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Mary Frances Prevost

DUI and DWI Attorney at Irvine, CA

4.8   75 reviews
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Domestic Violence Case DISMISSED!
Mary
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired Attorney
Best in the West for Dui Defense
Dana
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
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About Mary

Learn Mary’s areas of practice.

2
Practice areas
  1. Criminal defense
    50%
    I handle state and federal felonies and misdemeanors, as well as police brutality cases. My practice consists of the aggressive defense of individuals accused of crime, and the protection of the right of citizens abused by police. I handle murder, rape, sex crimes, domestic violence, drug smuggling, border smuggling, DUI w/accident or death, burglary, robbery, gang crimes, and other major crimes. I have taught other lawyers at the prestigious Florida and California State Bar conferences.

    31 years

  2. DUI and DWI
    50%
    I teach DUI defense to other lawyers. I have taught at the prestigious California and Florida State Bar Conventions, am the first Sustaining Member of the National College for DUI Defense from San Diego, and am a Founding member of the DUI Defense Lawyer's Association. I handle DUI, DUI w/injury, DUI homicide, and DUI w/priors.

    31 years

TEACHING CREDENTIALS AND PUBLICATIONS:

 

  • California Attorneys for Criminal Justice, "Rules of the Road" DUI Seminar, "Discovery", Rancho Mirage, 2009.
  • California Court Reporter's Annual Meeting, "Handling your case in the Media", San Diego, 2014.
  • California Public Defenders Association, DUI Conference, "Discovery", Monterrey, 2009.
  • Florida State Bar Convention, Masters of DUI, Miami, January 2009
  • California Public Defenders Association, "Police Misconduct", Redondo Beach, 2008
  • California Public Defenders Association, DUI Conference, "Discovery", Monterrey, 2008
  • North County Bar Association Magazine, "Pitchess Motions" parts I & II, 2007
  • California Public Defenders Association Lake Arrowhead Seminar, "Discovery", 2005
  • California Public Defenders Association Lake Arrowhead Seminar, "Discovery", 2005
  • California State Bar Convention, instructor, "Discovery" Anaheim, 2004
  • Florida State Bar Convention, Masters of DUI, Miami, January 2004 
  • California Public Defenders Association Lake Arrowhead Seminar, "Discovery", 2003
  • California Public Defenders Association, DUI Conference, "Discovery", Monterrey, 2003 
  • California State Bar Convention, DUI Section, Monterrey, 2003
  • Minnesota Attorneys for Criminal Justice Seminar, instructor, Las Vegas, 2003 
  • California State Bar Convention, instructor, "Discovery", San Diego, 2002
  • Thomas Jefferson School of Law Continuing Education Criminal Law Seminar, instructor, San Diego, 2002
  • Drawing Blood by Unlicensed Phlebotomists in DUI Cases, Consumer Attorneys of San Diego Magazine, 2001
  • Strategies in Handling DUI Cases, instructor, San Diego, 2000
  •  ACLU Challenges "Police Officer Exception" to Litigation Privilege, North County Bar Association Magazine, 2000

 MEDIA:

 

  • Inside Edition with Deborah Norville
  • Law Talk, San Francisco News Analyst 
  • Court TV Trial Analyst
  • National Public Radio
  • Fox News Analyst
  • CNN News Analyst
  • Hannity & Colmes News Analyst
  • Scarborough Country News Analyst
  • MSNBC News Analyst
  • Inside Edition News Analyst
  • Channel 10 (San Diego) News Analyst
  • Channel 8 (San Diego) News Analyst
  • Channel 7 (San DIego) News Analyst
  • Channel 6 (San Diego) News Analyst
  • Channel 5 (San Diego) News Analyst
  • San Diego Union Tribune editorial writer, "A Time to Die?"  

PUBLISHED CASES

  • Gritchen v. Collier, 254 F.3d 807 (9th Circuit 2001) (Amicas Counsel)
  • Ove v. Gwinn, 264 F.3d 817 (9th Cir. 2001)
  • Mateljan v. Superior Court (2005) 129 367

 

 

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS:

  • Board of Directors: San Diego Criminal Defense Bar Association (1997-2004)
  • DUI Defense Lawyers Assoc. - Founding Member (2014-present)
  • Association of International Criminal Defence Attorneys
  • National College for DUI Defense: Sustaining Member
  • National Police Accountability Project
  • San Diego Criminal Defense Bar Association
  • California Attorneys for Criminal Justice
  • California DUI Lawyers Association
  • California Public Defenders Association
  • California First Amendment CoalitionAmerican Civil Liberties Union
  • Consumer Attorneys of San Diego
  • National Lawyer's Guild
  • San Diego Bar Association

Photos and videos

Attorney Mary Frances Prevost discusses her client's sexual assault lawsuit against the San Diego Police Department. Prevost ultimately settled the case for $795,000.
Mary Prevost represents "Mr. Checkpoint", a man who tweets out the locations of DUI checkpoints throughout SoCal. Police say that DUI fatalities are reduced when checkpoints are highly advertised. Here is the Channel 8 story on Mr. Checkpoint.
Attorney Mary Prevost secures the highest settlement of the 13 Arevalos victims after suing the San Diego police department.
Attorney Mary Prevost discusses the attack on her disable client by San Diego Sheriff's Deputies. The video went viral and is featured on Inside Edition.
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Photos and videos

