Overall Rating
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
5.0 /5.0
64 Client Reviews
PRO
Debra Sarah White
also known as Board-Certified Criminal Law Specialist, State Bar of CA
About Debra
Biography
Los Angeles criminal defense attorney Debra S. White is a Board-Certified Criminal Law Specialist with over 25 years of courtroom experience successfully defending clients in state and federal cases throughout Southern California. As the founder and lead attorney of Debra White Criminal Defense Specialists, she defends clients across the full spectrum of criminal cases, including sex crimes, violent crimes, domestic violence, DUI, drugs, fraud, weapons, white-collar offenses, and complex federal prosecutions.
Ms. White is a Board-Certified Criminal Law Specialist, certified by the California State Bar, Board of Legal Specialization (an achievement held by less than 1% of attorneys statewide). She has earned an AV-Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell and has been recognized by Super Lawyers for excellence in criminal defense for more than a decade. She is also appointed by the federal court as a CJA attorney, representing indigent defendants in serious and complex federal cases.
Ms. White has a proven record of successful results and is known for her strategic advocacy, meticulous preparation, and unwavering commitment to protecting her clients’ rights, freedom, and reputations. She is recognized for navigating high-profile and sensitive cases with discretion and skill, often achieving favorable outcomes before trial—or even before charges are filed.
Whether defending a first-time offense or a major federal prosecution, Ms. White works closely with every client to guide them through the process, safeguard their future, and deliver the strongest possible defense.
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Highlights
• 25+ years of criminal defense experience in state and federal courts
• Board-Certified Criminal Law Specialist (CA State Bar)
• AV-Preeminent rated by Martindale-Hubbell
• Recognized by Super Lawyers for excellence in criminal defense for 10+ years
• Federal CJA attorney
• Handles misdemeanors, serious felonies, high-profile cases, and complex federal prosecutions
• Proven track record of successful outcomes
• Known for strategic advocacy and meticulous preparation
• Compassionate, client-focused representation
• J.D., UCLA School of Law
Debra White Criminal Defense Specialists is built on a foundation of justice, dedication, and an uncompromising commitment to providing the highest level of representation for every client.
Protecting your freedom, reputation, and future with 25+ years of proven excellence in criminal defense.
Board-Certified Criminal Law Specialist with 25+ years of proven results in Los Angeles state and federal courts.
Aggressive Los Angeles DUI & DUID defense by a Board-Certified Criminal Law Specialist skilled in challenging unlawful stops, testing errors, and license suspensions.
Experienced trial attorney specializing in sex crimes defense, providing aggressive representation for clients accused of sexual assault, rape, and other serious offenses.
Experienced trial attorney defending clients charged with assault, domestic violence, attempted murder, and other serious violent felonies throughout Los Angeles County.
Practice Areas
4
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
25%
26 years
DUI and DWI
25%
26 years
Sex Crime
25%
26 years
Violent Crime
25%
26 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Retainer
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2017 2016 2015
...
+
3
2012
Licenses
Licensed in California for 26 years
State: California
Acquired: 1999
No misconduct found
Location
Debra White Criminal Defense Specialists
355 S. Grand Ave, Suite 2450 | By appointment only, Los Angeles, CA, 90071
dwhitecriminaldefense.com/Debra White Criminal Defense Specialists
(818) 351-1643
Mobile
26565 Agoura Road, Suite 200 | By appointment only, Calabasas, CA, 91302
dwhitecriminaldefense.com/Debra White Criminal Defense Specialists
21550 Oxnard St,, Floor 3 | By appointment only, Woodland Hills, CA, 91367
dwhitecriminaldefense.com/Gallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Debra online.
Debra Sarah White's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 63 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Lilia | March 27, 2018 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
THE BEST ATTORNEY IN CALIFORNIA!
Ms. White not only fought and defended my brother from an unjust accusation leading to pretty much, life in prison, but also inspired me to pursue my dreams and career as an attorney. Her work ethic and grit are ADMIRABLE! Debra is QUICK on her feet and knows her information like the back of her hand...
