Brian Neal Gurwitz

Brian Neal Gurwitz

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 31 years

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

1422 Edinger Avenue, Suite 100, Tustin, CA

About Brian

Biography

Practice Areas

1

Practice Area

Criminal Defense 100%

Formerly a Senior Deputy District Attorney in Orange County, Brian Gurwitz prosecuted several of the highest-profile cases in the County's recent history. Brian also has argued numerous precedent-setting cases in the appellate courts, including the California Supreme Court.

31 years

100%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 60 minutes


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

The Law Office of Brian Gurwitz, APC

1422 Edinger Avenue, Suite 100, Tustin, CA, 92780

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Brian Neal Gurwitz's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

157 Client Reviews

Showing 36 - 40 of 44 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge

Posted by anonymous | May 18, 2011 | Criminal Defense

The best lawyer in orange county

Brian is one of the best criminal lawyer I've meet. From the first day I went to his office he was honest with me. I found Brian's number threw the internet. I had a felony case where if sentenced I could of been locked up for yrs. MR. Brian told me he will do everything possibale for me not to go to... jail. But never promissed me anything. Well he was a man of his word. He did everything in his power so I wount go to jail. I was givin house arrest instead of 2yrs state prison. I am greatful that Mr. Brian was my lawyer. If you ever have a case in Orange County I highly recomend you hire Mr. Brian Gurwits as your lawyer. Best lawyer

Posted by Mark | May 18, 2011 | Criminal Defense

The answer to all of your prayers!!

From the very first time that I met Brian Gurwitz for my initial consultation days before my arraignment, to the successful dismissal of my crminal case, Brian Gurwitz has been THE MAN has been a true angel and a Rock of Gibralter in sheparding me through the criminal court proceedings. Brian Gurwi...tz has truly been the sincerest answer to all of my heartfelt prayers. If you or a loved one are looking for the most trusted, caring, considerate, and extremely loyal criminal defense lawyer that you can possibly find that will steadfastly endeavor to keep or bring your loved one home safely and keep them out of jail, than do yourself a huge favor and call to arrange an initial consultation with Brian Gurwitz. This man has truly been my savior throughout my darkest hour and a true friend for life.

Posted by Chris | March 14, 2011 | Criminal Defense

Excellent Attorney! Great Guy! Friend for Life!

I am very pleased and satisfied that I followed the advice of my trusted friend in getting Mr. Brian Gurwitz to represent me. The first day that I met with Brian, he spent a great deal of time explaining the legal process and going over the details of my case. I had never had to hire a criminal defen...se attorney in my life, and to say I was frightened, would be an understatement. My career, family and life as I knew it, was on the line! Brian wasted no time taking action. He made me feel very confident that he knew how to handle a complex issue like a possible Grand Jury indictment. After spending many hours working with Brian on my case, he was able to get me off without an indictment. I’m afraid of what could have happened if I had hired a less experienced attorney to represent me. You will not be disappointed in Brian Gurwitz. Thank you Brian! CR

Posted by J.B. | February 16, 2011 | Criminal Defense

The Best Attorney I have ever worked with..period

A very close personal friend passed away suddenly, and unfortuantely, her estranged / disfunctional family initiated a full blown criminal investigation focusing on me as the primary suspect. I have never been involved in any criminal investigations, and was extremely nervous even though I had no par...t in her sudden passing. Brian's past experience as a High Profile District Attorney was exactly what I was looking for in a Defense Attorney so I could better understand how the system worked and what the Detectives would need in terms of providing them with information and evidence to reach a fair / impartial and final assesment for the cause of death. Brian was incredibly intuitive and walked me calmly through the process. More importantly, Brian had the resources to retrieve erased video from a video camera that was critical evidence in the case and played a large part in my ultimate exoneration. Brian kept me completely abreast of the progress of the case, which significantly cut down my anxiety. If you are looking for a fair and honest Criminal Attorney, you can't miss with Brian. I hope to God I never need to be represented again, but if I do, Brian will be the first person I call (and yes, believe it or not, he made himself available on evenings and weekends for phone conversations and updates!).

Posted by Bonnie | September 02, 2010 | Criminal Defense

OMG my son could get life in Prison!

