received extensive training in both the Datamaster DMT and the EC/IR II, the two breath machines used in the City of Los Angeles. Sturm is also trained in the ALS Laboratory and Gas Chromatography blood machines.
Mr. Sturm is a founding member of DUI Defense Lawyers Association (DUIDLA) and an active member of National College DUI Defense (NCDD), California DUI Lawyers Association (CDLA), and California Public Defender Association (CPDA). He continuously expands his knowledge of BAC forensic science, travelling the country to learn from the nation's best BAC testing experts, and is a Certified Instructor on Standardized Field Sobriety Tests by the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration. His forensic science expertise enables him to get evidence excluded from trials, dramatically boosting his clients’ trial and pre-trial success rates.
Mr. Sturm is passionate about the outcome of all his cases, offering a comprehensive, intelligently planned defense for each and every client.
Certifications and Trainings:
• Certified Instructor by the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration on Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Certification.
• IACP/NHTSA ARIDE Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) Course
• Mastering Scientific Evidence in DUI Defense
• Breath Machines used in Los Angeles and Orange County:
• Operator/ Instructor- DataMaster DMT
• Owner/ Operator- PAS Alco Sensor IV
• Trained in ALS Laboratory blood machine
• Trained in Gas Chromatography blood machine
• Operator- DataMaster CDM
• Operator- EC/IR II
• Owner of EC/IR breath machine (Artz & Sturm is the only law firm in Southern California that owns this machine)
ARTZ & STURM LAW GROUP
Artz & Sturm Law Group is one of the most successful and experienced DUI, drugged driving, and criminal defense law firms in California. Partners Jon Artz and Craig Sturm have both been recognized as SuperLawyers™ by their CA attorney and judicial peers—among the top-rated lawyers in the nation—with 70 years of combined DUI criminal defense experience between them.
Practice Areas
2
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
50%
24 years
DUI and DWI
50%
24 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 23 years
State: California
Acquired: 2002
No misconduct found
Location
Artz & Sturm Law Group
1010 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 1415, Los Angeles, CA, 90017
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Craig Michael Sturm's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 41 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Raymond | September 26, 2024 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
dui case
I spent $10,000 with this lawyer and very little was said after two years just going to court and get it continuance and finally at the pulmonary hearing he didn’t have any photos or videos to contrast what law-enforcement was saying I could not believe it
Posted by Frankie | July 25, 2024 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Very very highly recommended
I recently had the pleasure of working with Linda and Craig, and I can't thank them enough. From the start, they made everything feel less overwhelming and were always there to help and answer any questions I had. Throughout the whole process, they answered all my questions and provided the guida...
Posted by Neel | March 14, 2023 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Highly Recommend for your Legal Needs
Some years back, I was in need of representation for a case I was involved in. I talked to various attorneys and ended up going with Sturm Law. When discussing my case with Ms. Linda Gavilan, I was provided clear explanations of my options and a detailed overview of what the process would be like. Al...
Posted by Marissa | January 24, 2023 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Great results
I had a great experience and outcome for both the court and DMV process with the help from Artz and Sturm law. Linda and Mr. Sturm were very organized and took the time to answer my many questions during a stressful time, all with compassion and honesty. I had researched several firms but after talki...
Posted by Kabir | January 17, 2023 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
The Best of The Best
Mr. Sturm and Linda have represented me and many of my friends and family through some difficulties for decades. There is no one I trust more to competently handle a case for myself or loved ones. The are honest, fair and extremely good at what they do. They have been doing this for so many years so ...
Craig Michael Sturm's Lawyer Endorsements
"Craig Sturm has a national reputation as one of the finest DUI defense practitioners in California. If I had a family member or loved one charged with a crime in southern California, Craig would be the first person I called. A proven fighter, an excellent attorney, and an excellent human-being, Craig is one of the "go to" people in DUI defense. I highly recommend Craig without reservation to anyone looking for a skilled a relentless attorney for representation for a DUI or other criminal charge."
"I had the pleasure to work with Mr. Strum on some of his cases. He is a lawyers lawyer. Mr. Sturm is a lawyer other lawyers go to if they have questions. He will take his cases to trial and is well studied in the areas of DUI. He is an instructor in Standard Field Sobriety Test and is able to instruct law enforcement on the adminstration of the tests."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Sturm is a very knowledgeable and effective attorney for his clients."
"I have worked with some of the best DUI attorneys in Southern California and know almost all of the “heavyweights” in the industry. Craig is not one of the best DUI/DWI attorneys...he is the THE BEST. Don’t get me wrong, there are other great lawyers in the field, but Craig is simply on another level. And it’s not just his skills at trial, it’s also his ability to negotiate deals from prosecutors that other attorneys can only dream about getting for their clients. Many Prosecutors are scared to lose at trial and will do almost anything to avoid it. Hence, the moment Craig’s name pops up as the attorney of record on a case, it sends a message to the other side to either play nice or pay the price!!!"
