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About Michael
Biography
Michael J. Holmes is an accomplished attorney and real estate agent with nearly 25 years of experience representing clients across multiple states and federal jurisdictions. Known for his sharp negotiation skills, attention to detail, and strategic approach to complex transactions, Mr. Holmes provides trusted counsel to individuals, investors, and companies navigating the legal landscape of real estate and business law.
Mr. Holmes focuses his legal practice on representation related to estate planning, real estate, criminal law, and trusts. His dual background as both an attorney and licensed real estate professional allows him to bridge the gap between the legal and practical sides of property and business deals—offering clients the insight needed to make confident and informed decisions.
Throughout his career, he has represented clients in a wide range of matters including:
- Criminal Law
- Commercial and residential real estate transactions
- Entity formation and corporate structuring
- Buy–sell agreements and partnership disputes
- Contract negotiation and enforcement
- Land use and property development issues
- Asset protection and succession planning (Estate Planning)
What distinguishes Mr. Holmes is his multi-state licensure and international professional network, connecting clients to a broad team of legal and real estate experts across jurisdictions. His deep understanding of both business operations and property law enables him to craft tailored, results-driven strategies that protect clients’ interests and maximize opportunities.
Before beginning his legal career, Mr. Holmes served honorably in the United States Army as an Armor Crewman on a main battle tank, earning distinction for his discipline and leadership. He is a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and brings the same integrity and commitment to his legal practice that he demonstrated in military service.
Licenses and Admissions
• Licensed Attorney in California, Washington, Texas, and Idaho
• Admitted to practice in numerous federal court jurisdictions
• Certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
• Licensed Real Estate Professional in California and Idaho
Professional Approach
Michael J. Holmes combines aggressive advocacy with practical business sense. Whether negotiating a multimillion-dollar commercial lease, structuring a corporate merger, resolving a complex property dispute, or in trial on a murder case, he approaches every matter with precision, integrity, and an unwavering focus on his clients’ long-term success.
Practice Areas
4
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Idaho for 1 year
State: Idaho
Acquired: 2025
No misconduct found
Licensed in Washington for 1 year
State: Washington
Acquired: 2024
No misconduct found
Licensed in California for 23 years
State: California
Acquired: 2002
No misconduct found
Location
Law Offices of Michael J. Holmes, PC
3313 W. Cherry Lane #1080, Meridian, ID, 83632
Law Office of Michael J. Holmes, APC
360 E. 1st Street, Unit 716, Tustin, CA, 92780
Law Office of Michael J. Holmes, APC
5300 Town and Country Blvd., Suite 155, Frisco, TX, 75034
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Michael Jonathan Holmes's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
41 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Showing 1 - 5 of 9 reviews | Communication Style
Posted by Robert | January 19, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Best Attorney I could have hired
In May of 2017, I was going through the hardest time of my life after a fight at a bar left me with criminal charges, a 30k bail, a bloody lip, and confusion on what to do since I have never been arrested before. Michael helped me calm my nerves by sitting with me and explaining the whole process an...
Posted by Joseph A. | January 14, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Super Lawyer
I spoke with several attorneys before I made the decision to hire attorney Michael Holmes. I felt that Michael was the most thorough in his explanation of how he was going to handle my case and I love the fact that he had a team of professionals that were going to help. Many of the other attorneys I ...
Posted by anonymous | November 23, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Family
Great Lawyer
We were not sure what to do when we realized she needed a lawyer. A friend of the family referred us to Mr. Holmes and we hired him to help us. We are very happy with our decision and recommend him. He was honest and made sure we knew what was going on through the entire process. He is now someon...
Posted by Juan | January 06, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
He helped us a lot
my other lawyer did not work on my case. he had someone else talk to me and wouldn't talk to me so I switched to Michael Holme's office and he did a great job for us.
Posted by anonymous | August 19, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Big help at a bad time of my life!
I got arrested and thought life was over. I didn't know what to do until I spoke with Michael. He was a great help and was always good about taking my calls. He even gave me his cell phone number so I could call him when his office was closed. Thank you again Michael!
Michael Jonathan Holmes's Lawyer Endorsements
"I know Michael and gladly endorse him. I know his reputation in the legal community is that of an honest and sincere lawyer who takes good care of his clients."
"Michael is very well known for his strong representation of criminal defendants in Orange County. His work ethic and honesty has helped me people achieve great results in their case."
"I endorse this lawyer as he has proven himself to be a fighter for his clients. I worked with Michael on a case and he impressed me with his knowledge of the specific area of the law that we were fighting and for his command of the court and prosecutors that we were up against. He is a superior litigator with heart!"
