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Roger Burton Lytel

Criminal defense Attorney at Santa Barbara, CA

4.8   26 reviews

also known as LYTEL & LYTEL, LLP

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  • Licensed for 29 years
    State CA
    Acquired 1993
    Status
    Inactive No misconduct found

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

Simply Superb in every way
anonymous
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired Attorney
Grateful for excellent service and a far better outcome than I was expecting
anonymous
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired Attorney
Read more reviews

About Roger

Learn Roger’s areas of practice.

5
Practice areas
  1. Criminal defense
    30%
    Felony, misdemeanor, minor in possession, etc.

    30 years, 2,800 cases

  2. DUI and DWI
    25%

    30 years, 2,400 cases

  3. Domestic violence
    15%

  4. Sex crime
    10%

  5. Violent crime
    10%

  6. Juvenile law
    8%

  7. Litigation
    1%

    8 years

  8. Personal injury
    1%

    8 years

Roger Lytel has been ranked as Nation's Top 1% Attorneys by The National Association of Distinguished Counsel & is recognized as TOP 100 Criminal Defense Trial Lawyers by the National Trial Lawyers Association.  As an Award Winning Criminal & DUI Defense Attorney, Roger Lytel is also known for his aggressiive & affordable legal defense, which is why he is the recipient of the 2016 Avvo "CLIENTS' CHOICE" Award.

Roger Lytel is a former police officer and has decades of experience as a lawyer. Given his unique background, he knows the legal system inside and out, with the keen ability to spot legal mistakes and identify deficiencies in DA cases. Lytel is aggressive and works tirelessly for his clients with 1,000+ of successful outcomes.  His award winning Partner, Diana Lytel, of Lytel & Lytel, LLP is equally skilled as a seasoned trial lawyer and aggressive client advocate, holding the highest "Preeeminent AV 5.0/5.0" Martindale-Hubbell Rating and has repeatedly been named in the coveted SUPER LAWYER list. 

Roger Lytel has been nominated in the Business Digest for the Best Legal Services in Santa Barbara County and holds the highest AVVO "Superb 10" rating. Additionally, he has been a recognized leader in the community receiving the Mayor's Commendation for "Outstanding Service to the City of Santa Barbara" and has been the recipient of the Governor's Special Commendation.

Roger Lytel will FIGHT for your rights and get results. Call today for a free consultation or email

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photos and videos

Roger Lytel is a top ranked DUI & Criminal Defense Lawyer with 1000's of successes on the Central Coast. You deserve the best!

Photos and videos

Roger Lytel is a top ranked DUI & Criminal Defense Lawyer with 1000's of successes on the Central Coast. You deserve the best!

Contact Roger

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LYTEL & LYTEL, LLP
225 East Carrillo St.
Suite 203
Santa Barbara, CA, 93101-7166
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LYTEL & LYTEL, LLP
1000 Town Center Drive, Suite 300-199
Oxnard, CA, 93036
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Reviews

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4.8 / 5.0
  26 customer reviews
5 Star
 