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. He's a beautiful lawyer. I mean it. He's physically beautiful. Stunning. HOT!! Jurors love this and he seduced them with his knowledge of the law and charm. Craig will stand up to any prosecutor and always ends up with the best possible result for his clients. Many times I've been lonely reviewing cases and sought Craig's counsel. He's the best of the best."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Attorney Craig Sturm provides outstanding legal answers in the Avvo community for individuals seeking assistance. He is an asset to the legal profession. I fully endorse him."
"I endorse Mr. Sturm. He is actively participating in Avvo questions & answers, educating and helping many Avvo clients."
"Mr. Sturm is a well respected and knowledgeable member of the criminal defense community. He is a prominent contributor on AVVO and treats his clients with the utmost consideration"
"13 years of practicing dui/criminal law with 5 of that as a former public defender is extremely court experienced. 1 year as a public defender is equivalent to 3 as a private lawyer. The DA's know that he knows what they know. His knowledge of both the law and procedure is excellent and evident in his pro bono contributions. His client reviews are stellar. READ THEM. Endorsements from other attorneys are outstanding. Results matter so do yourself a favor and schedule a consultation. If you are lucky he might just agree to represent you."
"When you find yourself in need of a criminal defense attorney, you need someone with experience. Mr. Sturm is well respected in the legal community because he has the experience needed to be an effective advocate for his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer. A brilliant, trustworthy and highly respected attorney in the legal community."
"Mr. Sturm is a very experienced attorney that fights hard for his clients and often contributes to areas of law regarding DUI and criminal defense. A+"
"I endorse Craig Sturm. Excellent attorney who provides outstanding legal answers on Avvo to assist individuals looking for assistance. An asset to the legal profession."
"I not only endorse this attorney, I give this attorney 5 stars! Well respected in the community and proven to be effective."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"An extremely talented and well respected attorney in the legal community, I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone looking for a lawyer who knows the law and truly cares about protecting the rights of his clients and getting them the most favorable result possible."
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Experience
Honors
2021
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2020
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2019
Superb Rated Attorney, AVVO
2018
Superb Rated Attorney, AVVO
2017
Superb Rated Attorney, Avvo
2016
Winter Session Marijuana and Cars, National College for DUI Defense
2015
Top Contributor 2015, Avvo
2015
Mastering Scientific Evidence in DUI DWI, National College for DUI Defense
2015
Superb Rated Attorney, AVVO
2015
Winter Seminar Certificate, DUI Defense Lawyers Association 2015
2015
Summer Seminar Certificate, DUI Defense Lawyers Association
2015
Uncertainty Seminar in Atlanta, National College for DUI Defense
2014
Speaker, California Attorneys for Criminal Justice
2014
Annual CCDB DUI, Colorado Criminal Defense Bar
2014
Top Lawyer in California, American Lawyer Media
2014
Top Contributor, AVVO
2014
Annual Fast Eddie Kuwatch, California DUI Lawyers Association
2014
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2014
Client's Choice Award, AVVO
2013
Top Lawyers in California, American Lawyer Media
2013
10th Annual DUI Seminar, MABA (PAC) Political Action Committee, CA DUI Lawyers Association (CDLA)
2013
Superb Rated Attorney, AVVO
2013
“A Recipe for Success: Trial Techniques That Win!”, NACDL & NCDD Present the 17th Annual DWI Means Defend With Ingenuity® Seminar
2013
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2013
Summer Session Graduate, National College for DUI Defense
2013
Annual Fast Eddie Kuwatch, California DUI Lawyers Association
2012
Gas Chromatography Hands-On Lab Training, American Chemical Society
2012
Getting the ‘Not Guilty’ Vote, NACDL & NCDD Present the 16th Annual DWI Means Defend With Ingenuity® Seminar
2012
Winter Session Graduate, National College for DUI Defense
2012
Excellent Rated Attorney, AVVO
2012
Summer Session Graduate at Harvard Law School, National College for DUI Defense
2012
10 Year Anniversary, Martindale-Hubbell
2012
9th ANNUAL DUI SEMINAR, Mexican American Bar Association
2012
The 19th Annual Mastering Scientific Evidence in DWI/DUI, Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association and the National College for DUI Defense (NCDD)
2012
OCCUPY DUI SAN DIEGO, California DUI Lawyers Association
2012
Annual Fast Eddie Kuwatch, California DUI Lawyers Association
2012
Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE), National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP)
2011
Winning at Every Level, NACDL & NCDD Present the 15th Annual DWI Means Defend With Ingenuity® Seminar
2011
Forensic Chromatography Course, American Chemical Society and Axion Laboratories
2011
Standardized Field Sobriety Tests Instructor course, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP)
2011
Annual Fast Eddie Kuwatch, California DUI Lawyers Association
2011
AVVO, Excellent Rated Attorney
2011
Summer Session Graduate at Harvard Law School, National College for DUI Defense
2010
Annual Fast Eddie Kuwatch, California DUI Lawyers Association
2010
Defending Drug Cases III Seminar, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
2010
Communicating Your Way to Acquittal, NACDL & NCDD Present the 14th Annual DWI Means Defend With Ingenuity® Seminar
2009
Annual Fast Eddie Kuwatch, California DUI Lawyers Association
2009
6TH ANNUAL DUI SEMINAR, Mexican American Bar Association
2008
Annual Fast Eddie Kuwatch, California DUI Lawyers Association
2007
Annual Fast Eddie Kuwatch, California DUI Lawyers Association
2007
Criminal Defense Practice, California Public Defenders Association
2006
Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFST) Student course, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP).
