Michael Eric Kraut

My nightmare started on Mar 30, 2012. I was charged with a FELONY DUI. Let me start out saying that this was my first introduction to the the LA County criminal justice system. I had absolutely no idea of who to go to or where to start. I had a lot of drugs in my system and I had been in two diff...erent crashes and did quite a bit of damage, totalling my car and other peoples' property. Michael Kraut was recommended to me by another attorney friend of mine. Simply put, HE IS THE BEST. At our first meeting, he laid out what I could expect and what the best-scenario timeline and worst scenario timeline could be. We walked through what was going to be required of me during this process. He jumped on the case well before it was filed and was able to convince the police and prosecution to file the case as a misdemeanor rather then as a felony. From start to finish, the entire process only took 4 months, which at the time seemed like forever, but in comparison to all the other cases in the court system is a fraction of what the typical defendant faces. It didn't matter what day or time I called Mike, I always received a prompt response. He was very clear on what I needed to provide him. He's a no-nonesense kind of guy, which I appreciated very much. He doesn't necessarily tell you what you want to hear, but he'll always tell you what you need to hear. There were several extenuating circumstances in my case that could have forced a very serious penalty (state prison, large fine), but Mike was able to convince the DA not to pursue this route. The charges were ultimately reduced to a non DUI misdemeanor (exhibitition of speed) and a small fine. I can't express what a relief it has been to me and my family to have this episode behind us. It was one of the scariest things I've encountered; Mike made it much less scary and allowed me to continue on with my life and career. Mike handled all the himself. I was never relegated to a junior associate or researcher. Mike would be the first call I make if I ever find myself needing an attorney's services again. I couldn't have scripted a better outcome if I tried.

How do you place a review of someone that literally saved your life and your family’s life? I met Mr. Mike Kraut in April of 2012. I researched approximately 10 attorneys before hiring Mike. It was important to me to have a former District Attorney represent me, I felt that he would know the pro...cess better, he would know people, and he would be trusted inside the District Attorney’s Office as an honest and straight forward attorney. And as it turns out I was absolutely right, he knew everyone, and they all respected him. That was so important. I actually witnessed this, not heresay; I personally saw his relationships go to work for me. A criminal investigation was initiated against me by The Los Angeles District Attorneys Office for conversion of funds, misappropriation of funds and several other alleged charges, these potential charges could have led to multiple felony counts against me. Due to the nature of these charges and them being considered by the District Attorney’s office as financial crimes, white collar crime, I felt that only a former District Attorney would be effective for me. To say that I was scared to death would be an understatement, could not sleep, could not rest, this situation consumed my entire life for months. I would literally go off the deep end from time to time. I have a 4 year old son and at the time also had a 3 week old baby at home, the stress was UNREAL, but Mr. Kraut was always there for me, always able to put things back in prospective for me. That’s another thing, Mike Kraut himself answers his phone, every time, not once through this 5 month process did he not personally answer his phone and take my call, EVERY CALL. I hired Mr. Kraut and he immediately contacted the DA’s office on my behalf and started arranging meetings and started relaying my side of the story to them, the way a former prosecutor would do. When you know the process and how it works, like he does, you would know how to relay the proper information. Mr. Kraut really got to know me, know my family, not just by my case, but took time to know me personally and know what I was about, versus just believing the horrendous allegations that were alleged against me. He cares, he cares about me, he cares about the outcome and he cares about his reputation. In closing, this man saved my life. It was a “White Collar” crime, financial crime, he took the bull by the horns from the very first day, just last week Mr. Kraut, myself and my wife had our final meeting, he had received a decision from the District Attorney’s Office, after a five month investigation no charges will be filed against me, the matter is closed and I am free of so much stress and can move forward with my future plans and enjoy my life and family. There was a time during this process that I would have bet MY SOUL that this would never be dismissed, I was CONVINCED, 100% that I was going to State Prison, Prison, that what I thought. In comes Mike Kraut, no charges, goodbye, have a great day, you are free to go. MIKE, UNREAL!!!! Please listen carefully, if you are in trouble, if you have a criminal issue, stop looking for an Attorney. Just Stop. Call Mike Kraut and he will take care of your matter. I promise you, I do not usually post reviews. I assure you, every word written above is the gospel truth, and this man is all that I say he is. He is awesome, honest, tentative, respected, diligent, caring and just an overall winner. I love Mike Kraut, I will have his number in my phone for the rest of my life. He is no longer my Attorney because he resolved all my matters, but he is something more to me, he is my friend. Thank you Mike Kraut I have no words that will ever justify how I feel about you, but thank you Mik

