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 | Cost of Services

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 Maya | July 10, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

April Gilbert is an experienced, expert, and caring criminal defense attorney who greatly exceeded my expectations.

April is an outstanding attorney and a wonderfully compassionate person. She guided me through resolution of a long-dated, incomplete probation agreement with a remarkable and unique strategy. Everything we planned to achieved, we did and April even got the outstanding fees waived at our one and onl...y court appearance. I couldn’t have done it without her. And I’m truly grateful for her professionalism and kindness.

Posted by Carlos | December 06, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Unbelievable Attorney

I’ve had many attorneys in my life and she’s by far the best I’ve had. Very knowledgeable and easy to work with. Was always there when I needed her. She 100% got me way better results than I could ever have expected! I highly recommend her to defend anyone that needs a defense lawyer. I’ve paid much ...more for other attorneys and they didn’t produce the results she did and didn’t treat with the respect and care than she did. I would give her more than 5 stars if I could. Much respect and love towards her. Carlos B

Posted by Joshua | November 28, 2023 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

Best Attorney in the State for Drug / Alcohol related offenses

In Feb I was charged with a 2nd DUID and possession of a controlled substance. I initially hired an attorney that was telling me I needed to go to a treatment program like Salvation Army, even though I had already been to treatment and was clean and sober, and I should plan on at least 90 days of jai...l, plus more treatment and repeat offender classes. My treatment center told me to fire the attorney and hire April Gilbert because she knew the courts, knew the law, and fights hard for those who are in recovery trying to better themselves. We got to court and right out of the gate the DA was demanding a higher bond, 90 days in jail, and so much more. April, knowing that I was just out of treatment, 4 months clean and sober at the time, going to meetings knew that this wasn't the right sentence for me and asked for an emergency meeting in the judges chamber. She came back out with an entirely different deal. No bond while waiting for sentencing, 60 days on house arrest through a private company, no treatment, and a fine that was roughly $1000 less, no mandatory driving privilege suspension, and the normal DUI 18 month offender program. This deal came straight from the judge and right over the DAs head. I'm for ever thankful to her and her guidance. She saved me jail time, fees, and my license. Without her none of this would have been possible. Her reviews are five star because she is five star attorney no doubt, up front, honest, and hard working for the start. She is worth it!

Posted by anonymous | June 01, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Amazing!!! Exceptional Attorney.

Retained April to terminate probation early due some family court issues, and ran into some problems along the way due to my sentencing. April honored our original agreement and fee, did double the work on my case for not a penny more. She's available and when she wasn't, she responded quickly. I ...can not praise her enough. If you want someone to go above and beyond for you... April is it!!! Highly highly recommend her if you want someone exceptional. Thank you April. You are awesome.

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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