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Christopher Patrick Welch

Criminal defense Attorney at Ventura, CA

4.8   24 reviews
Message
  • Licensed for 20 years
    State CA
    Acquired 2003
    Status
    Active No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

Experience and Knowledgeable
anonymous
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired Attorney
Wow! He is the best!
Anna
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired Attorney
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About Christopher

Learn Christopher’s areas of practice.

4
Practice areas
  1. Criminal defense
    50%
    Highly experienced defending clients charged with the most serious homicide to the first time misdemeanor, and even traffic citations. I am well known locally as one of the most aggressive attorneys in the county winning whether it comes to litigating a trial, forcing the prosecution to dismiss, or obtaining a great negotiated deal. Make certain your attorneys claims are backed up in reality and that you hire a local attorney. Research your attorney.

    20 years, 5,000 cases

  2. DUI and DWI
    25%
    I was well trained in defending DUI cases and have proven real trial experience. In Ventura County, do not just hire one of the DUI mills, hire a local attorney who has proven experience litigating DUI's to trial. Few attorneys have this experience.

    20 years, 1,000 cases

  3. Domestic violence
    15%
    I have a proven record winning domestic violence cases. These cases often can be stopped before charges are even filed, and even if they are there are built in defenses to make the charges go away. I have won countless very serious domestic violence cases before trial and at trial.

    20 years, 1,000 cases

  4. Juvenile law
    10%
    The juvenile system is much different than adult courts, and I am an attorney who has successfully represented juveniles charged with the most serious of offenses. I know how to handle these cases effectively and minimize the impact of charges on my young clients.

    20 years, 500 cases

Mr. Welch has the experience, local knowledge, aggressiveness and tact to obtain the best result possible for you. The Law Office of Christopher P. Welch handles all criminal felony and misdemeanor cases. Including: DUI/Theft/License Issues/Drug Charges/Sex& Rape Charges/ Gangs/ Homicide.

Mr. Welch is one of the top rated attorneys in the County with a proven record of not-guilty verdicts and cases dismissed. Ask your potential trial attorney, how many actual felony jury trials have they won? Mr. Welch has personally tried over fifty jury trials to verdict with amazing results. This has led Mr. Welch to get hundreds of cases dismissed, and hundreds more the best possible deal in that situation. It is the fortitude, and ability to litigate which is what gets the best possible resolution for your case. The prosecutors know which attorneys will actually fight the case, and which attorneys have the ability to win.

 

 

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Law Office of Christopher P. Welch
674 County Square Drive
Suite 210
Ventura, CA, 93003
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Reviews

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4.8 / 5.0
  24 customer reviews
5 Star
 