Attorney Mary Frances Prevost discusses her client's sexual assault lawsuit against the San Diego Police Department. Prevost ultimately settled the case for $795,000.
Mary Prevost represents "Mr. Checkpoint", a man who tweets out the locations of DUI checkpoints throughout SoCal. Police say that DUI fatalities are reduced when checkpoints are highly advertised. Here is the Channel 8 story on Mr. Checkpoint.
Attorney Mary Prevost secures the highest settlement of the 13 Arevalos victims after suing the San Diego police department.
Attorney Mary Prevost discusses the attack on her disable client by San Diego Sheriff's Deputies. The video went viral and is featured on Inside Edition.
Mary Prevost's client was attacked by security guards at Qualcomm Stadium when he flipped off Cursing Charger's fans. She won the trial and then won a judicial finding that her client was innocent. Here's the story.
Mary Prevost won a $450,000 settlement against Chula Vista officer Moises Rodriguez. It was learned after the settlement that he struck again. Citizens of Chula Vista protested, and he was finally terminated.
San Diego City Attorney Jan Goldsmith authorized his staff to try to publish the name of a sexual assault victim represented by Mary Prevost. Prevost settled the case for $795,000.
TSA arrested and battered a Mormon grandmother who was taking authorized applesauce on board for her elderly mother. Mary Prevost case onto the case and won a dismissal after years of wrangling.
State CA
Status Disbarred
Acquired 1992
Updated 04/22/2023

This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2018. See details

Contact Mary

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Law Offices of Mary Frances Prevost
4425 Jamboree
Suite 265
Irvine, CA, 92660
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402 West broadway, Ste. 400
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San Diego, CA, 92101
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Reviews

