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
Looking for an attorney? Avvo can help.
Search our directory
Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.
Avvo's live chat agents can help coordinate a consultation with a local attorney.
Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.
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
Ad
Transform legal challenges into solutions.
Connect now to review your situation.
Michael P Cognata's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
70 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 reviews | Administrative Law
Posted by cynthia | March 10, 2015 | Administrative Law
dismissed dui
I'm not one for leaving reviews. I usually don't waste my time. So I'm going to make this short and sweet. Michael represented me on my DUI case. It was a combination of prescription medication and alcohol. he got the case dismissed in court for lack of evidence sufficient to prove my guilt and won t...
Posted by anonymous | January 07, 2015 | Administrative Law
Best Lawyer
My case was a question of my word against the cops. My original lawyer told me that things didn't look too good ... I sought out Mr. Cognata and he got my case thrown at my first court appearance! He has also handled the DMV hearing. Mr. Cognata is trustworthy, responsive, knowledgeable, and kept me...
Posted by Miguel | December 09, 2011 | Administrative Law
Highly Satisfied
I am so relieved to have found Michael Cognata. It was so easy to work with him and his office and it gave me peace of mind. I am a repeat client and my case was dismissed in court and DMV hearing was won!!!!
Posted by Pat | March 31, 2011 | Administrative Law
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 | September 03, 2010 | Administrative Law
DO NOT HIRE!!!!!!!!!!!
He charged me $2500 to represent me. We did not do a in person we did it over the phone. It lasted maybe 20 min if that. That was the last time i spoke to him until my court date.. I called numerous times to find out how my case was doing the status on the DMV hearing. And never a call back and when ...
Michael Cognata
Replied last September 13, 2010Normally we would not dignify this undeserved review with a response, however we do not want the public to be misled by it. The author of this review was initially pleased with the outcome of her case. However, it took a while to get a copy of the reports due to the fact that the blood results were late in coming from the crime lab, hence the delay in the ability to discuss the facets of the case with her. She is a teacher with a 2nd time DUI and high bac of .16%. We determined that her case had no dismissal issues in the police reports and as such, negotiated with the prosecutor. The D.A. wanted 75 days county jail and wanted to inform her school of her convictions as a public/student safety issue, that would have led to her being terminated. I negotiated instead, a few days of community service- no jail! and convinced the D.A. not to call her employer thereby saving her job. I also had the D.A. dismiss the high alcohol level special allegation, which saved her additional penalties. Considering the facts of her case it was good disposition as she was in a very conservative court. So far as being late 1 hour to court is concerned, the court room was notified in advance and that hour was spent negotiating her case with the D.A. in his office to the benefit of the client. Handle enough cases and there are bound to be a few clients with unreasonable thought processes and expectations who blame us for their situation. We did all we could for her under the circumstances of her particular case and protected her admirably; We wish her the best.
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."
Estate planning lawyer
Social Security & Disability lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Entertainment lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
DUI and DWI lawyer
Medical malpractice lawyer
Personal injury lawyer
DUI and DWI lawyer
DUI and DWI lawyer
DUI and DWI lawyer
DUI and DWI lawyer
DUI and DWI lawyer
DUI and DWI lawyer
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
Can I cancel my intoxalock device after it was installed for only 3 days ii havent driven car since?
01 Apr 2026
Convicted of 2nd dui, house arrest end of March. What will happen if I test dirty for thc?
16 Mar 2026
Can I get a license in arizona without the nightmare and outrageous money in Ca
13 Mar 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