Pat Carey

PRO

Pat Carey

also known as J. Patrick Carey, John Patrick Carey

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 18 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Torrance, CA
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, Violent Crime, Domestic Violence ... +4 more

18411 Crenshaw Blvd, Suite 120, Torrance, CA

Virtual Consultation Available

About Pat

Biography

Top 1% Criminal Defense Firm, CA State and Federal, Former Senior Prosecutor. WE STAND APART FROM THE REST.

California Certified Criminal Law Specialist, Former Senior Prosecutor, Pro-Active Advocate, and Effective State and Federal attorney.

California Certified Criminal Law Specialist, Former Senior Prosecutor, Pro-Active Advocate, and Effective State and Federal attorney.

California Certified Criminal Law Specialist, Former Senior Prosecutor, Pro-Active Advocate, and Effective State and Federal attorney.

California Certified Criminal Law Specialist, Former Senior Prosecutor, Pro-Active Advocate, and Effective State and Federal attorney.

California Certified Criminal Law Specialist, Former Senior Prosecutor, Pro-Active Advocate, and Effective State and Federal attorney.

California Certified Criminal Law Specialist, Former Senior Prosecutor, Pro-Active Advocate, and Effective State and Federal attorney.

Practice Areas

7

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 40%

Criminal Defense encompasses a large range of charges from DUI, theft, drug crimes, assault, domestic violence, and murder. Pat Carey has experience and a proven track record with every possible criminal charge.

20 years | 6,614 cases

40%
Domestic Violence 15%

Domestic Violence takes on many forms, some of which may not even be physical abuse. Pat has extensive experience with such cases, and has noted that Domestic Violence cases are generally treated more seriously than other types of abuse.

15%
Violent Crime 15%

A multitude of cases involving alleged violence, ranging from assault, domestic violence, and murder.

15%
DUI and DWI 10%

Attorney Pat Carey has handled hundreds of DUI and DWI cases, both felony and misdemeanors.

1,027 cases

10%
Federal Crime 10%

Charges prosecuted under the Federal Criminal Law are unique and need to be handled by someone with expertise, like Attorney Pat Carey. Some examples being tax evasion, kidnapping, and possession of weapons.

10%
Juvenile Law 5%

Having spent concentrated time dedicated to juvenile court, Pat understands the unique processes followed and dedicates special care for any cases involving minors.

75 cases

5%
Sex Crime 5%

Sex Crimes can carry very serious consequences, including time in jail and possible sex offender registration. It is important that these cases be handled by someone experienced and diligent.

5%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2021 2020 2019
...
+ 4

Licenses

Licensed in California for 18 years

State: California

Acquired: 2007

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Law Offices of J. Patrick Carey

18411 Crenshaw Blvd, Suite 120, Torrance, CA, 90504

patcareylaw.com

Online Presence

Other places you can find Pat online.

Pat Carey's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

59 Client Reviews

5 star (59)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (0)

Posted by Andrew | July 29, 2025 | Consulted Attorney

This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.

Ethical and resourceful!

Forget what they say about lawyers, Pat is a great guy. I contacted Pat about what quickly turned out to be a very convincing scam. He was immediately suspicious of the legitimacy of the claims made against me and within an hour he had the issue resolved. He expressed his personal frustrations with t...he individuals committing these hurtful scams and did not ask for a retainer or payment of any kind, rather he just helped me out! His experience picked up on the BS, his action plan was effective, his contacts confirmed his findings and his results were optimal. I usually don't write reviews, but Pat should be recognized and I will be enlisting him in the future should I need his services again. If you need an attorney, I highly recommend you call Pat!

Posted by Hector | February 13, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Hands down Best Attorney! To have on your side!

Having consulted with several other criminal defense attorneys I knew after speaking to Patrick Carey that he was the right attorney to have on my side in the courtroom. Patrick was nothing but courteous, knowledgeable, and professional throughout my whole case from start to finish. He took time to e...xplain every step of the process ensuring I was informed and supported. His expertise and knowledge resulted in a favorable outcome for myself and also helped expunge my charges. I am truely grateful for his services. I would not hesitate to recommend Patrick Carey to anyone facing similar challenges in their life.

