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Michael James Kennedy
About Michael
Biography
I am second to none in a combination of scholarship, effective aggressiveness for my clients, and insights into the system and what it does and should be doing. You could do no better than have me on your side in a fight against the system; you could, however, do much, much worse.
It is imporant to understand that I handle cases in all of Riverside and San Bernardino and Imperial counties, and I will take cases in Orange, San Diego, and Los Angeles Counties if the issues are interesting enough or if the client is facing certain hardships or criminal sanctions that I suspect would not be properly handled by attorneys in those areas. Unfortunately, AVVO's system does not allow a person to reflect that he handles anywhere that he does not have a physical office, thereby depriving those seeking help the full range of possibilities for the help they seek. I am availble in most places where the Constitution is in peril; feel free to contact me wherever your problems might be occurring. No matter where they are, you could do no better than having me help, and you always could do much, much worse.
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
55%
43 years | 2,500 cases
DUI and DWI
40%
38 years | 750 cases
Juvenile Law
5%
28 years | 300 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Retainer
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 44 years
State: California
Acquired: 1981
Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 1994
Location
Law Office of Michael J. Kennedy, PC
56244 Papago Trail, Suite 7, Yucca Valley, CA, 92284
Law Office of Michael J. Kennedy, PC
56244 Papago Trail, Suite 7, Yucca Valley, CA, 92284
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Michael James Kennedy's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 17 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by anonymous | May 16, 2024 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Highly Recommend Mr. Kennedy!
This is May 2024, I was referred to Mr. Kennedy by another attorney. After reading countless good reviews, and hearing first hand from a few public defenders that know him personally, I was interested! We talked and he agreed to take on my case. During our initial contact, when price was brought u...
Posted by anonymous | September 17, 2018 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Excellent lawyer
I hired Michael Kennedy for a legal issue stemming from Coachella music festival in April. Mr. Kennedy communicated with me throughout the process. Of the 6 or 7 lawyers I spoke to, Mr. Kennedy was the only one who said that my case could be resolved in the most desirable way, a non-filing. Kennedy f...
Posted by anonymous | April 21, 2018 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Like None Orher
I hired Mr Kennedy to represent my Son in a DUI case 2 years ago. He did an exceptional job fighting for my Sons rights and is extremely knowledgeable in DUI legalities and explained the steps he would take to fight for my son. Mr Kennedy won my sons DMV case and got the court case dismissed. I would...
Posted by anonymous | June 19, 2017 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
DUI/ Pending Teacher Credential Renewal
Mr. Michael James Kennedy's professionalism, experience, and DUI expertise proved to stellar, and favorable in my case. Not only did he have my teacher credetnial renewed, he also had my case dismissed. Mr. Kennedy directly communicated with me promtply throught the case and always accomplished what ...
Posted by David Quesenberry | May 17, 2017 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
I've learned my lesson in more ways than one
First off, my name is David and I am a former client of two plus years and not a competitor of any kind. I've deliberated on how I would write this review for some time now and have decided to offer up only the facts about my experience. Mr. Kennedy has a great deal of experience in the DUI arena...
Michael Kennedy
Replied last June 2, 2017I recall David very well. Between email communications to him and about his case, I stopped counting at 80; there are many more. It is a grotesque waste of scarce time for me to have to respond to repeated and anxious “what’s going on” types of queries with “nothing new” constantly. Indeed, there was more communication between him and me than between any other 20 of my clients and me in the aggregate. I know people are anxious about what’s going on in the odious arena of drunk driving, which is a political crime investigated and prosecuted remorselessly, but people need to stand back and let things happen. And most of the people to come to me for help do so. I am now more careful than ever about whom I’ll represent, and because of the quality of my work, I always have more who want my services than I will agree to help. Attorneys who are criticized by clients may answer those criticisms, so long as unnecessary confidences are not revealed, and all that I will say here is in the public domain. On the public facts of his case, I did not cram 2½ times the legal limit of alcohol down David’s gullet, nor did I cause his car to careen recklessly down the road and through construction caution barriers, nor did I cause him to say much, much more to the cops than is necessary [and which is highly incriminating], nor did I force him to try to perform balancing tests that no one can perform on their best day and with perfect sobriety. But it was my task to try to make it look as though none of that happened. I was to create an impression of alternative facts. Because his BAC was so high, the prosecutor wanted David to spend a considerable time in jail. Did I tell him it was a winnable case? Indeed, I did. If we could revisit the days of the Founding Fathers, when the purpose and function of juries was to have a body of citizens stand resolutely against government and on the side of the accused, and who are to look skeptically at whatever government introduces to strip people of their liberties, which includes looking skeptically at what judges do and say and think and wish to have happen, virtually all cases would be winnable. And we sometimes get those sorts of juries, although more often we do not; too often we get juries who think the judge and prosecutor and cops are their best friends who would never lie, cheat, steal liberty, and who wear white hats. Wrong! But if we had properly functioning juries, virtually all cases are winnable, and David’s would have been won. There were forensic anomalies and discrepancies in the evidence the government introduced here, and had certain meritorious objections been sustained and certain meritorious motions been granted, the outcome here would have been vastly different. And it should have been. So certain was I that things would be different had the law been properly applied to only properly found facts that I offered to do the appeal for David free of charge, if he would merely pay for the transcript. That is, I would donate $10,000 of my efforts if he would pay the $2,500 for the transcript. But he declined, preferring to sulk and then attack me here. Yep, there were many postponements: part of my expertise includes knowing which judges are neutral and intelligent enough to let hear my cases, and which ones are simply the best friends the cops and prosecutor ever had, with nary a clue of how to find the courtroom. Both sorts sit in the Riverside County courts at varying times. And I will continue cases until I get the tribunal that I think is best suited for my task. Because of the quality of my work in this case, the appreciative judge gave David no time in jail, despite the government’s insistence that he go to jail along the lines of their initial prayer because of the enormously high BAC and the man-endangering driving pattern. Had I not postponed to a suitable tribunal, David would have done 6 months in jail.
