Joshua M Mulligan

PRO

Joshua M Mulligan

4.9
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 21 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at La Quinta, CA
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI, Domestic Violence ... +5 more

78-060 Calle Estado, Suite 21, La Quinta, CA

Virtual Consultation Available

Free Consultation

About Joshua

Biography

Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist, Caring and Aggressive Firm Devoted 100% to Criminal Defense

Practice Areas

8

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 20%

Over 20 years in criminal defense, including 9 years as a Public Defender. I am a California State Bar Certified Criminal Law Specialist

22 years | 5,000 cases

20%
DUI and DWI 15%

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.

22 years | 500 cases

15%
Domestic Violence 15%

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.

22 years | 500 cases

15%
Sex Crime 15%

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.

22 years | 100 cases

15%
Violent Crime 15%

22 years | 200 cases

15%
Expungement 10%

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.

22 years | 100 cases

10%
Child Abuse 5%

22 years | 200 cases

5%
White Collar Crime 5%

22 years | 200 cases

5%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 90 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2015

Licenses

Licensed in California for 21 years

State: California

Acquired: 2004

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Joshua Mulligan

78-060 Calle Estado, Suite 21, La Quinta, CA, 92253

mulligandefense.com

Online Presence

Other places you can find Joshua online.

Joshua M Mulligan's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.9 /5.0

30 Client Reviews

5 star (28) 4 star (2)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (0)

Posted by Doug | September 29, 2024 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Super lawyer can't recommend any higher!

I can’t recommend Josh and his team any higher. My family and I are so grateful to have had Josh Mulligan guide us through a very traumatic and stressful time in our lives. And yes with a happy ending! Josh is a true team player/coach and he played both positions with passion and confidence. I belie...ve he truly loves what he does. This passion makes him an effective, competent, compassionate lawyer. I found myself in need of legal representation, after having a very negative experience with another attorney previously selected by my employer. I can now definitively say not all lawyers are the same. Not only was Mr. Mulligan local, competent, and compassionately caring, but he truly listened until he knew me and my situation inside and out. He not only listened but asked questions to get all of the facts of my situation and me. He had a realistic plan, day one, based on me and my situation. He was respectful of my time and didn’t waste it. He also included my family and addressed their concerns which really helped them through such a difficult situation as well. Going into the legal system alone is a very scary position to be in. Mr. Mulligan never made us feel alone in the process, in fact, he led the way. He laid out the plan, addressed any and all concerns, and answered any and all questions we had exceeding our expectation and beyond our satisfaction. His approach was thoroughly planned, well thought out, and brilliantly executed. Mr. Mulligan has a wealth of knowledge and experience all of which is based on his and his partner/wife’s many years of experience and success. Having such experience, including having experience as a public defender, and knowing he has seen situations similar to mine and is familiar with the complexity of the legal system helped him guide me through a very complicated system that was overwhelming and intimidating to non-lawyers like the rest of us.

Posted by Jae S | June 28, 2024 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

A Great Lawyer!!

We are truly grateful to Atty. Mulligan. Prior to hiring Atty. Mulligan, we previously hired a law firm that just gave us different lawyers every hearing and was absolutely no help to our situation. As soon as Atty. Mulligan took over, everything was quick and settled. He is very honest, direct, pro...fessional and an absolute blessing. He responds to all our questions in a timely manner and communicates the process very well. If anyone needs a lawyer, hire him! He is the best.

Posted by Colin | January 26, 2024 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Temporary Restraining Order

I highly recommend Josh Mulligan. He reviewed my case and charged me a one-time fee. He was always available to discuss the case. He was on time and very professional. He had my temporary restraining order dissolved immediately which allowed me to continue to work in the ER I am currently in. Hi...s abilities in the courtroom were phenomenal and he made short work of the plaintiff. Thank you again Josh and keep up the good work.

Posted by Parham | January 15, 2023 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Best lawyer in California.

This review is long overdue. I was in need of an attorney in a pretty bad situation. I contacted many law offices and they all had the same behavior. They would put fear in me and try to have me sign the retainer on the spot. They really tried taking advantage of me. When I contacted Josh...ua mulligan not did he only calm me down and also gave me positive info. He stated that the worst case scenarios that I’ve been given is not realistic. I was not pressured into signing and we had a conversation like a friend. He went above and beyond on my case and got me the best possible out come. I’m a true advocate for this law firm. Don’t hesitate to contact him when in need.

