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Moises Aguilar
About Moises
Biography
When people learn that I am a criminal defense attorney, the question that I usually get is: "How can you defend criminals?" My answer to this question has evolved over time. At first, it used to irritate me. With time, I realized that the problem isn't the question, but rather the misunderstanding that underlies it: That being accused of a crime makes you a criminal, or at minimum, a bad person.
I represent people who make mistakes. My job is to protect those people from making more mistakes and also to protect them against the mistakes that the government will inevitably make when prosecuting them. It is my job to hold the government and prosecuting agencies accountable. The Constitution says we are all presumed innocent until proven guilty and that we all enjoy certain important rights. I make sure those rights are respected.
I have successfully represented individuals accused of misdemeanors and felonies, including DUI, drug crimes, sex crimes, theft crimes, domestic violence, and more. Though I practice primarily in Orange County, I have successfully defended individuals in courts all over Southern California. When you come into my law office, what you see is what you get: a young, aggressive attorney who is honest and will work hard to achieve the best possible outcome given your circumstances.
I am usually in court every single day. On days that I am not in court, you will find me in my office – jeans, T-shirt, and Vans – researching and dissecting client cases. I have learned over the years that clients see past the suit and tie; clients look for someone they can relate to on some basic level; someone that can understand and address their issues. That's exactly what I do. Clients like the fact that I am easy to reach. You can reach me 24 hrs a day by cell phone, text, email, fax, facebook, etc.
I am Trojan (yes, I will represent you even if you are a Bruin). I obtained my B.A. from USC and my law degree from Whittier Law School. I passed the bar exam on my first attempt while planning a tour for my rock band and winning a championship with my soccer team. I have two beautiful daughters – Alissa and Melissa. They are natural born musicians – like their father.
Practice Areas
1
Practice Area
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 17 years
State: California
Acquired: 2009
No misconduct found
Location
Moises Aguilar, Esq.
2090 N. Tustin Avenue, Suite 240, Santa Ana, CA, 92705
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Moises Aguilar's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
38 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Case Results (26)
Recommendation (20)
Advocacy (18)
Communication Style (11)
Professionalism (11)
Responsiveness (11)
Trustworthiness (10)
General Knowledge (9)
Practice Area Knowledge (9)
Character & Conduct (7)
Compassion (5)
Cost of Services (5)
Free Consultations (3)
Staff & Support (2)
Punctuality (1)
Showing 1 - 5 of 11 reviews | Communication Style
Posted by Lisa Marie Ortiz | September 23, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Best in Orange County
I have had the pleasure of working with Moises Aguilar and staff for well over a year. Sadly my son was involved in a criminal case matter. As you can imagine as a single parent it was very scary and emotional. I had never been involved in something like this before. I came across Moises and called h...
Posted by Lily | July 07, 2014
Blessing...
Moises was there for my family and I when we were in need of legal advice. His professionalism and knowledge of the law made it easy for us to trust him. His guidance and advice helped us get through this tough situation. The fact that he is bilingual and expressed himself well, in both English an...
Posted by James | April 29, 2013 | Criminal Defense
Excellent Lawyer
I was charged for a crime I did not commit. My reputation was on the line, I called several attorneys all but one required an appointment in their office Mr. Moises Aguilar. He addressed my concerns and answered my questions in great detail right over the phone. By the third phone call I felt I alrea...
Posted by Andrew | December 05, 2012 | Criminal Defense
Expert advice, Legal precision and quality anyone can Trust! Moises is a home run hitting, goal scoring attorney!
After living my life in limbo for over two years, I knew things would not change unless I was being represented by a professional. In this situation, like most I received advice from everyone but a professional and until I did everything in reality was unclear and created irrelevant expectations, and...
Posted by anonymous | October 07, 2012 | Speeding & Traffic Ticket
Pretty good outcome
When I was in need of an attorney to help aid me when i got into trouble regarding my driving record I'm glad i was able to find Moises Aguilar. Out of all the lawyers i had contacted, Moises was the only one who picked up the phone directly the very first time i called. He also set aside time for me...
Moises Aguilar's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer. Moises is well versed in criminal defense and is highly respected by the judges, prosecution and the criminal defense bar. He is an excellent advocate and provides compelling defenses for his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer. Moises Aguilar, Esq. is committed to providing clients with quality representation and dedicated service. He understands this is an overwhelming and unsettling time in your life. You can trust that no rock will be left unturned, and that he will explore all reasonable options to ensure we secure the best possible outcome for your case."
"I refer all my criminal defense cases to Moises - whether it's a former client or a family member. I trust him to take care of the needs of folks who trust me."
"I endorse Moises. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"I have been given nothing but positive feedback from fellow counsel regarding Mr. Aguilar. He has been lauded for his excellence in the field. You know when your competition has nothing but good things to say that it is well earned praise. Highly recommended."
"I've known Mr. Aguilar for years. He is professional, experienced, and highly skilled in criminal defense matters."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Moises is skilled criminal defense attorney. His services are in high demand because his reputation precedes him. He is very dedicated to being a great attorney and its shows."
