Sam J Israels

Sam J Israels

4.9
Rating: 9.7

Licensed for 20 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Los Angeles, CA
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI, Domestic Violence, Speeding & Traffic Ticket

12100 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 410, Los Angeles, CA

About Sam

Biography

Practice Areas

4

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 70%

Top-rated Los Angeles criminal defense law firm defending individuals against any type of charges, including drug crimes, theft crimes, violent crimes, white collar crimes, juvenile crimes, fraud crimes, sex crimes, , criminal appeals, evading arrest, probation violations, expungements, domestic violence.

21 years | 3,000 cases

70%
DUI and DWI 15%

Top-rated Los Angeles DUI defense law firm defending individuals against any type of driving under the influence charges, including first offense DUI, felony DUI, DUI accident, underage DUI, prior convictions, out of state DUI, involuntary manslaughter, DMV hearing.

21 years | 2,500 cases

15%
Domestic Violence 10%

Top-rated Los Angeles domestic violence attorney defending individuals against any type of charges, including child abuse, child endangerment, criminal threats, intimidation, protective orders, restraining orders, spousal abuse, stalking.

21 years | 1,000 cases

10%
Speeding and Traffic Ticket 5%

Los Angeles speeding and traffic ticket attorney focusing on getting traffic tickets dismissed or reduced to non-point violations.

21 years | 2,000 cases

5%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 30 minutes

Retainer

Sometimes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in California for 20 years

State: California

Acquired: 2005

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Cron, Israels & Stark

12100 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 410, Los Angeles, CA, 90025

Cron Israels and Stark

401 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 1200, Santa Monica, CA, 90401

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Sam J Israels's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.9 /5.0

29 Client Reviews

5 star (28)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (1)

Posted by anonymous | December 26, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Sam Israels' is a Professional and Effective Attorney

Sam was recommended to me through a confidential resource to help me obtain a permanent restraining order. Sam was very professional, we met and after discussing what representation I needed, I hired Sam. He kept me informed during every step of the process and was very vigilant. He was also very emp...athetic to my situation, which I found helpful and comforting. I was granted a permanent restraining order which would have been hard to do without Sam’s representation. During this grueling process Sam was not only helpful but very understanding. I highly recommend Sam Israels.

Posted by anonymous | December 14, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Excellent with mental health related legal defense

Sam is a fantastic lawyer at dealing with crimes done under mental health breakdowns. He was able to use his connections to find me the right psychiatrist to diagnose me, who recommended me for a mental health diversion. Instead of jail time I got the right therapy and psychiatric care I needed, Sam ...was key in pushing back against my bad legal ideas when my emotions and ego were clouding my judgment. He properly assessed the risks of different options, and helped me achieve the best possible outcome. Sam's rapport with the judge and prosecutor led to multiple decisions unexpectedly going my way. And to top it off, Sam even showed care and generosity in accommodating my financial struggles. I can't recommend him highly enough!

Posted by anonymous | May 14, 2022 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Results Delivered

Sam is a superb lawyer. I have utilized his services in two instances for a civil restraining order - once initially and then for the renewal. In both instances, Sam exceeded the desired result. Beyond the results, Sam is responsive, honest, and forthright. Further, he does not "promise the world...'. Instead, he provides his opinion based on the facts and provides his best insight as well as the associated risks. I would recommend Sam to anyone of need in his practice areas.

Posted by anonymous | August 8, 2021 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Client

Sam did a fabulous job for me. He was so calm and reassuring and got me a really good result. I would recommend him whole-heartedly.

Posted by James | April 21, 2021 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

A Great Help

We can highly recommend these attorneys. Phil and Sam Israels helped our son navigate a very frightening and confusing journey through the legal system. From the start they were very professional and informative. Their knowledge and expertise were very reassuring. If you are in need of legal represen...tation, we suggest you give Cron Israels and Stark a call.

See All Client Reviews

Sam J Israels's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Sam
Eugene Paul Hanrahan headshot
Eugene Hanrahan

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 10

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Sam is as competent and as fine an attorney as you will find. He's an excellent negotiator and litigator who get the best results for his clients."

Wayne L Morrow headshot
Wayne Morrow

Criminal defense lawyer | May 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Having been recognized as outstanding in both the courtroom and the professional community - attorney Sam Israels has proven himself to be a client advocate of exceptional skill. I endorse this lawyer. WM"

Gregory D. Stone headshot
Gregory Stone

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Amir Soleimanian headshot
Amir Soleimanian

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Jameel Manji headshot
Jameel Manji

DUI and DWI lawyer | Apr 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. An extremely talented and well respected attorney in the legal community."