If you are on this site looking for a defense lawyer, you can get stopnow and call Brian so that he can get started on what needs to be done. I believe that I waited too long, hoping that the public defender assigned would do their job. That was a huge mistake. After several months of agony, no co...mmunication on the part of the appointed public defender, and the frustration I knew my son was suffering in the justice system--- that too many endure--- finally a miracle happened and Brian Gurwitz took over my son's defense. After I was 100% convinced that my son would be going to prison for 45 years to life, not because of guilt or innocence, but because once a person is in the system, without powerful legal representation---you know the rest---the insanity sets in.. My belief is the system of justice in orange county is that it forces defendants into making the best plea because the exposure is stacked too high and the gamble is too great to risk. You have to have the best legal negotiator on your side. Brian Gurwitz is the best. My son was represented by a warrior. He was able to achieve the best possible results for my son. Yes, a plea was reached but it was what we would call a "reasonable plea" and gives my son the chance for a futre. Without Brian Gurwitz this would not have happened. My gratitude to Brian is eternal and shared by my son and every member of our family. I read all the other reviews before I began this one, so I won't use this space, or your time, to repeat what they all say. Every word written by the others is heartfelt and sincere. However, what is now your darkest hour, Brian Gurwitz can bring in the light. You can trust him. You can trust him because he is a man of Honor. My name is Bonnie and I hope this helps you in your search. I

See All Client Reviews

Brian Neal Gurwitz's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Brian
Michael Laurence Fell headshot
Michael Fell

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Brian is one of the brightest attorneys I have ever had the privilege of knowing. Not only is he committed to staying current on the law, but he has a real passion for the practice of criminal defense and most importantly, a loyalty to his clients. Brian is a real maverick, not afraid to protect the rights of this clients, even if it means standing up to authority with a vengeance. He is a skilled advocate with a wonderful sense of humor. I would highly recommend Mr. Gurwitz to anyone who wants a tough defender with a strong sense of compassion and commitment."

Scott Kenneth Petersen headshot
Scott Petersen

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 28

Relationship: Co-worker

"Brian and I worked together in the Orange County District Attorney's Office. Even as a new prosecutor, Brian quickly developed a reputation as a "lawyer's lawyer." Many lawyers in our office would call Brian to help them with difficult and novel legal issues. As he gained experience, Brian's abilities were called on more and more frequently and in some of the highest-profile cases handled by the Office. Further, Brian was known as a person of uncompromising ethics and the highest integrity. In addition, Brian is personable and well-liked by both his colleagues and opponents. He is an effective, dedicated and hard-working attorney and I would recommend his services without qualification."

Eric Peter Francisconi headshot
Eric Francisconi

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 14

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I've had the pleasure of knowing Brian for many years now, and I am honored to endorse him. He is an excellent criminal attorney, and I refer every criminal case that comes across my path to him. I have seen him do remarkable things to help his clients. If I or a loved one needed a criminal attorney, God forbid, Brian would be whom I would call, without hesitation."

Cameron Jay Talley headshot
Cameron Talley

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"As a former Deputy District Attorney I worked with Brian when he was a fine, ethical, and aggressive prosecutor. I've known him as a defense attorney for many years and he is an equally fine and aggressive defense attorney who is tremendously enthusiastic for the positive outcomes of his clients as well as compassionate. He is a credit to the defense bar."

Brian Glenn Seastrom headshot
Brian Seastrom

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 31

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Brian is an aggressive and skilled trial lawyer and negotiator. As an attorney who has worked with Brian, I can say with certainty that he knows the law, knows the system and knows how to get the very best results for his clients. On many occasions I have brought Brian into a case to assist me because of his exceptional skills. I continue to be impressed by his skills, attentiveness, and results."

Aaron Baxter Fairchild headshot
Aaron Fairchild

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Brian is highly knowledgeable in his field. I would strongly recommend him to any client facing criminal charges. He knows the system inside and out and is well-respected in the community."

