Carina Castaneda

Carina Castaneda

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 30 years

Family Lawyer at Manhattan Beach, CA
Practice Areas: Family, Criminal Defense

1230 Rosecrans Avenue Suite 300, 3rd Floor, Manhattan Beach, CA

About Carina

Biography

Practice Areas

2

Practice Areas

Family 70%

31 years

70%
Criminal Defense 30%

Federal and State Crimes.

31 years

30%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in California for 30 years

State: California

Acquired: 1995

Active

No misconduct found

Location

LAW OFFICE OF CARINA CASTAÑEDA

1230 Rosecrans Avenue Suite 300, 3rd Floor, Manhattan Beach, CA, 90266

LAW OFFICE OF CARINA CASTAÑEDA - BRANCH

9701 Wilshire Boulevard Suite 1000, 10th Floor, Beverly Hills, CA, 90212

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Carina Castaneda's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

41 Client Reviews

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 reviews | Lawsuits & Disputes

Posted by Jaymes | January 16, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

Carina is a "rock" and her help was invaluable

Carina was wonderful "rock" providing comfort during a very difficult time dealing with multiple out of state and a local attorneys. She is absolutely sensible, practical, trustworthy, reliable, honest, and fair in approaching settlement discussions. With extensive "home court knowledge", she took a...way all of the stress and worry about the multitude of paperwork and court interactions. I am so happy I found her! She brought a positive calm to a strenuous process with multiple (changing) opposing counsels. I highly recommend her guidance throughout the process and her help was invaluable.

Carina Castaneda

Replied last January 18, 2023

This was a complex case for many reasons. It was a pleasure working with the original team from beginning to end! Jaymes, I am very happy that there was a conclusion to it all and that "phase" of your life is now over. Be well always. Carina

Posted by kayla | August 26, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

DUI Defense

Carina is very personable, but also very professional. She has extensive knowledge and experience in this area of law, and made me feel very comfortable that she would be able to handle my case effectively and efficiently. She had a complete understanding of all the issues that surrounded my situat...ion, and knew exactly what steps to take at all times. She was able to communicate complex procedures to me very clearly and was always available to respond to my many questions and concerns. She defended me expertly and was able to obtain the best result possible. I was extremely satisfied with Carina's representation of me and I highly recommend her for any engagement in this area of law.

Carina Castaneda

Replied last August 26, 2019

Hello Kayla and of course BG: Thank you very much for your review. Having to navigate both the DMV administrative hearing and the criminal court with DUI cases is overwhelming. I was very pleased with the dismissal of the DMV case and the criminal outcome. I know you were referred to me by another attorney and since I do very little advertising (my preference), the "word of mouth" type of ads are invaluable and always my preference. Kayla: you will do "big" things --I know. So I look forward to keeping contact and again many thanks. Carina

Posted by anonymous | July 16, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

Grateful

The title of my review is grateful and that’s exactly how I felt when I worked with Carina. Before hiring Carina I consulted several lawyers but did not feel like they knew what they were doing and rather instilled fear and anxiety in regard to my situation. When I met Carina she was knowledgeable ab...out the courts, and really looked into my case and believed in me. She represented me in and out of court for almost a year and half. It was a very difficult time for me but Carina gave me reassurance every step of the way. My case eventually was dismissed all due to Carina her skills, knowledge of the laws and expertise. I would recommend at the very least a consultation with Carina if you are going through legal issues and need some direction. Once again I am grateful for Carina’s guidance and representation.

Carina Castaneda

Replied last July 16, 2019

Thank you very much for your time in writing this review. I know your professional life is spectacular and I am so happy for you. You are doing important and necessary work for society! Keep in touch and be well. Carina

Posted by Noel | March 24, 2017 | Lawsuits & Disputes

Finest Representation

I have no idea what to expect since I had never been through this before. I was so scared. To hire a lawyer, Atty. Carina Castaneda, was the strong recommendation offered by a friend. She’s friendly, warm and genuine. As we discussed my case on our first meeting, I felt protected, informed, cared... for and stressed free. I was impressed with her legal abilities. She’s non-judgmental and she gives great advice. You can trust her and tell her anything. I am confident that each client who will will receive the finest representation since I receive a better judgment more than what I expected.

