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Steve David Sitkoff
About Steve
Biography
Position: Partner
Born: Los Angeles, California, October 2, 1956 Admitted to State Bar: 1983, California; 1986, U.S. District Court, Central District of California
Education: University of California at Los Angeles (BA, 1978); Emmanuel College Law, Cambridge, England; Loyola Marymount University (JD, 1982)
Previous Positions:Commissioner, Los Angeles County Superior Court, 1994-1995; Deputy District Attorney, 1983-1994
Criminal Courts Building
Metropolitan Court
Torrance Court
Compton Court
Compton Juvenile Court
Inglewood Court
Long Beach Court
Santa Monica Court
Norwalk Court
Van Nuys Court
Pasadena Court
Memberships: South Bay Bar Association; State Bar of California (Member, Executive Committee of Criminal Law Section); California Judges Association; Criminal Courts Bar Association. California Attorneys for Criminal Justice
Practice Areas
2
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
50%
43 years
DUI and DWI
50%
43 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 42 years
State: California
Acquired: 1983
No misconduct found
Location
Takakjian & Sitkoff, LLP
21250 Hawthorne Blvd., #500, Torrance, CA, 90503
Takakjian & Sitkoff, LLP
1 World Trade Center, 8th Floor, Long Beach, CA, 90802
Takakjian & Sitkoff, LLP
11845 West Olympic Boulevard, Suite 1000, Los Angeles, CA, 90064
Takakjian & Sitkoff, LLP
15760 Ventura Blvd., 7th Floor, Encino, CA, 91436
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Steve David Sitkoff's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
13 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (13)
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Practice Areas
Showing 1 - 2 of 2 reviews | General Knowledge
Posted by Gavin | April 17, 2015 | Domestic Violence
He saved me from a bad situation and got me a great deal.
I had a domestic violence incident and a bad lawyer who was not responsive and told me about a deal offered by the DA 10min before a preliminary where the victim took the stand against me and made me look very evil. I was in a bad situation. Steve Sitkoff took on my case and was the light compared ...
Posted by anonymous | May 16, 2014 | Criminal Defense
Very bad.
Stephen and his associate James Kim were extremely misleading, first of all, Stephen barely knew anything of my case at all and James handled everything. If I am paying for a lawyer I expect to speak with them directly so I am informed directly. Second, I was offered a plea deal during my arraignment...
Steve Sitkoff
Replied last May 16, 2014This is a false review and a gross misrepresentation of the facts. We first met with this young lady in October, 2013 after she was arrested for a felony commercial burglary out of the West Covina court. Towards the end of December, 2013 and following nearly two months of constant communication (including two in-person meetings), she decided to retain us. Through almost daily phone conversations and over one hundred text messages, we assured her that the charge would likely be filed as a misdemeanor. Moreover, in light of her status as an unemployed college student with medical school aspirations, we agreed to accept her case and allow her to make payments over time rather then our common practice of collecting fees up front. Although she failed to make her payment commitments prior to the initial court appearance in January, 2014, I appeared in court on her behalf as her attorney and to obtain the case discovery. It was not until after becoming her official attorney of record that she admitted to being unable to honor the financial commitment she agreed to and only claimed that she could in order to keep me as her attorney. Based upon this development, it was then mutually agreed that she would appear on the next court date with Sergio Quijano, an attorney with our firm, to continue the hearing to a new date so the Public Defender's office could substitute into her case. At the second court appearance with this young lady present, Mr. Quijano successfully had me relieved from record and convinced the Judge to continue the hearing as planned. However, seeing an opportunity to resolve the case that day with the outcome she was seeking, Mr. Quijano was able to obtain a diversion program. If successfully completed, this would cause the charge to be dismissed, allowing her to maintain her clean record. This was not a disposition available at the first hearing as she claims in her review. This young lady was not mislead, nor was she present alone in court at the 2nd appearance as she claims in her review. This negative review is especially disappointing because she received the outcome she desired without being held accountable for the legal fees owed to us.
Steve David Sitkoff's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I have referred several people to Steve for criminal defense. I highly recommend Steve and his firm."
"Whenever someone approaches me in need of a criminal defense lawyer, Steve Sitkoff is the first and only name I give them. Steve goes above and beyond his roll as an advocate for his clients. I endorse Steve and highly recommend him to anyone in need of a criminal defense lawyer in CA."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse Steve. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Steve is the only referral I make for my clients who are facing federal or state criminal charges. Steve gets on the phone with my clients immediately, and makes sure their case is handled correctly from the start. His great reputation and experience are matched by his unrivaled "customer service.""