"Mike is a friend and colleague who I'd definitely send referals to in OC. He's passionate and professional. Besides being very knowledgeable in criminal defense, he is also very dedicated in his clients find favorable solutions."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Mr. Holmes is a true professional. He treats each client as if they are his only client. I am consistently impressed by his work-ethic, and attention to detail. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Michael has been a consummate professional and extremely knowledgeable in criminal defense. When interacting with him, he has carried himself with the utmost integrity. As a colleague he has provided invaluable trial pointers. I have seen him interact with clients and his communication and care for the community and his clients is impeccable."
"I endorse this lawyer. Highly respected in the legal community. A great asset to AVVO."
"I endorse this lawyer."
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Experience
Honors
2018
Attorney Certification, Department of Veterans Affairs
2018
5 Star Review Badge, Avvo
2018
Listed (pending final approval), Who's Who Legal
2018
Attorney Member, National Organization of Veterans Advocates
2018
Top Contributor, Avvo
2018
Top Attorney, Avvo
2018
Member (pending), Esteemed Lawyers of America
2017
Attorney Certification, Department of Veterans of Affairs
2017
Attorney Continuing Legal Education, Department of Veterans Affairs
2017
Client's Choice, Avvo
2017
Top Pro, Thumbtack
2017
Top Attorney, Avvo
2017
5 Star Review Award, Avvo
2017
Top Contributor, Avvo
2016
Client's Choice, Avvo
2016
Top Contributor, Avvo
2016
Attorney Certification, Department of Veterans Affairs
2016
Pro, Thumbtack
2014
Criminal Law MCLE, Lawyers Mutual
2014
Ethics Training Certificate, California Applicants' Attorneys Association
2014
Ethics MCLE Certificate, Lawyers Mutual
2008
Certificate of Appreciation, Orange County Bar Association, Legal Aid Society
2007
Ethics Training Certificate, California Public Defenders Association
2007
Ethics Training Certificate, California Public Defenders Association
2006
Attorney Member, San Bernardino County Bar Association
2006
Ethics Training Certificate, California Public Defenders Association
2004
Drug Crimes Training, California District Attorneys Association
2004
Search Warrant Training Certificate, California District Attorneys Association
2003
Attorney Member, California District Attorneys Association
2003
Driving Under The Influence Training, California District Attorneys Association
2003
MADD Certificate, Mothers Against Drunk Driving
2002
Preliminary Hearing Training, San Bernardino County District Attorney
2002
Jury Selection Training, San Bernardino County District Attorney
2002
Closing Argument Training, San Bernardino County District Attorney
1990
Oversees Service Award, United States Army
1989
Marksman Award, United States Army
1988
Army Service Award, United States Army
Work Experience
2005 - Present
Supervising Attorney, The Law Office of Michael J. Holmes, PC
2007 - 2007
Attorney, California Organization of Police & Sheriff
2002 - 2005
Prosecutor, Deputy District Attorney
1988 - 1990
Armor, United States Army
Associations
2015 - Present
Disabled American VeteransAssociate Member
2002 - Present
State Bar of CaliforniaAttorney Member
2018 - 2018
American Institute of Criminal Law AttorneysAssociate Member
2018 - 2018
National Organization of Veterans' AdvocatesAttorney Member
2017 - 2017
American Institute of Criminal Law AttorneysAssociate Member
2016 - 2017
State Bar of California, Criminal Law SectionAttorney Member
2015 - 2016
California Accident Injury AssociationAssociate Member
2012 - 2015
Lawyers MutualAttorney Member
2007 - 2008
National Criminal Defense CollegeAttorney Member
2006 - 2007
Orange County Bar AssociationAttorney Member
2002 - 2005
California District Attorneys AssociationAssociate Member
2002 - 2018
United States District Court for the Central District of CaliforniaAttorney Member
Sample of Legal Cases
People v MB
Not Guilty
Work Injury
Over $4,700,000.00 for my client!
Work Injury
Nearly $5,000,000.00
Education
2001
Trinity Law School
JD - Juris Doctor
1995
San Diego State University
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2017
2nd Amendment Rights (selected to speak to lawyers and other participants)
Gun Law
2016
Legally Speaking
Criminal Law Rights
2015
Orange County Stand Down
Veterans Benefits
2015
Legally Speaking
Injured Workers Rights
2013
People v. R.J.
Attempted Murder
2011
San Diego Unition Tribune
Attempted Murder
2011
People v. Ruben Jurado
People v. Ruben Jurado
2011
People v. R.J.
Attempted Murder
1993
College Newspaper Ethics Presentation
Journalism ethics
Publications
2018
San Diego Uptown
DUI Marijuanna
2017
Self Published
After The Arrest...Driving Under The Influence!
2017
Self Published
Injured at Work...What Next?
2011
2002
Trinity College Law Review
Trinity Law School Law Review Editor
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
Someone stole my wallet it was turned into police with drugs in it can I be charged
07 Jan 2021
Q&A
I'm being charged with burglary 2
07 Jan 2021
Q&A
Can I be charged for fraud from unemployment if I didn't lie ?
07 Jan 2021