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Michael Laurence Fell
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Biography
Michael L. Fell – Attorney
Michael L. Fell is a dedicated and passionate defense attorney with a strong background in criminal law forged during his tenure as an Orange County Senior Deputy District Attorney. While an Orange County prosecutor for over 18 years, Mr. Fell handled many high profile cases and prosecuted various criminal offenses including, but not limited to: murder, arson, gang cases, sexual offenses, and organized crime. He also served as a Supervising Prosecutor with the Orange County Juvenile Court.
During his time with the OCDA’s Office, Mr. Fell was recognized for his efforts with the prestigious Ambassador of Peace Award from the Violence Prevention Coalition of Orange County in 2003. Mr. Fell has also received accolades and awards from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), Community Services Program (CSP)/Victim Witness of Orange County and the Constitutional Rights Foundation of Orange County.
After leaving the DA’s Office, Mr. Fell spent two years as the California Senior Trial Counsel for a civil law firm where he negotiated and litigated multi-million dollar civil cases. He left the civil firm in 2009 to open his own practice–Law Office of Michael L. Fell, A Professional Corporation—where he concentrates on representing individuals accused of various criminal offenses. He is now a California Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist.
Thanks to his years working as a top prosecutor with the Orange County DA’s Office, Mr. Fell knows how cases are prosecuted by his former office and he understands the evidence needed to file charges against those being accused or arrested. Many times, he is able to speak to DAs while they are reviewing the police reports written by the arresting officer and avoid charges being filed.
Mr. Fell is well known as a passionate proponent of “creative sentencing.” Because he feels that jail is seldom the appropriate punishment for his clients, he is very proactive in negotiating with DAs in resolving his clients’ cases for dispositions other than incarceration whenever possible.
Mr. Fell has been publicly noted for his exceptional criminal defense representation in a variety of ways: He has been selected by OC Metro Magazine for the last three years as one of Orange County’s “Top Attorneys” in criminal defense and has been recognized as a “Superb Rated Attorney” with a 10.0/10.0 rating by , a national attorney evaluation and information website.
Former Sr. Dep. District Attorney of Orange County -18+ yrs as DDA- Board Certified in Criminal Law
Former Senior Dep. District Attorney of Orange County Now a Top OC DUI Lawyer
Former Senior Dep. District Attorney of Orange County Now Voted a Top OC Defense Lawyer
Former Senior Dep. District Attorney of Orange County Supervised Juvenile Court DA's Office
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
50%
DUI and DWI
40%
Juvenile Law
10%
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2022 2021 2020
...
+
9
2013
Licenses
Licensed in California for 36 years
State: California
Acquired: 1989
No misconduct found
Location
Law Office of Michael L. Fell
(949) 541-4912
Mobile
(949) 585-9057
Fax
900 Roosevelt, Irvine, CA, 92620
mfellattorneyatlaw.com/Gallery
Michael Laurence Fell's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
151 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
Criminal Defense (80)
Lawsuits & Disputes (25)
Civil Rights (8)
DUI & DWI (6)
Family (5)
Juvenile (5)
Domestic Violence (4)
Litigation (4)
Expungement (3)
Speeding & Traffic Ticket (3)
Violent Crime (3)
Drug Crime (2)
Gun Law (2)
Personal Injury (2)
Sex Crime (2)
Wrongful Death (2)
Administrative Law (1)
Constitutional (1)
Consumer Protection (1)
Employment & Labor (1)
Immigration (1)
What Clients Mention
Case Results (108)
Advocacy (85)
Recommendation (64)
Professionalism (58)
Practice Area Knowledge (47)
Responsiveness (46)
Character & Conduct (45)
Communication Style (42)
Compassion (42)
General Knowledge (33)
Trustworthiness (31)
Cost of Services (21)
Free Consultations (10)
Staff & Support (9)
Punctuality (3)
Showing 11 - 15 of 47 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge
Posted by Peter Krause | January 15, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Weapons charges/probation violation
I was referred to Mr. Fell through a close family friend. I was facing some severe charges and I had just fired my previous attorney (Michael Guisti). During my free consultation with Mr. Fell, he was precise about what his approach would be. He made no promises but gave me hope through a very de...
Posted by Karen | January 02, 2018 | DUI & DWI
A layer who favors treatment versus jail time
Mike Fell is an attorney I routinely work with. As an expert in addiction, I am routinely consulted by Mike when he has a client who recognizes they are facing severe consequences of substance use and addiction, Mike is compassionate, caring and consistently educating himself about all aspects of t...
Posted by Matt | December 06, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Juvenile
Highly recommend
We are new to the area and unexpectedly needed a lawyer for a juvenile issue, so we did a web search and found Michael Fell. We really lucked out because he is an incredible lawyer and a genuinely caring person. He met with us the very next day and starting from the initial consultation, his demean...
Posted by Meredith | June 12, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
HIGHLY Recommended!!
I could not have asked for a better lawyer! I had a challenging case that began with me unexpectedly behind bars (and for the first time ever involved in the legal system). Mike Fell was not chosen at random--he was referred to my family for his specialty and professionalism...by another accredite...