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4.8 / 5.0
  75 customer reviews
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Posted by Mary | May 6, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Domestic Violence Case DISMISSED!
Thank you, Mary, for believing in me when so many other I interviewed with had only bad news. I am glad I found what I endearingly call "a warrior." Finding a really exceptional Riverside domestic violence defense lawyer was difficult. Maybe it's because we are two tough women named Mary and we made a good team that you were able to succeed for me. I don't know. All I know is that you are my courtroom warrior and my guardian angel. The kids and I will be alright now, thanks to you.
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Posted by Dana | April 22, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Best in the West for Dui Defense
First, it is extremely embarrassing and humbling to be arrested when you've never been arrested before. It is a very horrifying experience. Second, it's really hard to weed out who are the good DUI lawyers from the ones who just claim they are. After doing extensive research on who was the best top tier DUI lawyers, I ended up interviewing three. I ultimately settled on Mary because of the length of her experience, teaching credentials, and what just seemed to be her plain knowledge of the system. My money was well spent. After being charged with a felony, I ultimately ended up with a misdemeanor. That was pretty amazing considering that the prosecution claimed my blood alcohol level was .19 and there was a fender bender involved. And the driver said she was injured. I mean, pretty amazing. I wanted to come to court, but Mary assured me over the time the case took, and that was about 7 months, that I would be wasting my time if I came to court when she was just asking the judge for a continuance. She told me if I wanted to really see her in action, that I should come to court when she was going to be arguing one of the motions she filed. So, I waited. I'll tell you, she really put the DA to shame. The judge was not impressed with the DA, which Mary said was unusual since most of the judges just rubber stamp whatever the DA says. So, I guess we got lucky. But luck had nothing to do with Mary's experience. You could tell she is a master of the courtroom and knows her stuff. I am immensely pleased that I did the homework to find such a good lawyer. That took many hours of sifting through websites and such. Bottom line...Mary is just a great lawyer who knows her stuff. I recommend her to anyone looking for a DUI Lawyer.
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Posted by Bruce | April 21, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
She Worked Crazy Hard and Won
All I can say is "WOW." Mary came referred to me by another lawyer. He told me she would work her fingers to the bone for me. That's what was needed, since I was looking down the barrel of a felony domestic violence charge, and I needed a strong female lawyer to counteract the crazy that was my ex-wife. Don't get me wrong. The case took a LONG time. Mary and her investigator worked every angle of this mess, and ultimately were able to prevail with the DA ad get the felony completely DROPPED. That is even more than I thought could happen. What do you say to a lawyer who took the reigns and fixed a case that was spinning out of control? THANK YOU MARY
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Response from Mary Prevost April 22, 2016
Thank you so much bruce for putting your faith in me. I am excited that I was able to secure the result you needed. I've handled many cases of false allegations of DV, but yours really was a mess. I'm so glad we could sort it out and get the prosecutor to see the truth of the matter. Much praise to you for sticking with it when it was such a frightening and depressing time in your life. Please keep in touch.
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Posted by Darren | March 14, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
SHE KNOWS HOW TO HANDLE A CASE!
If I could give her a "Perfect 10", I would. But there are only five stars. Mary Frances , against all odds, got the DA to back off my case. Her investigator is amazing, and stealthy. She waa able to get information regarding my ex that even I didn't know. My case started off with an arrest for felony DV. It ended in a dismissal. Thanks to Mary and her super investigator, she was able to show the DA that the allegations were totally trumped up and totally false. If I could give her a "Perfect 10", I would. Thanks Mary, for putting in the elbow grease on my case.
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Response from Mary Prevost March 23, 2016
Thanks, Darren. I appreciate your commitment to staying the course with me through this long and debilitating journey through the corrupt legal system. It took a long time, but we were finally able to get the DA to see the light, and that all that seemed true on the face of it was really all false!
Posted by Ken | February 28, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Brave Attorney in the Face of Adversity
I think the headline is fitting. Mary is a brave attorney in the face of adversity. The adversity began when I was wrongfully charged with felony domestic violence. I consulted with five attorneys and finally settled on Mary. In part, because of her reputation as a tough advocate, and in part because she demonstrated that toughness - even with me - during our meeting. She drove right to the points that needed to be addressed. I found it refreshing. Other lawyers I spoke to provided assessments of the case that just didn't seem reasonable. Mary was straight to the point: this was going to be one, long battle. She was right. So, the first adversity we encountered was in the arraignment department with a recalcitrant judge who seemed only to take into consideration the prosecutor's sordid and false assessment of the case. Mary strongly countered the prosecutor, ensuring that the judge would not raise the bail, although it was touch and go. The next adversity was dealing with a prosecutor who could not - no matter what proof we provided - accept that a "victim" could falsify facts. Mary went to work, finding two other false statements and allegations my ex had made against other people in TWO other states. Two other people - just like me - were the victims of the psycho woman. The prosecutor still refused to budge. Mary went to work and her investigator found a woman at my ex's workplace who my ex had confided in, who proved that she was making up different stories to different people. Mary's investigator was able to find one - but not both - of the men who my ex had gone after before, Between getting the green light from the other "ex" that he would assist, coupled with the differing statement from the confident at work, we set to go to trial. My ex folded, and apparently told the prosecutor she didn't want to go to court, and she hired a lawyer herself., Bingo. Ultimately, after more than a year of turmoil and stress, my case was dismissed. Had it not been for Mary and her superb investigator being able to battle the prosecutor - who was totally in the dark about my ex's past and believed every false word she spoke - I would have been false convicted of e felony, lost my job, and much, much more. Mary is a really touch, touch person. She's busy, but that just means she is sought out, as it should be. I cannot thank Mary enough for her hard work, day and night, on my case. I highly recommend her.
