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Zachary James McCready
also known as Zack McCready
About Zachary
Biography
I'm a criminal law specialist, certified by the California Board of Legal Specialization. Less than 1% of attorneys in California have this designation. I'm a top-rated attorney in LA and Orange County as rated by the American Society of Legal Advocates. Listen: not all lawyers get great results for their clients. I do. Some lawyers charge outrageous prices. I do not. To put it bluntly: you want to win your case but you can't afford a $100,000 retainer. The big firms can't give you the responsive and affordable representation that I can. They have too much overhead. Some firms that quote rock-bottom prices will take whatever money you give them but they will not work hard to win your case.
Let's get real. You want to hire an experienced fighter who has both criminal trial experience and law enforcement experience. Eight years of experience as a cop have taught me how to deal with the police and beat them at their own game. I've read their play book and I know how to beat them.
I've gotten cases dismissed without my clients having to pay for trial or set foot inside a courthouse. I've won trials for my clients. What is more important is that I care about my clients, as my client reviews and professional endorsements attest.
Don't bet your entire future on an unprepared attorney or an expensive firm that doesn't care about you. Call me on my cell phone at for a free 90-minute consultation.
Call me today.
Practice Areas
14
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
41%
18 years | 2,800 cases
Domestic Violence
11%
18 years | 1,800 cases
DUI and DWI
9%
18 years | 2,000 cases
Gun Law
8%
18 years | 700 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 18 years
State: California
Acquired: 2007
No misconduct found
Location
McCready Law Group
3701 Long Beach Boulevard, Suite 324, Long Beach, CA, 90807
McCready Law Group
2030 E Fourth St, Suite C-233, Santa Ana, CA, 92705
McCready Law Group
9042 Garfield Ave, #202, Huntington Beach, CA, 92646
McCready Law Group
13252 Garden Grove Bl, #204-D, Garden Grove, CA, 92843
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Zachary James McCready's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 343 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Julio | December 7, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Case dismissed
Best option I ever took. Zachary was a great listener , honest and my case was dismissed. His is very friendly and take care of everything. Recommended 100%. Don’t look more and hire Zachary Thank you so much for your help !
Posted by anonymous | December 5, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Amazing lawyer
Worse cannot express how happy I am to have an lawyer fighting for the outcome of my case was simply amazing ..zachary is honest and on top of he got me great results definitely 100% recommend him!!!!
Posted by David | November 25, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Sweet deal!
Zach got me a great deal. Super happy with the outcome, and I highly recommend reaching out to Zach if you need a lawyer.
Posted by anonymous | November 20, 2025 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Amazing attorney
Zach is one of kind . He cares for his clients and walks them through the justice process. Highly recommended!!!
Posted by anonymous | November 20, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Honest Strong Reliable
l highly recommend Mr. Zachary McCready. I was scared and had no idea what my options were but he fought with my through my case every step of the way. He guided me through the entire process to get the best possible outcome. Mr. McCready is an exceptional honest lawyer that acts with professionalism...
Zachary James McCready's Lawyer Endorsements
"Zach Mccready is one of the best criminal defense lawyers I know. He is an outstanding trial lawyer and is well respected by the Judges and prosecutors in the Los Angeles and Orange County courts. In addition, Zach demonstrates an immense compassion and respect towards his clients which many other lawyers do not. His legal intellect and high moral character make him the best criminal attorney in town!"
"Zachary is a hard working and aggressive lawyer who is not afraid to go to trial and fight for his clients rights. His law enforcement backgound provides him with a unique set of skills and the ability to closely scrutnize police activity."
"Zach is incredibly knowledgeable when it comes to criminal defense law. He is hardworking and creative. He really knows what he's doing and is great at instructing others on how to proceed on issues."
"A very experienced and capable criminal defense attorney. My referrals to him have been highly satisfied with his demeanor and performance. Knowledgeable, professional and compassionate to client needs."
"Zachary is a State Bar-certified specialist in criminal law. Very few lawyers achieve this prominence. Highly recommended for criminal matters."
"I endorse this lawyer. Zack is a great attorney! He is a fellow certified criminal specialist. He is very passionate advocate for his clients. Great person and great all around lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I have known Zack for over 3 years, and I can say in all sincerity that there is no criminal defense attorney more knowledgable, sincere, hardworking, and hones than him. I routinely consult Zack on my cases. Each time, he gives me his undivided attention and outstanding advice. I have seen the way Zack handles his client. He treats every single one of his cases with utmost integrity, zealousness, and conscientiousness. I recommend Zack Mccready in the strongest terms possible!"
