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
40 years, 2,500 cases
35 years, 750 cases
25 years, 300 cases
Languages spoken
English
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
CA | Active | 1981 | 06/14/2022 |
updated
A 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!”
Award name | Grantor | Date Granted |
---|---|---|
Top Lawyers | Palm Springs Life Magazine | 2015 |
Lifetime Achievement Award | The Private Defenders of California, Inc. | 2013 |
Top Trial Lawyers | Palm Springs Life Magazine | 2012 |
Lifetime Achievement Award ["The Eddie"] | California DUI Lawyers Association | 2011 |
Top Trial Lawyers | Palm Springs Life Magazine | 2011 |
Top Trial Lawyers | Palm Springs Life Magazine | 2010 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Attorney - Owner | Law Office of Michael J. Kennedy | 2012 - Present |
Attorney at Law | Kennedy & Roe | 2007 - 2012 |
Attorney at Law | Ledger & Kennedy | 2004 - 2007 |
Deputy Public Defender | San Bernardino County Public Defender | 1991 - 2004 |
Attorney at Law | Law Office of Michael J. Kennedy | 1986 - 1991 |
Deputy District Attorney | District Attorney of Riverside County | 1984 - 1986 |
Attorney at Law | United States District Court | 1982 - 1984 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
National College of DUI Defense | Faculty; California Delegate | 2014 - Present |
California DUI Lawyers Association | Board of Directors | 2006 - Present |
California Attorneys for Criminal Justice | Member | 2004 - Present |
California Public Defenders Association | Member | 1990 - Present |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
Southwestern Univ SOL | Juris Doctor | 1981 |
Widener Univ | B.A. | N/A |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Many, many, starting date 1990 through date below | Criminal, Constitutional Law and Defense | 2015 |
Case name | Outcome |
---|---|
People v. Kent Morgan | Trtal acquittal. |
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September 17, 2018
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Posted by Pedro maldonado
August 15, 2015
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June 21, 2015
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March 3, 2015
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March 2, 2015
Posted by Ashley
August 30, 2013
Forest Wilkerson, Criminal defense Attorney on Nov 11, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
Timothy Nilan, Criminal defense Attorney on Nov 26, 2014
Relationship: Other
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.
Forest Wilkerson, Criminal defense Attorney on Nov 11, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
Timothy Nilan, Criminal defense Attorney on Nov 26, 2014
Relationship: Other
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.
Nicholas Loncar, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 15, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
Justin Tabayoyon, Criminal defense Attorney on Jul 13, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
James Dicks, DUI and DWI Attorney on Nov 29, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
Theresa Hofmeister, DUI and DWI Attorney on Nov 7, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Outstanding.
Mark McDonald, Criminal defense Attorney on Nov 1, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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
John Stanko, DUI and DWI Attorney on Oct 23, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
Sean Tabibian, Criminal defense Attorney on Oct 16, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. GREAT LAWYER!
Kiarash Feyzjou, Criminal defense Attorney on Oct 6, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
William Head, Criminal defense Attorney on Oct 4, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
David Swanson, Criminal defense Attorney on Oct 4, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
Marc Pelta, Criminal defense Attorney on Oct 1, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer!
Christopher Parkhurst, DUI and DWI Attorney on Sep 26, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
Greg Hill, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 24, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
John Campanella, DUI and DWI Attorney on Jan 10, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Edgar Reynoso, Criminal defense Attorney on Dec 30, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
Lynn Gorelick, DUI and DWI Attorney on Dec 17, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
Daniel Grupenhagen, Criminal defense Attorney on Oct 4, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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!
Manny Daskal, DUI and DWI Attorney on Sep 19, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
Cash, Check