Josh is a Certified Criminal Law Specialist by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization and a graduate of Gerry Spence's Trial Lawyer's College. Josh has achieved dozens of "not guilty" and hung jury verdicts in addition to hundred of cases negotiated down to infractions or outright dismissed.
While over 9,200 attorneys in California list criminal law as a practice area on Avvo, under four hundred are Certified Specialists. Before achieving this distinction an applicant must complete a 6 hour examination, demonstrate a broad range of criminal law experience in jury trials, writs, and appeals, and submit dozens of references from judges, defense attorneys, and prosecutors.
Josh graduated from Gerry Spence's Trial Lawyers College in September 2017. The Trial Lawyer's College is an intensive 3-week program where students learn and practice trial techniques developed by Spence.
Josh has handled thousands of criminal cases, ranging from DUI to homicide, and has tried over 60 cases to a jury. Josh is a graduate of Cornell Law School, an Ivy League institution and one of the top 10 law schools in the country. At Cornell, Josh was a general editor of the Cornell Journal of Law and Public Policy, and published a law journal article. Josh knew early in his law school career that his passion was in criminal law, defending individuals who had made a mistake and were now facing punishment in one of the harshest and most punitive criminal “justice” systems in the world.
Josh practiced criminal law as a public defender for almost 9 years, including 6 ½ years at the Public Defender Office in Indio. Josh has shown his vigor and ability as a trial attorney, taking over 20 misdemeanor and 40 felony cases to trial. Josh has done jury trials in almost every kind of criminal case, ranging from simple DUIs and misdemeanor domestic violence to sexual assault, rape, child molest, mayhem, and murder. Josh has been very successful in jury trials and his hard work and creative defenses have resulted in dozens of ‘not guilty’ verdicts for his clients. Josh has presented creative defenses in his practice that have led juries to acquittals in seemingly hopeless cases. For example, in an auto theft case where the stolen vehicle was found in his client’s garage, Josh researched and utilized an obscure and seldom-used mental health defense that resulted in an acquittal without subjecting his client to a lifetime in a state mental hospital. On a separate occasion, Josh was able to qualify a homeless scrap metal collector as an expert, and the jury relied on the man’s expertise in acquitting Josh’s client. Josh’s thorough and smart approach to cases also helped his clients get amazing results in plea-bargaining. Josh recently persuaded prosecutors to accept pleas to manslaughter in two separate homicide cases, a rare success in Riverside County. In another recent case, Josh was able to avoid a 12-year sentence for a client by aggressively pursuing an extensive and judicially acceptable rehabilitation package for a client over the prosecution’s strenuous objection. Now Josh’s client is seriously addressing his addiction issues in a posh rehabilitation facility, rather than rotting in the county jail. No attorney can guarantee results, but the Wilkerson & Mulligan Law Firm can guarantee fair dealing, personal service, and a smart and strong defense. We fight hard to get the best possible result for every client.
Practice areas
I have been practicing law for 10 years and have worked exclusively in criminal defense. I spent 8 and a half years as a Public Defender, representing thousands of people charged with crimes ranging from DUI and trespassing to rape, child molest, and homicide. I have tried over 60 cases to jury verdict, including the most serious offense like rape and murder. I have gotten countless cases dismissed before trial and have gotten dozens of "not guilty" jury verdicts.
18 years, 5,000 cases
Joshua Mulligan is an experienced and skilled DUI defense attorneys. He has handled hundreds of DUI cases ranging from from first-time misdemeanor charges to “Watson Murder” (DUI causing death). He has attended dozens of trainings related to driving under the influence cases and has worked hard to fully comprehend the science behind blood and breath testing.
18 years, 500 cases
Joshua Mulligan has handled hundreds of domestic violence cases, from misdemeanor cases to felonies. Josh has successfully tried even the most serious and complicated domestic violence cases involving stabbings and serious injuries, with charges such as attempted murder and mayhem. He is ready to take any domestic violence case through all stages of the criminal process, including jury trial.
18 years, 500 cases
Joshua Mulligan is skilled in defending any sex crime allegation, and has handled many cases involving child molestation, indecent exposure, rape, sodomy and more. He had extensively researched false allegations, false confessions, child suggestibility, and propensity issues related to allegations of rape and child molestation. He has also worked with many experts in various areas to defend their clients, resulting in the knowledge and contacts to defend any case.
18 years, 100 cases
18 years, 200 cases
When I interview the client I always try to determine first why the client needs the expungement and shape our services accordingly - needs may be different if the client is applying for a job, a professional license, or has immigration issues.