Posted by anonymous | June 4, 2024 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

DUI Case Redondo Beach

He was super helpful through out the cases. Kept me informed and handled everything and anything related to the case and made sure my license was not suspended. I did not need to go to court, he went on my behalf and took care of any paperwork. He also listened to my side of the story and took any ev...idence I had related to my case and helped prove me innocent. He handled both the DMV case and the police case for me and helped me win both my case! Amazing lawyer

Posted by Sally | March 11, 2024 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Pat is the best! Knowledgeable, compassionate, experienced, and more!

At the most anguished and desperate time of my life, I hysterically searched Los Angeles criminal attorneys on my iPad in my hotel room. I had come to California from the Midwest just the night before to search for my son who had been missing for weeks. While searching the city at places I knew he ha...d recently frequented, I received a call that he was in jail in a city in Los Angeles County. After spending most of the afternoon in a police station, I was finally told what he had done. It was a felony act that could have resulted in a Federal charge. My wonderful son was sitting in jail, and I had no idea what to do except find an attorney. I believe Divine Intervention led me to J. Patrick Carey. My son had never been in trouble and didn’t use drugs, but I knew something was terribly wrong for him to do such an act. I wanted to take him home and get some professional help. Pat found someone to get him out of jail and did whatever legal work necessary for me to take my son to our home in the Midwest. His experience in the District Attorney’s office and as a Criminal Attorney was invaluable, but his compassion, kindness, understanding, and dedication to his client and patience with me made us forever grateful that he was on my son’s team. After months of medical testing and appointments with mental health professionals, my son was diagnosed as schizophrenic. After living 27 years of a normal life, schizophrenia changed my son in ways I never could imagine. Pat succeeded in getting him into the Diversion Program, and today his case is closed and sealed. Living in a state 2000 miles from Los Angeles and having no experience in either mental health or criminal issues, Pat was truly a Godsend. We could never have navigated through California’s court system without Pat’s experience, knowledge, integrity, compassion, understanding, and advice. Instead of having a criminal record and spending years in jail, my son’s case is sealed and he’s getting the care he needs. I’ve had attorneys in non-criminal matters, and I’ve never known one as responsive to clients as Pat. He’s available by phone, text, or email without going through a gatekeeper. I first contacted him on that terrible day well after business hours and he responded quickly. I give J. Patrick Carey the highest rating and strongest recommendation that’s allowed. If you ever need a criminal attorney anywhere around Los Angeles, contact Pat. I promise you will never regret it.

Posted by anonymous | March 24, 2022 | Consulted Attorney

This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.

The best.

Needed an expungement to travel for work and Pat handled absolutely everything as fast as humanly possible. I would recommend him in any situation

See All Client Reviews

Pat Carey's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Pat
Richard Joseph Dreiling headshot
Richard Dreiling

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 15

Relationship: Co-worker

"I worked with Pat in the DA's Office for about six years. He quickly developed an reputation in the office as an excellent attorney, leading to him working on high-profile murder cases at an early stage in his career. He has continued to develop that excellent reputation in the area of criminal defense, and whenever someone asks me if I can recommend a criminal defense attorney, I recommend him."

David Gammill headshot
David Gammill

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Since the time we joined the DAs office to present Pat has been an attorney I look to in examining issues and cases."

Jason M. Stone headshot
Jason Stone

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Patrick is a very knowledgable criminal attorney. I highly endorse this lawyer."

Amir Soleimanian headshot
Amir Soleimanian

Unknown lawyer | Nov 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Noah K. Peterson headshot
Noah Peterson

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Carey is a very knowledgeable defense attorney. I endorse this lawyer."

David Milton Dastrup headshot
David Dastrup

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Pat is well known and trusted by the most seasoned criminal defense attorneys in the South Bay and by the courts."