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Posted by anonymous | May 11, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Experience and Knowledgeable
Mr. Welch got me a very good result for the cases presented in front of him. He is very knowledgeable. He takes his job very seriously. He will do whatever he can possibly do to get you the best result he can possibly get you. Definitely should at least consult with him, at the very least.
Posted by Anna | August 20, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Wow! He is the best!
All I can say is that I really THANK Chris for all His hard work! I was looking at Prison- YES PRISON! and he helped me get it to a felony in county jail ! And it was HOUSE ARREST for 95%of that time sentenced! I made a mistake and was aware of it- but my family was my priority ! So If ANYONE can help you- it’s him!
Posted by Eric eason | January 30, 2017
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Doug
This review is for Chris Welch he is a wonderful attorney, and he also has a very compassionate heart!! he cares greatly for his clients and is a wonderful attorney!! I remember the day he pitched for me in court and it was amazing!! He is a very kind and caring attorney. He is not just a attorney that just wants to go to court, he truely cares about his clients!!' He is a wonderful and caring attorney. If you are facing any legal trouble's contact Chris he is amazing!!!
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Posted by CIC | July 14, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Went way, way, beyond the call of duty!
Earlier this year I was accused of a misdemeanor. Although the accusation and the charge was merit-less, I could not afford to hire an attorney to mount a full defense. In hopes that I would least be able to plead it down to a lesser charge I hired Chris, based his online reviews. When we first met he told me in his opinion the case was ridiculous and should not have been filed, but I had to let him know that I had limited resources available for a defense. At the first court appearance the DA reduced the charge to an infraction, but Chris insisted that we should go to trial to clear my name. He appeared in court two times and got my case completely dismissed! He did all this extra work on his own initiative. I would have been completely satisfied if he stopped after the DA reduced the charges, but he insisted that it “would bother him” to know that I ended up with a tarnished record by the unfair charge. The remarkable thing is that he was not telling me all this "for money". He never asked me to pay anything extra for all the additional work, essentially preparing and arguing twice in front of the judge for the same fee I paid him just to show up at arraignment. Chris, I cannot express enough my appreciation for what you did! Anyone would be lucky to have you on their side!
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Posted by Sandra | June 6, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great Criminal Lawyer
Mr Welch got all but one of my 5 charges dropped and my sentence reduced. He is very knowledgable. He is a takes his job very serious. If you want an awesome lawyer, Mr Welch is the one you should hire
Response from Christopher Welch June 7, 2016
So glad we beat all of the felony strike offenses at prelim for you. Wish we could have beaten the one misdemeanor, but no jail was the best I could do!
Posted by Paula | May 23, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
One Amazing Attorney
Mr. Welch represented my brother who was looking at a life sentence. I can honestly say that Mr. Welch did everything to assist my brother in his defense. He held family meetings to inform us all of things as they occurred, he made us feel like we were his priority & he never once questioned my brothers innocence. He was VERY through, professional & just an all around amazing attorney. He stuck by us all for 3 years until the dismissal of my brothers charges. I would recommend any & everybody I know that is in need of an excellent attorney to give Mr. Welch a call 1st.
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Response from Christopher Welch May 31, 2016
Such a scary situation to have a innocent client accused of something so horrible. So proud Nicholas stood strong and wouldnt take a plea bargain. There is so much pressure in a case like that to do so. Very proud to stand by Nicholas after 3 years of fighting the case and accepting a full dismissal of all charges.
Posted by Tim | May 20, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
The Best !
" The best lawyers are the ones who are in court all the time " : told me the public D.A. I am not a stupid person and I am very good in my career however, i am not a Lawyer and I will never pretend to be despite what I read on Google to " help my case "... Christopher Welch is what you need in Court. He is the right tool in your tool box to get the job done rite. Christopher P Welch saved me from a DUI . My car was running, keys in the ignition parked across the street from my house bumping a very high powered car audio system ( car running to keep the battery charging. ) Blew a .15, just at the Ventura county limit for a sever conviction. .14 and below is what you need out here.. So I am above the restricted over the top drunk as hell limit. Im sitting in court and I tried to get a public defender, I don't know how the system works but Ill try. The Public D.A. says I make too much and I do not qualify... he hands me Christopher P welchs' card. Hmmm. The good Lawyers are always in court...He was there. He saved me like a God send. Appeared out of no where like an angle on my shoulder and the bottom line is he got the job done ! $4000 later I am a free man with an pen container infraction with no fine. TRUST HIM AND HE WILL HELP YOU . Thanks again Christopher P Welch.
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Posted by Teresa | April 12, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Felony
Mr. Welch made a great first impression. I was charged with a felony assault (my first time ever in legal trouble) and he quickly assured me he could get my case dismissed. Three months later, he did just that. He is always upfront and honest with you, he will work hard to make sure the best possible outcome happens. I don't ever plan on being in legal trouble again but I know he will be my first call if I do.
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Posted by Anthony | March 30, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Top notch Lawyer
I hired Chris to represent my spouse and I never looked back. Very professional and caring about the client. Explains everything that is happening and its effects. Gets the job done with great results. Would recommend highly.
Posted by Jammie Hill | March 9, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Computer engineer
Professional, prompt, knowledgable of the law and prosecution techniques Honest and observant and employed various legal techniques which ultimately led to the successful outcome of the case at hand. Without Chris we would have not prevailed Highly recommended!
Response from Christopher Welch June 7, 2016
This case highlights how much mental health issues effect all of our families on some level. Brain changes effect how our loved ones act out in ways they never typically would. Very glad to help, and beat such a serious charge for her!
