Michael P Cognata
About Michael
Biography
Hello friends!
My experience started with the Los Angeles Police Department. Prior to leaving the Department for law school, I was a collision investigator. Essentially, documenting and investigating traffic collisions as evidence to be ultimately used in settling property damage and personal injury claims and litigation.
Later, I was a prosecutor for the County of Ventura. I now handle personal injury plaintiff cases as well as expungements.
Expungements (criminal records clearing), there is a reasonable fee for this service and in personal injury of course, no fees are collected, unless we are successful at negotiating a settlement for you.
So give us a call if you have a need!
Practice Areas
2
Practice Areas
30 years
30 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Always
Payment Methods
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 29 years
State: California
Acquired: 1996
No misconduct found
Location
Legal Rights Advocates
4607 LAKEVIEW CANYON RD., 419, Westlake Village, CA, 91361
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Michael P Cognata's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
70 Client Reviews
Showing 41 - 45 of 70 reviews
Posted by Jesus | May 19, 2011 | DUI & DWI
Great Advocate
Michael represented me for my DUI case. I had an absolute need to have this case dismissed or knocked down. I work for the government and would be fired with a conviction of DUI or wet reckless. Simply put, Michael went to court for me several times in an attempt that finally succeeded. DUI case dism...
Posted by jason | May 17, 2011 | Lawsuits & Disputes
Great Experience
Michael Cognata was an absolute blessing. After doing much diligence, I decided on Michael and he could not have performed better. In a situation that on the surface appeared bleak, Michael and his office went above and beyond what I expected and my case eventually concluded in what can only be cons...
Posted by Pat | March 31, 2011 | DUI & DWI
Dismissed!
I hired Michael to handle my DUI case. Unfortunately it involved a refusal to test. I had a potential 1 year suspension of my license and jail hanging in the balance. But Michael won my DMV hearing and got the case kicked out of court due to some misconduct he discovered by the officer who arrerst...
Posted by anonymous | March 23, 2011 | DUI & DWI
Great Experience
I hired Michael due to his experience of being an ex cop, and ex Judge. Also, his list of dismissals was impressive. I had a 2nd DUI and was on probation for the 1st DUI. Michael worked religiously on the case. He gave me weekly updates and although there was nothing wrong with the case that woul...
Posted by anonymous | January 06, 2011 | DUI & DWI
Down to Earth
I hired Michael for my DUI case and told him that the case was in the wrong court. The morning of the first court date, he discovered that it was in a court 50 miles away and since they filed the case that morning there was no way of discovering my mistake until 9 am! Not only did he go immediately...
Michael P Cognata's Lawyer Endorsements
"Michael is an excellent attorney committed to providing the highest quality representation to clients. I endorse this attorney without reservation."
"I endorse this lawyer.I have read many of the answers given by this attorney. I can say that the answers are well done and give solid advice."
"I endorse this lawyer. Michael knows his stuff inside and out! If you need good results he is who you call!"
"Michael is an exceptional trial lawyer, and one of the finest DUI defense attorneys around."
"I endorse Mr. Cognata. He is an asset to the community and has contributed greatly to helping answer people's questions on this forum."
"I endorse this lawyer. A great advocate and fights for clients in court."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse Michael Cognata. Highly experienced and skilled attorney with a history of success. Donates his time posting very helpful and accurate legal answers in Avvo for folks looking for help. He is widely respected by his peers in the legal industry."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse attorney Michael Cognata. Routinely post outstanding legal answers in Avvo to help folks looking for some legal advice. He demonstrates a clear and excellent knowledge of the law. He is a dedicated professional who is respected by colleagues."
"I endorse this lawyer. A former police officer and prosecutor now working to protect your rights."
"I endorse attorney Michael Cognata. He is an active participant in the Avvo community posting accurate and thoughtful legal answers to individuals who have asked for assistance. This not only demonstrates his excellent knowledge of the law, but also his commitment to serving clients very well. He is an asset to the legal industry."
"Attorney Michael Cognata donates a significant amount of time using his legal expertise helping people who came to the Avvo community looking for help. This demonstrates a dedication to his profession and compassion for individuals in need. He is a valuable member in our profession. I fully endorse him."
"I endorse this lawyer and highly recommend his services to anyone seeking DUI/DWI representation."
"Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"When you are faced with a DUI charge it is important to have an experienced and knowledgeable DUI attorney on your side. Mr. Cognata is well respected in the legal community as an excellent and experienced DUI attorney."
"Mr. Cognata has both the legal experience and law enforcement background to deliver outstanding results in DUI/DWI cases. I highly recommend him to any potential client charged with an alcohol-related offense."
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Personal injury lawyer
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DUI and DWI lawyer
DUI and DWI lawyer
DUI and DWI lawyer
DUI and DWI lawyer
Experience
Honors
2010
Rising Star, Legal Rights Advocates
1995
Who's Who in American Law Students, Who's Who In American Law
1991
Certificate Of Merit, United States Congress
1991
Certificate of Recognition, California Legislative Assembly
Work Experience
1998 - Present
Lead Attorney, The Legal Rights Advocates
2004 - 2012
Judge protem, Ventura County Superior Court, Judge Pro Tem
2000 - 2004
Judge Protem, Los Angeles County Superior Courts
1997 - 1998
Deputy District Attorney, Ventura County District Attorney's Office
1989 - 1997
Police Officer, Los Angeles Police Department
Associations
2014 - Present
Wounded Warrior ProjectContributor
2012 - Present
Better Business BureauMember
2010 - Present
St. Judes Children's HospitalContributor
2008 - Present
Federal Bar AssociationAttorney Member
1997 - Present
Consumer Attorney AssociationAttorney Member
1997 - Present
Los Angeles Trial Lawyers AssociationAttorney Member
1996 - Present
State Bar of CaliforniaAttorney Member
1996 - Present
Supreme Court of CaliforniaAdmitted
1996 - Present
American Bar AssociationAttorney Member
Sample of Legal Cases
Case Rejected and DMV win
DUI dismissed to a reckless driving
Case Rejected no prosecution
License returned no suspension
Case rejected no DUI filing
DUI dismissed, pled to reckless driving
Speed violation and DUI dismissed
Case dismissed
Reckless Driving reduction
Case reduced to reckless driving
DMV on refusal won and licensed returned to client. Case in court reduced to a non-alcohol reckless driving (Dry reckless).
Reckless Driving reduction
Reckless Driving and DUI dismissed
Reckless Driving and Commercial license returned
Dismissed DUI charges
Education
1995
Juris Doctor (J.D.)
1989
BS - Bachelor of Science
1989
BS - Bachelor of Science
1989
Police Officer
Speaking Engagements
2008
DUI Seminar
2000
Professional Officer Conduct
Publications
2004
1997
Languages
English
French
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Will I be disqualified from attending airplane mechanic school due to DV charge 10 years ago
07 Apr 2026
Can I ask Education Furlough from LA county jail for school purpose
04 Apr 2026
Can I cancel my intoxalock device after it was installed for only 3 days ii havent driven car since?
01 Apr 2026
Legal Guides
Guide to DUI Penalties in California
19 Jan 2015
What to do if stopped in the future for DUI in CA
18 Jan 2015
Tips for hiring an attorney in the DUI field
18 Jan 2015