Forest fights hard for her clients and has tried the full range of criminal cases, ranging from DUI to torture.
Forest graduated from the University of San Diego in May of 2003. After law school, Forest did an extended internship at the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia in The Hague, The Netherlands.Following her time in The Hague, she worked as a research and writing attorney for a team defending a notorious MS-13 gang member in a death penalty case where it was alleged that her client took part in the killing of a federal witness. He was acquitted of all charges. She then moved on to the Federal Public Defender for the District of Columbia and worked as a research and writing attorney on a variety of cases, including international terrorism cases and tax evasion.
Forest joined the Law Officer of the Public Defender for Riverside County in 2006. She has now been a practicing attorney in the Coachella Valley for over six years. She has handled thousands of cases at the Public Defender Office, ranging from municipal code violations to child molestation and rape, all the way to homicide cases.
Forest has tried many criminal cases to jury verdict, with charges as varied as DUI, assault with a deadly weapon, domestic violence, and torture. She has an extraordinary success rate, having achieved acquittals in well over half of her trials, a rare success rate in a practice area where the other side chooses the charges, can dismiss whatever charges are not supported, and has the entire police force and a team of support staff backing them up. As a result, Prosecutors know that Forest will fight hard and win every possible count, so they offer her clients the most beneficial offers up-front, without playing games with your time, your finances, or your life. She is a dedicated criminal defense attorney, with a passion, presence and intelligence that will benefit any client.
Forest works in any area of criminal defense and accepts cases for negotiation, preliminary hearings, trials, appeals, and will accept research and writing requests for other attorneys practicing criminal defense.
Practice areas
Handled over 5000 cases as a deputy public defender in Riverside County, including homicide, sex crimes, three strikes, firearms charges, assaults, domestic violence, and DUI offenses.
17 years, 5,000 cases
Forest's main focus in Family Law is Restraining Order Defense. She is thorough, aggressive, and she has won all her restraining order hearings.
Languages spoken
English
Wilkerson & Mulligan
78-060 Calle Estado
Suite 6
La Quinta, CA, 92253
Wilkerson & Mulligan, PC, Indio Office
82-850 Highway 111
Suite B
Indio, CA, 92201
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
CO | Inactive | 2006 | 06/08/2022 |
CA | Active | 2005 | 06/17/2022 |
Award name | Grantor | Date Granted |
---|---|---|
Top Lawyer | Palm Springs Life Magazine | 2017 |
Top 100 Trial Lawyers | National Trial Lawyers | 2016 |
Top Lawyer | Palm Springs Life Magazine | 2016 |
Nation's Top One Percent | National Association of Distinguished Counsel | 2015 |
Top Lawyer, Coachella Valley | Palm Springs Life Magazine | 2015 |
Top Lawyer, Coachella Valley | Palm Springs Life Magazine | 2014 |
Top Lawyer, Criminal Defense | Palm Springs Life Magazine | 2013 |
Numerous "Golden Spike" Awards for "Not Guilty" jury verdicts | Riverside County Public Defender | 2008 |
AmJur - Civil Practicum | University Of San Diego | 2003 |
Dean's Distinguished Service Award | University of San Diego Law School Dean | 2003 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Partner | Wilkerson & Mulligan | 2013 - Present |
Attorney | Law Office of Forest Wilkerson | 2013 - 2014 |
Deputy Public Defender | Law Office of the Public Defender | 2006 - 2013 |
Research and Writing Attorney | Federal Public Defender for the District of Columbia | 2005 - 2006 |
Law Clerk | United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia | 2004 - 2004 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
American Inn of Court; The Warren E. Slaughter Richard I. Roemer Chapter | Attorney Member | 2019 - Present |
Coachella Valley Foster Kids | Advisory Board | 2018 - Present |
National Association of Distinguished Counsel | Member | 2015 - Present |
California Attorneys for Criminal Justice | Member | 2012 - Present |
California Public Defenders Association | Member | 2006 - Present |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
University of San Diego School of Law | JD - Juris Doctor | 2003 |
Franklin University | BS - Bachelor of Science | 1999 |
Case name | Outcome |
---|---|
People v. Torrez | dismissal |
People v. Carter | probation |
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Benjamin Schiff, Criminal defense Attorney on Sep 13, 2019
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Forest is a strong and very effective criminal defense lawyer. As a colleague at the Riverside County Public Defenders office I saw her rise quickly within our ranks because she got the kind of special courtroom results that set her apart from others in the office. She has built a successful private practice in a short period of time in a small community with an abundance of criminal lawyers. Her reputation in the courthouse is impeccable and anyone who gets into legal trouble on any type of criminal matter would be very smart to retain Forest. She's a real fighter who will go to the wall to defend your rights.
Rejeanne Eyre, Criminal defense Attorney on Feb 27, 2017
Relationship: Worked together on matter
Don't let her pretty exterior fool you. If you don't hire Forest, you probably look good in orange. Forest is a force to be reckoned with, inside the court room and out. She is a legal eagle and will research the "you know what" out of every legal case and statute until she has the answer. If your case goes to court, it's sure to be a good time, because Forest will destroy her opponent and have them crying for their mama. Her cross-examination skills are top-notch and she knows no fear. Honestly, I wouldn't hire anyone else and I refer all my clients to her.