Carina Castaneda

Replied last March 24, 2017

Noel, The legal system is complex and strategic. I am very happy that my representation took some of the stress off your "shoulder." I foresee many good things happening in your future so keep me posted. Best, Carina

Posted by Colleen | March 24, 2017 | Lawsuits & Disputes

Amazing Carina

Carina did an amazing job communicating the legal information for me & my father; so that we felt updated & stress free about the legal findings. She never promised an outcome; but reassured us that she has been in courtrooms enough to precisely navigate the legal ramifications. I have never trust...ed a lawyer until now. I would recommend her to ALL of my family & friends. She saved me a lot of time & money...which never happens in legal situations. Carina single handedly put my faith back into the legal system. My case had emotional elements to them. Carina handled them with grace & respect; which was truely genuine & greatly appreciated. Thank you so much! If you want a winner...Carina is your PERFECT candidate.

Carina Castaneda

Replied last March 24, 2017

Colleen, It was a "bump" in your exciting life. I know your career is going well and thank you for your trust in my work and I really enjoyed getting to know you and your dad. Take care of yourself! Carina

See All Client Reviews

Carina Castaneda's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Carina
Sabrina Rachel Damast headshot
Sabrina Damast

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I am an immigration attorney, and Carina worked with one of my clients on a sentence reduction that was crucial for my client's immigration case. She was professional, persistent, and patient. I highly recommend her for similar cases!"

Aaron Philip McAllister headshot
Aaron McAllister

Family lawyer | Feb 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Bryce A. Fetter headshot
Bryce Fetter

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Herbert Ira Ellis headshot
Herbert Ellis

Unknown lawyer | Dec 07

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer."

Howard Robert Roitman headshot
Howard Roitman

Immigration lawyer | Oct 07

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer."

Christian K. Lassen II headshot
Christian Lassen

Unknown lawyer | Dec 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Angela I. Green headshot
Angela Green

Unknown lawyer | Oct 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer.This attorney has a strong reputation, is a zealous advocate for her clients and is a credit to the legal community."

Howard M Lewis headshot
Howard Lewis

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Castaneda is an outstanding attonrey with an exceptional reputation. She is a strong and zealous advocate for her clients and a credit to the legal profession. I highly endorse her."

Manny Ibay headshot
Manny Ibay

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 03

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. She is very knowledgeable about her field having been a deputy district attorney. I have referred numerous criminal cases to her and have only heard glowing reviews."

Ryan Taiji Okabe headshot
Ryan Okabe

Unknown lawyer | Aug 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Carina is one of the best family and criminal defense attorneys I know. Her combination of genuine care for her clients and tenacity in court is respected by both judges and attorneys alike. I endorse Ms. Castaneda without any reservations."

View All Endorsements
Sabrina Rachel Damast headshot
Sabrina Damast

Immigration lawyer

Ryan Joseph King headshot
Ryan King

Criminal defense lawyer

Brian Allen Newman headshot
Brian Newman

Criminal defense lawyer

Manny Ibay headshot
Manny Ibay

Family lawyer

Christina Alexandra Djernaes headshot
Christina Djernaes

Employment and labor lawyer

Lowell Hale Steiger headshot
Lowell Steiger

Personal injury lawyer

Decio Cedric Rangel Jr headshot
Decio Rangel

Criminal defense lawyer

Ryan Taiji Okabe headshot
Ryan Okabe

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2019

Client's Choice, Avvo

2009

100 Most Influential Filipina Women in the United States, Filipina Women's Network

Work Experience

2006 - Present

Managing Partner, The Law Offices of Carina Castaneda

1996 - 2006

Deputy District Attorney, Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office

1995 - 1996

Small Business Enterprise/MBE/WBE Certification Analyst, City of Los Angeles (Mayor's Office) Office of Contract Compliance

1994 - 1994

Judicial Extern, The Honorable Dickran Tevrizian

Associations

2003 - 2004

Philippine American Bar Association of Los Angeles

Board Member

2002 - 2003

Philippine American Bar Association of Los Angeles

Board Member

Education

1994

University of California, Hastings College of the Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1994

Leiden University, The Netherlands

International Law

1989

University of California - Los Angeles

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

Publications

2006

Philippine News Law & Order

Languages

English

Tagalog

Activity

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

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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