Michael James Kennedy's Lawyer Endorsements
"Michael Kennedy is one of the most intelligent, dedicated, and bold attorneys I have had the privilege to learn from. He is truly an advocate for justice, and one of the greatest defenders of the Constitution that you will find in Riverside County and the surrounding counties. Through hard work, true intellectual brilliance, and experience, Mr. Kennedy (aka Captain Motion) has earned the right to be the boldest justice advocate in SoCal, and the judges take notice when the Captain challenges the prosecution. Captain has been a mentor and a hero to me for as long as I've known him. I am privileged to have him as a colleague. If I ever faced criminal charges, Captain would be my first call. He's a hero, a champion, an outspoken wizard in legal matters. Thank you Captain for all you do to promote justice and to halt the overreaching of the government. We have all learned from you, and it's been our privilege. I wholeheartedly endorse this attorney."
"I've seen some of the motion work he has done. I have seen him at seminars he's given for attorneys. I have heard about his results from fellow attorneys. He may seem eccentric at times. But no one in the criminal defense business, including judges, and of course DA's, and including the "criminal law specialists," know their stuff like this man. Anyone who is not aware of that, including judges, and opposing prosecutors, learn that REAL fast. My endorsement for Mr. Kennedy is one word: Amazing."
"Michael Kennedy is in a class of his own as a criminal defense attorney in Southern California. His zeal in fighting for the constitutional freedoms our founders envisioned is UNMATCHED, and I envy and admire his incredible ability to do so. I endorse this lawyer."
"I found Mr. Kennedy's "Ruminations on Motions" from a seminar and sample motions online while doing some research. After reading his material, I'm thoroughly convinced this man is a champion of liberty and the constitution. His writing skills are impressive."
"I endorse this lawyer.This lawyer has an expertise in DUI defense. By attending DUI seminars throughout the year to keep up on the latest in the law, field sobriety testing, blood testing, and breath testing, this attorney is an asset to the clients. I endorse this lawyer."
"Outstanding."
"I have known Michael for about 24 years, I opposed him when I was a prosecutor, and have seen him perform hundreds of times. Michael is legendary in the legal community. Referred to as "Captain Motion," Michael's research and writing skills are second to none. But, he is equally skilled within the courtroom. He is afraid of nothing, and never gives up. Hire Michael, I would"
"I endorse this lawyer. Michael Kennedy is one of the most respected constitutional lawyers in the State of California. Captain Motion as he is known is a knowledgeable scholar and sought after speaker and consultant. Anyone arrested for DUI in Palm Springs, Riverside or anywhere in the Inland Empire is doing a disservice to himself if he does not contact Michael Kennedy immediately."
"I endorse this lawyer. GREAT LAWYER!"
"Michael Kennedy is an icon in the legal community. His research and writing skills have earned him the title of "Captain Motion". He is the consummate lawyer's lawyer. I highly recommend him."
"Michael Kennedy is the most tenacious lawyer in America when it comes to filing and fighting pre-trial motions in criminal cases. That is why he is nationally known as CAPTAIN MOTION. If you are in criminal trouble, this is YOUR GUY."
"I endorse this lawyer. Michael is a fantastic lawyer. I have referred clients to him and they were delighted with his work. I would highly recommend him."
"I endorse this lawyer!"
"Mr. Kennedy is a practicing scholar: fearless, relentless, and unyielding in the defense of his clients and the constitution. Experienced DUI lawyers and criminal defense attorneys across the state turn to him for insight, strategies and ideas. I strongly endorse him."