"An exceptional litigation attorney whose reputation speaks for itself. Highly recommended lawyer."
"Mr. Mccready is a true professional in his field and I am pleased to call him a colleague. I strongly endorse his work."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Zach Mccready is a devoted attorney who is committed to assisting his clients. I have seen him zealously advocate for his clients. He is well respected in the community and among his peers. A client would be fortunate to have Zach Mccready as an attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"One of the absolute best. Exceptional attention to detail, service next to none. I endorse this lawyer."
"Zach is a very honest and professional attorney and an excellent litigator. I have personally seen the way Zach in court and also how he works with his clients and wholeheartedly endorse him."
"Zachary Mccready is an exceptional attorney who goes the extra mile for his clients. I have had to opportunity to observe Zachary in court and I am impressed with his skills. Clients are in good hands with Zachary."
"I frequently see Mr. Mccready in our courts and he has a solid reputation with prosecutors and judges. He is meticulous, personable and will fight for his clients. He is very well-liked by his peers and a respected lawyer in our community. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse Zachary. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer. I worked with Mr. Mccready for a brief period in a small law office on Wilshire street. The overall impression about him is the combination of professionalism, integrity, and diligence."
"Mr. McCready is an exceptional attorney. His unwavering dedication to his clients and the criminal defense profession is remarkable. He is knowledgeable, sharp and creative. I highly recommend Mr. McCready; you will be in great hands!"
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Experience
Honors
2025
Top Criminal Defense Lawyer in Long Beach, Three Best Rated
2025
Excellence in Criminal Defense Law, Lawyers of Distinction
2025
Client Champion Platinum, Martindale-Hubbell®
2024
Top Criminal Defense Attorney in Long Beach, Three Best Rated
2023
Top Criminal Defense Attorney in Long Beach, Three Best Rated
2023
Client Champion Platinum, Martindale-Hubbell®
2005
Dean's List/Honor Roll 2002-2005, Whittier Law School
Work Experience
2011 - Present
Owner/President, McCready Law Group
2010 - 2011
Lead Trial Counsel, Shouse Law Group
2008 - 2010
Managing Partner, Law Offices of Thomas K. McKnight
2007 - 2008
Litigation Attorney, Swainston Law Group
2006 - 2007
Chief of Operations, DynCorp International
1997 - 2006
Investigator/Police Officer, Los Angeles Police Department
Associations
2015 - Present
USCCAContract attorney (gun-owner rights)
2015 - Present
Orange County Bar Association, Criminal Law SectionMember
2015 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2015 - Present
Long Beach Bar Association, Criminal Law SectionMember, former chairman of criminal law section
2013 - Present
Orange County Bar AssociationMember
2013 - Present
Orange County Trial Lawyers AssociationMember
2011 - Present
Orange County Criminal Defense Bar AssociationMember
2010 - Present
United States Tax CourtMember
2010 - Present
California DUI Lawyers AssociationMember
2008 - Present
U.S. Courts of Appeal for the Ninth CircuitMember
2007 - Present
United States District Court for the Central District of CaliforniaMember
2005 - Present
Whittier Law School Alumni AssociationAlumnus
2024 - 2025
American Inns of CourtTeam Captain
2017 - 2018
American Association of Premier DUI AttorneysMember
2014 - 2017
West Orange County Bar AssociationBoard Member
2014 - 2018
North Orange County Bar AssociationMember
2013 - 2020
La Casa (Orangewood Children's Home)Vice President
2010 - 2019
California Attorneys for Criminal JusticeMember
2010 - 2011
National College of DUI DefenseMember
Sample of Legal Cases
Dept of Social Services vs. B.N.
Trial victory! Dept of Social Services appealed. Trial win upheld on appeal!
People v. P.E.
Domestic violence case dismissed!
People v. G.G.
Vandalism case dismissed!
Jeffrey R. vs. three corporations
Case settled after mediation. Client awarded full damages and attorney fees
People vs. JD
Vandalism/battery case dismissed!
People vs. TS
Shooting case dismissed!
People vs. YL
Case completely dismissed in Riverside!
People v. LT
All charges dismissed. No classes. No jail. No probation.
People v. M.M.
Orange County shooting case dismissed!