18 years, 100 cases
18 years, 200 cases
18 years, 200 cases
Languages spoken
English
Joshua Mulligan
78-060 Calle Estado
Suite 6
La Quinta, CA, 92253
Wilkerson & Mulligan, PC, Indio Office
82-850 Highway 111
Ste B
Indio, CA, 92201
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
CA | Active | 2004 | 02/07/2022 |
Award name | Grantor | Date Granted |
---|---|---|
Top Lawyer | Palm Springs Life Magazine | 2020 |
Top Lawyer | Palm Springs Life Magazine | 2018 |
Top Lawyer | Palm Springs Life Magazine | 2017 |
Certified Criminal Law Specialist | The State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization | 2016 |
Top Lawyer | Palm Springs Life Magazine | 2016 |
Top Lawyer, Coachella Valley | Palm Springs Life Magazine | 2015 |
Nation's Top One Percent | National Association of Distinguished Counsel | 2015 |
Top Attorney, Coachella Valley | Palm Springs Life Magazine | 2014 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Partner | Wilkerson & Mulligan | 2013 - Present |
Deputy Public Defender | Riverside County Public Defender's Office | 2007 - 2013 |
Deputy Public Defender | Tulare County Public Defender | 2005 - 2007 |
Full time internship | Alameda County Public Defender's Office | 2004 - 2004 |
Summer Intern | San Francisco Public Defender | 2003 - 2003 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
California Public Defenders Association | Member | 2007 - Present |
Cornell Journal of Law and Public Policy | General Editor | 2003 - 2004 |
Cornell Journal of Law and Public Policy | Associate | 2002 - 2003 |
Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Wilkerson & Mulligan Blog | Can the alleged victim in a Domestic Violence case get the case dropped? | 2013 |
Cornell Journal of Law and Public Policy | Finding a Forum in the Simulated City: Mega Malls, Gated Towns, and the Promise of Pruneyard | 2004 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College | Graduate | 2017 |
Cornell Law School | JD - Juris Doctor | 2004 |
University of Montana | BA - Bachelor of Arts | 1999 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Mock Trial | Mock Trial Attorney Coach | 2019 |
Case name | Outcome |
---|---|
People v. T.M. | dismissed |
People v. RJ | lesser charge |
People v. Johnson | lesser charge |
People v. GG | Dismissed |
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Hayden Smith, Criminal defense Attorney on Sep 4, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Josh Mulligan is a sterling lawyer, a cut above. He cares about his clients, knows the law cold, and refuses to be intimidated by aggressive prosecutors. He talks softly and carries a big stick, especially at trial. Unlike some criminal defense lawyers Mulligan has been in the trenches for years, trying the most serious (and apparently hopeless) cases and pulling rabbits out of hats. If you or a family member are in a jam with the awful machinery of "criminal justice" you can hardly pick a better guide through the thicket than Mulligan. He is trustworthy, hard-working, whip-smart, and seasoned.
Jennifer Guerrero, Criminal defense Attorney on Sep 8, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
As an attorney, we develop a short list of colleagues that we'll turn to for guidance and support. Josh is on my short list. When I have legal questions, I'd never hesitate to question this attorney, as his knowledge of criminal law is not only extensive, but more importantly, accurate. Ask any lawyer a question and you will get an answer. With Josh, you'll get the right answer. I endorse this attorney as a colleague, and although I hope I'd never need his services as a client, if I were in a legal bind, I'd hire Wilkerson & Mulligan to represent me. They have "fight" in them, love a challenge, and will not compromise their client's best interests.
Benjamin Schiff, Criminal defense Attorney on Sep 13, 2019
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Joshua is one of the smartest lawyers I have met and worked with. He rose quickly at the Riverside County Public Defender office where we worked together as lawyers for several years to successfully handle the most serious cases there were. He has since grown a successful private practice with his wife and continues to enjoy and enhance a very strong reputation within our legal community. I would not hestitate to seek his representation on any type of criminal matter. His work ethic and character are strong and he has a strong committment to defending the rights of those who are accused of crimes; more importantly, he exhibits sincere empathy and concern for those who seek his help.
Aaron Coltrane, Criminal defense Attorney on Oct 20, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I consider Josh a brilliant legal mind whose pure dedication to his clients, and the defense of their rights, has gained him very positive favor within the legal community. Although his zealous defense and advocacy skills are top notch, perhaps his most admired characteristic is his unrivaled desire to obtain nothing but the most equalizing justice. I would feel completely comfortable having Josh serve as my defense counsel in any criminal matter, regardless of significance, He is also a Gerry Spence Trial Lawyer's College Graduate as well, so he has extensive training in Trial Advocacy through hands-on training by some of the greatest attorneys of our generation.
Goran Antovski, Criminal defense Attorney on Oct 13, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Joshua is an amazing attorney. He is skilled, compassionate, and knowledgeable. He attended a prestigious trial college where he was able to develop his skills. I have the utmost faith in him. I endorse this lawyer.