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Posted by James | February 4, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Best Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer Ever
I have known Mary Prevost for about five years through the insurance industry. Like most educated people, I never thought the long arm of the law would reach out and snatch me. Well, it did. My ex decided she wanted to extort more child support out of me. So, when dropping off our daughter to her, she made up a false allegation of domestic violence. When cops showed up at my door three hours later, and told me I punched her and caused a black eye, I knew I was in for a long ride. Arrested? Yes. Charged with a font? Yes. It was more than a year later that Mary got all charges dropped. She developed witnesses that had communicated with my ex via email who were willing to share the evil plan my ex had hatched to extort money out of me. She put it in writing not thinking her Gal pals would snitch her off. it took a lot of finesse on Mary's part, but she cracked the case open. Now, along the way, the domestic violence prosecutor was crazy. I'm wondering if the prosecutor herself was a used and trying to take it out on anyone accused - guilty or now. Anyway, Mary was able to convince the "true believer" crazed prosecutor that my ex made the whole entire thing up. I can't thank Mary enough for the never ending hard work she out into the case. I'd be sunk and my career over without her. Oh, and as an aside, the family court was pissed and changed our arrangement to JOINT custody because Mary worked with my family law lawyer. Mary is a real viper in the court room.
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Response from Mary Prevost April 22, 2016
James, thanks for this supportive review. I'm just glad that not only were we able to secure the right result in criminal court, but that the family law attorney I sent you to was able to get the same result in family court. Good luck to you,
Posted by Paul | December 17, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
!!!Outstanding DUI attorney!!!
Mary Prevost handled my DUI case with the utmost professionalism and knowledge. I believe she is the go-to lawyer for your specific needs. I'm convinced that Mary is the best choice. The court offered a wet reckless plea bargain but Mary was able to help me get a dry reckless! I highly recommend having her represent you in court and handle your cases. I needed help with my case because I had no knowledge about DUI court processing and DMV hearings for my license. I made a call and showed up to her office. I found out her space was a little small and it was evident she was a busy woman. Don't let that fool you or discourage your initial impression of her! We sat down and she knew I needed a DMV hearing within 10 days. She immediately picked up the phone and made an appointment for my hearing. The result of the hearing was that they had not enough evidence to suspend my license. I'm a enlisted sailor in the military and when anybody needs time off to handle anything, the rest of the division will have to pick up your slack and do your job. I hate to leave extra work for someone else to do. Mary made it easier to focus on my job at hand, knowing that I was represented by her during the hearing and all my court arraignments. The prosecutor was very aggressive and apparently wanted to throw me into a Wet Reckless verdict but Mary immediately noticed flaws and kinks in their case. We even had the most stubborn prosecutor she's known. She fought for me and believe me when I say for a first timer, it made me nervous and it felt really heavy knowing that something bad was going to happen by the end of this. I think it's very natural for anyone to worry about something like this. Most people I know wouldn't feel comfortable with someone else handling their business. Mary would be the few who can make you proud, knowing she did everything she could to the best of her abilities. Don't let her office fool your first impression, it may be small and less flashy like what you see on TV or movies but it's her who will be out and about. I was amazed by her work and experience. I highly recommend having her be your legal representative. PO1 Paul Lin, USN Surface Warfare Littoral Combat Squadron
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Response from Mary Prevost April 22, 2016
Thanks, Paul! How long did this case take? 18 months? I told you it would take a great deal of patience to prevail. Thanks for sticking with me!
Posted by Thomas Prendergast | December 1, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
When the FBI kicks your door in
When faced with legal enforcement threats, criminal threats, or actions in San Diego, Mary is the best. When I became a competitor to an online business retired law official, I found myself starring at 40 FBI agents knocking my door down and tearing my house apart for allegedly hacking his servers. The charges where never filed, because the supposed evidence was false Photoshopped documents. However, the moment they left I immediately looked for the best criminal defense attorney in San Diego (I am well connected) and every one all said to call Mary and I did. She took immediate action to get to the bottom of this harassment. I believe her aggressive reputation and immediate actions ended what could have turned into a long expensive legal battle. The FBI returned all my PCs within weeks. I took those PCs directly to the recycling center and had them shredded. There was no way I was going to bring them home, much less turn them on. Mary Francise Provost is the best! Thank you Mary, I will always hold you in good regards. Sincerely, Thomas Prendergast CMO Markethive Inc. P.S. I am emotional about this Mary. You have my heart and I will always have your back. There are very few true warriors in the world today. I am one of them,. Mary is one as well. I think of you as a sister.
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Posted by anonymous | October 29, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Simply The Best There Is
Mary is the best. She was able to get my felony reduced to a misdemeanor so I wouldn't have to go to trial. Dion't get me wrong, I was willing to go to trial. But at the last minute, the DA folded and offered a misdemeanor. She was ready to fight for me. She did a great job. I can't thank her enough for her hard work.
Posted by anonymous | October 18, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
One Tough Lady; Winner, Winner!
