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

Filter Avvo Reviews (30) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 16 - 20 of 30 reviews

Posted by anonymous | November 09, 2016 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

Saved my butt!

Josh was amazing, i was prepared for some serious fines, house arrest, endless classes and a bac alcohol bracelet. Josh did such a great job, i walked away with just a small fine!! I cant imagine what would have happened if i didnt have him to help me! Thank you Josh, i owe you so much!!

Joshua Mulligan

Replied last November 09, 2016

Thank you for the kind words. You were in a really tough position and I am so happy and relieved it worked out for you. I know the case was stressful for you but I'm proud that you hung in with the fight until we got what you needed.

Posted by Omar | September 09, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Best decision

After reading online reviews and consulting other lawyers decided to hire Joshua. M.And it was the best decision i have made in the last couple of years , He was very helpful and informative she was always there to answer any questions or help solve any issues that came up during the case, even with ...the DA giving us a hard time he still managed to get me the best deal i could have gotten.He even appeared at court for me after the case was closed at no charge.

Posted by anonymous | July 31, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Amazing

i had a 10 year old misdemeanor/felony case that i did not know i had, josh represented me, got the warrant dismissed as well as got me expunged he is also willing to help me with my exemption letter which will help me complete my dreams. he was with me step by step and got me through a stressful tim...e. i highly recommend Mr. mulligan in any case. he is right to the point and very detailed if he does not have the answer he will go above and beyond to get it. he fought for me.

Posted by anonymous | November 05, 2015 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

BEST OF THE BEST!!

I was arrested and charged with a third DUI and needless to say I was scared to death… So scared that I avoided going to court for 4 YEARS!! Finally, I decided I needed to take care of this before any more time passed so I did my research, looking for an Attorney with good reviews and stumbled upon ...Joshua Mulligan. During my initial consultation, Mr. Mulligan looked up my information and found that I had another warrant (arrest warrant) from a situation that happened with my ex 3 years ago which again, needless to say, made me feel even more helpless than before. However, Mr. Mulligan put me at ease and made me feel very comfortable and hopeful about my situation. He is not only knowledgeable but very honest, reliable, professional and always kept me updated with my options with possibilities. After only 1 MONTH he got my 3rd DUI DROPPED to a 1st offense and my domestic violence case DISMISSED!! Mr. Mulligan has saved my career and saved me thousands of dollars. He even waived my remaining balance owed with him because my case was dismissed so quickly. I usually don’t do online reviews, but I want to put the word out there because I know how it is to feel like there is no light at the end of the tunnel but luckily I found the right attorney and now I have a ton of weight lifted off my shoulders. I am so thankful to have retained Mr. Mulligan. He is most definitely the best one to have if you need a criminal attorney. God forbid I ever need a criminal defense attorney again, I would not even consider anyone else to represent me and I cannot thank him enough. THANK YOU!!!!

Posted by ken | September 22, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

outstanding Lawyer

You should hire Josh Mulligan for your best chance of winning. Anyone who has lived through this experience knows how horrible and helpless it feels. I lawyer friend in Los Angelo’s referred me to some of the most sought after firms I was unimpressed. They did not listen to my case. They see...med like they were going to bargain - I felt I had a chance of winning. I had consultations with 15 lawyers, both on the phone and in person. Some of them seemed to try and scare me to close the deal and get me to plunk down a large sum of money. This was the last thing I needed, I was already scared. I didn't have much confidence. Then I was lucky enough to get a referral from a friend in the desert for Josh Mulligan. When I met with him He listened, he had strategies, and he helped to make this stressful situation bearable. I felt lighter. When we received the discovery Josh, immediately saw the errors made by the police officer that would ultimately win us the case. Josh paid attention to the details of my case and used broad knowledge of the law to leverage the best results. At the DMV hearing Mr. Mulligan brilliantly presented our arguments, his cross-examination of the arresting officer was respectful, but brutal. My case was set aside, no action was taken, WE WON. Furthermore, and most importantly the criminal part was not filed. His relationships and knowledge of the court system is invaluable. I am forever grateful to him. I highly recommend Josh Mulligan to anyone needing an 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

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