Stewart Shamon, Criminal defense Attorney on Oct 13, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. I had the privilege of working with Joshua at Gerry Spence's Trial Lawyers College in Wyoming. He is an aggressive advocate who will go the extra mile for his clients.
Megan Beaman, DUI and DWI Attorney on Feb 4, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
It is my pleasure to work in a legal community where Joshua Mulligan and his partner Forest Wilkerson 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 Josh and Forest are available to offer guidance to me, and also to serve as a resource and potential attorneys for my clients who need them.
Shaun Sullivan, Criminal defense Attorney on Oct 29, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Mr. Mulligan has an unblemished reputation in the community as a serious, seasoned, and intelligent advocate for his clients. I asked Mr. Mulligan for some input a few months back, and he gladly listened and then provided valuable advice. I came away very impressed with him. I would not hesitate to recommend Mr. Mulligan.
Jayan Hong, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 8, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Without hesitation, I endorse this lawyer. I worked with Josh for many years at the Public Defender's Office, and while there I would often seek his advice and counsel on cases, especially when there were complex issues involved. Josh is extremely creative, intelligent, and aggressive in his approach to defending clients. He also has a big heart and is trustworthy, which helps Josh connect well with clients. The combination of the above make him one of the best attorneys out there. If you're searching for a lawyer, look no further.
Raymond Wood, Criminal defense Attorney on Feb 17, 2014
Relationship: Co-worker
I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer. Josh and I worked together for the Riverside County Public Defender's Office for several years, where Josh was a senior attorney to me. I would often go to Josh for advice and ideas due to the breadth and depth of his knowledge and creative arguments. I always considered him as one of the anchor attorneys of the office and would not hesitate recommending to anyone that they retain Josh for their defense needs.
Khalil Esat, Criminal defense Attorney on Nov 21, 2013
Relationship: Co-worker
Lawyers there are aplenty in California and elsewhere; but lawyers with heart, not so much. I worked with Joshua Mulligan when we were deputy public defenders in Tulare County and I know him both as a lawyer and as human being and I unhesitatingly, unreservedly and enthusiastically endorse him as both a lawyer and a human being.
Jennifer Guerrero, Criminal defense Attorney on Sep 8, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
As an attorney, we develop a short list of colleagues that we'll turn to for guidance and support. Josh is on my short list. When I have legal questions, I'd never hesitate to question this attorney, as his knowledge of criminal law is not only extensive, but more importantly, accurate. Ask any lawyer a question and you will get an answer. With Josh, you'll get the right answer. I endorse this attorney as a colleague, and although I hope I'd never need his services as a client, if I were in a legal bind, I'd hire Wilkerson & Mulligan to represent me. They have "fight" in them, love a challenge, and will not compromise their client's best interests.
Hayden Smith, Criminal defense Attorney on Sep 4, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Josh Mulligan is a sterling lawyer, a cut above. He cares about his clients, knows the law cold, and refuses to be intimidated by aggressive prosecutors. He talks softly and carries a big stick, especially at trial. Unlike some criminal defense lawyers Mulligan has been in the trenches for years, trying the most serious (and apparently hopeless) cases and pulling rabbits out of hats. If you or a family member are in a jam with the awful machinery of "criminal justice" you can hardly pick a better guide through the thicket than Mulligan. He is trustworthy, hard-working, whip-smart, and seasoned.
Forest Wilkerson, Criminal defense Attorney on Sep 4, 2013
Relationship: Co-worker
Josh was my mentor at the Public Defender Office in Indio and taught me, most importantly, to be creative in defense of my clients, to never be afraid to present a tricky defense, and, most importantly, to never be intimidated by judges or prosecutors. These lessons have served me well in many victories in criminal trials. Josh is one of the most intelligent attorneys that I've known, and his intellect is most obvious during difficult cross-examinations. He is thorough in his approach to cases and dedicated to his clients in a way that is rare among many defense attorneys. Josh not only works through his own cases, but has an interest in the policy that relates to all criminal defendants and others caught up in our overreaching criminal "justice" system. Josh has experience beyond his years and has tried many more cases than those at his level. He has also been able to resolve difficult cases, sparing his clients life in prison. I strongly endorse this lawyer.
Thomas Bobzin, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 23, 2013
Relationship: Worked together on matter
Few attorneys can survive, must less thrive in the environment of the public defender's office. Josh is the exception. My work with Mr. Mulligan illustrated his considerable breath of experience, insightful approach to cases, patience in client communications and complete and practical understanding of the processes that defendants and attorneys find themselves subjected to. I would gladly recommend him for even the most serious criminal cases...especially those that are trial bound.
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