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Lonnie L Mcdowell

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Avvo Rating10
  • Los Angeles, CA
  • Licensed for 11 years
  • Free consultation
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About Lonnie

Before founding McDowell & Associates, Attorneys, Mr. McDowell was an associate at one of Southern California’s largest Defense Firms. While there, he was responsible for handling various matters that ran the gamut from small routine matters to large disputes involving complex legal issues and significant amounts of money. During this time, Mr. McDowell worked with and represented numerous top medical, scientific, criminal and mechanical experts in preparation for trial.

Mr. McDowell graduated from Southwestern Law School in Southern California with top honors. He was a member of the Dean’s List and was the recipient of the Dean’s Scholarship. Mr. McDowell was the Lead Articles Editor as well as a board member of the Southwestern Law Review in addition to being a teaching assistant and tutor for various Criminal Law classes.

While still in law school, Mr. McDowell served as a certified law clerk for the United States Attorney’s Office, for the District of Nevada, working on the Organized Crime Strike Force. While with the USDOJ, Mr. McDowell handled daily criminal appearances on behalf of the U.S. Government as well as prosecuting DUI’s at trail for which he was recognized as a skilled litigator. Mr. McDowell was also selected to intern in the United States District Court, Southern District of California for the Honorable Dean D. Pregerson.

After taking the California bar, but still waiting for the results, Mr. McDowell won one of nine ABOTA Fellowships. The Fellowship is designed to give new attorney’s experience in various aspects of the legal profession. Mr. McDowell spent time working in the offices of a Plaintiff and Defense Attorney as well as in the chambers of a Family Law Judge.

Mr. McDowell is a member of The American Bar Association, The Los Angeles County Bar Association, The Beverly Hills Bar Association, The Association of Southern California Defense Counsel, The Consumer Attorney’s Association of Los Angeles, and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

As the founder of McDowell & Associates, Attorneys, Mr. McDowell is dedicated to helping people resolve any legal problem they may be facing. He is committed to offering every client personalized representation, while preserving their dignity. Mr. McDowell offers a general legal practice well equipped to squarely and promptly address any legal issues or concerns you may be facing.

Practice areas

DUI and DWICriminal defense
  1. Criminal defense: 65%

    12 years

  2. DUI and DWI: 35%

    12 years

Languages spoken

English, Spanish, Thai

Photos and videos

1910523 1500573030

Contact

1055 West 7th Street
address map

McDowell & Associates, Attorneys

1055 West 7th Street
33rd Floor
Los Angeles, CA, 90017

Resume

License
StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
CAActive200806/10/2020
We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
Avvo Contributions
Legal answers94
Legal guides1
Awards
Award nameGrantorDate granted
Top 100 Criminal Defense Trial Lawyers in Southern CaliforniaNational Trail Lawyers Association2015
100 Top Criminal Defense Trial Lawyers in Southern CaliforniaNational Trial Lawyers Association2014
CALI - Top Honors in Civil ProcedureWestern Law School2005
Work Experience
TitleCompany nameDuration
Managing PartnerMcDowell Forster Attorneys2012 - Present
Attorney / PartnerThe McDowell Law Firm2010 - Present
Litigation AttorneyCarroll, Kelly, Trotter, Franzen & McKenna2008 - 2010
Associations
Association namePosition nameDuration
San Fernando Valley Bar AssociationAttorney Member2013 - Present
National Trial Lawyers AssociationAssociate Member2013 - Present
Consumer Attorneys Association of Los AngelesAttorney Member2010 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersAttorney Member2010 - Present
National College of DUI DefenseAttorney Member2009 - Present
Los Angeles County Bar AssociationAttorney Member2007 - Present
Beverly Hills Bar AssociationAttorney Member2006 - Present
Publications
Publication nameTitleDate
Celebzter.comCan Joan Rivers's Doctor Be Charged With Murder2014
Celebzter.comWal-Mart v. Tracy Morgan, Is Morgan to Blame2014
LA DUI Defense JournalSenate Bill 289's Zero Tolerance Won't Keep Californians Safe From Impaired Drivers2013
James Publishing publicationCorrelating Alcohol Use with Traffic Accidents2012
Education
School nameDegreeGraduated
Southwestern Univ SolJD - Juris Doctor2008
University of PhoenixBA2004
Speaking Engagements
Conference nameTitleDate
Personal Managers InterchangePutting Out Fires: 4th Amendment Issues2015
Legal Discussions on DUI'sDUI - What You Need to Know if You Get Stopped2014
Radio InterviewYou Have the Right to Remain Silent - Use It!!2014
West Los Angeles Professional NetworkDUI - What To Do If You Get Stopped2013
West Los Angeles Professional NetworkDUI Myths and Legends2012
Legal cases
Case nameOutcome
People v. CastroCase Dismissed
People v. RodriguezClient plead to wet reckless instead of second time DUI with enhancements
People v. QuinteroDiverted to Veterans' Court with charges dismissed after successful completion of diversion program.