Cops raided my house. I was charged with multiple felonies, including cultivation and resisting arrest. I called some lawyers if Googled with great websites, but after talking for a while noticed they were licensed only a few years and bragged about successfully handling hundreds of cases. Bull! How do you "successfully" handled hundreds of cases, and every kind of case, in a 2-4 years? Don't bullshit a bullshitter. So, Mary Francis came referred to me by a friend she helped four years ago. She said the search was bad, and it was. The cops lied. She was able to get into their personnel files and dig up info that showed one of them was caught lying before. End of game, we won. She's totally worth every penny I paid. Post script: She's tough as nails and takes no crap. The judge (a former DA with an attitude problem) and the judge's DA buddy weren't fans. But Mary pinpointed the issues and when the judge began acting like a DA, Mary reminded him of the LAW. She had no problem reminding the judge he was a judge and not a DA. So there's that. I think other lawyers would have been scared to take that step. Not Mary. She has balls!
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Posted by Tom | October 5, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
The Cops Beat Me, and Then Mary Beat Them!
I had a run in with Sheriff deputies who threw me to the ground and then falsely arrested me, and accused me of being drunk. I'd had one, single beer, with three witnesses. it didn't matter to them. Good for them that they didn't have cameras. So they could say whatever they wanted and there wasn't much I could do about it. But then I was looking for a good San Diego criminal defense attorney, and I was referred to Mary Frances, and she did a lot about it. She was able to get into their personnel files, find the two who slammed me to the ground had other complaints. The prosecutors didn't want to do anything to the deputies except protect them. I am a God loving man, and I expect the law and government to be honest. They were not. None of them were. Mary Frances stuck it out and pushed to the date of trial. She had witness lined up against the cops, my witnesses lined up, and only then and after many months of working hard was Mary able to get the case dismissed. It's a sad day in San Diego when a God fearing, tax paying citizen is treated like a criminal not only by cops, but by the prosecutors. I will never look on law enforcement with the same respect I once held. Thank God for Mary Frances and her perseverance.
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Posted by Javier | September 18, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great SO. California attorney
Mary Prevost is the attorney to call when you need representation in San Diego & Southern California. She did an awesome job in my case, vigorously pursued my rights, and made great arguments on my behalf to the jury, who ruled IN MY FAVOR thanks to her great work. I am grateful for the legal representation she provided in my case. It was a very detailed case and she hit a grand slam. I highly recommend her. She is a credit to her profession, extremely skilled and was very professional throughout.
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Response from Mary Prevost April 22, 2016
Thanks Javier! How many years did this take? Three! Yes, three long years, and up against brick walls the entire time. I am so glad you got your day in court. I saw one of the bad cops in court a few days after the federal verdict. He saw me, bowed his head, and slinked away!
Posted by Aida | September 1, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
The Best DUI/Accident Lawyer in California
I cannot describe in words how much I appreciate Mary Frances and the hard labor she put in to help me get a golden result in my DUI/accident case. We were up against a very rude, and very young, prosecutor. And what was weird and upsetting about it all, was when we went to motions, the judge just seemed to bow to this really young, really rude prosecutor. How disheartening is that? But Mary Frances didn't let up. She filed an appeal, and it took a long time to get heard. But she did win it and changed the judges minds. Once that happened,it was a whole new ball game. This was so important for me because I was going through a divorce, and I HAD to be able to transport my children. Mary worked SO hard for me. She was worth every penny I paid her to make my riverside DUI go away.
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Response from Mary Prevost September 9, 2015
Thank you so much, Aida. I know it took a long time - too long - but it was worth the wait. I'm just sorry we had to force it when the DA and judge refused to follow the law. But, in the end, we won and they lost. Good luck to you and stay in touch.
Posted by anonymous | March 4, 2015
False Allegations of Rape Gone Away
Mary is a hero for me. I was falsely accused of rape when I was a junior in college. The girl making the allegations was drunk ad angry. It the most embarrassing thing in the world telling my parents what was happening after I was arrested. We met with Mary because of her credentials. My mother did all the research. I felt comfortable, and she let me know no mater what happened, all my contact with her was confidential. She was able to prevent the charges from being filed. I think I have PTSD from this incident. I'm just lucky my mom found the right lawyer for me to stop the case in its tracks.
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Response from Mary Prevost September 9, 2015
You are a brave young man and I wish this had not happened to you. Thank you for putting your faith in me, and in our awesome investigator. We all made a great team and worked together for the right result.
Posted by Scott | February 20, 2015
Best Lawyer In Town
Mary is really a dynamo. From start to finish she worked with tunnel vision to obtain the goal we talked about at our first meeting. She made it quite clear that she could not tell me whether or not we could reach our goal. But she outlined a strategy that, frankly, I thought was long and tedious. Seemingly too long and tedious. Maybe I watch too much TV; criminal cases never last long on TV. But I never thought a criminal case would last 14 months. Long and tedious it was. Ultimately, Mary resolved my felony DUI with injury for a misdemeanor. There were so many inconsistencies, so many faults of the lab. The prosecutors kept stalling and stalling claiming evidence that worked against them - that they kept refusing to produce - was irrelevant. Sure, it was irrelevant if they want to convict you. But it was very relevant to a defense in my case. I used to be a true believer in the system, until I became one of its victims. I saw remarkably ignorant - or unethical - prosecutors over and over. A great deal of time was wasted getting what Mary wanted from the beginning. Why, I thought to myself, were the prosecutors so offended at producing records from the lab. It was because their lab made mistakes. No more true believer in the system am I. Ultimately, because of Mary's hard labor slamming away at the prosecutors for more than a year, we were able to resolve my case for a misdemeanor. I was truly worn down. We could have gone to trial, but I decided to just STOP the exhausting process ad take the huge reduction. Mary wanted to power forward. I thank her for her tenacity. But I was just so exhausted. I ave learned through this case that prosecutors will withhold evidence they know may challenge their case. Why they would want to protect a crime lab from mistakes, I cannot fathom. Why? Mary tells me it has become common place. I believe her. I lived it. If you are looking for a true fighter - one who will go the extra mile to protect your interests - choose Mary. I am glad she was referred to me. She is truly a fighter.