Andrew Scott Levine headshot
Andrew Levine

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 02

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Brian Gurwitz, in my humble opinion, is the greatest of all criminal defense attorneys in Orange County. His deep knowledge of the law, intelligence, warmth, and humor make him a pleasure to work with and a powerful ally. His creativity in solving problems for his clients is legendary. I fully endorse Brian Gurwitz."

Alejandro Sebastian Angulo headshot
Alejandro Angulo

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Gurwitz is a smart and creative attorney second to none in his practice."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | May 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Brian. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

Jason Eric Trumpler headshot
Jason Trumpler

Criminal defense lawyer | May 05

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer."

Amanda Jane McLaughlin headshot
Amanda McLaughlin

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Brian achieves excellent results and I would not hesitate to send more referrals to Brian in the future. I absolutely endorse Brian."

Correen Wiley Ferrentino headshot
Correen Ferrentino

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 20

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Mr. Gurwitz is an exceptional attorney who brings a wealth of legal knowledge to his cases combined with a tireless commitment to his clients. His years of experience as a prosecutor gives him a unique understanding of the system many defense lawyers do not possess. This combination is often more than his opponents can handle and he finds a way, either through litigating or strategic negotiation, to achieve the best results for his clients. It is a pleasure to work as co-counsel with him on any matter."

Jordon Peter Steinberg headshot
Jordon Steinberg

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I am very fortunate to have Brian as a referral attorney for all criminal law matters. I exclusively practice family law which, at times, has cross-over issues with criminal defense. Without hesitation, my referrals to Brian always comment about his expertise and efficiency. It is rare to have an attorney whose reputation sets himself apart not only from his peers but the profession itself. Brian's ethics and professionalism sets the standard."

George Fredrick Mueller headshot
George Mueller

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Conscientious, very hardworking and extremely dedicated, it is well-known that Mr. Gurwitz is an excellent trial attorney who is a tremendous asset to the Criminal Defense Bar community. Any person in need who hires this superb attorney will know he or she is in capable hands. For a number of known reasons, I am honored to endorse this fine lawyer."

Richard Wagner headshot
Richard Wagner

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work. Brian Gurwitz has the expertise and personal qualities you need in a criminal defense attorney: respected by judges and law enforcement officials, and absolutely committed to the fearless protection of your rights with both determination and integrity."

Matthew Wayne Kilgo headshot
Matthew Kilgo

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I highly endorse Brian's work. I met Brian when we were both regional counsel to the Recording Industry Association of America: he represented the Western Region, I worked in the Southern. I was immediately struck by his great personality and the eagerness with which he approached his duties as an attorney, and since our first meeting my respect for him and an attorney and friend has only deepened. Throughout our working relationship I continually recognized his intelligence, his work ethic, and his ability to clearly communicate complicated legal issues in an uncomplicated and straightforward manner as his best assets. I have absolutely no reservations about recommending his services to anyone: I would trust him with any legal matter of my own, and will gladly refer to him anyone in his area who needs legal advice or assistance."

Adam Judd Gillman headshot
Adam Gillman

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Brian is an effective lawyer and quality person."

Keith John Bruno headshot
Keith Bruno

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I recently met Brian, but knew him by reputation previously. He is an outstanding lawyer in Southern California and one of the few that i would call upon if I were in trouble."

Eric John Goodman headshot
Eric Goodman

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 09

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Brian is an excellent attorney and I wholeheartedly endorse his work. I have known Brian for years, and therefore can attest to the outstanding client service and lawyering skills he possesses. Brian has extensive and diverse experience as a Deputy District Attorney, Director at the the RIAA, and in private practice. I have sent clients, friends, clients and other lawyers to Brian, all with great success. He's a lawyer's lawyer."

Lewis Robert Rosenblum headshot
Lewis Rosenblum

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I've had the privilege to know Brian Gurwitz for more than 12 years both personally and professionally. I've read the other endorsements posted by those who know him within the legal community and couldn't agree more with the accolades he has received concerning his legal acumen and courtroom abilities. I would however like to mention something else about Brian that I feel is equally important to those in the process of selecting an attorney to defend them in a criminal matter. What is so very special about Brian is that he is a wonderful human being. He is caring, extremely bright and works tirelessly to obtain the best results for his clients. I am able to see how deeply he cares for his clients, how he often he makes himself available to discuss their concerns day and night, and how committed he is to assisting clients both in and out of the courtroom. Anyone with the foresight to select Brian as their legal counsel has made a decision that will benefit them for a lifetime."