Leif Hamman headshot
Leif Hamman

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer without reservation. Mr. Israels has the knowledge, the experience, and the wisdom to provide for his clients the best representation possible. He is a supremely skilled advocate."

Mark V. Clay headshot
Mark Clay

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I highly endorse Mr. Israels. Very knowledgeable and caring attorney who achieves great results in representing clients! I want all people to contact him for help."

Jonathan Pierre Lacour headshot
Jonathan Lacour

Unknown lawyer | May 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"One of the absolute best. Exceptional attention to detail, service next to none. I endorse this lawyer."

Michael Paul LeMond headshot
Michael LeMond

Criminal defense lawyer | May 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I know Sam to be a very giving attorney who spends time to help people on Avvo with their legal questions, I endorse this Attorney!"

Charles R Smith headshot
Charles Smith

Unknown lawyer | Apr 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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"

Paul Stanko headshot
Paul Stanko

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Sean Reza Darvishi headshot
Sean Darvishi

Unknown lawyer | Apr 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Robin Mashal headshot
Robin Mashal

Speeding and traffic ticket lawyer | Mar 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Israels has made a substantial number of contributions on AVVO. I have read several of his contributions and have found them to be thoughtful, informative and practical. I endorse this lawyer's work."

Mark Issa Murad headshot
Mark Murad

Unknown lawyer | Mar 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. He is one of the best lawyers!"

Christopher H. Ariano headshot
Christopher Ariano

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Israels is a highly experienced attorney who fights to defend each of his clients. His expertise is clear for many reasons, including his recent selection to Super Lawyers. I would encourage anyone charged with a crime to contact him."

John B. Elbert headshot
John Elbert

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Sam is an excellent and dedicated attorney. He works tirelessly for his clients and has great results. I have no hesitation in endorsing him."

Nicholas Basil Spirtos headshot
Nicholas Spirtos

Unknown lawyer | Feb 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Excellent resource, knowledgeable practitioner and active contributor to the AVVO community."

Jill L Rogers headshot
Jill Rogers

Unknown lawyer | Feb 04

Relationship: Other

"Competent, professional, and all around a great attorney. I endorse this lawyer."

Ryan Jacob Fishman headshot
Ryan Fishman

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Lyle Dickson headshot
Lyle Dickson

Unknown lawyer | Jan 13

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer."

View All Endorsements
Martin Pines headshot
Martin Pines

DUI and DWI lawyer

Kian Raoul Magana headshot
Kian Magana

Criminal defense lawyer

Sean Reza Darvishi headshot
Sean Darvishi

Criminal defense lawyer

John B. Elbert headshot
John Elbert

Criminal defense lawyer

Christopher H. Ariano headshot
Christopher Ariano

Criminal defense lawyer

Dorinda Jo Myers headshot
Dorinda Myers

Criminal defense lawyer

Ian Michael Kuecker headshot
Ian Kuecker

Criminal defense lawyer

Michael D. Litman headshot
Michael Litman

Criminal defense lawyer

Robin Mashal headshot
Robin Mashal

Business lawyer

Charles R Smith headshot
Charles Smith

Business lawyer

Ali Komaili headshot
Ali Komaili

Criminal defense lawyer

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Inna Gorin

Personal injury lawyer

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Michael Doland

Litigation lawyer

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Albert Crosner

Personal injury lawyer

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John Kitta

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Vijay Dinakar

Criminal defense lawyer

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Ronald Hedding

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John Phillips

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Hovanes Margarian

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Leslie Posnock

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Experience

Rating:  9.7 (Superb)

Honors

2016

Top Contributor, Avvo

2015

Rising Star, SuperLawyers

2015

Top Contributor, Avvo

2013

AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2012

AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2012

Rising Star, SuperLawyers

2011

AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2001

Witkin Award, Santa Clara University Law School

Work Experience

2005 - 2008

Deputy City Attorney, Los Angeles City Attorney's Office

Associations

1995 - Present

State Bar of California

Member

1995 - Present

Los Angeles County Bar Association

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Drunk in Public Charges Dismissed

Charges Dismissed

Not Guilty Verdict in Assault with a Deadly Weapon Case

Not Guilty Verdict

Battery & Child Abuse Charges Dismissed

Case Dismissed

Case dismissed - Driving at a high rate of speed

Case Dismissed

See More Legal Cases

Education

N/A

Santa Clara Univ SOL

law

N/A

Univ of California Irvine

undergraduate

Speaking Engagements

2012

San Fernando Valley Bar Association

Defending Domestic Violence Cases

Publications

2012

San Fernando Valley Bar Association Defending Domestic Violence

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution