Joel Christian Koury

Joel Christian Koury

5.0
Rating: 9.2

Licensed for 36 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Santa Monica, CA
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, Federal Crime, Domestic Violence, DUI & DWI

3435 Ocean Park Blvd, Ste 107-50, Santa Monica, CA

About Joel

Practice Areas

4

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 40%

I have tried over a dozen murder cases and successfully handled dozens of special circumstance murder cases.

37 years | 125 cases

40%
Federal Crime 40%

As Federal Public Defender, I have handled hundreds of cases including white collar fraud, environmental charges, drug charges, robbery and murder charges.

37 years | 100 cases

40%
DUI and DWI 10%

I supervised a law firm of 15 attorneys that specialized in DUI cases. In that role, I supervised or personally handled hundreds of DUI cases. My firm employs a former DMV hearing officer to help develop the best strategy to help you keep your driver's license.

37 years | 750 cases

10%
Domestic Violence 10%

Having over twenty years of experience in this area, I know how to successfully handle any case involving domestic or sexual allegations.

37 years | 350 cases

10%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer


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Licenses

Licensed in California for 36 years

State: California

Acquired: 1989

Inactive

No misconduct found

Location

Law Offices of Joel C. Koury

3435 Ocean Park Blvd, Ste 107-50, Santa Monica, CA, 90405

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Joel Christian Koury's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

4 Client Reviews

5 star (4)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (0)

Posted by Sharon | February 24, 2013

Atty. Joel Koury treats you like family

When my loved one was charged with a serious crime, my life was turned upside down until Mr. Koury entered it. He told us not to worry because, in his assessment, the accused had simply made a mistake. From the moment we shook hands with Mr. Koury, he eased our fears by assuring us that everything wi...ll be okay. We felt as though we had a brilliant lawyer in our family during a nail-biting time we needed his expertise and humanity the most. Mr. Koury cared about us and the future we both faced. This kind man of drive, determination and compassion worked diligently to keep the accused out of jail. He kept us in the loop every step of the way during the oft-confusing legal process. We thank Mr. Koury for saving my loved one's name and reputation so he could continue on the right path. Quite frankly, we don't know what we would have done without Mr. Koury's encouragement, direction, knowledge and trustworthiness. If you ever need to place your life in the hands of another being, Mr. Koury should be your first choice. He treats you like family.

Posted by G.L. Bush | February 23, 2013

Atty. Joel Koury is my first choice

Atty. Joel Koury is forthright and to the point. He wastes neither time nor energy with platitudes. He is direct and proficient at his chosen craft. He is also a pleasure to be around. I recommend him highly at anytime to anyone. Thank you, Joel Koury, for a job performed exceedingly well.

Posted by anonymous | August 22, 2012

Amazing Defense Attorney

Mr. Koury is an outstanding trial attorney who knows how to get results. He is well known in the LA criminal court community, and because of his excellent reputation and respect for his skills as an attorney, he is able to negotiate excellent dispositions for his clients. I am also a criminal defen...se attorney who has had the privilege of watching Mr. Koury in action for many years. I can safely say that if anyone I loved was charged with a crime, Mr. Koury is the person I would hire to represent them.

Posted by Michael | August 16, 2011

Extremely good lawyer

I am a fellow criminal defense lawyer who has worked with Mr. Koury on several cases. Mr. Koury is at the top of his game. He is knowlegable, experienced, creative and can handle himself in the courtroom. I whole-heartedly reccomend him and can honestly say that if I were to be arrested I would hire ...him to represent me.

See All Client Reviews

Joel Christian Koury's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Joel
Peter Johnson headshot
Peter Johnson

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 17

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer. Joel is a well-regarded federal and state criminal defense attorney in Los Angeles. He and I serve on the Federal Criminal Justice Act panel in Los Angeles. He is a dedicated, loyal, and fierce advocate for his clients. He is compassionate about the needs of his clients and respected by judges and prosecutors. Joel has an exceptional ability to simplify complex topics. He is the perfect attorney to call and brainstorm complex facts before a trial. I’ve also watched Joel volunteer his time at a local job training program to help people expunge criminal records. He has a heart of gold and is passionate about helping people. I would absolutely recommend him for anyone in need of a criminal defense attorney."

Sherri Lira headshot
Sherri Lira

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 18

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer. Great trial lawyer with a wonderful sense of humor."

Matthew Raymond Huey headshot
Matthew Huey

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Joel is a tough, no nonsense advocate with a sterling reputation and excellent work ethic. If my son were in trouble, I would call him."

Joseph Andrew Pertel headshot
Joseph Pertel

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I highly recommend Joel Koury. He's a tenacious advocate for anyone facing charges in state or federal court. He's frequently called-upon for his advice by his peers. He's also a really good guy."

Jerome J. Haig headshot
Jerome Haig

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Joel is an excellent attorney who cares for his clients. He is respected by his peers, judges, and prosecutors. Whether handling a DUI or a capital murder case, he is top notch."

View All Endorsements
Peter Johnson headshot
Peter Johnson

Criminal defense lawyer

Richard Wayne Raynor headshot
Richard Raynor

Federal crime lawyer

Mary Terterov headshot
Mary Terterov

Partnership lawyer

Michael Mott Brewer headshot
Michael Brewer

DUI and DWI lawyer

Jerome J. Haig headshot
Jerome Haig

Criminal defense lawyer

Joseph Andrew Pertel headshot
Joseph Pertel

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.2 (Superb)

Honors

2015

Superlawyers, Superlawyers

2014

Superlawyers, Superlawyers

2013

Superlawyers, Superlawyers

2012

Superlawyers, Superlawyers

2011

Superlawyers, Superlawyers

Work Experience

2010 - Present

Trial Attorney, Law Offices of Joel C. Koury

2008 - 2010

Assistant Federal Defender, Federal Defender Office

1990 - 2008

Deputy Public Defender IV, Los Angeles County Public Defender's Office

Associations

2010 - Present

Arab American Lawyers Association

2010 - Present

Mexican American Bar Association

2010 - Present

Japanese American Bar Association

1991 - Present

California Attorneys for Criminal Justice

1990 - Present

California Public Defenders Association

Sample of Legal Cases

People v. Toyrion G. - Murder case.

Dismissed

USA v. L.T. - Money Laundering Case

Case Dismissed.

People v. DN - Murder Case.

Dismissed

USA v. Tony L. - Federal drug conspiracy

Not Guilty - after trial

USA v. Rosa L. - Federal Trademark violation.

Case Dismissed - after jury trial.

See More Legal Cases

Education

N/A

Loyola Law School

law

N/A

Univ of California at Los Angeles

undergraduate

Speaking Engagements

2015

Indigent Defense Counsel Training

Using powerpoint to improve your closing arguments.

2014

Los Angeles County Public Defender Training

Jury Selection Themes

2012

Los Angeles County Public Defender Training

Trying an Eyewitness ID case.

Publications

1998

Los Angeles County Public Defender's Training Manuel Trying an Eyewitness ID case.

1997

Los Angeles County Public Defender's Training Manual Closing Arguments Riffs so you will never have nothing to say.

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.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
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  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
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