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.
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Practice Areas
Always
State: California
Acquired: 1980
No misconduct found
39 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 6 reviews | Communication Style
Posted by anonymous | February 15, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Gets the job done✔️
Mario was patient and very responsive whenever I had questions, he guided me through the process and kept me informed on what to anticipate. He got my hit and run felony reduced to probation and kept me out of prison. Thank you again for saving my life and allowing me to have a 2nd chance.
Posted by Eugene | June 19, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Great Lawyer
I hired Mr. Rodriguez for my case at about a year and a half ago. There has been many steps and procedures taken since then, and I like to say that Mario Rodriguez, Angie his secretary, and staff, have all been great at communicating with me every step along the way. Never have they not responded to...
Posted by Preston | May 11, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
The Mexican Johnny Cochron
Two years ago, I got myself into some big trouble. I was looking at years in the federal prison and by the end of the trial, Mario got me two years' probation and no jail time. Mario was referred to me by a friend. I didn't know what to expect, but Mario was with me every step of the way and was alwa...
Posted by Victor | August 28, 2020 | Hired Attorney
The best!
What can I say about this man He was an amazing lawyer very professional and straight to the point! His 30 years plus experience really showed. He did everything in his power to help me get through my case and couldn’t be happier with the results. Thank you so much Mario Rodriguez!
Posted by Osvaldo | January 14, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
The Johnnie Cochran of Coachella Valley
Before meeting Mario Rodriguez, I was naive to the system and Law enforcement persecution method. I had someone filed a complaint against me to the police and based on that report a detective decided to reach out to me and use a tactic call (ruse) to have me come into the police department. The det...
"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'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
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
1986 - 1991
Deputy Public Defender IV, Public Defenders Office
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
1980
JD - Juris Doctor
1977
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Spanish
English