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Posted by Merrilee | January 27, 2015
Best attorney in San DIego
If you are looking for a great attorney who will fight for your rights, look no further. Mary Frances Prevost is the best choice by far. She is a definitely a force to be reckoned with, She can and will get you the best results possible in your case! DUI, Criminal Defense or Civil liberties, She's got your back!! Call today and get Her on your side, you won't be disappointed!! She helped me more than I can possibly explain in this short paragraph, was always willing to explain what was going on and is a fierce, professional and highly skilled litigator. I recommend her wholeheartedly!!
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Posted by anonymous | January 21, 2015
Top Shelf
I think titling this review "Top Shelf" is fitting since Ms. Prevost represented me on a DUI case. Her representation was just that - Top Shelf. She is smart, committed, industrious, and commanding in court. I appreciate all she did for me. I will gladly refer her clients in the future.
Response from Mary Prevost September 9, 2015
Funny! And you are a TOP SHELF client. Thanks for putting your faith in me to challenge the power of the government.
Posted by anonymous | January 21, 2015
My Felony DUI with Injury Was Reduced to a Misdemeanor
I came in to Mary referred by a cop in Orange County who she did some work for. I was arrested for a DUI with injury to another person. The cop knew her from some other case out of Riverside she handled. So I took his advice and hired her. It took 18 months and a lot of court appearances and a lot of motions and aggravation. Finally Mary made enough damage to the DA's case that they offered me a misdemeanor, five days in jail, and a chance at expunging the whole thing down the line. I was in serious trouble and Mary fixed my mess for me. I will always praise the Lord for sending me to her.
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Posted by anonymous | November 25, 2014
This is The Toughest Lady on the Block; No Stones Went Unturned
I have only the highest praise for Mary Frances. She is a no nonsense, determined, dogged, and reliable lawyer. My life in the business world has necessitated that I hire several lawyers in the past decade. Unfortunately, this is the first time I needed a lawyer for my personal issues. Originally, when I was released from jail, I received a good number of letters from what seemed to be absolutely desperate lawyers soliciting my business, and making all sorts of promises about what they could do for me and how amazing they were. That conjured up the sickening pictorial of the snake oil salesman the ambulance chaser. Two even had a coupon attached if I hurried up and acted "NOW!." I suppose these desperate lawyers (and I say "desperate" because as a business person I know no one would engage in the seemingly embarrassingly desperate tactics unless they were indeed desperate). One encouraged me to hire him because he had "low, easy payments." Since I wasn't looking for a lawyer to be on "lay away", but one who was going to have to do some heavy work up front, I wasn't interested in the cheap guy, or the lay away guy. But I guess the fear of not having an attorney "NOW!" coupled with the prospect of a discount, appeals to the least educated. I suspect down the line they got what they paid for. I needed a "go get'em tiger" lawyer. And that's what I got. Mary Frances met with me, and immediately began pursuing the information I provided to her. Let's just say this was a domestic violence case with a very angry ex girlfriend who didn't w ant to go away. By the time Mary Frances and her investigator had completed the investigation and met with the DA, she had mapped out a case that showed I was completely guilt free, and that my ex was essentially off her rocker. Yes, I did not hire the "cheap, easy payment" lawyer. I did not hire the one who mailed me a discount coupon. I hired the attorney with credentials who I paid up front ad who won my case. It was the best money ever spent. My arraignment was not for a month, so I had the luxery of doing some research.
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Response from Mary Prevost January 21, 2015
Thank you so much for putting your faith in me to handle this domestic violence situation. It was a long, hard road....no doubt. But we accomplished a result at the end that was more than what we expected without going to trial. I'm glad I was able to help you through this.
Posted by jasonmcanear | November 11, 2014
This Lawyer is Worth Every Penny
I came to Ms. Prevost after having viewed her extensive experience and trial skills, as well as seeing her videos and how she presents. I was charged falsely with two felonies arising out of a false accusation of domestic violence perpetrated by my ex wife. Needless to say, this was her first shot over the bow at attempting to keep my 6 and 8 year old boys from me. I hired Ms. Prevost because I felt I needed a woman who could take on another tough woman if I was forced to go all the way to trial. Unfortunately, the prosecutors rejected all attempts by Ms. Prevost to have my case dismissed even after presenting her with ample evidence that my ex was fabricating her story. I was correct in hiring Ms. Prevost to proceed to trial. She was ready and raring to go. She put my ex on the hot seat, and didn't NOT let her lies go unpunished. I used the word "punished" because that is exactly what Ms. Prevost did to my ex by way of her tough cross examination. The jury returned with two "not guilty" verdicts within an hour. Really, we didn't have time to finish our coffee we had gone to get after closing arguments before the jury returned. My only wish is that the DA's office would try my ex wife for perjury. But Mary told me the DA would not be interested in that kind of justice. I highly recommend Mary Prevost. Highly. She was a superstar in trial.
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Response from Mary Prevost January 21, 2015
Jason: Thank you for letting me assist you. False allegations in a case like this are sometimes impossible to overcome. The prosecutors know this and tend to push us to trial. Good for you for having the courage to do that. Far too many attorneys push their clients into the last, best "deal." I was pleased you decided to take it all the way. It worked out in the end. I hope only the best for you from now on.
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Cost

