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Mary Frances Prevost
About Mary
Biography
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
Practice Areas
2
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
50%
34 years
DUI and DWI
50%
34 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Retainer
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 34 years
State: California
Acquired: 1992
Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2018
Location
Law Offices of Mary Frances Prevost
4425 Jamboree, Suite 265, Irvine, CA, 92660
Law Offices of Mary Frances Prevost
402 West broadway, Ste. 400, Ste. 2040, San Diego, CA, 92101
Law Offices of Mary Frances Prevost
2970 Technology Drive, Murrieta, CA, 92563-2647
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Mary Frances Prevost's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
75 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (75)
Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense (60)
DUI & DWI (20)
Domestic Violence (8)
Lawsuits & Disputes (7)
Civil Rights (4)
Litigation (4)
Sex Crime (4)
Appeals (3)
Drug Crime (3)
Federal Crime (3)
Expungement (2)
Personal Injury (2)
Child Custody (1)
Child Support (1)
Computer Fraud (1)
Constitutional (1)
Divorce & Separation (1)
Ethics & Professional Responsibility (1)
Family (1)
Speeding & Traffic Ticket (1)
Violent Crime (1)
What Clients Mention
Case Results (64)
Advocacy (62)
Recommendation (31)
Practice Area Knowledge (27)
Professionalism (27)
Character & Conduct (19)
Cost of Services (15)
General Knowledge (13)
Communication Style (12)
Responsiveness (12)
Trustworthiness (12)
Staff & Support (10)
Compassion (6)
Punctuality (4)
Payment Plans (1)
Showing 1 - 5 of 6 reviews | Compassion
Posted by Mary | May 09, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Domestic Violence
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 ...
Posted by Ted | June 01, 2014 | Drug Crime
Tough & Smart; A Real Prize Fighter
I got caught up in a really bad financial situation because of my own illness, and my second child's illness. I have a college degree, was financially secure, until I lost my job and couldn't get work in my field. We were going into foreclosure, I couldn't get work, and I just couldn't bail myself ou...
Posted by anonymous | February 18, 2014 | Criminal Defense
Honest
Last year, I had the privilege of being falsely accused and imprisoned due to a disturbed or disgustingly demented woman and an incompetent detective in San Diego who is better qualified to be serving burgers than the public. Out of several lawyers I spoke to, Ms. Prevost was the only one to thoro...
Mary Prevost
Replied last February 18, 2014I really appreciate this review. I'm glad to know I had a had in getting the DA's office to decline prosecution. And I'm happy to have worked with you and kept you in the loop during this stressful time. I appreciate your faith in me. I know we would have made a good team had charges been filed. But I'm far happier that I was able to assist you both personally and professionally, and ultimately succeed in getting the DA to see the light. God luck to you in all you do. And thank you for the kind words.
Posted by anonymous | March 07, 2013 | Criminal Defense
The Best Lawyer EVER!
I cannot say enough good things about Mary. When we asked an attorney friend for recommendations on a criminal attorney to help our son, several of the attorneys he asked highly recommended her. She is extremely knowledgeable and skillful of the legal system and was able to explain everything to u...
Posted by Ray | May 04, 2010
Mary Prevost is a consummate professional
Ms Prevost is far and away the best attorney I have ever had the pleasure of working with. She is extremely knowledgable and her advice and recommendations are comprehensive, thoroughly researched, based on her extensive experience and instill trust and confidence. She is the epitome of professiona...
Mary Frances Prevost's Lawyer Endorsements
"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."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"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+."
"This lawyer is very professional at all times. I endorse this lawyer."
"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."
"I highly recommend this lawyer he is a true professional"
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mary is a great DUI Lawyer!"
"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."
"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."
"I endorse attorney Mary Prevost. She is hard working, skilled, and dedicated to her clients. A respected member within the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. An extremely talented and well respected attorney in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer. Experienced and highly regarded in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer."
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George Mazmanian
Litigation lawyer
Experience
Professional misconduct
This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2018.
Disbarment issued in CA, 2018
updated on 01/23/2018Disbarment 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 05/23/2017This 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 01/19/2016This sanction means the attorney had a suspension placed on hold (and ultimately removed) by complying with certain requirements.