On June 23, 2011, after side-swiping a parked SUV and leveling a stop sign, i was arrested and booked into the WONDERFUL Beverly Hills Jail (no joke- was comparable to a recent stay at the Beverly Hilton) on suspicion of DUI…for the second time. This would have been my second DUI charge, resulting in... a large fine, 9 months of DUI class, community service, and possible jail time, had i not been blessed with meeting Attorney Michael Kraut. After my first and ONLY DUI (thanks to Michael), i realized i had a drinking problem and sought help. After a few months of being sober and an active AA member, i was accused of being under the influence of prescription meds while driving (Still a DUI), as they "found" my prescription bottles hidden on the cushion of passenger seat ;). I have since tapered off ALL my medications. As you can imagine, after working so very hard to get and maintain sobriety, and be booked for taking medications prescribed to me for anxiety, i was furious and very scared. After a quick online search, really good reviews, and a more than proficient understanding of DUI charges, i met Michael Kraut. He's a straight shooter. He will tell you the facts, inform you of all possibilities, but also assure you that he will make things better. AND BOY, CAN HE!!! As i and Mr. Kraut felt the charges were not valid, and should not be treated as a second offense, he stood by me for a YEAR! I didn't have to show up to court until the last day, but would get phone call updates on a regular basis, letting me know what he was working on and what they were trying. In the end, i ended up with a "Dry Wreckless Driving" charge, a 3 month driving school (Half the time of a first DUI charge), no com. service, and no jail time. If i had to do it again (please, oh please, never, ever,ever…did i say ever? EVER again) i would choose Michael. Thank you, sir!

I contacted Mr. Kraut after getting pulled over for and arrested for an underage DUI, a little above the legal limit. I spent a night in jail following the arrest. It was by far one of the most anxiety-provoking situations I have ever been in. I saw my whole future go down the drain, contemplating th...e potential consequences of this charge. Upon getting released, I decided to seek out an attorney to help me out with the case. After doing extensive research on those in my area, I came across Mr. Kraut. Immediately after talking on the phone with him, I knew that I wanted him to represent me. He seemed confident, experienced, personable, and helpful. All these first impressions turned out to be true. After hiring him, he virtually took care EVERYTHING. He is a very busy man, and though at times it seemed like I was not involved enough, he was still able to take the time to walk me through the proceedings of my trial. I came out with my charge reduced to a wet and reckless. I cannot stress how lucky I am that this happened, and also to have picked Mr. Kraut to represent me. He is a great guy, knows the court system like the back of his hand, and really cares for his clients. I could not be happier with these results.

After an exchange of words with another patron at a concert venue led to a minor altercation, I was arrested and charged with a misdemeanor battery. Because of my ignorance of criminal law, I failed to press counter-charges against the other individual and found myself spending a night in jail with ...bail set at $50,000. After pleading with a judge and public defender the following afternoon, I was released on my own recognizance and told to hire an attorney. I was facing jail time, fines, and worst of all, a criminal record. After hearing my story, Michael Kraut agreed to take my case. He explained that it would be difficult to fight because the case had been officially filed when the judge released me on my own recognizance. He went on to explain that he would now be dealing with the city attorney in an attempt to get my charges reduced or expunged. Upon meeting with the city attorney, he was told that my charges would not be reduced and that I would be facing the maximum penalties when convicted and sentenced. This is when Mr. Kraut began his work. He gathered evidence, spoke to witnesses and obtained written statements, building a solid “mutual combat” defense. When my court date arrived, I met Michael at the courthouse in downtown Los Angeles. He calmly took me aside and asked if I would be willing to plead “no contest” to a charge of disturbing the peace and attend twelve anger management classes. He went on to explain that, if this plea bargain was accepted and I completed the classes, that this conviction would be expunged and my record sealed. I agreed. Unfortunately, the city attorney again rejected the offer and continued to push for the maximum penalty. The reality of going to jail began to set in. Michael Kraut did not back down. He produced the evidence he had gathered and confidently told the city attorney that he had a solid case and would win if it went to trial. This caused the city attorney to back down and accept the plea deal. Because of Michael Kraut’s personal attention to detail, assertiveness and perseverance, I am now just eleven anger management classes away from putting this whole horrible event behind me. I will forever be grateful for his hard work and personal approach.