Karen Elizabeth Lockhart

Karen Elizabeth Lockhart

5.0
Rating: 9.6

Licensed for 32 years

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

38975 Sky Canyon Drive, Suite 201, Murrieta, CA

About Karen

Biography

Practice Areas

8

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 30%

I have one the most recognized names in the criminal justice system and have successfully defended individuals charged with crimes, from simple trespass to murder, since 1993. If you or someone you love has been arrested and charged with committing a crime, you need an experienced attorney on your team . Navigating your case through the criminal justice system alone can be like walking though a mine field without a map. Call Murrieta - Temecula defense attorney Karen E. Lockhart, at 951-698-9151

33 years | 5,000 cases

30%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 60 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in California for 32 years

State: California

Acquired: 1993

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Karen E. Lockhart, PLC

38975 Sky Canyon Drive, Suite 201, Murrieta, CA, 92563

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Karen Elizabeth Lockhart's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

15 Client Reviews

5 star (15)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (0)

Posted by Jacklyn | October 10, 2023 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

I literally Love Ms. Lockhart!!!

Ms. Lockhart has been a heaven sent angel to me and my family when we most needed it. I was facing some pretty major criminal legal issues caused my ex husband. As well as a dependency case for my children. I didn’t know where to begin or what to do. I was extremely lost and had talked to several... different lawyers before coming across Ms. Lockhart. She took my phone call right away and before I even paid her or hung up our initial free consultation she already immediately went to work for me. She happened to know the DA in the case and right away messaged him and asked him to please not file any charges on me until she can put together a pre file on my behalf. And he agreed. I knew from that moment on she was heaven sent. She took the time to listen to me and really believed in me. Fast forward a year later I have my kids back full time and I never had any criminal charges filed against me and it’s really because I had such an amazing lawyer who fought for me and was by my side thru it all. I was even facing a civil lawsuit and she managed to get me dismissed from that as well with no questions asked she just made phone calls and made it happen I’m so grateful for her. Ms. Lockhart responded to all my calls and texts even on the weekends and holidays. She answered all my questions and was there for me every step of the way. I hate to think where I’d be at right now if I did not retain Ms. Lockhart as my lawyer. There are no words or any amount of stars that I can repay this lady with, all I can say is that I’m so grateful and thankful for her and her services to me and my family. If I could give her a million stars I would. If you are facing charges or have a dependency case going on I HIGHLY RECOMMEND Karen E. Lockhart. She will fight for you and your family. She’s absolutely amazing in what she does and her 20+ years of experience is unmatched.

Posted by Paul | October 15, 2019 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Honest, Hard Working Defense Attorney

Karen was honest, up front, and sincere during one of the most difficult times in my life. She fought hard for me and actually cared about me and the outcome. I cannot say enough good things about her except, if you need an attorney that will fight for you, Karen Lockhart is the best!

Posted by Lynn | March 15, 2016 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Experienced Professional!!!

I did the phone calls and consults for you. Hire Karen she is the best in the business. We had no idea where to start when our son got into serious trouble. I made several calls and did several consults. I found AVVO, read her reviews and called Karen's office. She was in court that day but called me... from her car as soon as she was free. She did not sugar coat the fact that this was a serious case and never gave us false hope. We met with her the next day and immediately knew we were in good hands. It was clear she is passionate about what she does and loves her job. Karen did not waste a minute getting to work on our case. She always returned my calls, emails and answered any questions we had. She is the perfect combination of tough and caring a seasoned professional. Just let her do her job and don't question her strategy. She has years of experience and is highly respected by her peers. She got my son a deal that is unheard of. We love her!!! We will be forever grateful to Karen. She was a true blessing.

Posted by Kelly C. | April 4, 2015

The BEST by far!!!!!

I have had need of legal representation on several occasions, throughout the past 20 years. I absolutely adore and cherish Karen for her ability, professionalism and unparalleled counsel!! She is by far the best attorney I have seen during my multiple trips to the courtroom. If you need help....do yo...urself a favor and hire her.

Posted by Ron | March 20, 2015

The Real Deal

Unfortunately I had to have legal representation, The good news is I hired Karen. Extremely knowledgeable and kept me informed from start to finish. Her prices are extremely reasonable and she attacked my case with her whole heart. She truly gave more than 100% on my case. Karen made the best out of ...the worst situation. She was very honest and down to earth. As a military member Karen worked hard to keep my career intact. My case was very complex and Karen took the time to make sense of it all. Thank You Karen! You are the Real Deal.

See All Client Reviews

Karen Elizabeth Lockhart's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Karen
James Robert Fox headshot
James Fox

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Karen is the consumate professional. She has superb negotiation skills with the correct balance of sweetness to get the a client the best deal possible but also has the ability to sting when the other side is being unreasonable. Her legal knowledge is second to none and her reputation as a tough trial lawyer is well deserved. Her committment to her clients is at the highlest level, she leaves no stone unturned and her attention to detail is something every trial lawyer strives to match. I offer my highest endorsement for Ms. Lockhart, you will not find a finer advocate anywhere."

A. Marie Felsen headshot
A. Felsen

Chapter 13 bankruptcy lawyer | Oct 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Erin Elizabeth Moore headshot
Erin Moore

Unknown lawyer | Sep 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Ms. Lockhart is a diligent, hard-working attorney and is very well-respected in the legal community."