Posted by Eric | June 08, 2017 | Criminal Defense
Wow, cannot recommend him enough!
So I was facing an almost 100% probation violation in which I would be in jail for 12 months. I talked to a few lawyers and in their consults they basically told me I'm going to jail for the 12 months unless I hire them and we'll try to convince the judge of other options. So not satisfied I went sea...
Michael Laurence Fell's Lawyer Endorsements
"Michael is highly regarded in the legal field as being exceptionally knowledgeable, experienced and an ethical criminal defense lawyer. Aside from his many accolades, Michael truly stands above most attorneys based on the amount of care and work he exerts on every case he handles. He takes his time with every person he comes in contact with, and fights compassionately and respectfully for their best interest. He is able to develop some of the best negotiations with his vast knowledge of the legal system, creativity and integrity. If you need someone to be there every step of the way and represent your criminal case, call Mike!"
"Michael Fell is the real deal - a compassionate, committed, and brilliant attorney. Great listener and truly treats his clients like family. Anyone in need of legal representation would be fortunate to have Attorney Fell in their corner."
"Mr. Fell is one of the most widely respected attorneys in Orange County for his dedication, compassion, and work ethic. Incredibly knowledgeable and a force to be reckoned with. Hire him today. Highly recommended."
"I highly recommend Mike Fell. Mr. Fell is an extremely qualified lawyer who truly cares about his clients. He is an excellent communicator, very approachable and well respected in the legal community."
"I endorse Michael. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I have known Mr. Fell for many years now, and have always found his dedication and diligence in all legal matters to be of the highest caliber. All of his clients are very well represented."
"I worked with Mike through my high net-worth individual representation. A grandson of my client got into some trouble and Mike was able to negotiate very serious charges down to probation and dismissal. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Each lawyer you meet is different in terms of their knowledge of the law, their ability to persuade and their concern for their clients. Finding someone with all those talents is rare indeed. Michael Fell has consistently demonstrated he possesses exceptional talents in all those areas. I have known Michael Fell for almost 20 years and find him to be extraordinarily honest and caring. He will fight to the end in order to insure that his clients receive the best possible representation. He is easy to talk to, always accessible and will work tirelessly for what he believes in. If you are looking for someone who will be in your corner from beginning to end, look no further. He is a top-notch lawyer who keeps his word. I recommend him highly."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Mike Fell is an awesome attorney hands down. On top of being a great lawyer, Mike is a great human being. Very empathetic to everyone's needs around him and an all around genuinely nice guy. In the courtroom, he is just an awesome attorney. He knows the law inside and out and is a great communicator. I would highly, highly recommend him for any legal work that needs an aggressive and highly intelligent attorney."
"I have had the honor and pleasure of knowing Mike for a number of years since our time together in the Orange County District Attorney's Office. We became colleagues as well as friends on and off the job. I can attest to Mike's exceptional legal knowledge and skill as well as his character. We have brainstormed legal issues back and forth and it's always great to have someone with Mike's perception spotting issues and finding ways to work through them. I have referred clients to Mike without hesitation and emphatically endorse his work."
"For the past 18 years, Mike has been one of the top prosecutors with the Orange County District Attorney’s Office. The range of cases he has handled while an Assistant District Attorney provided Mike with the type of criminal law background experience most attorneys can only dream of. Now that Mike has gone in to private practice, my office will be referring many of our valued clients to him who are in need of experienced and quality criminal defense services. When you are charged with a serious crime and, your freedom is at stake, you need to call Mike to protect your rights! Mitch Jackson/ Jackson & Wilson, Inc."
"I have known Mike Fell for several years, since he was a Senior Deputy Orange County District Attorney. Now he is in private practice handling criminal defense matters. I am pleased to endorse him on Avvo. I recently referred him a serious felony case and he handled it beautifully - he got the case dismissed before it was even filed by the D.A.! Not that this will happen in every case necessarily, but I can truly say if I ever needed a criminal defense attorney, Mike it the first guy I would call."
"I have known Mike Fell for his entire legal career. He is a person of high integrity, great intelligence, strong insight and a passion for his profession and clients. I highly recommend Mike."
"During his 18 years as an Orange County prosecutor, Michael Fell earned a strong reputation with judges, his peers, and opposing counsel. He was an extremely effective trial attorney known for his integrity and dedication to justice. Whether he was trying serious cases, mentoring the younger attorneys he supervised, or comforting crime victims, Mike was a model public servant who represented the People’s interests with dedication and class. The reputation Mike developed as a prosecutor will serve his clients well now that he has entered private practice. Many attorneys are effective in the courtroom. Some are caring and dedicated to their clients. Very few, like Mike, combine these skills into a single package. I would refer a friend or family member to him without hesitation."