Posted by anonymous | December 30, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Verdaderamente el mejor Abogado en casos Criminales del Condado de Ventura!!
El abogado Christopher Welch verdaderamente a ayudado a mi esposo a salir adelate con su caso legal despues de aber sufrido un accidente de carro que casi le quito su vida. Despues del accidente no sabiamos que hacer y gracias a Dios y a su excelente historial de representacion en el condado de Ventura decidimos contratarlo. El abogado Welch Siempre se toma el tiempo para escuchar a las personas y realmente te representa y pelea fuerte en una corte. Sino ubieramos pedido ayuda a tiempo no ubieramos recibido un juicio legal y justo. Porfavor, si estas pasando por problemas legales Fuertes, No busques mas.. Tendras Buenos resultados con Christopher Welch. Realmente es un abogado que te sacara adelante y te aconsejara y te guiara en tu problema. Su personal es muy amable, professional y hablan espanol!
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Posted by Matt | October 23, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
A lawyer who puts his heart into the case
I am a client of Mr. Welch and i dont even know where to begin. I was 20 when i had gotten into some serious trouble and i lost all hope. Mr. Welch never quit and he put his heart into my case. I am 22 now and this case took over 2 years to get taken care of, but he was there every step of the way. He is a very kind, respectful, and straight forward attorney. I highly recommend him to anyone who needs a lawyer to help them out of whatever it may be. I couldnt thank him enough because he went above and beyond to help me in my case.
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Posted by Veronica | September 8, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Highly Recomended!
Mr. Welch represented me in a criminal matter. I was extremely nervous and scared but he walked me thru it from beginning to end and I never had to make a court appearance! He always made himself available to me and I was extremely satisfied with him. Would highly recommend him.
Posted by anonymous | July 24, 2015
He's so good, I hired him twice
Mr. Welch helped me with two separate matters. My first instance with Mr. Welch was through a mail solicitation for speeding violation and no operators license. Mr. Welch assured me he would be able to handle my case and that he did. I went on with my military duties (2005) and a couple of months later Mr. Welch followed up with: CASE DISMISSED. Terrific! My second instance with him was with misdemeanor charges for worthless checks in 2005 that haunted me up until 2015. Since I had such an outstanding experience with Mr. Welch, I decided to give him a call. He knew I was a repeat customer and gave me a very direct response to my problem, with a very reasonable fee. Mr. Welch and his staff were very diligent on my case and as before, CASE DISMISSED. Thank you so much Mr. Welch and your staff. I want to make it very clear, he is very responsive and he will make sure you have all required information regarding your case. Strongly recommended!
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Posted by Alex | June 28, 2015
Highly recomended
It seems like the only thing that all attorneys are interested in these days is how much money can they charge us, I was fortunate to be introduced to Christopher Welch. He not only properly represented me, but was very fair at charging and billing me. I highly recommend him as YOUR defense attorney.
Posted by anonymous | October 15, 2014
Great Attorney
Christopher Welch is the best! I am so glad that he was recommended to me and don't know what I would have done without him. He is a top shelf criminal defense attorney and goes above and beyond for his clients. Chris handled my case in a very professional way and answered all my questions and concerns and kept me reassured at all times. He is very trustworthy and I felt completely comfortable with him at all times during my process which ended very well just like he told me it would. He was always available and concerned with how I was feeling. Chris is a great attorney and a great person. Chris did an excellent job and I highly recommend him to anyone and everyone who needs a criminal defense attorney.
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Posted by Shannon | October 10, 2014
Professioanl, Effective and Personal Attention
Mr. Welch defended me in a manner that was far above the standard of any attorney I have had to deal with. He not only handled my case in a professional way, but also helped answer my questions and concerns in a manner that made me feel he was a friend. He was always available for my concerns and issues and walked me through each issue as if it was his own. He prepared me for anything that would have come my way and eased me and my families concerns in a time we really needed him, not only as a lawyer but as a strength in trying times. I refer Mr. Welch to everyone, he is someone with the professionalism and experience that will win a case for the people who trust in him and his ability to defend them.
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Posted by Mark | May 23, 2014
Exceptional Professionalism and Dedication to Clients!
Mr. Welch is a fantastic criminal defense attorney. In my instance, a firearm was discharged and I was facing several felony, misdemeanor charges, and three years time in federal prison. The entire process was made very easy. He went above and beyond his normal duties and was truly concerned with my well being. Mr. Welch contacted fellow colleagues to assist me with personal issues that I was having in relation to my case. As a member of the Armed Forces I was also facing the chance of losing my security clearance. His loyal dedication, excellent communication, and his genuine demeanor resulted in nearly all charges, except one misdemeanor, to be dropped. The sentence was very minimal and I was able to keep my security clearance. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND Mr. Welch for any and all of your legal needs.
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Posted by Elizabeth | April 20, 2012
Amazing professional
I was in trouble for the first time in my life. At a hearing with my Public Defender, My daughter caught Chris on his way out of court. For the first time in the month since I was arrested, someone seemed to understand my case. And knew exactly how to help me. I met Chris at his office the next day, and over the course of two weeks, He was there day or night with answers and support. I say two weeks, becuase my Public defender had my case for a month, and it only took Chris two weeks to have my case dismissed. I am certian, If I hadn't found Chris I would still be tied up in the courts, or in prison. I would strongly recommend Chris to anyone in my family, or my friends. The man is talented, professional, and trust worthy. Meeting him saved my life. There isn't enough thanks to give him. I will forever be greatful.. Thanks Chris. Elizabeth
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Posted by Bill Harris | March 27, 2012
Best Defense Attorney!!!!!!!!
I normally do not write reviews but Chris Welch is seriously one of the best attorneys I have ever had. I have had two attorneys before and they were horrible. Mr. Welch knew what he was talking about and could deliver results that kept my family and life in place. If it wasn't for him... I would be in prison rather than having my family and work in place. GOD BLESS Mr. Welch
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Cost