People vs. Ricky C.
Ruling by judge overturned on appeal
AM vs BS
Trial win
AM vs Citibank
Client won settlement
People v. MM
Felony shooting case dismissed in Orange County!
People v. CC
Motion for diversion granted.
Tamara D. vs. Pomona Unified School District
Case dismissed with prejudice
People vs. MG
All charges dismissed after diversion program completed.
People vs. P.G.
Domestic violence case dismissed. Domestic violence restraining order dismissed.
People vs QR
Felony manslaughter charge dismissed
People vs. S.L.
.12% DUI case dismissed; no trial
People vs. L.M.
Battery case dismissed. One court appearance. No trial.
People vs. C.F.
Felony embezzlement case dismissed
People vs. M.S. Jr.
All 5 felony counts dismissed (robbery, assault with firearm, etc)
People vs. C.S.
Manslaughter charge dismissed, no jail
People v. C.S.
Guilty plea and conviction were vacated (removed)
People v. K.S.
Case dismissed
People v. R.R.
No jail. No felony on record.
People v. T.W.
DUI case dismissed (.15% DUI)
People vs M.B.
Manslaughter charge dismissed (Orange County/Fullerton Court)
In re D.G.
Complete dismissal
People v. S.S.
Battery accusation. Case dismissed after 16 hours of community service. No jail, classes, or fines.
People v. D.P.
Elder Abuse Case Dismissed
People v. K.M.
Case dismissed.
People v. L.D.
Conviction vacated after guilty plea
People v. A.G.
two counts of rape dismissed; No jail
People v. O.G.
All charges dismissed before preliminary hearing
People v. J.A.
DUI dismissed (see details)
People v. R.H.
Drug DUI dismissed
People v. R.H.
DUI dismissed!!!
People v. J.A.
DUI Dismissed!!! No misdemeanor or traffic violation on record!!!
People v. HS
Client released from jail
People v. KM
DUI dismissed
People v. BW
Full acquital
People v. DM
Both misdemeanors dismissed; Plead to infraction; No jail, labor, or probation
People v. JB
Felony charge dismissed
People v. L.L.
Not guilty verdict by jury; immigration status (LPR) protected
People v. Marco A.
Case dismissed; probation violation dismissed
People v. Jorge G.
Case dismissed after 11-1 hang (11 for not guilty)
People v. K.R.
Case dismissed before trial!
People v. C.I.
Felony charges dropped. No jail time in plea bargain.
People v. S.O.
Case dismissed before trial!
People vs. H.S.
Plea bargain deal that included no jail time (possession of drugs for sale charge)
DMV v. Lana A.
Suspension set aside; right to drive protected
In the Matter of Z.A.
Felony reduced to misdemeanor, 90 days dropped to time served (27 days)
People v. Dylan Y.
Complete dismissal before trial
People v. Enrique S.
Acquittal on 2 of 3 counts
People v. Jesus L.
Acquittal on 273.5 PC (Domestic Violence) charge
People v. Eduardo B.
Complete dismissal; DMV set aside license suspension
People v. Joseph P.
Complete dismissal
Education
2005
Whittier College School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
2000
Thomas Edison State College
BS - Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
Speaking Engagements
2025
May 2005 MCLE Seminar
The Right to Defend Yourself from an Attacker
2017
Solo and Small Firm Success Academy
Managing a Successful Law Office
2016
Whittier Law School
Building a Criminal Defense Practice
2014
Phelan Boy Scout Troop Meeting
Law Merit Badge
2013
Surf City BNI Roundtable
Advance Healthcare Directives
2012
Surf City BNI Roundtable
Aggressive DUI Defense Tactics
2012
Surf City BNI Conference
Pre-Trial Strategy in Criminal Defense
2011
Whittier Law School
Winning Domestic Violence Trials
2011
Pierce College
Illegal Searches by Police Officers
2010
Boy Scout Conference
The American Legal System
Publications
2017
AAPDA Bulletin
Admission to Americal Association of Premier DUI Attorneys
2013
McCready Law Group
McCready Law Group Launches New DUI Defense Website
Languages
Spanish
Portuguese
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
I have a warrant, who do I report to when showing up to court if I’m not on calendar?
12 Nov 2024
Q&A
With a no bail how can you still bail yourself out the next day. ?
14 Aug 2021
Q&A
Search and seizure during probation?
14 Aug 2021