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Philip Israels
About Philip
Biography
Selected as "Super Lawyer" 2008-2019 with 42 Years of Experience. Top-Rated Criminal Defense Attorney. Former LA Prosecutor. Client's Choice Winner 2014. Recipient, American Jurisprudence Award. Rated AV by Martindale-Hubbel.
Phil Israels was born in 1948 and raised in California’s Central Valley where he still has family. After graduating from the University of California at Berkeley where he was a member for Zeta Beta Tau fraternity and studied Economics, he continued his education at the University of San Francisco, School of Law where he received the prestigious American Jurisprudence Award.
Upon graduation in 1975 and passing the bar in his first attempt, he was hired by the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office, where he worked for almost four years as a prosecutor gaining extensive trial experience. Since 1979, he has been a criminal defense attorney. He sees his role as the protector of the accused. However, his prosecutorial experience has helped him understand the mindset of his adversaries both in the trial court and in negotiations.
Although he has much trial experience his background, skills, and contacts has often allowed him to obtain favorable results without the extra expense associated with trial. As a defense attorney, he has successfully handled cases ranging from accusations of driving under the influence, murder, sexual misconduct, domestic violence, and complicated white collar cases. As a prosecutor, he worked in all of the branch offices including West Los Angeles, Van Nuys, San Fernando, San Pedro and downtown (Criminal Courts Building, Bauchet Street and Metro). As a defense attorney, he has practiced in all the major courts in Southern California and has successfully defended clients in the Los Angeles Criminal Courts Building, Metro, Van Nuys, San Fernando, Torrance, Pomona, Ventura, Airport Court, and Citrus, among other courthouses.
When requested he has traveled across the country to represent his clients. As a defense counsel, he has also gained extensive experience in the Juvenile Courts including Sylmar, Inglewood, Los Padrinos, and Easklake. He is a Board Certified Specialist in the field of Criminal Law, a designation which puts him among approximately one percent of those attorneys who refer to themselves as criminal lawyers in the State of California.
Mr. Israels has been named “Super Lawyer” by the Los Angeles Magazine, an honor which he has received several times. He is often referred cases by Judges, other attorneys, prosecutors and previous clients. In 2008 he was joined in his practice by his nephew, Sam Israels, also a former prosecutor with extensive trial experience and many contacts in the criminal courts. His clients appreciate the team approach and are happy to know that they can rely both on Phil and Sam when the need arises. In his spare time he enjoys sports including skiing, swimming and softball.
Practice Areas
4
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
60%
52 years | 5,000 cases
DUI and DWI
25%
52 years | 5,000 cases
Domestic Violence
10%
52 years | 1,000 cases
Federal Crime
5%
52 years | 500 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 50 years
State: California
Acquired: 1975
No misconduct found
Location
Cron, Israels & Stark
11755 Wilshire Blvd, 15th Floor, Los Angeles, CA, 90025
Cron, Israels & Stark
401 Wilshire Blvd, #1200, Santa Monica, CA, 90401
Cron, Israels & Stark
21250 Hawthorne Blvd., Torrance, CA, 90503
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Philip Israels's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
21 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Showing 1 - 5 of 6 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge
Posted by anonymous | February 16, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Excellent attorney
Mr. Israels represented me in case recently, and he did an amazing job, very professional, very skilled in criminal law, and a very nice gentleman. My case got resolved in probation, and a little community service, but I was facing jail time, and I am so grateful to Phil, for his efforts and his ...
Posted by anonymous | March 21, 2016 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI
Phil is a life-saver!
If I could give more than 5 stars, I would. Phil did the impossible and negotiated a great deal on my felony DUI/hit and run. If not for him, I may be in prison right now and not at home with my family. He is highly experienced, extremely sharp and quick-witted, well-versed on all legal matter...
Posted by Eric | May 12, 2015 | Criminal Defense
Mr. Israels eased the burden on my family through my court case and established a life long bond them.
I went Mr. Israels as I had a difficult past to work with within the court system. I was facing misdemeanor charges that could possibly put me in jail for a long time. He helped me get back on my feet and helped me to get into a program where I could get control of my life again. They are the reason ...