Saman Ahmadpour headshot
Saman Ahmadpour

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 16

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I only endorse attorneys that I have had an opportunity to work with or see in action. Pat and I worked as prosecutors together in the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office. I have seen Pat strategize, present countless preliminary hearings, and exceptionally handle the most challenging aspect of the legal profession - jury trial. Pat is a master in the courtroom. At an early stage, based on his skill and effectiveness, he was trusted by management to try one the most complicated cold case murder trials the DA's office has ever seen - a case that received national attention (including an in depth profile on Dateline). Pat is just as well respected by the DA's office now as a defense attorney. There are few attorneys who can quickly get a meeting with a supervisor to obtain the best results on a case or just as easily hold the prosecution to their burden in the courtroom - Pat is part of the select few. I fully endorse him."

Antonio Villegas headshot
Antonio Villegas

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 18

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Patrick and I were opposing counsel on a serious felony case when he was a District Attorney. Patrick commanded the respect of everyone in Court based on his knowledge, credibility, and integrity. The Criminal Defense Bar is lucky to have such an experienced and talented former District Attorney join us. More importantly, his client's are extremely fortunate to have such a high caliber lawyer representing them."

John David Rogers headshot
John Rogers

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 09

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse Pat Carey without reservation. I was privileged to clerk for Pat at the LA County District Attorney’s Office. I watched Pat prosecute and win one of LA’s most high-profile murder cases. His decade-long prosecuting experience, dedication to his clients, and legal knowledge make him a distinguishable criminal defense attorney. Pat is highly respected by judges, prosecutors, and colleagues in the legal community."

Sasha Bojat headshot
Sasha Bojat

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Excellent criminal defense lawyer with great experiance and knowledge. He knows how to get cases dismissed and get the best available deals for his clients due to his background as a prosecutor. He's very respected in the community due to his success rate, hard work and dedication to his work. I endorse this lawyer."

Jerome J. Haig headshot
Jerome Haig

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Carey is a first class lawyer. He is highly regarded by his peers, by prosecutors, and by judges. I had many cases with him when he was a deputy district attorney. He was always prepared and knows his way around the courtroom. He's a skilled negotiator and a very worthy opponent. I'm very happy he's now doing criminal defense so I don't have to oppose him on cases any more. Any client who hires him is making a very wise choice."

Silva Laura Megerditchian headshot
Silva Megerditchian

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 05

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Pat is a true professional and a great lawyer. I loved working with Pat. He is amazing to his clients and has a wealth of knowledge and trial skill that is truly fantastic. His clients are blessed and lucky to have him!!!"

Kratu Ramesh Patel headshot
Kratu Patel

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 30

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Pat comes highly recommended! He was highly respected adversary when he was a Deputy District Attorney, and now he is a highly respected colleague. He offers a rare blend of skills, you can't go wrong with!"

Gaurav D Datta headshot
Gaurav Datta

Criminal defense lawyer | May 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I confidently refer clients to Pat knowing that they not only are getting an engaging and intelligent lawyer, but they are getting a defense attorney that knows every trick in the District Attorney playbook. Not only was Pat a DA for 7 years, he trained new hires for the District Attorney's Office. With Pat Carey, defendants stand the best chance to get a not-guilty verdict. I enthusiastically endorse this attorney!"

Matthew J Ruff headshot
Matthew Ruff

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 11

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I first met Pat as a DA in Torrance, he is a true advocate and smart but what set him apart was his reasonable personality and the fact he is a nice guy and a gentleman."

Alan Jay Jackson headshot
Alan Jackson

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I've had the pleasure of knowing Pat Carey both as a former prosecutor and a criminal defense attorney. He is exceptionally talented and knows his way around a courtroom better than most lawyers I've met. Pat is smart, aggressive and results oriented. He knows how to deftly analyze and try a criminal case, and when you are in a pinch that is exactly the kind of lawyer you want on your side. I highly recommend Pat. He is one of the best and brightest."

Peter John Marek headshot
Peter Marek

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"With 7 years experience and much of it as a former Deputy District Attorney he has huge advantage over many defense attorneys. "They know that he knows what they know". His pro bono contributions to date here on avvo indicate that he has an excellent knowledge of both the law and procedure. Do yourself a favor and schedule a consultation."

