Skip to main content

Meagan Elizabeth Melanson

  Save
Avvo Rating10
  • Encino, CA
  • Licensed for 12 years
See more Encino DUI & DWI lawyersSearch
AboutContactReviewsCost

About Meagan

I have been a criminal defense attorney in public and private practice for almost ten years and have handled thousands of cases. I am honored to stand as the shield of protection between my clients and the justice system. The ability to use my skills to help others when they are at their worst, at their most vulnerable, is an honor and something I am thankful for everyday I go to work.

Practice areas

Criminal defenseDUI and DWI
  1. DUI and DWI: 90%

    12 years

  2. Criminal defense: 10%

    I handle mostly DUI and DWI matters but have extensive experience with a variety of criminal matters such as domestic violence, theft related offenses, drug cases, resisting arrest, and more.

    12 years

Languages spoken

English

Contact

16255 Ventura Boulevard
address map

16255 Ventura Boulevard
Suite 200
Encino, CA, 91436

      Resume

      License
      StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
      CAActive200802/09/2021
      We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
      Avvo Contributions
      Legal answers19
      Legal guides0
      Awards
      Award nameGrantorDate granted
      Rising StarSuper Lawyers2018
      Top AttorneysPasadena Magazine2016
      Top AttorneysPasadena Magazine2015
      Top AttorneysPasadena Magazine2014
      Work Experience
      TitleCompany nameDuration
      Managing AttorneyThe Kavinoky Law Firm2018 - Present
      AssociateAbir Cohen Treyzon Salo, LLP2015 - 2018
      Research and Writing AttorneyLaw Offices of Frederick Remer2011 - 2015
      PrincipalMelanson Law Firm2011 - 2015
      Deputy Public Defender, Level 2Riverside County Public Defender's Office2010 - 2011
      Deputy Public Defender, Level 1Merced County Public Defender2009 - 2010
      Legal Research Assistant (Post-Bar)Sacramento County Public Defender's Office2008 - 2009
      Legal Research & Writing ClerkLaw Offices of Frederick Remer2007 - 2008
      Chief Certified Student AttorneyFederal Public Defender, Eastern Dist. Of Ca2007 - 2008
      Certified Legal InternYolo County Public Defender's Office2006 - 2007
      Publications
      Publication nameTitleDate
      The Advocate-Journal of Consumers Attorneys AssociationWater-Damage Claims: “Sudden And Accidental”2016
      Education
      School nameDegreeGraduated
      McGeorge School of Law, University of the PacificJD - Juris Doctor2008
      University of San FranciscoBA - Bachelor of Arts2000
      University of San FranciscoBA - Bachelor of Arts2000
      Legal cases
      Case nameOutcome
      People v. Manuel F.Significantly reduced charges; client avoided DUI conviction
      People v. Olga D.All charges dismissed by the prosecutor.
      People v. Tomeka W.All charges dismissed by the prosecutor.
      People v. Stephen L.All charges dismissed by the prosecutor.
      People v. Steven L.Not Guilty. Mr. L was acquitted of all charges.
      People v. Mayra M.Hung Jury (couldn't reach a verdict). The prosecutor eventually made a much better offer that the client accepted.
      People v. Devin P.Hung Jury (couldn't reach a verdict). The prosecutor eventually made a much better offer that the client accepted.
      People v. Christopher T.Hung Jury (couldn't reach a verdict). The prosecutor wanted to re-try the case but because of the arguments I made on behalf of my client, the case was dismissed by the court.

      Reviews

      (13)
      5 Star
      		100%
      4 Star
      		0%
      3 Star
      		0%
      2 Star
      		0%
      1 Star
      		0%
      Review Meagan Melanson

      Super lawyer

      Posted by

      Meagan took my case full broad she fought and fought until she received the right outcome and now my case is dismiss ,This lawyer is worth having , Thank you so much.
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      GREAT LAWYER !!

      Posted by

      Meagan Melanson represented me in court for a DUI and despite myself being scared and worried through my first legal complication, she was undoubtedly the best person I could have asked for to fight for me. She is nice and friendly and most importantly up front and honest with how she handles your case. If it wasn’t for her I don’t know if I would have been able to keep holding my EMT license and continue to keep pursing my career in the medical field. All in all, she is an amazing lawyer that will stand up for you!
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      She work wonders

      Posted by

      I blew a 1.8 in jail and she beat my dmv case not only that she some how got my Burbank court house to over throw it I hit some thing that I don’t remember I was 2x the legal limit and was able to work her skills for me to beat the DMV but also beat Burbank’s judge and dismissed my DUI i was speechless when she delivered the news if anyone can work a miracle or a hail Mary play it’s her she kept my updated with my case not monthly like most lawyers but weekly and asked me what best behooved me I’m not just grateful for her hard work and commitment I’m grateful for finding her and putting her on my team FYI I have priors that involve felony’s like aggravated intend to distribute cds possessions of a fire arm while committing a felony. You need to hire her cause if she was able to get me out of this she could get you out of anything
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      Made everything so simple!

      Posted by

      It was an absolute pleasure to have had such an amazing and dedicated attorney on my DUI case. She kept me up to date with all the changes and updates on my case and fought hard to reduce my charges. I am glad that I had someone as experienced as Meagan handling my case. She could not have been better. Thank you Meagan!
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      She’s Excellent!