Honors
2016
San Diego's TOP Criminal Defense Lawyer, San Diego FINE Magazine
2015
Selected for Inclusion in Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers Magazine
2014
Top Orange County Criminal Defense Lawyer, Orange County Metro Magazine
2014
Top Orange County Criminal Defense Lawyer, Orange County Metro Magazine
2012
Top San Diego DUI Attorney, San Diego Metro Magazine
2012
Top San Diego Criminal Defense Attorney, San Diego Metro Magazine
2011
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
2010
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
2009
Top San Diego Criminal Defense Lawyer, "Our City, San Diego" magazine
2009
Masters of DUI, Florida Bar
2008
Semi-Finalist: San Diego's Top Attorneys, San Diego Daily Transcript
2004
Semi-finalisr, San Diego's Top Attorneys, San Diego Daily Transcript
2004
Masters of DUI, Florida Bar
2002
CLE Instructor, State Bar of California
2002
Instructor, Thomas Jefferson School of Law CLE Seminars
2002
Sustaining Member, National College for DUI Defense
1992
Life Member, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
N/A
News Analyst, Court Tv
Work Experience
1992 - Present
Principal, Law Offices of Mary Prevost
1992 - 1992
Attorney, San Diego Office of the Public Defender
Associations
2014 - Present
DUI Defense Lawyer's AssociationFounding Member
2011 - Present
National Police Accountability ProjectMember
2011 - Present
National Lawyer's GuildMember
2009 - Present
Masters of DUI
2006 - Present
American Association for JusticeMember
1998 - Present
California Attorneys for Criminal Justice
1992 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersLife Member
California DUI Lawyers Association
Member
Consumer Attorneys of California
San Diego Bar Association
Member
American Association for Justice
Member
American Civil Liberties Union
Member
California First Amendment Coalition
Member
California Public Defenders Association
Member
Consumer Attorneys of San Diego
Member
National College of DUI Defense
Sustaining Member
1997 - 2004
San Diego Criminal Defense Bar AssociationBoard of Directors
Sample of Legal Cases
Lumb v. BorderPatrol
Pending
Mouwakeh v. County of San Diego
Pending
Mouwakeh v. County of San Diego
Pending
Devermont v. City of Santa Monica
$70,000
People v. Bana M.
All Charges Dismissed on Day of Trial
Jane Roe v. City of San Diego
$795,000 settlement
People v. D.C.
1 Case dismissed, client pleaded to lesser of a wet reckless.
People v. J.C.
Misdemeanor DUI w/INjury, and five days in jail. Felony dismissed.
People v. C.H.
After 2 jury trials, and 2 hung juries, court dismissed the case
Devermont v. City of Santa Monica
Settlement pending
People v. Steven D.
"Wet Reckless" misdemeanor, no time.
People v. J.E.
All Charges Dismissed
White v. County of Orange
$259,400 verdict for plaintiff plus $83,000 punitive damages
People v. Ryan S.
Hung Jury-Rape charges dismissed
People v. Nadine Hays
Grandmother Assaulted by TSA Agent Wins in Court
Adam F. v. Broxterman
$10,000 settlement against SDPD officer
People v. R.H.
Not Guilty in Trial
People v. C.F.
Hung Jury-Case Dismissed
Morales v. Chula Vista Police Department
$400,000 settlement
Volpe v. Superior Court
Court of Appeal Win for Plaintiff
People v. Cecil H.
Hung Jury-Case Dismissed (two trials)
People v. John B.
Client won his DUI case in trial
United States v. Joya-Joya
Two-Ton Cocaine Case Won at Trial
"Mr. Checkpoint" Sues Santa Monica Bully Cop
Pending
Education
1991
California Western School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1983
George Washington University
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2014
California Association of Certified Interpreters
Handling the High profile Case
2012
National Public Radio
First Amendment Rights in Public Places
2011
Whittier Bar Association
Using the Press in Criminal Defense
2011
Law Talk
"Using the Media in Your Defense: The TSA Applesauce Shakedown Case"
2009
Florida State Bar Convention-Masters of DUI
Master of DUI
2009
CPDA Annual Two-Day DUI Conference
DUI Defense
2009
"Rules of The Road"
DUI Defense
2008
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
2004
Masters of DUI
Masters of DUI
2004
CPDA Annual Criminal Defense Seminar
Discovery
2002
Minnesota Criminal Defense Annual DUI Seminar
Attacking Blood Draws in DUI Cases
2001
Annual DUI Defense Seminar
DUI Defense
2000
Annual DUI Defense Seminar
DUI Defense
1999
Annual DUI Defense Seminar
DUI Defense
1997
Annual DUI Defense Seminar
DUI Defense
Publications
2014
FINE magazine
Hiring a Criminal Defense Lawyer
2013
California Criminal Lawyer Blog
How To Avoid A DUI
2013
California Criminal Lawyer Blog
San Diego Sexual Politics
2012
California Criminal Lawyer Blog
Canada Relaxes Restrictions on Entering with a DUI
2010
OC Metro Magazine
Orange County's TOP DUI Lawyers
2008
California Drunk Driving Law
Contributing Editor
2007
North County Bar Association Magazine
Police Misconduct Motions
2007
North County Lawyer Magazine
Pitchess Motions
N/A
San Diego Union Tribune
"A Time to Die?"
N/A
North County Bar Association Magazine
ACLU Challenges "Police Officer Exception" to Litigation Privilege
N/A
Consumer Attorneys of San Diego Magazine
Drawing Blood by Unlicensed Phlebotomists in DUI Cases
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
I have been charged with PC459 17B4. I understand the 459 part but what does the 17b4 indicate?
18 Apr 2015
Q&A
Low retainer ($500-$1000) For DUI lawyer in with great success rate for 2nd DUI offence in. I was cited in Brea, CA.
04 Apr 2015
Q&A
I had a DUI case dismissed before trial, yet today find out it is showing on my DMV report. How can I have that record removed?
06 Mar 2015
Legal Guides
Legal Guide
BEWARE LADIES! A DIET COCKTAIL CAN GET YOU DRUNK!
08 Jul 2010
Legal Guide
A DUI CAN PREVENT YOU FROM ENTERING CANADA!
05 Jul 2010
Legal Guide
HOW TO AVOID A DUI
12 Apr 2009