April S Gilbert

April S Gilbert

also known as April Zwirn

5.0
Rating: 8.4

Licensed for 31 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Tustin, CA
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense

17581 Irvine Boulevard, Suite 108, Tustin, CA

About April

Biography

Practice Areas

1

Practice Area

Criminal Defense 100%

Criminal Defense Practice with emphasis on DUI, Drug Charges/Substance Abuse, Treatment, Recovery, Collaborative Courts, and Expungements. Experience defending against serious & violent felonies, thefts, domestic violence, and child abuse charges.

31 years | 65,500 cases

100%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 45 minutes

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in California for 31 years

State: California

Acquired: 1994

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Law Office of April Gilbert

17581 Irvine Boulevard, Suite 108, Tustin, CA, 92780

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April S Gilbert's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

91 Client Reviews

Showing 1 - 5 of 7 reviews | Expungement

Posted by Chris | November 04, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Expungement

April Gilbert helped me get my life back.

I am leaving this review to convey my utmost appreciation for what April has helped me accomplish. I am on the other side of dealing with addiction and the criminal fallout it led to and have been attempting to expunge my records for ~2 years. My circumstances were particularly complicated and as a r...esult I have run into many issues with attempting to expunge my record despite living above board for almost a decade since my last arrest. I have also experienced pushback by attorneys who essentially conveyed that expungements are not worth their time because they are an involved process and can’t be billed much, but April was an incredible exception. I was referred to April by Dr. Stephanie Herring and I can’t recommend her services enough. She took the time to understand my complex circumstances and worked with me to build a case that finally got my entire record expunged and helped me close this chapter of my life. Unfortunately it is my experience that most people involved with the criminal justice system aren’t enthusiastic or even interested in genuinely helping people, but April Gilbert has gone above and beyond to help me continue to rebuild my life back together and I would absolutely recommend her services to anyone!

Posted by Maritza | February 17, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Expungement

Excellent attorney!

I had never needed to seek an attorney or been in a legal situation where I needed legal counsel, but I was very fortunate to have April represent me in my legal case. She was there for me when I needed to report to court, was quick with updates about my case, and when my case was dismissed with no... conviction, she was able to file a motion to seal any records. I am very grateful for her support as I navigated this whole scary, legal ordeal. A year later, I have a peace of mind knowing that the motion she filed was successfully granted by court and my clean record remains intact, which was rightfully deserved since there was no conviction and my case was completely dismissed. Thank you April for successfully representing me!

Posted by anonymous | October 18, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Expungement

Unbelievably efficient and committed

I contacted April on a Friday, regarding a case for which I had a felony arrest warrant. She told me that she would head to the courthouse on Monday to get the warrant recalled, and then we would proceed from there. By late Monday morning she had already appeared on my behalf, recalled the warrant a...nd negotiated down to a simple misdemeanor. After discussing with me briefly, she went back and convinced the DA to dismiss the case entirely! She had spent hours over the weekend studying my previous cases and the current one, and went above and beyond by getting the other cases I was currently on probation for back in order so that I could proceed with overdue DUI classes and move forward with my life. She was consistently communicative and supportive, and even offered to assist me with getting my record expunged once I'm off probation. I'm still amazed at how quickly she was able to produce the ideal outcome for me, and the fact that she went even further to sort out prior cases so that I wouldn't have to deal with the out of county trips is just further evidence of her dedication to her clients. I could not be more satisfied or grateful as a client.

Posted by Heather | March 10, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Expungement

Choose April, you won't be dissapointed

April was AMAZING! She not only worked her magic and was able to get my Domestic Violence charge completely dismissed by the DA. But she also was extremely genuine in caring about my well being, as I was facing possible jail time. Because she was so diligent in handling my case, I was able to move o...n with my life with no pending jail time for this case. Words can not begin to explain how grateful I am for April, and her experience. She made me feel comfortable and eased all my stresses about this case from the get go. I highly recommend April for any DUI or Domestic Violence Cases you may be facing. I know she also specializes in expunges.. I will be reaching out to her soon for that service myself.

Posted by anonymous | August 20, 2021 | Expungement

Consultation

My wife and I consulted with April regarding the long term implications associated with a prior conviction which had been expunged. April was knowledgeable, thorough, prompt, and, courteous. We cannot recommend her more highly.

See All Client Reviews

April S Gilbert's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse April
Jennifer Elaine Boukidis headshot
Jennifer Boukidis

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"April is an exceptional attorney. She has a wealth of experience in all types of criminal matters. Not only is she skilled and knowledgeable, but she truly cares about her clients, their well being, their families, and their future. She leaves no stone unturned when it comes to serving her client's best interest. April is well respected by her peers, opposing counsel, and the court. I have worked opposite her as a former prosecutor and work alongside her now as a fellow criminal defense attorney. I know her to be honest, intelligent, hard working and compassionate. April is a talented and caring person and an excellent choice for representation in any criminal matter."

Kristine Koo headshot
Kristine Koo

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"April cares. She is someone who will listen to you, take what you say into consideration, and give thoughtful feedback. She also gives wise counsel and is trustworthy. Whenever I have a question in criminal law - I go to April - because she knows!"

Karren Melinda Kenney headshot
Karren Kenney

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Ms. Gilbert cares about each and every one of her clients and she takes the time to fight for them in order to get the best disposition possible. Ms. Gilbert is also an extrememely effective trial lawyer. I have seen her in trial and was amazed at the connection she has with the jury...jurors love her!"

View All Endorsements
Alan Castillo headshot
Alan Castillo

DUI and DWI lawyer

Kristine Koo headshot
Kristine Koo

Criminal defense lawyer

John F. Christl headshot
John Christl

Criminal defense lawyer

Lisa Ann Kopelman headshot
Lisa Kopelman

Criminal defense lawyer

Karren Melinda Kenney headshot
Karren Kenney

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  8.4 (Excellent)

Honors

1993

American Jurisprudence Award Criminal Procedure, Western State University College of Law

1991

American Jurisprudence Award Civil Procedure, Western State University College of Law

Work Experience

2021 - Present

Criminal Defense Lawyer, Law Office of April Gilbert

1995 - 2021

Deputy Public Defender, Orange County Public Defender's Office (CA)

1993 - 1995

Contributing Editor, Orange County Lawyer Magazine, Orange County Bar Association

1986 - 1992

Legal Assistant, Law Office Of Harley A. Feinstein

Associations

2024 - Present

North Orange County Bar Association

Board of Directors

2018 - Present

North Orange County Bar Association,

Member

1994 - Present

Orange County Bar Association

Member

1996 - 1997

William P. Gray Legion Lex American Inn of Court

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Carjacking and robbery of elders with a deadly weapon

My client was only sentenced to three years in prison (instead of 13), which was the lowest possible term.

See More Legal Cases

Education

1994

Western State University College of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1990

California State University, Long Beach

BA - Bachelor of Arts English Literature

Speaking Engagements

2019

Publications

1994

Orange County Lawyer Magazine The Fourth Amendment is not a Technicality

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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