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

Filter Avvo Reviews (29) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 11 reviews | Communication Style

Posted by anonymous | December 26, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Domestic Violence

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 | July 26, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Misdemeanor dismissed

He was direct and to the point on his views and game plan. Was easy to contact whenever needed and got me the best results. Highly recommend. If you have any petty theft cases, I recommend going to Sam.

Posted by Myra K. | March 29, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Great job on our case!

Sam Israels was referred by a good friend who is a retired attorney. We were very fortunate to have him defend our family member who had two criminal charges. I liked how he was very responsive to my email, phone, text, and very personable. I was able to talk to him directly, not a secretary. He sp...ent time interviewing witnesses, and prepared and organized the case very logically. He is extremely experienced, especially during trial, and we got 100% not guilty from the jurors and one charge was dropped by the judge. We are very happy that Sam did a wonderful job so our lives to be back to normal. His fee was reasonable considering the travel time. Highly recommend him for anyone in need of the front and on the fence lawyer.

Posted by Eric Spivak | March 26, 2019 | Hired Attorney

Incredible Attoney

Sam Israels was incredible, and I honestly wish I had him on retainer way earlier in my life. Great outcome on my case. I liked how he was very organized, punctual, and a solid communicator. I would gladly refer business his way. He assisted me every step of the way and followed his words with actio...ns

Posted by anonymous | March 28, 2016 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

I recommend...

From our first phone conversation I was immediately put at ease. As I am sure most people are in a situation for which they need to call Sam, I was coming from a place of distress and uncertainty having received a DUI at a police checkpoint. His temperment was always kind, compassionate and calming.... His knowledge is vast. And most importantly to me, was Sam's openess for communication, making me feel comforable calling or meeting with him at any time I deemed it necessary. I feel very lucky for the deal Sam brokered for me. Especially after speaking with other people in my situation, I know he fought and fought hard for me. He got me a reduced charge - and it really is the "best case scenario" sentance for my situation and the particulars of such.

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

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John Elbert

Criminal defense lawyer

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Christopher Ariano

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Dorinda Myers

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Ian Kuecker

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Michael Litman

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Robin Mashal

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Charles Smith

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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