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

Resume

AVVO RATING 1.0 (Extreme Caution)

Professional misconduct

This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2018.

Disbarment issued in CA, 2018
updated on 01/23/2018

Disbarment is the most serious penalty for a lawyer. If this attorney is currently practicing law, you should contact the California State Bar to understand the reasons for disbarment.

Discipline with Actual Suspension issued in CA, 2017
updated on 05/23/2017

This sanction means the attorney lost his or her license to practice law for a period of time. The attorney typically returns to practicing law when the suspension expires.

Discipline, Probation; no Actual Suspension issued in CA, 2015
updated on 01/19/2016

This sanction means the attorney had a suspension placed on hold (and ultimately removed) by complying with certain requirements.

Work Experience

  • Principal
  • Law Offices of Mary Prevost
  • 1992 - Present
  • Attorney
  • San Diego Office of the Public Defender
  • 1992 - 1992

Education

  • California Western School of Law
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 1991
  • George Washington University
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • 1983

Legal Cases

  • Lumb v. BorderPatrol
  • Pending
  • Mouwakeh v. County of San Diego
  • Pending
  • Mouwakeh v. County of San Diego
  • Pending
View all legal cases

Associations

  • DUI Defense Lawyer's Association
  • Founding Member
  • 2014 - Present
  • National Police Accountability Project
  • Member
  • 2011 - Present
  • National Lawyer's Guild
  • Member
  • 2011 - Present
  • Masters of DUI
  • 2009 - Present
  • American Association for Justice
  • Member
  • 2006 - Present
  • California Attorneys for Criminal Justice
  • 1998 - Present
  • National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • Life Member
  • 1992 - Present
  • California DUI Lawyers Association
  • Member
  • N/A
  • Consumer Attorneys of California
  • N/A
  • San Diego Bar Association
  • Member
  • N/A
  • American Association for Justice
  • Member
  • N/A
  • American Civil Liberties Union
  • Member
  • N/A
  • California First Amendment Coalition
  • Member
  • N/A
  • California Public Defenders Association
  • Member
  • N/A
  • Consumer Attorneys of San Diego
  • Member
  • N/A
  • National College of DUI Defense
  • Sustaining Member
  • N/A
  • San Diego Criminal Defense Bar Association
  • Board of Directors
  • 1997 - 2004
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • San Diego's TOP Criminal Defense Lawyer
  • San Diego FINE Magazine
  • 2016
  • Selected for Inclusion in Super Lawyers
  • Super Lawyers Magazine
  • 2015
  • Top Orange County Criminal Defense Lawyer
  • Orange County Metro Magazine
  • 2014
  • Top Orange County Criminal Defense Lawyer
  • Orange County Metro Magazine
  • 2014
  • Top San Diego DUI Attorney
  • San Diego Metro Magazine
  • 2012
  • Top San Diego Criminal Defense Attorney
  • San Diego Metro Magazine
  • 2012
  • San Diego's Top Criminal Attorneys-(semi-finalis)
  • San Diego Daily Transcript
  • 2011
  • Top San Diego DUI Defense Lawyer
  • San Diego Metro Magazine
  • 2011
  • Top San Diego Criminal Defense Attorney
  • San Diego Metro Magazine
  • 2011
  • Orange County Top DUI Attorney
  • OC Metro Magazine
  • 2010
  • Orange County Top Criminal Defense Attorney
  • OC Metro Magazine
  • 2010
  • Top San Diego Criminal Defense Lawyer
  • "Our City, San Diego" Magazine
  • 2010
  • Top San Diego Criminal Defense Lawyer
  • "Our City, San Diego" magazine
  • 2009
  • Masters of DUI
  • Florida Bar
  • 2009
  • Semi-Finalist: San Diego's Top Attorneys
  • San Diego Daily Transcript
  • 2008
  • Semi-finalisr, San Diego's Top Attorneys
  • San Diego Daily Transcript
  • 2004
  • Masters of DUI
  • Florida Bar
  • 2004
  • CLE Instructor
  • State Bar of California
  • 2002
  • Instructor
  • Thomas Jefferson School of Law CLE Seminars
  • 2002
  • Sustaining Member
  • National College for DUI Defense
  • 2002
  • Life Member
  • National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • 1992
  • News Analyst
  • Court Tv
  • N/A
View all awards

Publications

  • FINE magazine
  • Hiring a Criminal Defense Lawyer
  • 2014
  • California Drunk Driving Law
  • Contributing Editor
  • 2008
  • North County Bar Association Magazine
  • Police Misconduct Motions
  • 2007
  • North County Lawyer Magazine
  • Pitchess Motions
  • 2007
  • Consumer Attorneys of San Diego Magazine
  • Drawing Blood by Unlicensed Phlebotomists in DUI Cases
  • N/A
  • North County Bar Association Magazine
  • ACLU Challenges "Police Officer Exception" to Litigation Privilege
  • N/A
  • San Diego Union Tribune
  • "A Time to Die?"
  • N/A
View all publications