Rates
  • Free Consultation 60 minutes
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 9.7 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Trial Attorney, Firm Lead Attorney
  • Law Office of Christopher Welch
  • 2011 - Present
  • Deputy Attorney
  • County of Ventura
  • 2005 - 2011
  • Attorney
  • Law Office of Christohper P. Welch
  • 2003 - 2005
  • Law clerk
  • Apple
  • 2000 - 2002
  • Law Clerk
  • County Of Santa Clara
  • 2000 - 2003
View all work experience

Education

  • Santa Clara Univ SOL
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 2002
  • Univ of California Santa Barbara
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • 1997

Legal Cases

  • People v. Davenport
  • dismissed at trial
  • People v. D. Davis
  • Dismissed at trial
  • People v. Portillo
  • Case dismissed at trial
View all legal cases

Associations

  • United States District Court of Appeals
  • Member
  • 2015 - Present
  • Ventura County Criminal Bar Association
  • Board Member
  • 2006 - Present
  • California Public Defenders Association
  • Member
  • 2005 - Present
  • California Attorneys for Criminal Justice
  • Member
  • 2003 - Present
  • State Bar of California
  • Member
  • 2003 - Present
  • Ventura County Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2003 - Present
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English
  • Spanish

Honors and Awards

  • Peer Review Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2017
  • Public Service Award
  • Santa Clara University School of Law
  • 2002
  • Witkin Award- Professional Responsibility
  • Santa Clara University School of Law
  • 2001

Publications

  • Blog
  • Three Common DUI Mistakes
  • 2015
  • Local Criminal Defense Lawyer Publication
  • Having the heart to win cases
  • 2006
View all publications

Speaking Engagements

  • Bar Association Meeting
  • Defending Gang Cases
  • 2011
  • Ventura County Bar training
  • Defending Domestic Violence Cases
  • 2009