Heena Hemender Patel headshot
Heena Patel

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Only a few attorneys can say they know what the prosecutor is thinking. Pat is in a unique position where he has knowledge from both sides of the table. And he can use that unique insight to help his clients in ways other criminal defense attorneys cannot. Whether it was arguing a case in the courtroom, teaching young students about their rights, or advising law students about their future careers in criminal law, it was always apparent that Pat was extremely knowledgeable and passionate about the law. He is an experienced attorney and any client would be lucky to have him represent them. Without hesitation, I endorse this attorney."

View All Endorsements
Richard Joseph Dreiling headshot
Richard Dreiling

Criminal defense lawyer

Craig Rodney Rouviere headshot
Craig Rouviere

Criminal defense lawyer

David Gammill headshot
David Gammill

Personal injury lawyer

Ty Anis headshot
Ty Anis

Criminal defense lawyer

Lisa Victoria Houlé headshot
Lisa Houlé

Criminal defense lawyer

David Milton Dastrup headshot
David Dastrup

Speeding and traffic ticket lawyer

William Pearson Haney III headshot
William Haney

Criminal defense lawyer

Antonio Villegas headshot
Antonio Villegas

Criminal defense lawyer

Sasha Bojat headshot
Sasha Bojat

Personal injury lawyer

Douglas David Sherrod headshot
Douglas Sherrod

Criminal defense lawyer

Saman Ahmadpour headshot
Saman Ahmadpour

Unknown lawyer

John David Rogers headshot
John Rogers

Unknown lawyer

Jerome J. Haig headshot
Jerome Haig

Criminal defense lawyer

Robert Stanley Ernenwein headshot
Robert Ernenwein

Criminal defense lawyer

Peter T. Haven headshot
Peter Haven

Litigation lawyer

Silva Laura Megerditchian headshot
Silva Megerditchian

Criminal defense lawyer

Kratu Ramesh Patel headshot
Kratu Patel

Unknown lawyer

Alexandra S. Kazarian headshot
Alexandra Kazarian

Criminal defense lawyer

Gaurav D Datta headshot
Gaurav Datta

Tax lawyer

Joshua Elliott Ritter headshot
Joshua Ritter

Litigation lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2025

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2024

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2023

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2021

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2020

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2019

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2018

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2017

Southern California Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2017

Certified Criminal Law Specialist, California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization

2017

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2016

Southern California Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2016

Top 40 under 40, The National Trial Lawyers Association

2016

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2015

Top 40 Under 40, The National Trial Lawyers Association

2014

Project Lead Facilitator, Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office

2013

Project LEAD Facilitator, Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office

2009

Deputy District Attorney Grade 2 Promotion, Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office

2007

Excellence for the Future: White Collar & Criminal Law, Center for Computer Assisted Legal Instruction

Work Experience

2006 - Present

Managing Partner, Law Offices of J. Patrick Carey

2006 - 2014

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

2006 - 2008

Senior Law Clerk, Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office

Associations

2018 - Present

National Trial Lawyers Association

Top 100

2016 - Present

Super Lawyers

Member

2015 - Present

National Trial Lawyers Association

Member

2008 - Present

Los Angeles County Bar Association

Member

2008 - 2014

Association of Deputy District Attorneys

Member

2007 - 2014

California District Attorneys Association

Member

2003 - 2007

Pi Sigma Alpha Political Science Honor Society

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

People vs. J.C.

Case Dismissed

People vs. C.G.

Case Dismissed

People vs. A.N.

Charges Rejected

People vs. G.W.

Charges Rejected

People vs. P.J.

Case Dismissed at Preliminary Hearing

People v. T.C.

No charges filed

See More Legal Cases

Education

2008

Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office

DDA

2007

Southwestern University School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

2003

California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2016

Career Day

Criminal Defense Attorney

2015

Fox News

Probation Violations

2014

New Hires College

How to be a Prosecutor

2013

Southwestern School of Law

Criminal Procedure

2013

Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office Training Division

New Hires College

2013

Criminal Law Educator

Project L.E.A.D.

2011

Manhattan Beach Police Department Training

Driving Under the Influence Investigations for Successful Prosecution

Publications

Languages

Spanish

English

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
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • 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