      Posted by

      This is clearly her calling, she was magnificent and worked tirelessly on my case. She is great and I will recommend Meagan to all my family and friends. A+++, thank you Meagan!!
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      Dedicated and thorough attorney!

      Posted by

      Meagan has been my attorney for a DUI that I received in 2018. She has been extremely helpful to me and diligent in pursuing the best outcome for me resulting in the charges being dismissed after an 18 month diversion. She did not have to pursue this for me but did which is a testimony to the regard she holds for her clients. I can’t say enough and highly recommend.
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      Saved my life

      Posted by

      Meagan went above and beyond as my attorney and helped me get out of the worst bind in my life. She provided me with an innovative solution to resolve my matter, one that I wouldn’t have known existed had I not hired her. This solution added significant time to my case and ultimately to Meagan’s workload. She never complained, always showed up happy, and was a positive reinforcement for me during this difficult time. We connected personally as well. Having recently become a parent, Meagan was always willing to provide me with stories, lessons, and advice about raising a daughter. She’s simply a top notch attorney. One that is held in high regard by the court and her attorney peers. Although you may be unfortunate to be in your predicament, you will be incredibly fortunate to have Meagan as your attorney.
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      Meagan Melanson is remarkable lawyer!

      Posted by

      My case lasted over a year, for a DUI/ DWI offense. Mined you this my second offense. I thought the best I could get it reduced to a wet wreckless hopefully! Meagan exceeded my expectations, she just didn't get my chargers reduced, but she got them dismissed. My driving privilege never got suspended with DMV. I recommend Meagan Melanson to anyone, she the best at what she does.
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      Simply the BEST!!!

      Posted by

      I hired Meagan Melanson to represent me in June of 2019. I had been arrested for driving under the influence of marijuana on a Commercial Vehicle and was facing the consequences. I didn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel this arrest was going to cost me my career. It didn't take long to realize I had hired the BEST Lawyer. Meagan always answered my questions in a timely manner. She either would reply to my text or call me back . She is an amazing attorney that exceeded my expectations. She was able to prove that more than one thing was wrong with my arrest and got my case dismissed. I would highly recommend her to anyone she is amazing and super professional!!
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      Fought hard to the end until the current charges were reduced....

      Posted by

      Meagan fought hard and continue to fight. Everytime she went to court she would tell me that they denied my request, can you get this from your employer. I knew she was serious because when she heard no she just kept telling me I'm going to keep fighting until they say yes. I provided her with all the documentation she requested. On my last court day I had to appear and she called me to a room for a quick meeting and received great news that my original count 1 & 2 was dropped and I was getting a reduced charged.....She continue to fight to the end I never once doubted her and she made it happen....
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney
      See all reviews

      Attorney endorsements

      (11)
      Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

      Ghazal Sharif, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 18, 2019
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      Meagan is skilled trial lawyer, with experience, knowledge and passion. She is a fighter, problem–solver and looks for opportunity within the problem. She is well liked and trusted by fellow defense attorneys, prosecutors and judges! Go Meagan!

      Kratu Patel, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 30, 2015
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      Rarely will you find a lawyer with her amount of experience all across the state of California. But sets her apart, is her writing skills. Clearly she is a strong advocate in court, but she uses her unparallelled motion work (along with trial skills)to ensure peerless results for her clients.

      Omid Azari, DUI and DWI Attorney on Jul 19, 2014
      Relationship: Worked together on matter

      I endorse this lawyer. She is diligent and detail oriented in her work; her conduct & work ethic demonstrate that she cares deeply about her clients.

      Jerry Jen, Criminal defense Attorney on May 6, 2013
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      Meagan is a great criminal defense attorney who has extensive experience and background in her field. Not only does she zealously represent her clients, she is also compassionate, and realistic. She will tell it to you like it is. I would not hesitate to have Meagan in my corner.

      Parag Amin, Criminal defense Attorney on May 1, 2013
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      Meagan is very knowledgeable in her field. She is also very friendly and easily approachable. She fights for her clients, listens to them, and genuinely cares about them.

      Jason Lieber, Criminal defense Attorney on Feb 22, 2013
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      I endorse this lawyer.

      Babak Semnar, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 21, 2013
      Relationship: Worked together on matter

      I endorse this lawyer. I have had the privilege of working with Meagan, and have seen how she fights for the rights of those who otherwise would have been rolled over by the system. If you looking for a fighter to stand by you in Court, you need to consider Meagan.

      Caroline Song, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 16, 2013
      Relationship: Co-worker

      Ms. Melanson is a dedicated, knowledgeable criminal defense attorney who fights tirelessly to get her clients the best results. She is compassionate and really listens to her clients.

      Jared Hartman, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 11, 2013
      Relationship: Co-worker

      I wholeheartedly endorse Ms. Melanson. She is a very tough and aggressive litigator who is not afraid to take on unreasonable Judges and DAs, but she also is very compassionate and kindhearted to all her clients. I would reccomend her to anyone needing assistance with a criminal issue.

      Leslie Ramos, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 11, 2013
      Relationship: Worked together on matter

      This lawyer is bright and accomplished. We worked together several years together, and I gladly recommend her.

      Jessie Morris, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 11, 2013
      Relationship: Supervised lawyer

      I endorse this lawyer. She is organized, works hard, and advocates strongly for her clients.