"Moises is one of my good friends and someone I am proud to recommend if you are seeking a conscientious criminal law attorney. He is not only a good guy, but he has a strong work ethic and he knows his business. We have had several dealings over the past few years, and he and his firm have always impressed and taken care of business. I endorse him as a very professional and ethical attorney."
"I recently worked with Moises on a criminal matter and have since met with him on various occassions in his office to discuss other legal matters. It is quite evident that Moises values his professional relationships with his clients and provides the utmost care and attention to deliver the highest quality results. I endorse Moises Aguilar."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Moises is a dedicated attorney constantly seeking ways to provide quality legal services to his clients. His enthusiasm is contagious, compassion for people admirable. I look forward to working with him on future cases."
"I strongly endorse Mr. Aguilar. He is a very hard worker and I feel confident in referring clients to him and to his partner, Ben Sonnonstine. I have the utmost faith and confidence that he will take care of anyone that he meets and will put his all into any case he handles."
"I have referred several of my immigration clients to Mr. Aguilar. Every one has had a positive experience and was extremely satisfied with Mr. Aguilar's representation of them."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Moises is a skilled criminal defense attorney and asset to the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Attorney Aguilar is an aggressive and dedicated criminal defense attorney."
"I have come to know Mr. Aguilar through a professional organization. I am impressed by his competence, his enthusiasm, and his passion for his work. I would not hesitate to refer a client to him if the occasion arose. I endorse this lawyer's work."
"Moises has worked with our firm on a wide range of matters for several years. He has a great understanding of the law. He can master the details while never forgetting the big picture."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Mr. Aguilar conscientious to the needs of his clients. He is well-versed in the law he practices and is always willing to help his colleagues. Mr. Aguilar is truly an asset to the legal community."
"I am constantly impressed by Mr. Aguilar's competence as an attorney: he is professional in the courtroom, passionate for his client's best interests, and commited to providing the utmost legal resprestation."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Working alongside Moises has allowed me greater insight into both his outstanding work ethic and unparalleled legal mind. Moises provides his/our clients with reasoned advice and a genuine interest in their affairs."
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Experience
Honors
2014
2014 Client's Choice Award, Avvo.com
2013
Top Contributor Award, Avvo.com
2007
Excellence Award - Professional Legal Skills, Computer Assisted Legal Instruction
2006
Excellence Award - Legal Writing, CALI
Work Experience
2009 - Present
Attorney, Aguilar & Sonnonstine, APC
2007 - 2007
Case Assistant, Latham & Watkins, LLP
2007 - 2008
Court Certified Law Clerk, Orange County District Attorney's Office
2007 - 2009
Law Clerk, Berger Harrison, APC
Associations
2014 - Present
National Trial Lawyers AssociationMember
2013 - Present
United States District Court for the Southern District of CaliforniaAdmitted
2009 - Present
Orange County Hispanic Bar AssociationMember
2009 - Present
Orange County Trial Lawyers AssociationMember
2009 - Present
California Public Defenders AssociationAttorney Member
2009 - Present
United States District Court for the Central District of CaliforniaAdmitted
Sample of Legal Cases
People v. UV
Dismissed for denial of speedy trial rights.
People v. CDL
Case Dismissed.
People v. MM
No Jail Time
People v. RFR
180 jail time offer (PD) reduced to 30 days.
People v. BCS
Sex Charges Dismissed
People v. OG
Released from Custody
People v. KW
DUI Case Dismissed.
Education
2008
Whittier Law School
Juris Doctor
2002
University of Southern California
BA - Bachelor of Arts
1998
Santa Ana High School
Speaking Engagements
2013
Nightly News Segment
O.C. Crime Lab Blood Alcohol Analysis Error
2013
National Moot Court Competition
National Moot Court Judge
2013
Gail P Sonnenberg Moot Court Competition
Voir Dire - Batson Challenges
2013
Criminal Justice Core Class
Crime & Punishment
2012
Juvenile Justice
Juvenile Criminal Defense
Publications
2010
AVVO Legal Guides
California DUI Checkpoints: Snatching Victory from the Jaws of Defeat.
2010
AVVO Legal Guides
Anatomy of a DUI Stop: What to do (and not to do) when you get pulled over on suspicion of DUI.
Languages
English
Spanish
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
If I choose jail over probation for a first offense DUI in Orange County, do I still have to complete a first offender's class?
01 Oct 2014
Q&A
Hi, I got stopped at a DUI checkpoint, blew an 0.05. Blood test came back at 0.06. What should I worry about?
31 Jan 2014
Q&A
I was to turn myself in on Friday by 7pm for 10 days 4 driving w/o a license but was turned away because I was late?? Now what
21 Apr 2013
Legal Guides
Legal Guide
California DUI Checkpoints: Snatching Victory from the Jaws of Defeat.
14 Feb 2010
Legal Guide
Anatomy of a DUI Stop: What to do (and not to do) when you get pulled over on suspicion of DUI.
31 Jan 2010
Legal Guide
How to Deal with the "F" Word: A No-Frills Approach to Confronting Foreclosure
08 Nov 2009