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Experience
Honors
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2022
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2019
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2018
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2017
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2016
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2015
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2014
Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys, The American Society of Legal Advocates
2014
Voted one of the Top Criminal Defense Attorneys in Orange County, OC Metro Magazine
2014
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers
2013
Voted one of top criminal defense attorneys in Orange County, OC Metro Magazine
2012
Voted one of top criminal defense attorneys in Orange County, OC Metro Magazines
2011
Voted one of top criminal defense attorneys in Orange County, OC Metro Magazine
2006
Diligent Prosecutor Award, Mothers Against Drunk Driving
2003
Ambassador of Peace, Victims Rights Coalition of Orange County
2002
Certificate of Appreciation, Community Service Programs/Victim Assistance Programs
1996
Outstanding Service award, Mothers Against Drunk Driving
1995
Outstanding Service Award, Mothers Against Drunk Driving
1995
Lawyer of the Year - Mock Trial Competition, Constitutional Rights Foundation of Orange County
Work Experience
2009 - Present
Owner/CEO, Law Office of Michael L. Fell, A Professional Corporation
2008 - 2009
Senior California Trial Counsel, Feinberg Grant Mayfield Kaneda & Litt LLP
1989 - 2008
Senior Deputy District Attorney, Orange County District Attorney's Office
Associations
2007 - 2007
Association of Orange County Deputy District Attorneys - Civic Action CommitteeBoard Member
2006 - 2007
Orange County Attorneys' AssociationBoard Member
2003 - 2004
Westminster Police DepartmentChief's Advisory Board Member
2003 - 2004
Orange County Department of Education - "Safe From The Start"Committee Member
2002 - 2004
Orange County Constitutional Rights FoundationPeer Court Advisory Panel
2002 - 2004
Children's Services Coordination CommitteeDistrict Attorney Representative
2002 - 2004
Juvenile Justice CommissionAdvisory Member
2002 - 2004
Juvenile Justice Education Together (JJET)Program Coordinator
2001 - 2002
Steinberg Leadership InstituteChair
2001 - 2004
Anti-Defamation LeagueBoard of Directors
2000 - 2001
Steinberg Leadership InstituteParticipant
1999 - 2000
Orange County Constitutional Rights FoundationPeer Court Advisory Panel
1997 - 2004
Orange County Fire Authority - Juvenile Fire Setting Offenders ProgramCommittee Advisory Panel
1997 - 1998
Association of Orange County Deputy District Attorneys - Civic Action CommitteeBoard Member
1997 - 2006
Orange County Bar AssociationBoard of Directors
1997 - 2001
Orange County Constitutional Rights FoundationBoard of Directors
1996 - 1997
Orange County Bar Association - Judicial Evaluations CommitteeCommittee Member/Sub-committee Chair
1996 - 2000
Orange County Bar AssociationYouth-in-the-Law Day Coordinator
1995 - 2004
Orange County Constitutional Rights FoundationMock Trial Committee Member
1995 - 2008
California District Attorneys AssociationMember
1995 - 1997
Association of Orange County Deputy District AttorneysPresident
1994 - 1995
Association of Orange County Deputy District AttorneysTreasurer
1992 - 1993
Orange County Inns of Court - Banyard Inn of CourtMember
1991 - 1992
Orange County Inns of Court - Legion Lex Inn of CourtMember
1990 - 2005
Orange County Constitutional Rights FoundationHigh school coach, attorney scorer, judge
1989 - 2008
Association of Orange County Deputy District AttorneysMember
1988 - 1989
Loyola Law ReviewEditor
1987 - 1988
Loyola Law ReviewStaff Writer
Education
1989
Loyola Law School
Juris Doctorate
1986
Univ of California Santa Barbara
Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2012
Whittier Law School
Criminal Justice
2012
Saddleback Church
Incarcerated Loved Ones
2012
Dino and Nelson Radio Show 1150 AM
Marsy's Law and Criminal Justice
2011
State Bar of California Annual Convention
Criminal Restitution
2010
San Diego POMC (Parents of Murdered Children)
Marsy's Law and The Criminal Justice System
2010
Orange County POMC (Parents of Murdered Children)
Marsy's Law and The Criminal Justice System
2010
Irvine Rotary Club
Marsy's Law and The Criminal Justice System
2010
Alliant University
Marsy's Law and The Criminal Justice System
2007
Law Day
Fourth Amendment school searches
2003
District Attorney Training
Prosecution of Child Pornography
2002
The Prosecution of Hate Crimes
The Prosecution of Hate Crimes
2002
Remembering 9/11
Racial tolerance in light of 9/11
2002
Remembering 9/11
The Impact of 9/11 from the eyes of Orange County's Hate Crime Prosecutor
2000
Juvenile Law Update
Prosecution of Juvenile Offenders
1998
Criminal Law for the Civil Practitioner
Criminal Law and Corporate Responsibility
1997
Anti-Defamation League Hate Crime Seminar
Moderator - Hate Crimes in Orange County
Publications
2013
Orange County Lawyer Magazine
Understanding and Utilizing Marsy's Law
Languages
Farsi
English
Spanish
Activity
Legal Answers
Top Contributor
Michael earned significant contribution points in 2013.
Legal Answers
Q&A
Can this forced blood DUI test be beat?
19 Mar 2021
Q&A
How to get charges dropped and avoid jail time for crimes I didn't commit yet the DA is still charging me with?
29 Nov 2020
Q&A
Why would my son receive a notice from the DA's office regarding a Petty Theft?
02 May 2020