View All Endorsements
Thomas William Tuttle headshot
Thomas Tuttle

Family lawyer

Eric Peter Francisconi headshot
Eric Francisconi

Litigation lawyer

Cameron Jay Talley headshot
Cameron Talley

Criminal defense lawyer

Brian Glenn Seastrom headshot
Brian Seastrom

Family lawyer

Aaron Baxter Fairchild headshot
Aaron Fairchild

Business lawyer

Warren Dean Morten headshot
Warren Morten

Business lawyer

Andrew Scott Levine headshot
Andrew Levine

Business lawyer

Alejandro Sebastian Angulo headshot
Alejandro Angulo

Litigation lawyer

Nicolaie Cocis headshot
Nicolaie Cocis

Criminal defense lawyer

Marcelo Adrian Dieguez headshot
Marcelo Dieguez

Employment and labor lawyer

Vincent John LaBarbera Jr headshot
Vincent LaBarbera

Criminal defense lawyer

Amanda Jane McLaughlin headshot
Amanda McLaughlin

Intellectual property lawyer

Travis James Burch headshot
Travis Burch

Litigation lawyer

Correen Wiley Ferrentino headshot
Correen Ferrentino

Venture capital lawyer

Richard Michael Wilner headshot
Richard Wilner

Immigration lawyer

Jordon Peter Steinberg headshot
Jordon Steinberg

Family lawyer

Judith Michael Fouladi headshot
Judith Fouladi

Criminal defense lawyer

Keith John Bruno headshot
Keith Bruno

Criminal defense lawyer

Adam Judd Gillman headshot
Adam Gillman

Real estate lawyer

Jeremy Neil Goldman headshot
Jeremy Goldman

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2015

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine

2012

Top OC Criminal Defense Attorneys, OC Metro Magazine

2011

AV "Preeminent" Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell

2011

Certified Criminal Law Specialist, California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization

2011

Recognized as One of the Top Five Defense Attorneys in OC, OC Metro Magazine

2010

Best Defense Attorney of 2010, OC Weekly's "Best Of OC" Edition

2008

Outstanding Service and Commitment Award, Recording Industry Association of America

2005

2005 Orange County Public Safety Award, Orange County District Attorney and Orange County Sheriff

2005

Pursuit of Justice Award, Association of Deputy District Attorneys

2005

Commendation, California Legislature

2003

Commendation, California Law Revision Commission

1998

Certificate of Completion, Advanced Appellate Advocacy Program, NDAA National Advocacy Center (Columbia, South Carolina)

1994

Moot Court Awards for Brief Writing and Oral Advocacy, McGeorge School of Law

1994

Law degree awarded "With Distinction", McGeorge School of Law

1994

American Jurisprudence Award, Lawyers Cooperative Publishing

1993

Trial Competition Team Award, San Diego Defense Lawyers Association

1990

Student Senator of the Year, Loyola Marymount University

1990

Undergraduate degree awarded "cum laude", Loyola Marymount University

Work Experience

2009 - Present

Owner, The Law Office of Brian Gurwitz, APC

2008 - 2009

Western Regional Counsel, RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America)