Posted by Peter T. | January 15, 2015 | Criminal Defense
Mr. Israels was able to quickly have my failure to appear charge dismissed
I had a failure to appear for a misdemeanor charge resulted in a bench warrant. I tried to just ignore it for a few months but eventually decided to A) see if there was a warrant, and B) if YES, see what could be done about it. Phil Israels, who has three and a half decades of experience and knows...
Posted by Leah M. | October 19, 2014 | Lawsuits & Disputes
He genuinely cared about my case and well-being during the most stressful time in my life.
My family and I hired Phil Israels during a time of crisis. He was smart, thorough, and has almost 40 years experience, so I felt like I was in good hands. He genuinely cared about my case, and my well-being during the most stressful time in my life. I would absolutely recommend him to anyone.
Philip Israels's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
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"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Israels is a very knowledgeable and effective advocate for his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Lawyers who spend time giving back in pro bono forums like this are special and should be commended and endorsed. Kudos."
"I highly endorse Mr. Israeis. Very experienced and caring attorney who achieves great results in representing clients! I want all people to contact him for help."
"I endorse this lawyer for his hard work, knowledge, experience and dedication."
"I endorse Philip. Highly respected in the legal community with a strong reputation for client advocacy and dedication."
"Keen attention to detail and exceptional client service. One of the best DUIs attorneys there is. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse Mr. Israels, unlike other attorneys he is a born investigator. He knows how to track down the facts."
"I endorse this lawyer. Based upon the quantity and quality of contributions on AVVO, I have found the contributions to be thoughtful, informative and practical. I highly recommend his legal services"
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Israels is a leader in his field and is one of the most respected attorneys in his area. He is knowledgeable, professional and a zealous advocate for his clients."
"I endorse Mr. Israels. A review of his credentials makes it clear that is well-established in the community."
"I strongly endorse Mr. Israels to anyone who is charged with a crime. He is a highly experienced and aggressive attorney who fights to defend each of his clients. I would encourage anyone who is facing charges to contact him to prepare their defense."
"Mr. Israels is an excellent attorney who does the work that it takes to get favorable outcomes for his clients. I strongly endorse him for anyone who has been charged with a crime."
"I endorse this lawyer."
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Experience
Honors
2017
Super Lawyer, Thomson Reuters
2016
Super Lawyer, Thomson Reuters
2015
Super Lawyer, Thomson Reuters
2014
Super Lawyer, Thomson Reuters
2013
Super Lawyer, Thomson Reuters
2012
Super Lawyer, Thomson Reuters
2011
Super Lawyer, Thomson Reuters
2010
Super Lawyer, Thomson Reuters
2009
California Super Lawyer, Thomson Reuters
2008
California Super Lawyer, Thomson Reuters
2005
California Super Lawyer, Thomson Reuters
1975
American Jurisprudence Award, Thomson West Publishing
Work Experience
1979 - Present
Partner, Cron, Israels & Stark
1976 - 1979
Prosecuting Attorney, Los Angeles County District Attorneys Office
Associations
1975 - Present
Santa Monica Bar AssociationMember
1975 - Present
San Fernando Valley Bar AssociationMember
1975 - Present
State Bar of CaliforniaMember
1975 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
1975 - Present
Criminal Courts Bar AssociationMember
1975 - Present
California Public Defenders AssociationMember
1975 - Present
California Attorneys for Criminal JusticeMember
Sample of Legal Cases
Drug Possession Charges Dismissed
Charges Dismissed
Not Guilty Verdict in Assault with a Deadly Weapon Case
Not Guilty Verdict
Battery & Child Abuse Charges Dismissed
Case Dismissed
Domestic Violence Case Dismissed
Charges Dismissed
Education
1975
University of San Francisco School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1970
University of California
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2012
Defending Criminal Cases
cronisraelsandstark.com
Publications
2011
San Fernando Valley Bar Association
Defending Criminal Cases
Languages
English
Spanish
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
My husband has 2 sentences im trying to figure which one will be his release day and can he work down from his minimum sent 1
09 Jul 2019
Q&A
Does hiring a defense attorney before the prosecutor has time to file charges help me?
02 Jul 2019
Q&A
How do i figure out what my O.G.S. is and how much time I will be given ?
28 May 2019