Gary Wenkle Smith headshot
Gary Smith

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Karen for many years as a fellow criminal defense lawyer. She and I are always the first lawyers in the courtroom. She works hard for her clients, and is always on their side. She is smart and tough, and won't give up. I unequivocally endorse her for her skills as a criminal defense lawyer."

Antonio Arturo Cota headshot
Antonio Cota

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Karen is a fixture in the community of Riverside defense attorneys. She is honest, cares about her clients and will not hesitate to fight the government on their behalf. I'm glad to know Karen and proud to endorse her work."

Erin Lea Kirkpatrick headshot
Erin Kirkpatrick

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Karen is a very hard working, knowledgable and tough defense attorney that will always do her best for a client."

Howard Lawrence Williams headshot
Howard Williams

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Sharon Janine Cosgrove headshot
Sharon Cosgrove

Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer | Aug 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Ms. Lockhart is very experienced and knowledgeable. I highly recommend her."

Jason Andrew Lieber headshot
Jason Lieber

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

John Stuart Pozza headshot
John Pozza

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Celine Imelda Samaniego headshot
Celine Samaniego

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Parwana Anwar headshot
Parwana Anwar

Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer | Jan 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"It is without hesitation that I endorse Karen Lockhart. I have known Ms. Lockhart for over 10 years as both a professional colleague and friend, and her work ethic is unmatched. She has excelled in the criminal defense arena as a litigator and is displaying the range of her abilities in her exceptional work in the bankruptcy field. I have only heard positive feedback of her from all of her clients, and I take great pride in endorsing Ms. Lockhart."

Babak Semnar headshot
Babak Semnar

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I have seen Karen in Court on many occasions and she has always zealously advocated for her clients. She is in informed, experienced, and well respected attorney, who still believes in fighting for her clients!"

Nicolaie Cocis headshot
Nicolaie Cocis

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer | Apr 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Karen Lockhart has the experience and ability to effectively represent her clients in bankruptcy proceedings. Karen's professional background makes her uniquely well-qualified and knowledgeable regarding the legal hurdles clients must overcome to achieve successful outcomes and navigate the legal process. I endorse Karen Lockhart."

View All Endorsements
Matthew Marc Vincent headshot
Matthew Vincent

Family lawyer

Kirby Frederick Combs headshot
Kirby Combs

Criminal defense lawyer

Erin Elizabeth Moore headshot
Erin Moore

Criminal defense lawyer

Karen Allyson Wesche headshot
Karen Wesche

Criminal defense lawyer

Lori Ann Myers headshot
Lori Myers

Criminal defense lawyer

Erin Lea Kirkpatrick headshot
Erin Kirkpatrick

Criminal defense lawyer

Antonio Arturo Cota headshot
Antonio Cota

Criminal defense lawyer

Peter Joseph Morreale headshot
Peter Morreale

Criminal defense lawyer

Sharon Janine Cosgrove headshot
Sharon Cosgrove

Criminal defense lawyer

Gary Wenkle Smith headshot
Gary Smith

Criminal defense lawyer

Babak Semnar headshot
Babak Semnar

Criminal defense lawyer

Parwana Anwar headshot
Parwana Anwar

Criminal defense lawyer

Nicolaie Cocis headshot
Nicolaie Cocis

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.6 (Superb)

Honors

2014

10.0 rating, AVVO

2014

Preeminent 5.0 out of 5, Martindale-Hubbell

2013

Preeminent 5.0 out of 5, Martindale-Hubbell

2012

Preeminent 5.0 out of 5, Martindale-Hubbell

2011

Preeminent 5.0 out of 5, Martindale-Hubbell

2010

Preeminent 5.0 out of 5, Martindale-Hubbell

2009

Preeminent 5.0 out of 5, Martindale-Hubbell

2007

Featured Attorney, California Super Lawyers

Work Experience

1993 - Present

Lead Counsel, Karen E. Lockhart, Attorney at Law

2008 - 2009

Judge Pro Tem, Riverside County Superior Court

1995 - 1997

Pro Bono Attorney, Public Law Center

1993 - 1995

Volunteer Arbitrator, Better Business Bureau

1988 - 1992

Law Clerk, Landgren & Belz

Associations

1993 - Present

State Bar of California

Admitted to Practice

1993 - Present

United States District Court Central District California

Admitted to Practice

1993 - Present

United States District Court for the Central District of California

Attorney Member

2011 - 2012

State Bar of California

CLE Speaker

2010 - 2013

SWRCBA

Attorney Member

2010 - 2011

National Association of Bankruptcy Attorneys

Attorney Member

2007 - 2011

Riverside County Bar Assocoation

Attorney Member

2000 - 2010

California Attorneys for Criminal Justice

Attorney Member

2000 - 2011

California Public Defenders Association

Attorney Member

1996 - 1999

Public Law Center

Volunteer Attorney - OC

1995 - 2000

South Orange County Bar Association

Attorney Member

1993 - 1995

Better Business Bureau

Arbitrator

Sample of Legal Cases

People v. Aguirre (murder)

Acquittal by the court at the close of the prosecution evidence, on motion by the defense.

People v Stephens

Not guilty of murder

See More Legal Cases

Education

1992

Western State University College of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1992

Western State University

BS - Bachelor of Science

1988

IVC

1976

Davis Senior High

High School Diploma

Speaking Engagements

2012

Criminal Law Boot Camp

Criminal Law

Publications

2012

MCLE - Continuing Education (RCBA) Criminal Defense Boot Camp

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
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