2007 - 2008

Litigation Associate, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP

1994 - 2007

Deputy District Attorney, Orange County District Attorney's Office

Associations

2010 - Present

Orange County Bar Foundation

Fellow

2010 - Present

Orange County Jewish Bar Association

Treasurer

2009 - Present

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

2009 - Present

California Attorneys for Criminal Justice

Member

2009 - Present

California Public Defenders Association

Member

2009 - Present

Temple Beth Sholom

Board of Directors

2009 - Present

Orange County Criminal Defense Bar Association

Member

1994 - Present

Orange County Bar Association

Member

2012 - 2012

New York City Bar Association

Judge of National Moot Court Competition

2008 - 2010

California High Technology Crime Committee

Recording Industry's Representative

2002 - 2002

California Law Revision Commission

Sentencing Law Consultant

2000 - 2003

California District Attorneys Association

Member of Publications Committee

2000 - 2006

California District Attorneys Association

Member of Appellate Committee

2000 - 2007

California District Attorneys Association

Member of Legislative Committee

1998 - 2001

Constitutional Rights Foundation

Judge and Coach for Mock Trial Program

1997 - 1999

Whittier Law School

Mock Trial and Moot Court Judge

1997 - 2000

Association of Orange County Deputy District Attorneys - Civic Action Committee

Board Member

1994 - 2007

Orange County Deputy District Attorneys

Member

1994 - 1997

Robert A. Banyard American Inn of Court

Member

1993 - 1994

McGeorge School of Law

Member, Trial Competition Team

1992 - 1993

Pacific Law Journal

Comment Editor

1989 - 1990

Loyola Marymount University

Student Senate

Sample of Legal Cases

People v. Gregory Haidl, et al.

Defendants convicted. (Prosecuted case.)

People v. George Jaramillo

Defendant convicted. (Prosecuted case.)

People v. Alyssa Georgie

Client declared factually innocent

See More Legal Cases

Education

1994

McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific

law

1991

California State University, Sacramento

N/A

1990

Loyola Marymount Univ

undergraduate

Speaking Engagements

2018

Orange County Criminal Defense Bar Association

New Laws for 2018

2014

Orange County Criminal Defense Bar Association

Moderator - Bankruptcy Options for the Criminal Defendant: A Practical Approach

2014

Orange County Criminal Defense Bar Association

Proposition 47: What to Expect and How it Applies

2013

South Orange County Bar Association

Criminal Law Legal Update

2013

Orange County Criminal Defense Bar Association

US Supreme Court Review and Predictions

2013

Orange County Criminal Defense Bar Association

Winning Strategies in Defending Domestic Violence Cases with Parallel Proceedings in the Family Law Courts

2013

North Orange County Bar Association Continuing Education Dinner

McNeely v. Missouri Update

2012

Sicily Continuing Legal Education Seminar

Preserving the Record for Criminal Appeals

2012

Sicily Continuing Legal Education Seminar

Substance Abuse for Lawyers

2011

Several Panel Discussions with Criminal Law Judges and OC Sheriff Dept. Officials

Realignment: California's New Sentencing Law

2010

2009

Whittier Law School Career Event

Careers in Intellectual Property Rights Enforcement

2008

Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Hearing Testimony in Support of Anti-Piracy Legislation

2008

Idaho Prosecuting Attorneys Association Summer Conference

How to Prosecute Music Piracy Cases

2006

California Legislature, Public Safety Committees (Senate and Assembly)

Testimony in Support of Legislation

2006

Association for Criminal Justice Research Perspective of the Prosecutor on Three Strike Reform

2005

Legal Issues in Felony Prosecutions (California District Attorneys Association)

Jury Instructions in Criminal Cases

2004

USC Annenberg Institute for Justice and Journalism Forum: Three Strikes and Mandatory Minimums

2004

The John and Ken Show (KFI 640)

Proposition 66/The Three Strikes Law

2004

The Bill Handel Show (KFI 640)

Proposition 66/The Three Strikes Law

2004

KPCC 89.3 Public Radio Proposition 66 (Three Strikes) Debate

2002

Orange County District Attorney's MCLE Event

Understanding Proposition 36 – California's New Drug Treatment Laws

2001

Orange County Narcotic Officers Association

Proposition 36 - California's New Drug Treatment Law

2001

Do's and Don'ts of Courtroom Testimony

Orange County Sheriff's Department

2001

Discovery Law Seminar (California District Attorneys Association)

The Peace Officers' Bill of Rights

Publications

2007

The Los Angeles Times Resign, Sheriff Carona

2004

California District Attorney's Association - Statewide Legal Guide Recusal Monograph (Editor)

2004

California District Attorney's Association – White Paper Prosecutors' Perspective on California's Three Strikes Law – A 10 Year Retrospective

2001

California District Attorneys Association - Statewide Legal Guide Implementing Proposition 36 - The Substance Abuse and Crime Prevention Act of 2000

Languages

English

Activity

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