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Steve is one of my "go to" guys in a challenging case."
"His experise in being able to step in and immediately find a solution is an unparrelled quality not only for his clients but to his peers as well. I give him the highest rating."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Stephen is an experienced and dedicated Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. He is my "go to" person whenever I am asked for a recommendation to a criminal defense attorney."
"Steve quickly responded to the issues, developed an overall strategy, and implemented that strategy efficiently and effectively."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Steve is a fantastic lawyer. He is very knowledgeable about criminal law and well respected within the legal community. You really can't go wrong with Steve."
"Steve brings sincere compassion along with an aggressive defense of those charged with a criminal offense. His experience as a former Superior Court Commissioner and as a former Deputy District Attorney makes him uniquely qualified to have a thorough knowledge of California criminal law and the criminal courts in Southern California."
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Experience
Honors
2016
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine
2015
Client's Choice Award, AVVO
2015
10.0 out of 10.0 Superb Rating, AVVO
2015
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Client Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2015
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2014
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Client Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2014
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2013
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2013
AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2012
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Client Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2012
AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2012
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2011
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Cient Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
1993
Honorary Bailiff, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
1988
Prosecutor of the Month, Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office
1982
Dean's List, Loyola Marymount University
1981
Dean's List, Loyola Marymount University
1980
Dean's List, Loyola Marymount University
1978
"Lillian Kim" Debate Tournament Finalist, University of Southern California
Work Experience
1995 - Present
Managing Partner, Takakjian & Sitkoff, LLP
1994 - 1995
Superior Court Commissioner, Los Angeles County Superior Court
1983 - 1994
Deputy District Attorney, Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office
Associations
1986 - Present
United States District Court for the Central District of CaliforniaAdmitted
1983 - Present
State Bar of CaliforniaAdmitted to Practice
South Bay Bar Association (LA)
Member
Criminal Courts Bar Association
Member
California Attorneys for Criminal Justice
Member
California Judges Association
Member
California Public Defenders Association
Member
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Member
1997 - 1998
State Bar of California, Criminal Law SectionExecutive Committee
1980 - 1982
Moot Court Honor SocietyMember
1975 - 1978
Forensic TeamMember
Sample of Legal Cases
People v. J.S.
Reduced to Failing to Provide Financial Responsibility
People vs. M.D.
Case dismissed
People vs. S.P.
Reduced to Wet Reckless
People vs. D.S.
Charges reduced to Disturbing the Peace with probation reinstated. No jail time.
People vs M.L.
Spousal abuse reduced to disturbing the peace
People vs K.A.
Hit and run dismissed
People vs A.L.
DUI reduced to exhibition of speed
Education
1994
California Judicial College
1985
California District Attorneys Association
Prosecution of Sexual Assault
1982
Loyola Law School, Loyola Marymount University
JD - Juris Doctor
1978
University of California - Los Angeles
BA - Bachelor of Arts
N/A
Emmanuel College
Speaking Engagements
2009
Today Show
Michael Jackson Autopsy
1995
Criminal Law
Being a Superior Court Commissioner
1990
Continuing Legal Education Seminar
Criminal Procedure
1990
Continuing Legal Education Seminar
How To Deal With Media
1990
Continuing Legal Education Seminar
Evidence
1985
Criminal Justice System
Sex Crimes
1978
Italian Cinema
History
Publications
2012
Glendale News Press
Glendale man accused in 'bath salts' shovel attack pleads not guilty
2011
People Magazine
Why Lindsay Lohan Could Escape Jail Again – Even If Convicted
2010
People Magazine
Lindsay Lohan 'Scared' to Go Back to Jail
2010
People Magazine
Lindsay Lohan Files Appeal To Be Released From Jail
2010
People Magazine
Is Lindsey Lohan Going Back To Jail This Week?
2010
People Magazine
Is Lindsey Lohan Headed Back To Jail?
2010
People Magazine
Could Mel Gibson Go To Jail?
2009
People Magazine
Chris Brown & Rihanna: the Legal Battle Begins
2009
People Magazine
Doctor's Paper Trail Could Aid Jackson Investigation
2007
New York Times
Excerpts and Audio: The Pellicano Case
2006
Sydney Morning Herald
Morgue and MADD for Mel?
2006
2003
Los Angeles Times
Guilty Plea in 5 Slayings
2002
2002
L.A. Times
Delaney Gets Probation for Reckless Driving
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
Can my first time felony offense be reduced to a misdemeanor?
17 Apr 2014
Q&A
Will my juvenile record show up in a background check?
12 Jul 2011