Marc Steven Applbaum
About Marc
Biography
If you are facing criminal charges, you need to look for aggressive and experienced Criminal Defense Attorneys, preferably ones with a prosecutor's eye. Mr. Applbaum's work as a deputy city attorney over the years gives him a unique advantage over most competition. He has developed a reputation for integrity that was built from success in the courtroom. Born and raised in San Diego, Mr. Applbaum has the knowledge of the local courts that is worthy of your trust. His associates and case managers have been carefully selected. Above all, you must emerge from your encounter with the law having your life and reputation intact. The Law Offices of Marc Applbaum APC will make sure that objective is achieved.
Our quality of treatment and efficiency of work is exceptional. In certain situations if need be, we can work with you financially.
Learn more bout our legal practice and our specialties at
Practice Areas
4
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 23 years
State: California
Acquired: 2002
Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2025
Location
Law Offices Of Marc Applbaum
2150 West Washington St. Ste 104, San Diego, CA, 92110
Kettner Law
2150 West Washington St. Ste 104, San Diego, CA, 92110
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Marc Steven Applbaum's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
11 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 review | Free Consultations
Posted by anonymous | February 24, 2026 | Hired Attorney | Landlord & Tenant
Acumen, Altruism, and Advocacy .Literally AAA representation. Rer
I received a consultation from Marc in 2024 for an unlawful detainer I was dealing with and he and his paralegal Bobby were literally answers to fevered prayer that day. Marc had called me in response to my submitting a question about housing law on a legal advice forum and asked me to explain my si...
Marc Steven Applbaum's Lawyer Endorsements
"Marc Applbaum's background as a prosecutor gives him a unique background for criminal defense, which is extremely valuable for clients facing charges. He is incredibly experienced on DUIs in particular and lights up a room with his great personality."
"Marc is an exceptional criminal defense attorney whose reputation speaks for itself. Recommended with complete confidence."
"I endorse this lawyer. Marc is an excellent defense attorney. He has had close to 40 trials while working as a prosecutor for the San Diego City Attorney. This is the great kind of experience that lawyers need, but just don't get these days, unless they work for an agency like the City Attorney. Marc, like his well regarded father, is focusing on juvenile defense. It is nice to see someone so talented working to help young people that get in trouble. If those people can be reached and helped, it insures that they have a chance to make it this tough world. Kudos to you Marc. Im honored to endorse you."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"This attorney works very hard for the client and keeps up with the law by attending legal seminars to assist them in this regard. I endorse this attorney."
"Your resume speaks for itself and I consider you a valuable member of the attorney community. I would recommend you to anyone and everyone who needs your services. I whole heartedly endorse this lawyer!"
"I have found Mr. Applbaum to be a highly dedicated, intelligent, and thoughtful advocate for his clients. I recommend anyone in need of representation give him a call."
"I've seen Marc in the courtroom many times. I've seen first hand how well-prepared he is when discussing his clients' cases with the prosecutors. He knows the law inside and out. Plus, he is well-liked and well-regarded by defense lawyers, prosecutors, and judges."
"Replete with an illustrious criminal defense pedigree, Marc is a passionate advocate for his clients. I endorse him as a trusted attorney to whom I would refer anyone in need of his services."
"Marc is an outstanding trial attorney! I have personally seen him in court and he is always prepared, on point, and effective. He has an excellent courtroom presence and demeanor. Marc is also very well liked among the judges, prosecutors, and fellow defense attorneys in the community. I would not hesitate to endorse him and recommend his services."
"Mr. Applbaum has earned tremendous respect in the San Diego legal community as a prosecutor, and now as a defense attorney. I highly endorse Mr. Applbaum as one of the finer, more aggressive, criminal defense attorneys in San Diego."
"Marc is a sharp, savvy, experienced lawyer. He understands the issues and focuses on getting the best result for the client. Well respected by all parties in the courtroom."
"I have known Marc for several years and have always respected his professional approach to his cases. He truly understands the law and the legal system and how to use that knowledge to benefit his clients. I would recommend Marc to someone looking for an attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer. Marc is an excellent attorney with experience in both prosecution and defense. that experience allows him to view a case from both sides, and allow him to spot the weaknesses in the case. I would not hesititate to have Marc represent my friends or family if they found themselves needing a criminal defense attorney."
"Attorney Applbaum is an excellent attorney. His experiences as both a criminal defense attorney and a prosecutor provide invaluable knowledge and skills that yield the best results for every single client he represents. I would recommend anyone facing criminal charges to hire Attorney Marc Applbaum"
"I've known Marc as an experienced, aggressive and zealous attorney for some time now. I have worked with Marc on both the prosecution and defense side and he really is passionate and professional. I would not hesitate to recommend him for his services."
"I have had the opportunity to work with Marc Applbaum on many cases when he was a prosecutor. He was always fair, and always willing to consider novel and creative solutions to cases. As a defense attorney Marc is an amazing advocate; his command of the law is superb, his dedication to his clients is apparent, and his presence is court is elegant. I wholeheartedly endorse Marc Applbaum."
"Marc Applebaum is an outstanding attorney. I have worked with him while he was a prosecutor and now as a defense attorney. He is professional with a very keen ability to communicate from either side of the isle. His ability to focus on the issues and peel away all the extra garbage that comes with criminal cases. His knowledge of the law is impeccable and his ability to argue is unmatched. I offer my highest recommendation of Marc Applbaum and am pleased he is a member of our defense bar."
"I have negotiated with Marc when he was a City Attorney and he was always one of the more fair ones out there. If you have a case downtown, there probably isn't anyone in San Diego who will get you a better result. I endorse this lawyer."
"I have known Mr. Applbaum for years, seeing his work both as a prosecutor and as a defense attorney. He embodies the three most important qualities for a successful defense attorney: an excellent legal mind, dedication to his clients and he is a skilled and persuasive advocate. I wholeheartedly endorse him."
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Experience
Professional misconduct
This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2025.
Discipline with Actual Suspension issued in CA, 2025
updated on 09/19/2025This sanction means the attorney lost his or her license to practice law for a period of time. The attorney typically returns to practicing law when the suspension expires.
Discipline with Actual Suspension issued in CA, 2020
updated on 09/10/2021This sanction means the attorney lost his or her license to practice law for a period of time. The attorney typically returns to practicing law when the suspension expires.
Work Experience
2013 - Present
Advisor-Counselor, Law Offices of Marc Applbaum, APLC
2008 - 2013
Associate, The Law Offices Of G. Cole Casey
2006 - 2010
Partner, Applbaum & Zouvas, LLP
2004 - 2013
Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, City Attorney San Diego
Associations
2013 - Present
National College of DUI DefenseAttorney Member
Sample of Legal Cases
Client pleads to drunk in public.
Education
2000
JD - Juris Doctor
1995
BS - Bachelor of Science
Speaking Engagements
2015
Transition from Jail to Community
2013
Tips for aspiring attorneys
Languages
English
Spanish
French
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Can I get my DUI case reduced to a wet/dry reckless with a BAC .14 ?
05 Jun 2013
How hard is it to prove a drug dui
15 May 2013
DUI - If I plea to only 23152(a) or 23152(b) rather than both, does that help me in any way?
08 Apr 2013