Posted by Candace | January 12, 2023 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

A wonderful outcome..

I was involved in a car accident with a woman and as it was my fault I was terribly nervous over the fact that I could be held accountable for large amount of restitution to her. My case was dismissed due to the excellent handling of my case. I was so grateful that I had chosen Joshua Mulligan as m...y Attorney!

See All Client Reviews

Joshua M Mulligan's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Joshua
Hayden Gifford Smith headshot
Hayden Smith

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 04

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 Annette Guerrero headshot
Jennifer Guerrero

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 08

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 Irwin Schiff headshot
Benjamin Schiff

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 13

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 S. Coltrane headshot
Aaron Coltrane

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 20

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 headshot
Goran Antovski

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 13

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 Sami Shamon headshot
Stewart Shamon

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 13

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 J. Beaman headshot
Megan Beaman

DUI and DWI lawyer | Feb 04

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 Anderson Sullivan headshot
Shaun Sullivan

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 29

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 headshot
Jayan Hong

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 08

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 Joseph Wood headshot
Raymond Wood

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 17

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 Ahmed Esat headshot
Khalil Esat

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 21

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."

Forest Michele Wilkerson headshot
Forest Wilkerson

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 04

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 C Bobzin headshot
Thomas Bobzin

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 23

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."

View All Endorsements
Christopher Patrick Hickey headshot
Christopher Hickey

Criminal defense lawyer

Stephen Edward Herchek headshot
Stephen Herchek

Criminal defense lawyer

Elizabeth Emelia Osorio headshot
Elizabeth Osorio

Criminal defense lawyer

Benjamin Irwin Schiff headshot
Benjamin Schiff

Criminal defense lawyer

Charles J. Bentjen headshot
Charles Bentjen

Criminal defense lawyer

Goran Antovski headshot
Goran Antovski

Criminal defense lawyer

Aaron S. Coltrane headshot
Aaron Coltrane

Criminal defense lawyer

Brian Glen Jones headshot
Brian Jones

Sex crime lawyer

Stewart Sami Shamon headshot
Stewart Shamon

Personal injury lawyer

Adriane Rose Bracciale headshot
Adriane Bracciale

Criminal defense lawyer

Krista Nicole Lupica headshot
Krista Lupica

Criminal defense lawyer

Megan J. Beaman headshot
Megan Beaman

Employment and labor lawyer

Shaun Anderson Sullivan headshot
Shaun Sullivan

Criminal defense lawyer

Jayan Hong headshot
Jayan Hong

Criminal defense lawyer

Hayden Gifford Smith headshot
Hayden Smith

Criminal defense lawyer

Jennifer Annette Guerrero headshot
Jennifer Guerrero

Criminal defense lawyer

Thomas Anthony Hughes headshot
Thomas Hughes

Criminal defense lawyer

Thomas C Bobzin headshot
Thomas Bobzin

Criminal defense lawyer

Forest Michele Wilkerson headshot
Forest Wilkerson

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2020

Top Lawyer, Palm Springs Life Magazine

2018

Top Lawyer, Palm Springs Life Magazine

2017

Top Lawyer, Palm Springs Life Magazine

2016

Top Lawyer, Palm Springs Life Magazine

2016

Certified Criminal Law Specialist, The State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization

2015

Nation's Top One Percent, National Association of Distinguished Counsel

2015

Top Lawyer, Coachella Valley, Palm Springs Life Magazine

2014

Top Attorney, Coachella Valley, Palm Springs Life Magazine

Work Experience

2013 - Present

Partner, Wilkerson & Mulligan

2007 - 2013

Deputy Public Defender, Riverside County Public Defender's Office

2005 - 2007

Deputy Public Defender, Tulare County Public Defender

2004 - 2004

Full time internship, Alameda County Public Defender's Office

2003 - 2003

Summer Intern, San Francisco Public Defender

Associations

2007 - Present

California Public Defenders Association

Member

2003 - 2004

Cornell Journal of Law and Public Policy

General Editor

2002 - 2003

Cornell Journal of Law and Public Policy

Associate

Sample of Legal Cases

People v. T.M.

dismissed

People v. RJ

lesser charge

People v. Johnson

lesser charge

People v. GG

Dismissed

See More Legal Cases

Education

2017

Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College

Graduate

2004

Cornell Law School

JD - Juris Doctor

1999

University of Montana

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2019

Mock Trial

Mock Trial Attorney Coach

Publications

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution