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Lauren Johnson

Criminal defense Attorney at Irvine, CA

5.0   31 reviews

also known as Lauren K. Johnson


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About Lauren

Learn Lauren’s areas of practice.

5
Practice areas

With more than a decade of experience in criminal court, Lauren K Johnson has earned an outstanding reputation as one of Orange County's most aggressive and effective criminal defense attorneys. Ms. Johnson has the experience and skill to evaluate your case and defenses and come up with an effective strategy to fight your case. She has tried cases to judges and juries, argued on appeal, and trained other attoneys throughout the state on effective representation in criminal and juveile cases. Her landmark opinion in In re Drake M. (2012) 211 754 is one of the most often cited juvenile opinions in the past three years in other published cases. Ms. Johnson is a graduate of Gerry Spence's Trial Lawyers College and the Past-President of the South Orange County Bar Association.

 

Ms. Johnson always strives to keep her clients informed, to make them feel comfortable and to make sure they are  a partner in their case. Contact the Law Office of Lauren K Johnson to talk about your case today.

Photos and videos

Licensed for 19 years
State DC
Status Good Standing
Acquired 2009
Updated 06/08/2022
State CA
Status Active
Acquired 2003
Updated 12/07/2022

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

Contact Lauren

Similar lawyers nearby

Johnson Criminal Law Group, APLC
19200 Von Karman Avenue
Suite 600
Irvine, CA, 92612

Reviews

5.0 / 5.0
  31 customer reviews
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Posted by Cleo | January 19, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
The Ultimate Best
She infact handled my case with ease, she did her job and what was suppose to be done. I'll recommend this lawyer at any giving day or time.
Posted by William | June 3, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Expungement
I had two dui cases that I wanted expunged from my record in order to move on with my life. Lauren K Johnson fought and won both of my cases. I was always kept in the loop as to what the situation was during the process and it was handled promptly. Much faster than I anticipated. I very thankful to her and her staff.
Posted by Mike | May 23, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent Service
Lauren and her team are top notch. The communication I received from start to finish was excellent, and I knew the status of my matter at every stage of the process through dismissal. I highly recommend Lauren and I do not hesitate to refer clients to her.
Posted by anonymous | April 23, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Trusted representation for my child. Lauren's expertise provided the outcome we hoped for.
As a parent you do your best to prepare your children for the unexpected, but you can't prepare them for their first serious car accident. Our son was hit by another car late at night, totaling his car. In shock from the collision, and unable to reach us he called a friend to pick him up. Upon getting his message a few hours later, we picked him up and and went immediately to the police station to give his insurance information & contact number to make a statement. The police told us where to pick up our son's car (which was not impounded by the police). We were so grateful our son was alive and no one was hurt! We treated this as an accident and our insurance covered the cost of our son's car. Three months later we receive a letter from the police Dept. asking if we were involved in an accident on such and such date and to contact them. Confused as to why it took them so long to contact us, and further confused the letter implied we never contacted them, our son went in as requested and gave his account of the accident. Another four months went by and our son received a summons in the mail to appear in court for charges of a "hit and run", and for "not contacting the police". We were shocked! There is no "Leaving the scene of an accident" only "Hit and Run" even if you didn't do the hitting! We felt we received conflicting information from the police and if our son did wrong - why wasn't his car impounded? Having never needed representation before we were at a loss - and found Lauren on the web. We met and learned we should have had representation when our son went to the police station in response to their first letter. Our son has never in trouble, never broke the law and was now facing a misdemeanor, which we learned could have been a felony if someone was hurt in the accident. In our first meeting with Lauren, she listened to what happened and was very understanding. She educated us on what to expect, and gave us her goal for an outcome, but made no promises. With so many cases crossing the DA's desk - the first goal was to get a DA to actually read the whole case file, and all the reports. She also did not want our son to have a bad impression of the judicial system yet at the same time defend this as the accident it was and have him learn from this experience without having a record. She reassured him his life's goals for education and service work would not come to a stop. She was steady, reachable and always communicative. Lauren did her best in helping our son feel he was in good hands in a scary and foreign situation for him. She was also very professional in what I witnessed when she dealt with the DA and judge. After several months, and court delays, Lauren succeeded in having the charges dismissed. Personally, having been in the "foster care system" as a child, I have not been one who easily trusts the legal system. I feel the human aspects are lost in courts. Lauren helped me to have a bit more faith by demonstrating the system can care, and that a first time offense can turn into a positive outcome for our youth to learn from. I feel very fortunate we found her.
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Posted by anonymous | April 4, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Mother of three.
Lauren and her staff have been outstanding, she is an awesome strong attorney. I highly recommend her to anyone in any family matter. Your matters mater to her, she goes above and beyond to defend you and your family. She is powerful advocate, honest and sincere.
Posted by Janice | March 31, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Far from home
Being on the east coast and my son so far away in CA, I had no idea who to call for help. I reached out to Lauren's office and spoke to her directly. She helped me through a scary process every step of the way. I can't thank her and her staff enough! I highly recommend this practice.
Posted by anonymous | November 10, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
THE Attorneybyou want in your corner to represent and advocate for you!!!
I researched a lot of attorneys and had met with two attorneys before speaking with Ms. Johnson and retaining her. I was facing serious charges that could not be on my record, due to my job and was really scared. I felt hopeless & thought my life was ruined...until I found Ms. Johnson. I e-mailed her directly and she personally returned my call promptly and discussed my situation over the phone. Ms. Johnson also took the time out to consult with me in person, and met with me early in the morning (to accommodate my work schedule). Ms. Johnson is compassionate and sensitive to her clients but also assertive in Court through her negotiating skills and gets results. Some defense attorneys take your money and do the bare minimum (i.e. what a public defender would do), but Ms. Johnson was diligent in getting the best results for me. While my case wasn't the crime of the century, Ms. Johnson fought for me, like it was. There were things I needed to do to help my case that I didn't want to do, and Ms. Johnson pushed me to do them. At times when I wanted to give up, Ms. Johnson encouraged me to follow through with what I needed to do. Ms. Johnson went above and beyond the call of duty for me and knew how to walk the fine line of being stern when I needed it and understanding when I was struggling. I highly recommend her as counsel in any situation where representation is needed and referred a friend to her because of how good she is. She's smart, effective and truly cares about her client's best interest.
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Posted by Anonymous | October 2, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Victim of Domestic Violence
Lauren Johnson, She is on Point. She knows Her Field Well. I Have to Give Credit where Credit is Due, You Deserve it Lauren Johnson. While Preparing for My Court Hearing, with a Possible Felony Charge Hanging against Me the Victim, I had to keep-up Faith. I did Much Research as I Sought Out for a Super Attorney. I Felt a Vibe In Lauren Johnson's Bio/Profile While Searching On-line. I Checked Out Her Previous Cases in Regards to Domestic Violence, She has Experience. I put My Faith In God 1st, Secondly, I put My Trust in Lauren Johnson, OMG, did She ever Deliver? Yes Indeed!! She is Top-notch without a Doubt. I'm a Real Post Client, If You Believe In My Testimony and if You are an Innocent Victim Pending A Domestic Violence Case, get on-board with One of the Best. Defense Attorney Lauren Johnson, She Will Set You Free for a Fee that's Worth Every Dollar. To Lauren Johnson, Thank You!!! "Powerful" & "Smart" Sincerely, Anonymous; Victim of Domestic Violence To The Staff, Thank You Also!!!
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Posted by anonymous | September 17, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Going the extra mile
In my particular case there wasn't really much to say in my defense, however that did not stop Lauren from moving forward despite any obstacles and creating a plan for the best possible outcome. She made herself and staff readily available at anytime, I honestly did not lift a finger if the situation was feasible for her to take care of it without me. Very few people I have delt with in any field, handle and present themselfs as profession, as diligent, and as hands on as Lauren. In the legal community she seems to have a very strong understanding of the relationships between all parties involved wich as you may know can only benifit you as the client. Personally I felt as the client I received every penny back in service that I payed in retaining Lauren for my legal defense, if you or a loved one has a legal issue call Lauren Johnson before you call a bail bondsman she will not only get to know your situation but you as a person to provide you the best possible legal defense.
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Posted by anonymous | August 18, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Knowlegeable compassionate attorney!
Lauren was very helpful in dealing with Social Services after an accusation was made by a troubled child in our family. Lauren helped us to put together a plan for meeting with Social Services and educated us about the process. She was very compassionate, gave us excellent advice and guided us successfully through an extremely stressful family event.
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Posted by Kristin | August 17, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent Attorney & always Available
I am very pleased that I retained Ms. Johnson to handle my very worrisome case. The DA has yet to file charges and it's been over 3 months. She is very reassuring that this is pretty common. I know once a date is sent Ms. Johnson will do whatever it takes to mitigate my case!
Posted by Andrea | August 17, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Professional and Personable
Lauren Johnson is an exemplary attorney who has helped our family with an ongoing juvenile matter. She is a true gem who possesses the rare combination of professionalism, ability to connect with both juveniles and their parents, as well as effective and very responsive representation. She has been a lifesaver in helping our family navigate through the juvenile legal system. I could not imagine a better advocate for our child. We are forever grateful for Lauren Johnson's competent, caring support.
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Posted by anonymous | August 17, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
CPS Investigation
I interviewed three attorneys and hired Lauren. She was responsive to phone calls and emails. She took the time during the consultation to explain things and did not rush through meetings. She knew the facts and the case at all times. The investigation was dropped and we had a very positive outcome. She was at all times professional and knew the process and the law in this area. Have and will continue to recommended her to others.
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Posted by Kristina | August 17, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent Attorney
Lauren is very knowledgable and when she feels she needs assistance in area not of her expertise, she has no problem seeking advice with others with this expertise. She is honest and compassionate. My experience with her has being very positive.
Posted by Stacy | August 16, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Restraining order removal
Lauren was caring and realistic as to my request for removal of a restraining order. I will definitely seek her assistance in the future ( hopefully will not need a criminal defense attorney in the future!) If needed. Best regards, Dr Stacy
Posted by Jennifer | August 16, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Mrs. Johnson is a lawyer that really cares.
Mrs. Johnson really cares about her clients and is an excellent lawyer who works hard. I didn't even have to go to court once, Mrs. Johnson took care of everything getting me the best possible deal.
Posted by anonymous | August 16, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent and professional
Highly recommend this attorney. She and her staff were professional and timely getting the legal results we were hoping for. Do not hesitate to give her a call!
Posted by Mike | September 21, 2014
Compassionate and Caring, Effective Legal Representation
Lauren handled my drug possession case. It was for personal use, but the cops charged me with possession for sale. I was totally honest and upfront with her. I was worried that I might be judged for being an addict, but I never felt that once from her. Not only did she get my charge reduced to a simple possession, she also recommended me to a great drug treatment program with Dr. Herring at Cornerstone and I haven't looked back. I'm so thankful I used her for my lawyer.
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Posted by Chad | September 17, 2014
Lauren is is personal, caring savvy and aggressive
Lauren Johnson is absolutely the real deal. She is personal, caring savvy and aggressive. I am so happy I found Lauren and can’t begin to say how much her help has changed mine and my family’s lives. From the first call she spent the time to listen to my situation and I felt like she understood exactly what to do. Her understanding of the law and the system was comforting to say the least. She aggressively worked on my case and was always there to take my call to address my concerns along the way. Her relationships and the respect that she commands produced results I never thought possible. My life and my family’s life has forever been change because of her. I can without doubt say that if you have a criminal issue you should call Lauren Johnson you will be glad you did.
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Posted by anonymous | July 16, 2014
The best there is!
I hired Lauren Johnson when social services showed up at my door asking questions after my husband and I got into an argument. I didn't understand why they were there and everything was so overblown. They threatened to put my kids in foster care. Lauren created a plan to keep my family together, to keep us all safe and to help us get out of the system quickly. She was compassionate and as smart as can be. Her fees were reasonable, I could always get her on the phone and it was such a relief to know that she was on our side. If you or your family ever run into trouble with social services, I strongly recommend calling her. I am so thankful.
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Cost

Rates
  • Free Consultation 30 minutes
  • Retainer Sometimes
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Panel Attorney
  • California Appellate Project
  • 2011 - Present
  • Panel Attorney
  • Orange County Juvenile Court (Delinquency)
  • 2010 - Present
  • Panel Attorney
  • Appellate Defenders, Inc.
  • 2009 - Present
  • Attorney
  • Law Office of Lauren K Johnson
  • 2009 - Present
  • Attorney
  • Orange County Public Defender
  • 2004 - 2009
  • Attorney
  • Hanger Levine and Steinberg
  • 2004 - 2004
  • Management Training Program
  • County of Los Angeles, Chief Administrative Office
  • 2003 - 2004
  • Legal Intern
  • Legal Aid Society of New York
  • 2001 - 2003
View all work experience

Education

  • NLADA
  • Appellate Advocacy
  • 2011
  • Western Trial Advocacy Institute (Gerry Spence)
  • Trial Advocacy
  • 2007
  • Fair Housing Council
  • Alternative Dispute Resolution Certificate
  • 2006
  • Yeshiva University, Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 2003
  • Pitzer College (Claremont)
  • Bachelors of Art
  • 2000
  • Saddleback College
  • continued education
  • N/A
View all education

Legal Cases

  • Felony Grand Theft reduced to Misdemeanor
  • Misdemeanor and cal trans
  • San Diego CPS Case Dismissed
  • Dismissal
  • Marijuana Case Dismissed
  • Dismissal
View all legal cases

Associations

  • South Orange County Bar Association
  • President
  • 2013 - Present
  • National Lawyers Guild Orange County Chapter
  • Founding Member
  • 2011 - Present
  • 85 Broads
  • Investor
  • 2011 - Present
  • UCI Law School
  • Moot Court Judge
  • 2011 - Present
  • California Appellate Defense Counsel
  • Member
  • 2010 - Present
  • Orange County Jewish Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2010 - Present
  • Newport Harbor Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2010 - Present
  • Orange County Criminal Defense Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2010 - Present
  • Orange County Women Lawyers Association
  • Member
  • 2009 - Present
  • Santa Ana YMCA
  • Board Member
  • 2008 - Present
  • National Legal Aid and Defender Association
  • Member
  • 2004 - Present
  • Orange County Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2004 - Present
  • California Attorneys for Criminal Justice
  • Member
  • 2004 - Present
  • California Public Defenders Association
  • Member
  • 2004 - Present
  • State Bar of California
  • Member
  • 2003 - Present
  • Santa Ana YMCA Youth and Government
  • Advisor
  • 2009 - 2011
  • Santa Ana YMCA Mock Trial
  • Advisor and Judge
  • 2009 - 2011
  • National Lawyers Guild
  • Member
  • 2005 - 2010
  • Beverly Hills Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2003 - 2004
  • Los Angeles County Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2003 - 2004
  • National Lawyers Guild LA Chapter
  • Member
  • 2003 - 2005
  • National Lawyers Guild New York Chapter
  • Member
  • 2000 - 2003
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English
  • Spanish

Honors and Awards

  • Paul Bell Fellowship
  • Appellant Defenders, Inc.
  • 2011
  • Archie A. Gorfinkle Award- Outstanding Graduate
  • Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law
  • 2003

Publications

  • Daily Journal
  • American Jurisprudence is Wrong About Spanking
  • 2014
View all publications

