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

Quick Response: I'd hire him again in a heartbeat. No need to shop around anymore, Mike is your guy. Long winded answer: Unfortunately, this is not my first time needing a lawyer. With that said, I kind of knew what I was looking for and did some serious research. I read every review I could on h...ere and yelp, called around and this is where I landed. After I having an initial conversation with Mike, my gut instinct told me to go with him. However, to be safe, I met him in his office anyways. Mike new his stuff, he was professional and I liked the fact that he was a straight shooter and didn't try to make any promises to me. I have a prior on my record that could have put me in a world of hurt with this DUI. Luckily, I wasn't hammered at blew just above the legal limit - which, put me in a 'good' position. Mike got it brought down to a Speed Exhibition charge, leaving me with 2 years of probation and a $1078 (it could be $200 something + some community service if you choose to go that route). The crappy thing about California is that there are two separate parts to a DUI - legal and DMV. Mike says that there is a 95% chance that the DMV will still suspend my license for 4 months (which they did end up doing). In that time, I have to take a DUI course. I called around and it looks like that ends up costing about $500 and will take 3 months to complete going once a week (there is no fast track from what I have found). The word on the street is that my license will actually only be suspended for 30 days and then I can get a restricted license for the remainder of the time (I am on my first month of this suspension and working out the kinks. Details to follow). However, he is helping me with this in anyway that he can as well. The DMV is it's own beast and you have to take it as it comes. Bottom line: TAKE A CAB! This is such a costly pain in the ass and just realllllllly not worth the time, stress, or money. BUT, you are reading this review for a reason - go with Mike, he knows his stuff. The price is right and most likely worth it. I can only speak for the DUI case, but do know that he is trustworthy and if by some unfortunate circumstances I had a bigger issue on my hands I would turn to him again in a heartbeat. Suggestion: let him do his job. There is no real need for you to know every detail, it won't change a damn thing. Trust that he will get you the very best results that he can. If he doesn't, people like me won't write these reviews and business goes down the crapper :) But, do be honest with him and put all your cards out on the table, that will only help you in the long run.

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 was driving home on the 110 fwy after a night of diner and cocktails with friends on Superbowl weekend. The end of the fwy in Pasadena has serious curves and I was too busy talking to notice police behind me. I went over the line on a curve and was pulled over. Like a dummy I told the truth, “yeah ...I had a drinks with dinner, but that was hours ago”. Next thing I know I am taking a breathalyzer test and arrested! I later found out I blew just over the limit. The whole experience is horrible! I have never been in trouble before. What’s worse? I just finished grad school in education and have not found a job yet. I will not pass fingerprints and cannot work with kids with a DUI on my record! Right away I start researching lawyers. Found my top 5 and Michael Kraut was #3 on my list. I left messages and Michael was the first to contact me. He called me after business hours and said that he always tries to call clients on the same day. This was a good sign! I met 2 other lawyers first who were not reassuring. One lawyer was overly concerned about getting paid (yes, I am unemployed). The other lawyer said that I will be ok because it’s my first offense. I did not feel like he would fight the charges. My future career is on the line! At my meeting with Michael, he was professional, knowledgeable, confident, honest, and well connected. He personally works his own cases and handles everything including DMV. I was a nervous wreck. Michael empathized, listened to my story, and reassured me. Two things sealed the deal for me. (1) He asks lots of targeted questions which gave me the sense that he was asking about things to use to fight the charges. (2) He proceeded with the same sense of urgency that I felt. He started working right away on the DMV paperwork while I was still in the office. He was honest and gave me the best case scenario and the most likely scenario. I left his office feeling like I was in the best hands! Throughout my case, Michael returned calls and emails within the hour, or at most within the same day. He is busy and his responses were friendly and to the point. I only wish his legal secretary would send an email update as soon as something happens with your case. I found out about my DUI charges when I contacted him about my DMV hearing. However, I always knew that he was working hard on my case. Michael prepared all of my paperwork so quickly that it went in BEFORE the DA even had a chance to file. The DUI charges were DROPPPED! I was charged with Speed Exhibition! Michael met me at court and explained what would happen. I got a glorified speeding ticket, 1-day driving impact class, and $1000 total court fines. No jail, no AA meetings, no drug/alcohol treatment, and most importantly no DUI conviction on my record! He made the best case scenario happen! I am beyond grateful!!! Michael also represented me at the DMV hearing and did his best. Unfortunately, my drivers license was suspended for 6 months even though I do not have a DUI conviction. DMV has a separate policy from the courts and you are auto suspended if you blow over the limit. The cost…If you want the best, you will have to pay Michael for his expertise. Yes, I’m broke but my boyfriend is not. Michael allowed us to break up his fee into a few payments. Please do not drink and drive! It is not worth it. Do not drive even if you only had a few cocktails over dinner and you don’t even feel drunk. I have learned my lesson! But if you do get in trouble, call Michael Kraut! He is absolutely the best!!!