About Mario
Biography
An experienced trial attorney, Mario Rodriguez has been a criminal defense attorney for 40 years. He represents clients charged with serious felonies in both State and Federal Court throughout the United States. One hundred percent of Mr. Rodriguez 's practice is defending individuals and businesses in the area of Criminal Law. The investigating agencies have included local police departments, the Sheriff's Department, the F.B.I., the D.E.A., the A.T.F., and the U.S. Customs Service.
Services:
Murder
DUI & Drunk Driving Defense
Domestic Violence Defense
Drug Possession Defense
Possession for Sales of Narcotics Defense
Juvenile Crimes Defense
Assault and Battery Defense
Fraud Defense
Defense of Violent Crimes
In 1997, he was certified as a Criminal Law Specialist, certified by the Board of Legal Specialization, State Bar of California. He is one of only fourteen Certified Criminal Law Specialists in Riverside County.
Mr. Rodriguez has been involved in numerous high profile cases, and has tried over one-hundred and fifty jury trials, winning acquittals in what were considered impossible cases.
Mr. Rodriguez is a member in good standing of the California State Bar, California Attorneys for Criminal Justice, the National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys and the California Public Defender’s Association.
Mario Rodriguez has dedicated his legal career to protecting the reputation and freedom of his clients.
Mario Rodriguez received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) in 1977.
He graduated from the UCLA School of Law in 1980, receiving the degree of Juris Doctor.
He was admitted as an attorney in California in 1980.
41 years of experience working hard to protect your freedom. Serving clients in Coachella Valley and Riverside East only. Call for a free consultation!
Practice Areas
4
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Always
Payment Methods
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
Licenses
Licensed in California for 45 years
State: California
Acquired: 1980
No misconduct found
Location
Gallery
Mario Rodriguez's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 39 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by anonymous | October 29, 2025 | Hired Attorney
DUI case
Excellent work! He was very efficient and helped me get the best results for my case.
Posted by Juan | June 9, 2025 | Hired Attorney
You’re innocent until proven guilty. Get lawyer help!
Mr Rodriguez and his team of professionals completely removed the stress and hassle of dealing with the courts and everything else related to my charge. Mr Rodriguez was able to have my charge suppressed and therefore dismissed by The Judge. The whole thing went relatively quick, court-wise. I...
Posted by anonymous | October 4, 2024 | Hired Attorney
Criminal Defense
Mario Rodriguez is the best of the best. There’s no better feeling than walking into a courtroom knowing that someone is going to fight for you. That’s exactly what Mario made my our family feel. He made us feel confident with all the odds against us. I’m grateful for all the work he put into my hu...
Posted by anonymous | August 13, 2024 | Hired Attorney
A miracle worker
I wouldn't call Mr. Rodriguez work anything but a miracle. My fiance had 2 strikes was looking at a hefty sentence but with Mario working for us he was able to come home to his family, on probation. Thank you so much, Mario for all your hard work to keep us together!
Posted by anonymous | August 8, 2024 | Hired Attorney
God's Lawyer
I'd like to give a little context so you can understand what he's done in my life, I was going through a few rough years getting out of HS case after case was popping up I didn't understand why at the time but I was abusing alcohol or anything I could ,Mario not only helped with my case but took per...
Mario Rodriguez's Lawyer Endorsements
"I am privileged to call Mario a colleague, student and friend. When I needed mentorship in criminal defense, a judge from the Indio Superior Court unequivocally referred me to him. I am quite grateful for the many hours he spent with me, helping me hone skills I needed to practice in that discipline of the law. Mario is a very sharp, no nonsense attorney. His many years in the criminal defense bar, first as a public defender and now for several decades in private practice, give him a unique perspective in addressing nuances and getting cases solved. For his expertise, he is sought as counsel in geographical areas well outside Riverside County in both state and federal courts. I have observed him and consider him to be very fair and communicative to clients, professional to opposing attorneys and judges, and is a very respected member of the Bar. If I were ever to require the services of a criminal defense attorney, Mario would be my first call."
"I have known Mr. Rodriguez for over a decade, and have always respected and admired the way he goes about his business. He works diligently for his clients, is tremendous in trial, and often coaxes wonderful outcomes from even the most hard-nosed District Attorneys with his experience and charm. I highly recommend Mr. Rodriguez."
"Mario Rodriguez is an experienced attorney who is dedicated to his practice and his clients. The biggest endorsement I can give, is that I've sent over my own family members when they needed help-and would do so again."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I've had the pleasure of knowing Mario for about two decades. In the desert he is one of a handful of criminal defense attorneys in whom I have complete confidence when my cliens ask for a referral. He is exceptionally knowledgeable and highly experienced. I can endorse Mario with complete confidence."
"I have sent numerous referrals to Mario Rodriguez. He is honest and responsible, and has obtained great results for the referred clients. His experience and ability are excellent."
Criminal defense lawyer
Securities and investment fraud lawyer
Experience
Honors
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2022
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2021
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2020
Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2019
Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2016
Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2015
Certified Specialist - Criminal Law Since 1997, State Bar of California
1990
Attorney of the Year, Riverside County Board of Supervisors
Work Experience
1986 - 1991
Deputy Public Defender IV, Public Defenders Office
Associations
2002 - Present
California Attorneys for Criminal JusticePatron Member
1998 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense AttorneysMember
1997 - Present
State Bar of CaliforniaCertified Criminal Law Specialist
1986 - Present
California Public Defenders AssociationMember
Member
Member
1992 - 1995
Desert Bar Association, Criminal Law SectionMember
Education
1980
JD - Juris Doctor
1977
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Languages
Spanish
English