Posted by Shannon | August 16, 2024 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Client
All I can say is thank GOD for Attorney Debra White!!!! The most honest and integral Attorney I know. She worked on my case for approximately two years and she never left me hanging she was always available and every encounter was with a sincerity. She always had a smile on her face that puts you a...
Posted by Suresh | March 28, 2024 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Debra S. White is not only an excellent lawyer but also a better person.
Debra S. White is not only an excellent lawyer but also a better person. One of the most remarkable aspects of Debra’s practice is her unwavering commitment to her clients. Her empathy and dedication to her clients transcend the typical attorney-client relationship, making her a trusted ally in their...
Posted by anonymous | September 29, 2017 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
My guardian angel
Debra is a true blessing. I have never felt so hopeless before. My fiancé was falsely and wrongly accused of something horrid. Seeing him get arrested was intense and I felt like my hands were tied because I did not know what to do or how to help him clear his name. The stress of the bail, the fin...
Posted by Moshe | October 20, 2020 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Life Changing Decision
It was August 7, 2018 when my life turned upside down. My wife and I just woke up, ready to continue with our day to day when we were faced with 12 armed, homeland security agents at out front door. Now as I look back with all of this behind me, I was beyond lucky to have a friend who gave me Debra...
Debra Sarah White's Lawyer Endorsements
"Debra is a consummate professional. She has an excellent grasp of the law, which she enhances to great advantage with her compelling courtroom presence. I have referred a number of clients to Debra, all of whom have thanked me profusely. I never hesitate to send clients her way, and would hire Debra myself should circumstances ever warrant the need. I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer."
"Deb is one of the smartest, toughest and most caring criminal defense attorneys I know. She is an excellent advocate and I highly recommend her."
"As an immigration lawyer I know the consequences for even a misdemeanor plea can be dire for my clients. Debra fully understands the issues and provides a superb level of understanding. She is my go-to referral for anyone charged with a state or federal crime in California."
"I have had the pleasure of working in the same office as Debra and seen her exceptional skills as an attorney. She is not only hardworking and intelligent, but she is truly compassionate. If I am ever faced with a criminal defense issue or presented with an individual who needs guidance in that practice area, Debra is always the referral I give- without any hesitation."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Debra knows her stuff! I highly endorse this lawyer who is also a great asset to the AVVO community."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Debra is a talented and dedicated criminal defense attorney with a track record of achieving superior results."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Great attorney with legal skills, of note is Ms. White's trial success rate."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney White's thoughtful answers to Avvo legal questions demonstrate not only a superior grasp of the law but also an outstanding level of client commitment. A first-rate attorney whom I would not hesitate to recommend."
"I endorse this lawyer. Ms. White took me under her wing when I was a new attorney. Her persistence and determination to protect her clients have been a model for my own practice."
"I endorse this lawyer. Debra is an incredible attorney and a strong zealous advocate for her clients. She is a credit to the legal profession and I strongly endorse her."
"I endorse this lawyer. Her knowledge of complex legal issues is extensive, based on her AVVO answers."
"Debra White is a smart, hardworking and experienced criminal defense attorney. She can be relied upon to do the best job possible for her clients. I am happy to endorse her."
"I endorse this lawyer's work: extraordinarily conscientious, extremely hardworking and very dedicated to each Client, Californians understand that Ms. White is an excellent Los Angeles trial attorney who is a beneficial asset to the entire California DUI Defense Bar community. Any person in need of a superb criminal defense lawyer will know he or she is in capable hands. For a number of reasons (but without enough character space to properly do this fine attorney justice), I am honored to endorse this superb L.A. lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Ms. White is a tenacious drunk driving defense attorney. She dedicates herself to every case and will do her very best to secure a favorable outcome for her clients."
