Marlin Glenn Stapleton Jr

Marlin Glenn Stapleton Jr

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 42 years

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

17581 Irvine Blvd, Suite 100, Tustin, CA

About Marlin

Biography

Practice Areas

1

Practice Area

Criminal Defense 100%

Mr. Stapleton is one of the preeminent trial lawyers in Orange County. His practice is limited to representing those accused of crimes in both state and federal courts. He has tried numerous death penalty cases, murders, gang cases; you name it! Mr. Stapleton has represented some of the highest profile defendants in the county. He is one of only 10 lawyers approved by the Orange County Superior Court Judges to try death penalty cases for indigent defendants!

42 years | 5,000 cases

100%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in California for 42 years

State: California

Acquired: 1983

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Law Office of Marlin G. Stapleton, Jr.

17581 Irvine Blvd, Suite 100, Tustin, CA, 92780

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Marlin Glenn Stapleton Jr's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

5 Client Reviews

5 star (5)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (0)

Posted by WH | September 3, 2021 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Fantastic attorney with a BIG Heart!

I write this letter of deep appreciation and high recommendation for Marlin Stapleton, Jr.! Not only is Marlin an outstanding criminal defense attorney, but he is also well-respected and admired in the Orange County courts, has a larger-than-life personality, and has an unusually big heart! My so...n is intellectually disabled. As a result of his disability, and the medication he was prescribed, my son got into very serious legal trouble where he could have been put in jail for many years. My son was extremely terrified of going to jail, a place where he clearly didn’t belong and where he would have been targeted and severely abused because of his disability. Marlin has experience with intellectually disabled clients. Marlin has a rare understanding that intellectually disabled persons think and understand differently than what the law and the courts are normally set up to handle. Thankfully, Marlin took my son’s case. Marlin was very clear to us and our son about the difficulty of the situation and how we should deal with it. With Marlin’s big heart, he developed a kind and friendly relationship to our son. Although the legal process took a while, by working with the judge and the DA, Marlin was able to arrange a satisfactory solution that kept our son out of jail. As a result, our son is in a much better place today. He has substantially improved in his outlook and behavior, is on better medications, and has successfully worked through many of his issues. He now has a part-time job, is mentally healthy, and has had no recurring offenses. Without Marlin’s incredible legal skills and big heart, I believe our son would not have survived. We owe a great deal of gratitude to Marlin for his excellent work in support of our son. I strongly and highly recommend Marlin Stapleton as a defense attorney! There is no one better! Thank you, Marlin! Sincerely,

Posted by anonymous | July 13, 2019 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Excellent, Compassionate, and Personable Lawyer

I am thankful and grateful to Mr. Stapleton for representing my special needs adult son who was put on a restraining order by the courts and subject to criminal prosecution and/or placement in an institution. Although, we believed the case had no merits, we were faced with a seemingly insurmountabl...e task of not knowing how to maneuver through the court system and found ourselves seemingly at the mercy of the courts. We considered ourselves more as a bystander without the ability to advocate for our adult child with a permanent disability. Fear began to set in as we thought we might have to accept the outcome of the behind the scenes negotiations between the district attorney, the public defendant, and the judges. Mr. Stapleton stepped in to represent our son at a critical and stressful time. Through his knowledge, adept negotiating skills and actions, the entire case took a different direction very quickly. Our hopes were uplifted as we saw progress in a different and positive direction. His knowledge of the laws, ability to maneuver through the court system and negotiations with the DA's made a profound difference in the outcome. Today all the charges against our disabled son have been dismissed. Mr. Stapleton was a Godsend. He is a compassionate, highly skilled and respected attorney who went out of his way to take on a personal interest in representing our son. Sitting in the courts with our son, it seemed like everyone in the courts and every attorney knows him. It dawned on us that God had sent a special lawyer, Mr. Marlin Stapleton, with his special skills to advocate for our son. How fortunate we were to have one of the best criminal attorneys in Mr. Stapleton to represent our son. For this we are forever grateful!

Posted by Mike | June 8, 2015

Great Outcome from a Great Lawyer

Marlin Stapleton Jr. is a great attorney and one of the finest people I have ever met. The first lawyer we hired was not able to negotiate any favorable results for my son. My son was charged with four felonies (DUI and hit and run) and was facing 4 to 5 years in prison. We were facing a situation th...at appeared completely hopeless and impossible to overcome. We were desperate and sought the services of one of the best high profile attorneys we could find. He was booked full and said the only attorney he recommended for our case was Marlin Stapleton Jr. He said Marlin is highly regarded by fellow attorneys, DA’s, and judges alike. He sure was right about that. During the years Marlin handled our case, we also found out how well known and respected Marlin was with outside agencies as well. The combination of his professionalism, demeanor, and personality gave us hope during that stressful time for our family. We were confident with Marlin and thankful we had found the best attorney there was. Marlin created an action plan that went above and beyond anything we ever expected. He was persistent and compassionate about obtaining a favorable outcome for our son. One of the best qualities Marlin has is his communication style. He always kept us informed and returned our calls within hours. He never kept us waiting. Due to Marlin’s hard work and tenacity, he was able to negotiate getting the most serious felony against our son dropped to a lesser charge. That was the most important part of our case. The final outcome was that our son’s sentence was reduced to 1 year local time along with 5 years of probation. Marlin’s skills and knowledge concerning all aspects of litigation kept our son from having to do time in prison. We still can’t believe how good it all turned out and would highly recommend Marlin without reservation!!