Speaking Engagements

  • Godinez High School
  • Mock Trial
  • 2011
  • Whittier Law School
  • Doing Good and Doing Well
  • 2011
  • Victory In Parole Cases
  • National Lawyers Guild
  • 2011
  • Saddleback High School
  • Theory of the Case
  • 2011
  • Doing Good and Doing Well
  • National Lawyers Guild
  • 2011
  • Pitzer College
  • Legal Careers
  • 2011
  • National Lawyers Guild
  • Progressive Lawyering in a Conservative County
  • 2011
  • SANTA ANA YMCA
  • 2011 MOCK TRIAL JUDGE
  • 2011
  • National Lawyers Guild
  • Fighting Islamophobia (Host)
  • 2011
  • National Lawyers Guild
  • National Lawyers Guild
  • 2011
  • National Lawyers Guild
  • National Lawyers Guild
  • 2011
  • Santa Ana YMCA
  • First Amendment Law for Students
  • 2010
  • Santa Ana YMCA
  • Trial Skills- Opening and Closing Your Case
  • 2010
  • Santa Ana YMCA
  • Trial Skills- Direct and Cross Examination
  • 2010
  • Santa Ana YMCA
  • Trial Skills- Storytelling
  • 2010
  • Santa Ana YMCA
  • Trial Advocacy
  • 2010
  • Community Day School Know Your Rights
  • Juvenile Know Your Rights
  • 2010
  • Santa Ana YMCA
  • YMCA Building Alliances in the Legal Community
  • 2009
  • Empathy in client counseling
  • Empathy in client counseling
  • 2009
  • Santa Ana YMCA
  • Trial Advocacy
  • 2009
  • NAACP Know Your Rights
  • Know Your Rights
  • 2008
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (24)
Given (18)
Endorse Lauren
Child abuse Attorney | Oct 17
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Criminal defense Attorney | Nov 09
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Unknown Attorney | Jan 29
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Juvenile law Attorney | Dec 21
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"11 years as a criminal defense attorney with 5 of those spent as a public defender fighting in the trenches for an often ungrateful clientele is what we call experienced. Her pro bono contributions are excellent and knowledge of both the law and procedure shows through. Client reviews are the ultimate compliment and hers are stellar. READ THEM! Do yourself a favor and schedule a consultation."
Juvenile law Attorney | Dec 16
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse Lauren she is a highly skilled attorney and well respected in the legal community."
Criminal defense Attorney | Nov 26
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I have known Ms. Johnson for many years, and have always found her dedication to her clients and diligence in all legal matters to be beyond reproach. She puts all of her efforts into each and every case."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 08
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I highly recommend attorney Lauren Johnson. She has experience working for the government which many criminal defense attorneys lack. She writes excellent pre-trial motions and gets many cases dismissed or reduced before trial."
Unknown Attorney | Dec 07
Relationship: Other
"I endorse this lawyer."
Criminal defense Attorney | Sep 17
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I know of Attorney Lauren Johnson to truly care about her work and invest herself fully in each and every one of her cases. She has an unmatched positive mental attitude and will stand up and speak out for her clients in a way few lawyers will."
Criminal defense Attorney | Aug 17
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I've know Lauren Johnson for a few years now, and I can say without reservation that she is one of the most dedicated and successful lawyers I know. She is fearless when fighting the government, and compassionate towards her clients. She has an excellent reputation in the legal community. Anyone hiring Lauren is in excellent hands. I strongly endorse her."
Criminal defense Attorney | Apr 03
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Lauren Johnson's experience and skills in the courtroom are outstanding. She is always professional, extremely dedicated to her clients and tenacious. I've had this impression of Lauren since her days as a public defender and now, as a colleague. She is an asset in our community."
Child custody Attorney | Sep 06
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Lauren is a bright dedicated attorney. She is passionate about her work with parents in dependency cases. I would not hesitate to refer clients to her. I am proud to endorse her."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jun 05
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse this lawyer. She is aggressive, very knowledgeable and pay meticulous attention to detail."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 11
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Ms. Johnson is a tenacious and dedicated attorney. She will fight for your rights to ensure your rights are protected."
Criminal defense Attorney | Dec 27
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Her knowledge of complex legal issues is extensive, based on her AVVO answers."
Child abuse Attorney | Nov 14
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Ms. Johnson is an exceptional attorney. She is one of the top attorneys in both the juvenile and child dependency arena. She is highly respected by the judges, district attorney’s office, and the legal community."
Criminal defense Attorney | Nov 11
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer for her wide range of experience and expertise in representing both juvenile and criminal defendants."
Criminal defense Attorney | Oct 20
Relationship: Co-worker
"I worked with Ms. Johnson as a public defender in California, not only in the same office but in the same courtroom for several months. She has a high degree of both criminal defense experience and professionalism. I endorse this lawyer's work."
Juvenile law Attorney | Sep 20
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"The need for Attorney Johnson's expertise is critical and unique in juvenile matters. She is a consummate professional and a valued member in the legal community."
Criminal defense Attorney | Sep 17
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Lauren is dedicated and passionate about defending her clients. She has obtained some remarkable results in the trial court and on appeal. I recommend her to all of my clients with criminal issues."
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