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Christien Francis Petersen
About Christien
Biography
My name is Christien F. Petersen and I am a criminal defense attorney. I grew up in Solvang, California a small Danish town known for its wine, pastry and unique cultural heritage. I was fortunate to grow up there because it gave me a strong appreciation of what a strong work ethic and strong family values can bring a person professionally and personally. I’ve come to appreciate more and more where I come from as it has proven an invaluable touchstone in treating people I meet wherever I go just as I would if I had grown up knowing them in Solvang. Folks deserve to be treated with respect, and I’ll be damned if I don’t at least do that
I attended Westmont College, a private Christian school in Santa Barbara, California on an academic scholarship. While there I fell in love with rugby. Rugby taught me what deserved a conflict and what did not. It is often said that rugby is a “hooligan’s game played by gentleman,” and I attribute a large chunk of the man I am today to the brutal lessons I learned on the rugby pitch.
After college and many rugby related injuries, I attended Whittier Law School in Orange County. Not only did I meet my wife there, but I also managed to get my law degree in 2008. Not long after passing the bar, I cast about trying to learn various fields, trying to find my passion in the law. Not long after I began my search did I find the exciting field of criminal defense work. Shortly thereafter I started private practice as a criminal defense attorney with a firm in Los Angeles.
In the summer of 2013 I struck out on my own. I want to work with people the way I feel most comfortable, and this way seems to me to be the best way to do it.
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 17 years
State: California
Acquired: 2008
Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2023
Location
The Law Office of Christien F. Petersen
11500 West Olympic Boulevard., Suite. 400, Los Angeles, CA, 90064
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Christien Francis Petersen's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 9 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Eleni Miller | March 16, 2016 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Wonderful, and caring
Christien has been great with my daughters dui case, not only with her but with me as well. If anyone needs an attorney who actually cares about you and the case he is definitely your number one choice
Posted by Ariana | November 19, 2015 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Excellent attorney is an understatement
Okay, my case has been long and stressful and draining, and he has somehow helped me stay on top of everything. He's been patient and proactive and has worked with me every step of the way. He has gone out of his way to be available and communicative, and has put more effort into my case than anybody...
Posted by Supriya | July 2, 2015
Review
I had a very complicated and emotionally draining case and I was at the end of my wits. With christien's reassuring ways and professional approach I was able to get a more positive response. I would recommend him to everyone just because he cares and is very knowledgeable in the way he takes care ...
Posted by Kathleen | August 20, 2014
Knows how to get the Job done!
Went the extra mile! Awesome attorney. Straight forward and let me know my options. Even talked directly to the citing officer on my behalf.
Posted by Molly | August 20, 2014
Amazing Attorney!
Since the very beginning, Christien has been a sense of relief and comfort during a very difficult and stressful time in my life. His compassion and dedication to my situation has gone far beyond my expectations of what an attorney would ever do for his/her clients. He is knowledgeable and makes me f...
Christien Francis Petersen's Lawyer Endorsements
"Mr. Petersen is an outstanding attorney, incredibly knowledgeable and talented, and a zealous advocate for his clients. He provides hands-on, first rate legal representation, and is very well respected by judges and prosecutors. He has my highest recommendations!"
"I went through law school with Christien. He is tough, sharp, and dedicated. I confirmed that he is an attorney to respect when I watched him put on the perfect argument in a probation matter a few months ago. Lawyering is a complex art that requires talent; he has it."
"This Attorney is a well respected member of the legal industry, they go above and beyond to fight for their clients and I highly recommend them for legal counsel."
"Christien is a very thorough attorney and he knows how to get results for his clients. He is especially talented at navigating complex systems and situations and I reccommend him."
"I have worked with Christien on several criminal matters. I have found him to be knowledgeable and very forceful in pursuing his client's interests. I regularly refer clients to him who are in need of skilled criminal representation."
"Christien Petersen is an excellent trial attorney who works very hard for his clients. He has a great reputation among the DA's and the judges, which really helps when it comes to negotiating cases on behalf of his clients. I highly endorse his work."
"I have personally seen Mr. Petersen in trial. Quite frankly, he's outstanding. Simply put, you want a lawyer who has trial experience to represent you, and Mr. Petersen has just that."
"Mr. Petersen has quickly become one of the most well-known, successful criminal defense attorneys in Southern California. With the innate ability to combine expert analytical, investigative, and courtroom litigation skills, Mr. Petersen's powerful defense in numerous high-profile cases proves that he has exceptional talent in the field of criminal law. Further, and perhaps most importantly, Mr. Petersen brings the utmost respect, courtesy, and professionalism to the courtroom and, as a result, has earned the same from his clients, the District Attorneys, the courtroom staff, and the judges. I highly recommend Mr. Petersen to anyone looking for a great criminal defense attorney."
"Mr. Petersen is a first-rate, top notch attorney. I went to law school with Mr. Petersen but also have had the privilege to see him in court countless times. He is a fierce advocate and someone that I know works hard for his clients. I definitely endorse him."
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Experience
Professional misconduct
This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2023.
Interim suspension after conviction issued in CA, 2023
updated on 06/26/2025This means the attorney temporarily lost his or her license to practice law while the State investigates whether the attorney should be disciplined. The suspension typically expires when the investigation is resolved.
Public reproval with/duties issued in CA, 2021
updated on 04/01/2022A censure or reprimand issued by the Supreme Court or the State Bar Court that is not a matter of public record unless imposed after the initiation of formal disciplinary proceedings. No period of suspension is imposed. The reproval may be imposed with duties or conditions.
Honors
2019
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2018
Top 100 Criminal Defense Trial Attorney in Southern California, The National Trial Lawyers
2018
Top 10 Under 40, National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys
2017
Top 100 Criminal Defense Trial Attorney in Southern California, The National Trial Lawyers
2016
Top 100 Criminal Defense Trial Attorney in Southern California, The National Trial Lawyers
2015
Top 100 Criminal Defense Trial Attorney in Southern California, The National Trial Lawyers
2015
Top Contributor - Criminal Defense, Avvo.com
2014
Top 100 Criminal Defense Trial Attorney in Southern California, The National Trial Lawyers
2014
Clients' Choice, Avvo.com
2014
Top Contributor, Avvo.com
2012
Outstanding Young Alumni Nominee, Whittier Law School
Work Experience
2013 - Present
Managing Partner, The Law Office of Christien F. Petersen
2010 - 2013
Associate Attorney, The Foxx Firm
2008 - 2009
Law Clerk, Rose Klein & Marias
Associations
2011 - Present
California Public Defenders AssociationMember
2013 - 2014
Beverly Hills Bar Association
Sample of Legal Cases
People vs. EG
Count 1 - Hung Jury, County 2 - Not Guilty
People v. IA
Plead to a Wet Reckless, instead of a DUI
United States v. KN
Dismissed
People v. CH
Dismissed
People v. DB
Not guilty on everything except two counts of armed robbery. Client went from over two decades's worth of potential state prison time to 44 months. Was sentenced to 32 months.
People v. JC
Client plead to no time misdemeanors instead of felonies which would have ruined his ability to work.
Education
2008
Whittier Coll Sol
Doctorate of Jurisprudence
2004
Westmont Coll
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
Code 647(f) PC. How long can you be held in jail ?
22 May 2018
Q&A
Is is considered tampering with evidence if I get a new phone, since the police took mine to search through without permission?
22 May 2018
Q&A
Will a DUI from 4 years ago show up on a Live Scan?
28 Aug 2017