Speaking Engagements

  • California Association of Certified Interpreters
  • Handling the High profile Case
  • 2014
  • Whittier Bar Association
  • Using the Press in Criminal Defense
  • 2011
  • Law Talk
  • "Using the Media in Your Defense: The TSA Applesauce Shakedown Case"
  • 2011
  • CPDA Annual Two-Day DUI Conference
  • DUI Defense
  • 2009
  • "Rules of The Road"
  • DUI Defense
  • 2009
  • SDCDBA Police Misconduct Motions - Nuts and Bolts
  • Police Miscondcut Motions
  • 2008
  • CDBA Monthy Seminar-Criminal Defense
  • Police Misconduct
  • 2008
  • California Public Defenders Association Seminar
  • Police Misconduct
  • 2008
  • Masters of DUI
  • Masters of DUI
  • 2004
  • CPDA Annual Criminal Defense Seminar
  • Discovery
  • 2004
  • Minnesota Criminal Defense Annual DUI Seminar
  • Attacking Blood Draws in DUI Cases
  • 2002
  • Annual DUI Defense Seminar
  • DUI Defense
  • 2001
  • Annual DUI Defense Seminar
  • DUI Defense
  • 2000
  • Annual DUI Defense Seminar
  • DUI Defense
  • 1999
  • Annual DUI Defense Seminar
  • DUI Defense
  • 1997
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (162)
Given (62)
Endorse Mary
C. Logan McKechnie headshot
C. McKechnie
Litigation Attorney | Apr 11
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse this lawyer's work on several layers. I have known Ms. Prevost for several years as a member of the California Attorneys for Criminal Justice. She is remarkable in her skills and knowledge of the Criminal Justice system. I have observed Ms. Prevost in court and stand in awe of her trial skills. I have used Ms. Prevost's legal pleadings with remarkable success in my own cases and, when a member of my family needed help in a criminal case, I hired Ms. Prevost. On all levels, she stands heads above most. I would give her he strongest recommendation possible."
Arash Hashemi headshot
Arash Hashemi
Criminal defense Attorney | Sep 04
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Mary is one of the best in the business. She is very knowledgeable when it comes to criminal defense and highly respected by her peers. I highly recommend Mary and happily endorse her."
Thomas Jay Olsen headshot
Thomas Olsen
Criminal defense Attorney | Mar 25
Relationship: Other
"I endorse this lawyer."
Martin W. Judnich headshot
Martin Judnich
Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 20
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Mary is an extraordinary attorney that fights hard for her clients. If you are in San Diego, she is the right attorney for you. Also check out all the information she provides on Google+."
Judd S Nemiro headshot
Judd Nemiro
Unknown Attorney | Dec 26
Relationship: Other
"This lawyer is very professional at all times. I endorse this lawyer."
Peter John Marek headshot
Peter Marek
Criminal defense Attorney | Dec 21
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"23 years of law practice is what we refer to as highly experienced. As a former public defender she has been in the trenches and fought for those who have little or no resources, a thankless job at best but highly case intensive. She continues her pro bono contributions here with learned precision as is evident in her pro bono contributions. The ultimate compliment is her client reviews which are stellar. READ THEM! Do yourself a favor and schedule a consultation."
David Paley Schwarz headshot
David Schwarz
Criminal defense Attorney | Dec 17
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I highly recommend this lawyer he is a true professional"
Douglas MacMillan Borthwick headshot
Douglas Borthwick
Criminal defense Attorney | Dec 11
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
A. Marie Felsen headshot
A. Felsen
DUI and DWI Attorney | Nov 29
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Mary is a great DUI Lawyer!"
Steven M. Cron headshot
Steven Cron
Criminal defense Attorney | Nov 26
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse attorney Mary Prevost. Her legal answers in the Avvo community are accurate and helpful to individuals who have asked for some advice on how to handle their case. Her contributions show an excellent knowledge of law and procedure. She is an asset to our profession."
S Joshua Macktaz headshot
S Joshua Macktaz
Criminal defense Attorney | Nov 12
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Mary is a hard working and well-regarded criminal defense lawyer. She and I have engaged with each other relative to many issues faced in a criminal defense practice and she definitely knows her stuff. I would recommend her highly."
Dmitry Gorin headshot
Dmitry Gorin
Criminal defense Attorney | Sep 23
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse attorney Mary Prevost. She is hard working, skilled, and dedicated to her clients. A respected member within the legal community."
Ronald Daniel Hedding headshot
Ronald Hedding
Criminal defense Attorney | Aug 19
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Adam Charles Stone headshot
Adam Stone
Criminal defense Attorney | Jul 23
Relationship: Other
"I endorse this lawyer. I am thoroughly intimidated by the fearlessness and courage of this lawyer. I follow Attorney Prevost's career closely, and read carefully her blogs and commentary. She is the epitome of that which the criminal defense lawyer strives: intelligent, succinct, fearless, unyielding, objective, and unforgiving to those who would compromise her client for their own gain. I endorse this lawyer and strive to her level of excellence."
Joseph P. Villanueva headshot
Joseph Villanueva
Criminal defense Attorney | Jul 16
Relationship: Other
"Mary is a top nationally recognized criminal defense lawyer. I am a former New York City prosecutor and from over three thousand miles I know of the good work she provides to her clients. She is result oriented and is a fierce fighter for all of her clients. If any of my clients have a CA legal issue, I send them to her. I endorse this lawyer."
P. Jeffrey Voll headshot
P. Jeffrey Voll
Criminal defense Attorney | Jun 25
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"Mary is a kick ass criminal defense attorney who zealously represents her clients. I have personally referred family and friends to her where she has achieved outstanding results. I endorse Mary Prevost."
Stanley R Pietruska headshot
Stanley Pietruska
Criminal defense Attorney | Jun 20
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Sean Cleary headshot
Sean Cleary
Criminal defense Attorney | Jun 10
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. An extremely talented and well respected attorney in the legal community."
Gary Roger Brod headshot
Gary Brod
Criminal defense Attorney | Apr 28
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Experienced and highly regarded in the legal community."
Robert F Gauss headshot
Robert Gauss
Civil rights Attorney | Mar 16
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
View more endorsements
Arash Hashemi headshot
Arash Hashemi
Criminal defense
S Joshua Macktaz headshot
S Joshua Macktaz
Criminal defense
Joseph P. Villanueva headshot
Joseph Villanueva
Criminal defense
Stanley R Pietruska headshot
Stanley Pietruska
Car accident
P. Jeffrey Voll headshot
P. Jeffrey Voll
DUI and DWI
Vincent John LaBarbera Jr headshot
Vincent LaBarbera
Criminal defense
Matthew C Simon headshot
Matthew Simon
Personal injury
Amber H. Gordon headshot
Amber Gordon
Criminal defense
Bryce A. Fetter headshot
Bryce Fetter
Criminal defense
Howard Robert Roitman headshot
Howard Roitman
Criminal defense
Daniel C Grupenhagen headshot
Daniel Grupenhagen
Criminal defense
John W Stanko headshot
John Stanko
DUI and DWI
Lauren Kelly Johnson-Norris headshot
Lauren Johnson-Norris
Criminal defense
Carlos Cristobal Ruan headshot
Carlos Ruan
Criminal defense
Cameron Kennard Bowman headshot
Cameron Bowman
Criminal defense
David Michael Boertje headshot
David Boertje
Criminal defense
Joseph Lewis Norton III headshot
Joseph Norton
DUI and DWI
Mark K Rosenfeld headshot
Mark Rosenfeld
DUI and DWI
Anna C Gregorian headshot
Anna Gregorian
Criminal defense
George K. Mazmanian headshot
George Mazmanian
Litigation
Irvine DUI and DWI Lawyer Mary Frances Prevost
Mary Frances Prevost
DUI and DWI Attorney
Irvine, CA
Free Consultation
This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2018. See details
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