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 10 reviews | General Knowledge

Posted by SR | August 27, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Family

Thorough and comprehensive work

The family law judgment and orders were vague. The work Carina did was complex, well-planned and executed to get to an outcome that should have been better defined by the courts the first time the orders were made. Carina has the experience with family law post judgment issues related to support and ...property division to get the result that I needed.

Carina Castaneda

Replied last August 27, 2020

Hello SR: As you know, I had to "undo" prior court orders and make sense of numerous orders that date back many years. Thank you for your commitment to the case since it took many hearings and your unequivocal trust in my abilities. Always interesting to go outside the LA County jurisdiction. I am very happy that the result you wanted was exactly what the court ordered!

Posted by Cuong | June 22, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Best decision I made this decade hiring Carina!

I hired Carina for what was supposed to be a simple divorce case back in 2011, but my ex-wife and her lawyer made it difficult and the case dragged on until we finally reached a settlement 9 years later. Because my marriage was over 10 years, the 1 year alimony at a reduced rate was an outcome I did...n’t expect to get. And thanks to Carina, I did and I am extremely happy with the outcome! Throughout the 9 years, Carina has been very attentive, knowledgeable and professional in her handling of my case. She even suggested that I filed for bifurcation so I can marry my pregnant girlfriend. Hopefully my second marriage will last, if not I know who to call. I will for sure keep Carina in my contact if I ever need her again.

Carina Castaneda

Replied last June 22, 2020

Thank you very much. Yes, it was suppose to be a "simple" divorce. Cuong, it is clear that it is best to resolve disputes in a reasonable manner. I wish you well in all your endeavors! 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 rex | August 23, 2018 | Immigration

citizenship denied

i applied for citizenship but was denied due to history of previous arrests, i don't know what to do until i found carina castaneda's ads in the philippine news. i tried my luck at least that's what i thought. but the moment i talked to her on my consultation i know i have someone on my side. she pre...pared all the legal documents that the immigration was requesting which seems to be impossible for me to acquired. she also prepared me through coaching for the day of the interview. she went with me in the immigration office on my day of interview, which made me confident that i have a knowledgeable defender in my side for support and i'm thankful everything turn out successful. on nov. 19, 2012, i passed the immigration interview for us citizenship.

Carina Castaneda

Replied last August 23, 2018

Rex, Being a U.S. citizen is an honor. I am especially grateful that I was able to clarify and assist you in obtaining this after you have worked so hard to get it. I wish you and your family much success and keep me posted. Carina

Posted by anonymous | June 09, 2017 | Family

Enforcement /Establishment of International Support Order

I consulted with Carina regarding enforcement of international support order from out of US that DES AG's office was trying to enforce in AZ US. She provided expert guidance and is extremely knowledgable in all matters related to International Support orders and also possible establishment in US. C...arina is very attentive and avaiable to address all concerns in timely manner.

Carina Castaneda

Replied last June 09, 2017

Hello, Having your rights evoked especially against a government office is daunting--to say the least. I am very happy to have guided you through your rights, including but not limited to, your right of due process (notice and opportunity to be heard). Jurisdiction, especially in international child support cases are critical and in cases where parent and child/children reside outside of the United States, it is overwhelming and complex. It was and still is a very complicated case but having a legal team that is prepared and have a great deal of experience and knowledge in international child support laws are very important.

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

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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