Posted by anonymous | June 2, 2015

ALL CHARGES WERE DROPPED !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mr. Stapleton is a professional, ethical, dedicated attorney. I was so very fortunate to have such a well respected, caring, and brilliant attorney. He is a miracle worker, I will never forget the day he advised me that all 887 charges against me were dropped. He saved my life , he is one in a m...illion, I am forever grateful.

Posted by anonymous | September 23, 2009

Best lawyer

Mr. Stapleton is the finest attorney I have ever met. Every one at the court knew him and held him in the highest regard. Very trustworthy and exstremely ethical. I can not believe the deal he got for me.

See All Client Reviews

Marlin Glenn Stapleton Jr's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Marlin
Douglas MacMillan Borthwick headshot
Douglas Borthwick

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | May 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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

David E Swanson headshot
David Swanson

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Marlin Stapleton is one of the most experienced and capable lawyers in Orange County. I would highly recommend him."

Rudolph Ernst Loewenstein headshot
Rudolph Loewenstein

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 28

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Marlin is a great lawyer. I have been associated with him on multiple cases. He cares about his clients and is always prepared. I recommend him highly to anyone who needs representation."

Edward Ray Flores headshot
Edward Flores

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 26

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Marlin Stapleton is one of the finest criminal trial lawyers that I know. He cares about his clients, he fights for his clients, and he is respected in the community not only for his skilled trial work but also for his terrific results. I couldn't say it any better than this - I would trust him with the future of my own family members."

Kristin Alecia Erickson headshot
Kristin Erickson

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 26

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer. I have worked with Mr. Stapleton on numerous matters, including a death penalty case and several murder cases. He is thoroughly prepared and professional. He is very aggressive and zealously defends his clients, but he is also ethical and honest. He is a truly great advocate and always has the best interest of his clients in mind. I would not hesitate to send a loved one that was in trouble to Mr. Stapleton."

Jeffrey Donald Kent headshot
Jeffrey Kent

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Marlin has tried more cases to verdict than any other lawyer I know. The results he has attained in the murder cases and death penalty cases he has tried are nothing short of incredible. Marlin's courtroom skills, intelligence and experience allow him to continually achieve impressive results for his clients. I highly recommend Marlin."

Gene Edward Dorney headshot
Gene Dorney

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work. Marlin Stapleton is a superior lawyer, highly experienced in complex criminal cases. Very intelligent and knowledgeable, with great legal skills, I strongly endorse him."

View All Endorsements
Ann Ashby Thomson headshot
Ann Thomson

Family lawyer

Scott Daniel Henry headshot
Scott Henry

Criminal defense lawyer

David E Swanson headshot
David Swanson

Criminal defense lawyer

Kristin Alecia Erickson headshot
Kristin Erickson

Criminal defense lawyer

Barney B. Gibbs headshot
Barney Gibbs

Criminal defense lawyer

Edward Ray Flores headshot
Edward Flores

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2011

AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2011

Preeminent Lawyer, Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers

2010

AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2010

Preeminent Lawyer, Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers

2009

AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2009

Preeminent Lawyer, Bar Registry of Preeminent Lawyers

2008

AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2008

Preeminent Lawyer, Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers

2007

AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2007

Preeminent Lawyer, Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers

2006

Preeminent Lawyer, Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers

2006

AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2005

AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2005

Preeminent Lawyer, Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers

2004

Preeminent Lawyer, Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers

2004

AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2003

AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2003

Preeminent Lawyer, Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers

2002

AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2002

Preeminent Lawyer, Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers

Work Experience

2004 - Present

Managing Partner, Law Offices of Marlin G. Stapleton, Jr.

1983 - 2004

Partner, Stapleton & Stapleton

Associations

1983 - Present

State Bar of California

Member

Orange County Bar Association

Member

Newport Harbor Bar Association

Member

Federal Bar Association

Member

Orange County Criminal Defense Bar Association

Member

California Public Defenders Association

Member

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

North Orange County Bar Association

Member

Los Angeles County Bar Association

Member

California Attorneys for Criminal Justice

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

People v. Alex B.

Case Dismissed

People vs. Michael B.

Found Not Guilty by Jury

People vs. Juan M.

Conviction Overturned; New Trial Granted

People vs. Martin C.

Reduced Sentence and Probation

People vs. Felipe V.

Found Not Guilty by Jury

People v. Jonathan P.

Found Not Guilty by Jury

People v. Fernando C.

Case Dismissed pursuant to Defense Motion

People v. Mike M.

Found Not Guilty by Jury

People v. Maria R.

Case Dismissed

People v. Daniel O.

No Charges Filed

See More Legal Cases

Education

1983

Western State University College of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1982

Western State University, Fullerton

BS - Bachelor of Science

1979

Orange Coast College

A.A.

N/A

Fullerton State University

Speaking Engagements

1995

California Association of Hostage Negotiators Legal Issues of Hostage Negotiation

N/A

Orange County Superior Court

Expert Witness on Effective Assistance of Counsel

N/A

Orange County Public Defenders Office

Consultant on Effective Assistance of Counsel

N/A

Los Angeles County Superior Court

Expert Witness on Effective Assistance of Counsel

Publications

Languages

Spanish

Avvo Rating

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  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
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