Attorney endorsements

Received (14)
Given (10)
Endorse Christopher
Kenneth Neil Hamilton headshot
Kenneth Hamilton
Criminal defense Attorney | Apr 11
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"If you are charged with a crime in Southern California involving drugs, guns, or gang activity, Chris is lawyer to call. He is not cheap but he is worth every penny of his fee. He's not one of those former disgruntled cops or prosecutors trying to cash in on the fact that they used to arrest people or send them to jail. Chris is 100% defense. I endorse this brilliant, hard hitting lawyer."
Thomas Jay Olsen headshot
Thomas Olsen
Criminal defense Attorney | Mar 25
Relationship: Other
"I endorse this lawyer."
Joshua Erin Newstat headshot
Joshua Newstat
Criminal defense Attorney | Jun 10
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"Mr. Welch is a hard-hitting, top-shelf criminal defense attorney. He has a superior knowledge of the courthouse and the local prosecutors and the District Attorney's office. You cannot do wrong by hiring Mr. Welch."
Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington
Criminal defense Attorney | Jun 04
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse Christopher. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
Pauline Erika Villanueva headshot
Pauline Villanueva
Criminal defense Attorney | May 24
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Chris is an excellent attorney who consistently works hard to obtain the best possible results for his clients. I highly recommend him."
Salman Borhani headshot
Salman Borhani
Criminal defense Attorney | May 21
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse this lawyer. He is an outstanding member of the bar with great knowledge of Ventura court."
Brian H. Nomi headshot
Brian Nomi
Contracts and agreements Attorney | May 20
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse this lawyer. Chris is a strong advocate for his client, and makes himself very familiar with the matter on which he argues. He's friendly and a nice guy too!"
Andrew Scott Mansfield headshot
Andrew Mansfield
Criminal defense Attorney | May 20
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Chris brings years of experience working inside the criminal justice system to a focused practice representing those accused of criminal misconduct. He is effective, energetic, and dedicated. He has a detailed knowledge of the inside process in Ventura County and has personal relationships with attorneys in the DA's office. He understands how the criminal justice system really works and advocates for his clients to achieve outstanding results. You cannot do better for criminal defense in the Ventura region. I highly endorse Chirs Welch."
Sam John Polverino headshot
Sam Polverino
Criminal defense Attorney | May 20
Relationship: Supervised lawyer
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Welch is an excellent attorney with I have worked in the past. He has a depth of experience and can successfully navigate the intricacies of the courthouse. I have. O hesitation referring clients to him. He gets exceptional results"
Peter Sandhu headshot
Peter Sandhu
Criminal defense Attorney | May 20
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Chris has a substantial breadth of both knowledge and experience in criminal law. This coupled with his tenacity to achieve results for his clients, makes him an excellent choice to represent you in any criminal matter, For this reason, I strongly endorse him."
Jarrod Matthew Wilfert headshot
Jarrod Wilfert
Criminal defense Attorney | May 16
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"Mr. Welch is a talented, aggressive attorney who takes on his clients cases as if they were his own. He is tenacious and has the fortitude to take a matter to verdict often times providing his clients with the best results possible on a given matter."
Nicholas Maurice Rosenberg headshot
Nicholas Rosenberg
Criminal defense Attorney | Mar 22
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse Chris Welch as a criminal defense attorney. Drawing on many years of experience with criminal cases, including serious and violent felonies, Chris is a great trial attorney and advocate for his clients."
Russell Lee Baker headshot
Russell Baker
General practice Attorney | May 30
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I strongly endorse Christopher Welch as a knowledgeable, competent and aggressive litigation and trial attorney. I have known Chris for over six years and I have always admired his commitment to his clients and their cases. Chris Welch is a classy attorney and a zealous advocate. Any client would be fortunate to have him as their champion in their legal dispute."
Monty Gill headshot
Monty Gill
Criminal defense Attorney | Apr 03
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Chris is a wonderful human being and an excellent attorney. He is extremely dedicated to his clients and is a true fighter for his client's interests. I strongly endorse him."
View more endorsements
Kenneth Neil Hamilton headshot
Kenneth Hamilton
DUI and DWI
Joshua Erin Newstat headshot
Joshua Newstat
Criminal defense
Salman Borhani headshot
Salman Borhani
Criminal defense
Pauline Erika Villanueva headshot
Pauline Villanueva
Criminal defense
Andrew Scott Mansfield headshot
Andrew Mansfield
Chapter 7 bankruptcy
Chleora Aglipay Franco headshot
Chleora Franco
Criminal defense
Peter Sandhu headshot
Peter Sandhu
Litigation
Jarrod Matthew Wilfert headshot
Jarrod Wilfert
Criminal defense
Timothy James Quinn headshot
Timothy Quinn
Criminal defense
Monty Gill headshot
Monty Gill
General practice
Ventura Criminal defense Lawyer Christopher Patrick Welch
Christopher Patrick Welch
Criminal defense Attorney
Ventura, CA
Licensed for 20 years
Free Consultation
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