Melissa Weinberger
Criminal defense lawyer
Jeffrey Bullard
Criminal defense lawyer
Anthony Scott
DUI and DWI lawyer
Evan Oshan
Personal injury lawyer
Arvand Naderi
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James Lynch
Criminal defense lawyer
Adam Zolonz
Criminal defense lawyer
Joshua Solberg
Criminal defense lawyer
George Mueller
DUI and DWI lawyer
Howard Silver
Personal injury lawyer
Daniel Flores
Criminal defense lawyer
James McKinney
Criminal defense lawyer
Peter Carini
DUI and DWI lawyer
Michael Rosato
Life sciences and biotechnology lawyer
Larry Wolfe
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Parag Shah
Criminal defense lawyer
Francisco Rodriguez
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Florencia Rueda
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Peter Brill
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Evan Zelig
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Experience
Honors
2026
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2025
Super Lawyer - Top 2.5% in Southern California, Super Lawyers Magazine
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2025
AV-Preeminent Rated 5-Star Peer Review, Martindale-Hubbell®
2025
AV-Preeminent Rated 5-Star Peer Review, Martindale-Hubbell
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Super Lawyer - Top 2.5% in Southern California, Super Lawyers Magazine
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
Super Lawyer - Top 2.5% in Southern California, Los Angeles Magazine 2019
2022
Super Lawyer - Top 2.5% in Southern California, Los Angeles Magazine 2018
2022
AV Preeminent Rated 5-Star Peer Review, Martindale-Hubbell
2022
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2021
AV Preeminent 5-Star Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2021
Super Lawyer - Top 2.5% in Southern California, Los Angeles Magazine
2021
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2021
Criminal Law Specialist, California State Bar, Board of Legal Specialization
2020
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2019
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2018
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2017
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2016
AV Preeminent 5-Star Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2016
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2016
Criminal Law Specialist, California State Bar
2016
Super Lawyer - Top 2.5% in Southern California, Los Angeles Magazine
2015
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2015
Super Lawyer - Top 2.5% in Southern California, Los Angeles Magazine
2015
AV Preeminent 5-Star Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2014
AV Preeminent 5 Star Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2013
AV Preeminent 5-Star Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2012
AV Preeminent 5-Star Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
Work Experience
2006 - Present
Trial Attorney, Debra White Criminal Defense Specialists
1999 - 2006
Attorney, Various Private Law Firms
Associations
2012 - Present
Criminal Attorneys for Criminal Justice (CAJC)Member
2008 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL)Member
2005 - Present
USDC - Eastern DistrictAdmitted to Practice
2000 - Present
USDC - Central DistrictAdmitted to Practice
2000 - Present
USDC - Northern DistrictAdmitted to Practice
2000 - Present
USDC - Southern DistrictAdmitted to Practice
2000 - Present
Los Angeles County Bar Association, Criminal Justice SectionMember
1999 - Present
State Bar of California, Criminal Law SectionAdmitted to Practice
1999 - Present
United States Supreme CourtMember
Education
1998
UCLA School of Law
Juris Doctorate
1995
Univ of California at Los Angeles
Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2015
Family Law Conference
Defending Against False Accusations of Crime in Civil Court
2013
Bob McCormick Radio Show KFWB
Drug DUI Testing and Refusals
2012
Family Law Conference
False Allegations of Abuse in Divorce Proceedings
2012
Bob McCormick Radio Show KFWB
DUI Checkpoints
2012
Bob McCormick Radio Show KFWB
Money 101 - Criminal Law - Stages of a Drunk Driving Case
2012
Bob McCormick Radio Show KFWB
Money 101 - DUI Questions and Answers
Publications
2014
West Services Inc.
Strategies for Defending Sex Crimes
2012
Valley Lawyer magazine (SFVBA)
Maintaining Client Confidentiality
2011
2011
2009
24-7 Press Release
How An Innocent Man Can End Up On "To Catch A Predator"
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Top Contributor
Debra earned significant contribution points in 2012.
Legal Answers
Q&A
When violating the work release and having to serve the remaining time in County what are those remaining days referring to
08 Dec 2017
Q&A
I waved the right to an attorney on my dui case and got my sentence do i need to know more?
08 Dec 2017
Q&A
What can my daughter do if boy friend was charged with PC261.5(C)-UNLAWFUL SEXUAL INTERCOURSE
27 Jul 2017