Reviews

(22)
5 Star
100%
4 Star
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Review Lonnie Mcdowell

Life Saver!

Posted by

I was blessed to be able to hire Lonnie to represent my husband. My husband was being charged with 6 felonies! & Looking at several years in prison! Lonnie’s Guinness work, great knowledge and awesome work ethic got my husband 6 months in the county jail and all the charges dropped down to misdemeanors. Lonnie works hard for his clients and isn’t afraid to go up to bat for them! He’s an amazing attorney and a great person to have on your side!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

The best lawyers around

Posted by

I had my first DUI case, didn’t know what to do or who to call. When Shakti and Lonnie gave me a call I knew they were the ones for the job. Being as young as I am none of the law talk made sense to me and many other lawyers that came in contact were too fast and didn’t make it seem like they even had time for me. Lonnie and shakti were there to answer my questions whenever I needed them and got back to me ASAP in a timely manor. Lonnie was able to reduce my penelties tremendously, dropping the DUI from my record and turning it into an infraction leaving me with no probationary period. I could not thank him and his team enough for all the help they gave me and my family
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

SUPER FANTASTIC JOB!!!!!

Posted by

Man i thought i was going to jail forsure dude when i called these n+$$×s i was so happy and pleased knowing my situation they got me out of everything i was facing please lonnie is the best !!!!!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Good girl in a bad situation

Posted by

I received a notice in the mail. A notice I wasn't expecting. I was told I would probably need a lawyer. I did research and his firm was highly recommended. They were also very inexpensive in comparison to most lawyers. Lonnie cared about my case and doing what's best for me. My case was very small in comparison to his other cases, but he treated me like I was his only client. I appreciated the time he took with me. It seems like he genuinely wanted what was best for me. My hearing went amazing and I would recommend him to everyone.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Highly Recommended!

Posted by

Lonnie is a genius. His ability to think quickly and remembering the details are amazing. He has the talent to unearth the truth in the most stressful environments. His cross examinations skills are the best. He saved me from a Domestic violence case and the verdict was not guilty 12-0. Lonnies speech and personality demands the attention of everyone around him, Judge, Da, Jury and even the public's eyes and ears are wide open when Lonnie speaks. Once the case was over Lonnie had asked the jurors if there was anything he could do to improve; The answer was " No you were perfect." He is the best defense lawyer you can find.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

DV Case

Posted by

This guy will literally fight for you. Hiring him for a unjustified DV case with my girlfriend was the best decision. Watching him argue and defend our case with Downey's DA was more than pleasing. Lonnie went to bat and got us a good deal overall. Highly recommend Lonnie Mcdowell for any legal defense.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

The best!

Posted by

Attorney McDowell without a doubt exceeded my expectations and helped me achieve the best possible outcome given my situation. His knowledge and understanding was so appreciated and definitely unmatched—honestly the best legal counsel I’ve had in my personal experience. Thank you so much!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Highly recommended - knows how to get it done!

Posted by

I was helping a friend with a legal matter, and I hired Lonnie McDowell to help. Lonnie is knowledgeable, a quick study, easy to work with, and he knows the system. He was able to cut through the red tape and handle my friend's issue quickly and efficiently. Results were much better than I initially hoped - great in fact. Cost was reasonable, and worth every dollar. I would wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone who needs a criminal defense guy who knows how to get things done! Because it was not my case, I can't post the details, but I can say for sure that Lonnie responded quickly and resolved the matter skillfully. I'm grateful!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

