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 | Character & Conduct

Posted by anonymous | August 26, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

Thank you Carina!

Being on the short end of the stick after a custody trial is easily the worst feeling a parent can have. After my original lawyer was paid in full with cash prior to doing anything, this guy failed to show up on day number three of my three day custody trial. He then failed to show up on the reschedu...led date claiming to have Covid which I still think might not be true. The mountain of lies the other parent told while having a lawyer that doesn’t even bother to show up, so careless in my trial that the court had to sanction him……resulted in a bit so desirable custody time situation requiring me to have supervised visitation. Of course the other parent was in no hurry to find a supervisor as required by the new court order, the situation seemed hopeless. Until Carina got involved. Within a few emails and about a week later the visitation time began and I was able to see my child again. My situation is far from over but I’m grateful to have found a lawyer who actually responds to emails and my questions. My only regret is that I didn’t find her soon enough to be able to prevent what could have been prevented in that courtroom. Thank you Carina!

Carina Castaneda

Replied last August 28, 2022

Thank you. I know the legal system is frustrating and confusing at times, especially when it involves issue(s) regarding a child. I know you love and deeply care about your child, so I am happy to assist in ensuring your bond remains strong and loving. It has been a long road but hopefully, it will become less disappointing and complicated.

Posted by anonymous | November 07, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Domestic Violence

#1 Lawyer

I had a case going for a couple of years, I needed an attorney for my 5yr restraining order renewal, I was searching for an attorney but having a difficult time. A friend gave me Ms. Castaneda information and there was immediate contact. Ms. Castaneda did not make promises or paint of pretty picture ...of an unrealistic outcome, she gave honest responses to all of my questions. She worked hard, she found resources that I could work with, she problem solved and she was very very compassionate with my 12 yrs old child , we went to court various times , we had alot of difficulty along the way with the adverse party, and finally after almost 5 months she delivered the most wonderful results to me. I not only got a renewal of a restraining order but I got a Permanent Restraining Order. This woman is amazing, shes honest, shes caring and considerate. If anyone ever need an honest ,hard working intelligent attorney who can deliver results, Carina Castaneda is the one to call.

Carina Castaneda

Replied last November 07, 2020

Thank you! It was an emotional roller coaster for me too. A pleasure to work with you and everyone involved. Stay safe and healthy. Talk soon. Carina

Posted by anonymous | December 05, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Family

Recommendation for Carina Castaneda

Carina was very organized and cared about not only a positive result, but also the family members themselves. She's a great lawyer and person, with a family of her very own!

Carina Castaneda

Replied last December 05, 2017

Thank you. I know who you are--it is brief but stated with heart. I wish you the very best in all the exciting events coming up with your family. Yes, I have a family of my own and I bring that "spirit" and care into my client's case. Be well and Happy Holidays! Carina

Posted by anonymous | March 24, 2017 | Immigration

A Brilliant and Talented Lawyer

If you are looking for aggressive and top notch representation then look no further! Attorney Castaneda is very diverse in different areas of the law. It is because of her diversity she is able to accurately and successfully provide exceptional representation to all her clients. I hired Attorney C...astaneda about two weeks ago to represent a family member who was put in immigration removal proceedings after being detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to do post conviction relief for my sister so that she would no longer have an "aggravated felony" thus eliminating automatic bars from most types of relief. A few days after retaining Ms. Castaneda, she already had s draft of the motion and was finalized shortly after. Post conviction relief is often very tough to achieve and can take a few months if successful. In less than two weeks, Ms. Castaneda had the motions and brief drafted, had all the supporting documents, and most importantly handled and won my sister's case. Its very impressive and it's no wonder why Attorney Castaneda sets herself apart from all the rest. In my previous occupation, I worked with several lawyers in the past but never have I came across one like Ms. Castaneda. She is very compassionate towards her clients, very aggressive in legal representation, and very prompt in returning my calls and responding to emails keeping me constantly informed and updated. When it comes to defending yourself or a loved one, The only advice I can give is to never settle for someone who is inexperienced because for many people it's about preserving their life and freedom. Always choose a lawyer who is very knowledgeable and delivers high caliber representation... Choose Attorney Carina Castaneda!

Carina Castaneda

Replied last March 24, 2017

It was a multi-jurisdiction, federal and state case so to say it was complex was an understatement but you and your family were great to work with. Your complete confidence in my abilities to get you the result needed was good for all of us. By the way, thank you very much for the referrals--3 or 4 have called my office already. All my best to you all! 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