Work Experience
2021 - Present
Partner, Lead Trial Attorney, Artz & Sturm Law Group
2007 - 2009
Managing Attorney, Kavinoky Law Firm
2002 - 2007
Public Defender, Los Angeles Public Defender's Office
2002 - 2021
Owner, Trial Criminal Defense Attorney, Sturm Law
2001 - 2002
Law Clerk, Los Angeles County Superior Courts
Associations
2014 - Present
DUI Defense Lawyers AssociationFounding Member
2012 - Present
American Chemical SocietyAssociate
2006 - Present
National College of DUI DefenseMember
2006 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2002 - Present
Los Angeles County Bar AssociationMember
2001 - Present
California DUI Lawyers AssociationMember
Sample of Legal Cases
People V Darling- Burbank
Military Diversion
People V. Deanda Metropolitan
Speed Ex
People V. Escobedo- Burbank
Military Diversion
People V. Hidalgo- Van Nuys
Exhibition of speed
People V. Johnson- Metropolitan
Exhibition of speed
People V. T.C. Metropolitan
Exhibition of speed
People V McVay- Inglewood
Military Diversion
People V. S. Higgins- Compton
Dismissed
People V. J. Garcia- San Fernando
Dismissed
People V. Tovar- West Covina
Wet Reckless
People V. P Chung- Van Nuys
Exhibition of speed
People V. Kellison Van Nuys
Exhibition of speed
People V. Blackwell- Metropolitan
Exhibition of speed
People V Jackson- Metropolitan
Exhibition of speed
People V. Prewitt- Inglewood
Exhibition of speed
People V. J. Marinero- Downey
Dismissed
People V. R. Hernandez
Exhibition of speed
People V. Avila- Metropolitan
Exhibition of speed
People V. Molami
Exhibition of speed
People V. M. Soni
Wet Reckless
People V. Douglas- Metropolitan
Exhibition of speed
People V. M. Brookins- Metropolitan
Wet Reckless
People V. Cannella - Airport
Dismissed
People V. Khan Metropolitan
Exhibition of speed
People V. H. Erdman- Van Nuys
Exhibition of speed
People V. E. Garcia- Metropolitan
Exhibition of speed
People V. Durzi- Metropolitan
Exhibition of speed
People V. Aguayo- Van Nuys
Exhibition of speed
People V. Green Metropolitan
exhibition of speed
People v. R.J.
DUI Dismissed
People v. D.C.
DUI Dismissed
People v. O.M
DUI Dismissed
People v. S.M.
DUI Dismissed
People v. S.A.
DUI Dismissed
People v. V.E.
DUI Dismissed
People v. O.K.
DUI Dismissed
People v. S.D.
DUI Dismissed
People v. A.b
DUI Dismissed
People v. C.L
DUI Dismissed
People v. F.C
DUI Dismissed
People v. C.F.
DUI Dismissed
People v. G.J.
DUI Dismissed
People v. N.M.
DUI Dismissed
People v. M.C.
DUI Dismissed
People v. K.L.
DUI Dismissed
People v. L.D.
DUI Dismissed
People v. G.K.
DUI Dismissed
Education
2016
Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College
Voir Dire Washington Regional
2012
Axion Lab/American Chemical Society
Gas Chromatography VII
2000
Glendale University College of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1996
Santa Monica College
AA
Speaking Engagements
2019
Headline News Michaela Pereira Show
Study: More car crashes where recreational pot is legal
2017
DUI Drugs
Rules of The Road XX
2014
DUI Power Seminar
DUI 101
2013
Instructor Course
Standard Field Sobriety Test
2012
Understanding the Datamaster
Breath Testing in Los Angeles County
2010
UCLA
Criminal Defense and DUI Defense
2007
Court TV
Celebrity murder case interview
Publications
2012
The Defense Journal
Fighting a DUI
2010
Criminal Defense Chronicles
DUI defense
Languages
English
Spanish
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
I got pulled over for warrant I never knew I had. Got ticket for 14601(a)(vc) and 12500(a).
18 Jul 2022
Q&A
23152 (F) alcohol n drugs i did not commiteted i need help i have 2 kids im only 28yrs old and my wife dont have job ATM
17 Jun 2020
Q&A
How can we get a pardon?
17 Jun 2020