One of the best choices I made

Posted by

The police charged me with five felonies. The public defenders offer was terrible so I started to interview criminal defense attorney's in my local area. I must have met with at least twenty of them. I wanted a fighter and ended up choosing Lonnie. The first time I had him represent me, I asked him to try to change a "no contact" restraining order so my marriage was not destroyed by the state. I saw him fight for me before the judge. I believed then that he was the right choice. Never would I have imagined that it would be such a long drawn out fight. One and a half years of court appearances till the final outcome. I have no charges and no criminal record. I live in the Coachella Valley and hesitated to retain an attorney who lived so far away. Every court date I wondered if he would make that long drive. He is utterly dependable. My life is saved and most important my marriage is saved. How could I be more thankful. I will never forget how important it is to choose the right guy. To say I would recommend him would be an understatement. Retaining Lonnie is one of the best decisions I have made. Now its over. I couldn't be happier.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

The lawyer that gets you off!

Posted by

I had a very odd arrest where I was accused of masturbating in public. Lonnie took the case he was gentle and as time went on he became more aggressive and was able to get me off. In the end the charges were dropped and I was relieved. He really worked the case with style and finesse like a well oiled litigator.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney
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Attorney endorsements

(12)
Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

Judd Nemiro

Top-notch attorney. I endorse this lawyer.

Kevin Moghtanei, Criminal defense Attorney on May 13, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Mr. Mcdowell's passion and dedication to his craft is of the highest level. He is not an attorney to just "get by" or do the "bare minimum." Lonnie Mcdowell will dedicate all of his energy and time to ensure that your matter is taken care of with the highest level of expertise and professionalism. I endorse Mr. Mcdowell with the utmost confidence.

Peter Marek, Criminal defense Attorney on Jul 31, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse Lonnie. Excellent contributions and endorsements. Reviews by clients are stellar. If your in or near Orange County give him a call for a consultation.

Chase Morinaka, Estate planning Attorney on Jun 27, 2014
Relationship: Other

I endorse this lawyer. He is skilled and well-respected in the community.

Jay Nunez, Immigration Attorney on Nov 19, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Routinely offers excellent advice to Avvo users. I endorse this lawyer.

Samuel Brown, Criminal defense Attorney on Jul 22, 2013
Relationship: Worked together on matter

I worked with Mr. McDowell at the US Attorney's Office in Las Vegas. I found him professional, competent, and a pleasure to work with. He is detailed-oriented and commands a firm understanding of criminal law and procedure. If I had a criminal matter in southern California, I would not hesitate to call Mr. McDowell. I am confident he would pursue every avenue to build a successful defense.

Michael Sacchetto, Personal injury Attorney on Jul 16, 2013
Relationship: Worked together on matter

I endorse this lawyer. Lonnie is a great guy to work with. He truly cares about his clients, and will take care of your referrals. I encourage anyone looking for a criminal defense attorney to give him a call.

Mark Abell, Estate planning Attorney on Jul 15, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse Lonnie McDowell. I have known him since law school. There's only one lawyer that I would trust with a criminal defense, where the stakes are so high. Anyone who hires Lonnie can expect the best result from his or her case.

Heather Croft, Criminal defense Attorney on Jul 10, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I have known Lonnie for many years and can honestly say that he is one of the hardest working attorneys I know. His dedication to his clients is admirable. Put your trust in him, you will not be disappointed.

Heidi Holliday, Criminal defense Attorney on Oct 19, 2012
Relationship: Worked together on matter

Attorney Lonnie McDowell approaches each and every case with an intensity and passion I've not seen in many other criminal defense attorneys. He truly fights to the death for each individual client and sees them as a person, not just a case. He is worth every penny!"

Tyler Clark, Employment and labor Attorney on Jun 13, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I have known Lonnie for several years. He works with a relentless passion for what he does. I endorse his services fully and his clients should consider themselves fortunate to have him by their side.

Ricardo Chavez, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 9, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I have known Lonnie for about five years. I have always known him to be well prepared and knowledgeable on whatever matter was presented or argued. I feel that Lonnie will greatly benefit any clients legal needs and will do so conscientiously and graciously.

Cost

RATES
  • Hourly Rates$250-$350/hour
  • Free Consultation Some lawyers offer a free consultation to help determine whether their services are right for your legal needs30 minutes
OTHER BILLING TYPES
  • Contingency A contingency fee is the percent of the final award a lawyer will receive as compensation. For some of these cases, lawyers will only be paid if there is a successful outcome.25%-40%
PAYMENT METHODS

Cash, Check, Credit Card