Benjamin Schiff, Criminal defense Attorney on Sep 13, 2019
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Forest is a strong and very effective criminal defense lawyer. As a colleague at the Riverside County Public Defenders office I saw her rise quickly within our ranks because she got the kind of special courtroom results that set her apart from others in the office. She has built a successful private practice in a short period of time in a small community with an abundance of criminal lawyers. Her reputation in the courthouse is impeccable and anyone who gets into legal trouble on any type of criminal matter would be very smart to retain Forest. She's a real fighter who will go to the wall to defend your rights.
Rejeanne Eyre, Criminal defense Attorney on Feb 27, 2017
Relationship: Worked together on matter
Don't let her pretty exterior fool you. If you don't hire Forest, you probably look good in orange. Forest is a force to be reckoned with, inside the court room and out. She is a legal eagle and will research the "you know what" out of every legal case and statute until she has the answer. If your case goes to court, it's sure to be a good time, because Forest will destroy her opponent and have them crying for their mama. Her cross-examination skills are top-notch and she knows no fear. Honestly, I wouldn't hire anyone else and I refer all my clients to her.
Anthony Valente, Criminal defense Attorney on Sep 1, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I have had the opportunity to work with Forest and she is an excellent advocate for her clients!
Frederick Carroll, Criminal defense Attorney on Feb 4, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Forest is the person you want to hire. Having known her professionally since law school, over 15 years total, I unequivocally endorse her as a knowledgeable, fierce and formidable advocate for her clients. I've personally referred clients to her, with uniformly excellent results. Her attention, ethics and professionalism are second to none. Hiring Forest is a decision that will not be regretted.
Megan Beaman, Criminal defense Attorney on Feb 4, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
It is my pleasure to work in a legal community where Forest Wilkerson and Joshua Mulligan are defending clients charged with criminal defenses. My work in civil rights often overlaps with these types of cases and client communities, and I feel privileged that Forest and Josh are available to offer guidance to me, and also to serve as a resource and potential attorneys for my clients who need them.
A. Felsen, Violent crime Attorney on Nov 3, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Ms. Wilkerson is very knowledgeable and I highly recommend her for your domestic violence and criminal defense!
Shaun Sullivan, Criminal defense Attorney on Oct 29, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Ms. Wilkerson is polished, knowledgable and professional. She's earned a wonderful reputation among her peers as a no-nonsense trial lawyer that will challenge DA's and even judges when appropriate. I'd feel very confident recommending someone to Ms. Wilkerson.
Shaffer Cormell, Criminal defense Attorney on Dec 28, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Melanie Roe, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 10, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I have watched this attorney zealously defend her clients' constitutional rights over the past years while she has practiced in Riverside County. I have observed her to be well-versed in the law and fearless in court, exactly the combination which commands respect from her peers and the judiciary.
Raymond Wood, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 11, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I worked with Forest for three years while a deputy public defender and have sought her opinion on legal matters in the years since then. She had- and continues to have- the reputation of an extremely knowledgeable and tenacious attorney and a formidable foe in the eyes of the prosecution. She is widely respected by judges and attorneys alike, and any client would be in very capable hands trusting their defense to Forest. If ever in the position, I would trust Forest with my own defense.
Thomas Hughes, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 10, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Without hesitation, I endorse this lawyer. While I was a prosecutor, Ms. Wilkerson never failed to get the results wanted by her clients, always keeping their best interest first. Today, as a fellow criminal defense attorney, I trust Ms. Wilkerson for any and all matters related to helping anyone through their criminal case.
Jayan Hong, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 6, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Ms. Wilkerson is a trustworthy, fearless and aggressive attorney, who you can trust to get the best possible results for you. I worked alongside her for many years at the Public Defender's Office, and I watched Ms. Wilkerson in action in many cases from minor to very serious crimes. She is highly knowledgeable in criminal law and works extremely hard in aggressively defending her clients.
Daniel Shama, Criminal defense Attorney on Feb 26, 2013
Relationship: Other
I first met Forest in 2000, our first year of law school. I got to know her really well, as she was in my small section, meaning we had all of our classes together. Even back then, I quickly noticed Forest's passion for the law. She had a particular interest in criminal law, defending the rights of the public with energy, conviction, and sincerity. Following law school, I was not surprised to see Forest apply these same virtues to her work as a Public Defender. Working tirelessly for (sometimes) unappreciative clients, I was impressed to see Forest's resolve continue to grow. She is not intimidated by opposing counsel. At the same time, Forest has very strong interpersonal skills. With her signature fearlessness, I am pleased to see Forest embark on her solo practice. I can tell you that her enthusiasm, intelligence, and background make her an exceptional attorney, particularly in criminal defense. I would hire her myself without a second thought.
Thomas Bobzin, Criminal defense Attorney on Feb 26, 2013
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I endorse this lawyer. Her extensive work in the high desert has made her an incredible asset. She is the whole package. She has extensive knowledge of both the strategies and staff of the local D.A.'s office. She has a depth of knowledge from her considerable trial experience. She has a proven record of success, both in trial and in resolving cases for significantly reduced sentences. Most importantly, her communication skills make her approachable, understandable and effective. I would recommend her highly, without any reservations, to any criminal client who is serious about having quality representation.
Joshua Mulligan, Criminal defense Attorney on Feb 25, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. I have routinely relied on Forest for advice and help on cases. She has excellent judgment, intelligence, and insight. She really cares for her clients and she fights, and fights hard.
Jennifer Guerrero, Criminal defense Attorney on Feb 24, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Forest is experienced in handling any criminal matter... Misdemeanor or felony... DUI or murder... She has done it all. She fights for her clients and is a true defense attorney at heart.
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