"You really can't get a much better lawyer than Michael Kennedy. He is truly in the top 1/10 of one percent of criminal defense lawyers. He is devoted to staying current on the law, generous with his time and a fierce, fierce advocate. I have called him up repeatedly and he has been unfailingly helpful. Perhaps what sets Michael apart, however, is his grasp of the subtleties of the law, his mastery of a wide variety of negotiation techniques and how best to present a motion to the court. If you want the best criminal defense attorney, Michael is the man. If I were a prosecutor facing Michael, I would be concerned I were about to be embarrassed."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Michael defends the US Constitution one case at a time. It's not just a tag-line. It is his mission, and he takes his duty and obligations to his clients seriously. He is a zealous advocate in the courtroom and has an excellent string of victories under his belt. I recommend and endorse him without any reservation."
"I endorse this lawyer. Michael Kennedy works tirelessly and aggressively to defend his client's rights. He is a constitutional scholar and fierce advocate for his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer. Whether Mr. Kennedy is speaking at a seminar, or providing his vast expertise on any given criminal issue, I stop and listen. I go to him for direction with tough legal questions and he never ceases to amaze me. I heartily recommend him and have referred cases to him if you're looking for the best attorney you can get!"
"Michael is one of the most dynamic lawyers in the country. He is a tireless advocate for his clients and other lawyers' clients as well. I have had the pleasure of hearing Michael speak to both state and national practitioners many, many times. Each time he has always been very impressive. I am lucky to have had the opportunity to see Michael's advocacy behind the scenes. You could not hire a better, more prepared lawyer than Michael."
Peter Nolan
Criminal defense lawyer
James Terrell
Criminal defense lawyer
Bianca Jimenez
Criminal defense lawyer
Hilda Zamora
Criminal defense lawyer
Meghan Taylor
DUI and DWI lawyer
John VanDervoort
DUI and DWI lawyer
Gary Smith
Criminal defense lawyer
Manuel Barba
DUI and DWI lawyer
Miguel Valente
Criminal defense lawyer
Derek Devermont
DUI and DWI lawyer
George Mueller
DUI and DWI lawyer
Darryl Genis
DUI and DWI lawyer
Experience
Professional misconduct
This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 1994.
Public reproval with/duties issued in CA, 1994
updated on 02/21/2015A censure or reprimand issued by the Supreme Court or the State Bar Court that is not a matter of public record unless imposed after the initiation of formal disciplinary proceedings. No period of suspension is imposed. The reproval may be imposed with duties or conditions.
Michael’s comment:
“Solely for two drunk driving incidents within 6 years of each other, over 20 years ago. Never anything related to competence nor ethics. If drunk driving disqualified a person from serving the public's needs, GW Bush could not have been president, Don Rumsfeld could not have been secretary of defense, and Dick Cheney could not have been vice president!”
Honors
2015
Top Lawyers, Palm Springs Life Magazine
2013
Lifetime Achievement Award, The Private Defenders of California, Inc.
2012
Top Trial Lawyers, Palm Springs Life Magazine
2011
Lifetime Achievement Award ["The Eddie"], California DUI Lawyers Association
2011
Top Trial Lawyers, Palm Springs Life Magazine
2010
Top Trial Lawyers, Palm Springs Life Magazine
Work Experience
2012 - Present
Attorney - Owner, Law Office of Michael J. Kennedy
2007 - 2012
Attorney at Law, Kennedy & Roe
2004 - 2007
Attorney at Law, Ledger & Kennedy
1991 - 2004
Deputy Public Defender, San Bernardino County Public Defender
1986 - 1991
Attorney at Law, Law Office of Michael J. Kennedy
1984 - 1986
Deputy District Attorney, District Attorney of Riverside County
1982 - 1984
Attorney at Law, United States District Court
Associations
2014 - Present
National College of DUI DefenseFaculty; California Delegate
2006 - Present
California DUI Lawyers AssociationBoard of Directors
2004 - Present
California Attorneys for Criminal JusticeMember
1990 - Present
California Public Defenders AssociationMember
Sample of Legal Cases
People v. Kent Morgan
Trtal acquittal.
Education
1981
Southwestern Univ SOL
Juris Doctor
N/A
Widener Univ
B.A.
Speaking Engagements
2015
Many, many, starting date 1990 through date below
Criminal, Constitutional Law and Defense
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
Licence was suspended 24 years ago for dui (meth) will i have to still get a ignition interlock device ?
21 Jan 2019
Q&A
What is my LIKELY sentence if I plead guilty/no contest to a DUI with these circumstances?
21 Jan 2019
Q&A
Are there any chances of my dui case being dismissed if i blew a 0.8? Provided i hire a DUI lawyer
28 Feb 2018