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
12 years
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
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
CA | Active | 2008 | 02/09/2021 |
Legal answers | 19 |
Legal guides | 0 |
Award name | Grantor | Date granted |
---|---|---|
Rising Star | Super Lawyers | 2018 |
Top Attorneys | Pasadena Magazine | 2016 |
Top Attorneys | Pasadena Magazine | 2015 |
Top Attorneys | Pasadena Magazine | 2014 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Managing Attorney | The Kavinoky Law Firm | 2018 - Present |
Associate | Abir Cohen Treyzon Salo, LLP | 2015 - 2018 |
Research and Writing Attorney | Law Offices of Frederick Remer | 2011 - 2015 |
Principal | Melanson Law Firm | 2011 - 2015 |
Deputy Public Defender, Level 2 | Riverside County Public Defender's Office | 2010 - 2011 |
Deputy Public Defender, Level 1 | Merced County Public Defender | 2009 - 2010 |
---|---|---|
Legal Research Assistant (Post-Bar) | Sacramento County Public Defender's Office | 2008 - 2009 |
Legal Research & Writing Clerk | Law Offices of Frederick Remer | 2007 - 2008 |
Chief Certified Student Attorney | Federal Public Defender, Eastern Dist. Of Ca | 2007 - 2008 |
Certified Legal Intern | Yolo County Public Defender's Office | 2006 - 2007 |
Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
The Advocate-Journal of Consumers Attorneys Association | Water-Damage Claims: “Sudden And Accidental” | 2016 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific | JD - Juris Doctor | 2008 |
University of San Francisco | BA - Bachelor of Arts | 2000 |
University of San Francisco | BA - Bachelor of Arts | 2000 |
Case name | Outcome |
---|---|
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. |
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Wed Feb 17 2021
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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.