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Posted by anonymous | March 13, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Simply Superb in every way
Met with a lot of attorneys and he was the best - clearly my case was resolved successfully.
Posted by anonymous | September 27, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Grateful for excellent service and a far better outcome than I was expecting
I am deeply grateful for all of the work that Roger and Diana did for my DV case. They were communicative, clear, encouraging, and more affordable than many of the alternative options. I also appreciated how direct they were with me, and they clearly invested their time and energy into getting even better than the best possible result I originally thought I could have (charges dismissed)! Thanks for everything, Roger and Diana!
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Posted by JB | May 18, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great Legal Team
I can see why Diana & Roger are the best. I was worried about losing my Military career and they not only gave me a Vet discount but worked tirelessly on my behalf (even talking to me superiors) so I can continue to serve! As for the charges against me, they had them sharply reduced and some dismissed all together.
Posted by anonymous | August 26, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Amazing and very intelligent lawyer who helped me with a ludicrous charge
I was charged with reckless driving and manufacturing/sales/possession of a leaded weapon(for having a plastic taser) after they searched my car without consent. These were my first charges and after months of work, was able to have them both dismissed. Hiring Roger gave me peace of mind knowing I was in very talented hands, and his sense of duty is incredible.
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Posted by Steve | June 6, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
The perfect defense lawyer experience
I had an arrest in Santa Barbara that was compounded with a BS charge of resisting arrest too. Roger Lytel got witnesses to sign affidavits, found a video from outside a store that supported my case and identified other factual inconsistencies to get all criminal charges dismissed. He worked very hard, answered all my ongoing concerns over the weeks we worked together and really did an outstanding job. I can’t recommend Roger Lytel enough – his fees were fair, the time he spent on my case was significant and I honestly felt less stress; in fact, my stress was pretty much relieved once I hired him. I selected Roger Lytel from reviewing Avvo criminal defense lawyers. What was suspicious about some of the other competing lawyers with over 100 client reviews is almost all those reviews were from last year during a two month period, which was suspect. Nonetheless, Roger was the only one I found that had the Avvo “Client Choice” award for 2016. That said, I didn’t just go by reviews - I also considered experience, Avvo 10 rating attorneys, types of cases won and types of attorney awards. For example, Roger had the most awards than any of the other attorneys. Regardless, I selected two attorneys to interview and I liked Roger the most and thankfully hired him.
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Posted by matt | June 3, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
No better defense attorney in town
Let's just say that numerous charges filed by DA, cops cooked.their books and made false statements. Roger Lytel annihilated their case, whereupon I leaped with joy about getting a clean slate. A couple charges were very serious and I was sweating it. Go with a winner and don't stress it - Lytel is a badass lawyer.
Posted by anonymous | June 1, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Damn he is good !
Roger Lytel was simply superb in his legal defense of my DUI and conceiled weapon in car charge (hey, forgot it was there). He got the weapon charge dismissed and the DUI knocked down to wet reckless. No jail, reduced fines, reduced alcohol classes, etc. He spent mucho time with me to get all his defense ducks in a row. Thanks so much Roger!
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Posted by Jaimie | May 28, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Unbelievable positive result
Mr. Lytel was a,seasoned professional from the time he answered the phone to when he concluded my case with most chat largest dismissed and one reduced to a mere infraction (which is like only load noise violation). Honestly, I can't thank him enough. It was able uphill battle, but he pulled it off. I am pumped!
Posted by anonymous | May 27, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Blown away with successes
Lytel did an amazing legal defense for felonies / reduced charges, lower fines, no jail time and no felony on my record. I don't always make the best choices, but Lytel was the best I have ever made as my lawyer selection.
Posted by Rob | January 26, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Best Lawyer in SB
Best lawyer ever. Didn't even need evidence. Walked into the courtroom and told those dumb ass prosecutors and judges what was up. We beat the charge and got beers after.
Posted by anonymous | December 27, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent, Aggressive & Fair Costs
Both attorneys with Lytel & Lytel, LLP worked with me and I felt as though I got two for one deal. They spent enormous amount of time advising me on what I need to put together on my side for a strong case (get witness affidavits, work testimonials about my character, etc.) and then used the evidence flaws in the DA case for me to essentially walk. THANK YOU, THANK YOU !! I am so lucky that I asked around and you came up twice as the BEST! I also appreciate my student discount - be sure to ask for that. I knew you guys had all this Super Lawyer and Top 1% stuff going on for awards, but I was surprised how much you emotionally invested in me :)
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Posted by anonymous | August 22, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Best attorney money can buy.
I highly recommend Roger Lytel for any and all of your legal needs. When it comes to legal counsel in Santa Barbara Roger is the best. He is professional and experienced. He handled my case beyond expectations. Roger represented me well at 100%. He provided me the greatest service by my never having to step inside a courtroom once. Roger covers all the details and will walk you through the steps and requirements. If something is not possible he will advise as such. For me the result of my case ended favorably, and all credit goes to Roger. You would be well served to hire Roger as your attorney and hard pressed to find anyone better than Roger in all of Santa Barbara. He is an upstanding attorney with excellent legal ethics. I am grateful for his work and service.
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Posted by Mark | July 22, 2015
Mr. Lytel was my savior
I found Mr. Lytel on edhat lawyer reviews, along with other attorneys I interviewed. I selected him since he was also highly rated when I searched his background on google, I really liked him when we met & he gave me straight talk. He did everything in his power to help my case and that resulted in a misdemeanor vs. the two felonies. He built up a strong case to take to the DA and even switched DAs since the original DA was a hard ass. Lytel was preparing to go to trial, but the new DA worked with us (given Lytel's case presented) and finally offered a 'no felony' option. Thank God. His prices are fair and he works very hard for his money.
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Posted by anonymous | July 9, 2015
Way to get it done Mr. Lytel - You are awesome
Roger Lytel is hard charging, thorough and fairly priced. The DUI and other charges were removed from my record for a number of reasons, which including him challenging procedures, re-testing, probable cause, etc.
Posted by anonymous | July 3, 2015
Hands on, thorough and smart
He aggressively handled the case which took about 3 office meetings and 3 court appearances. Lytel is amazing and I felt comforted by his savvy legal representation.
Posted by anonymous | April 15, 2015
Fair price for a lot of work and a big win
Lytel thoroughly examined the evidence and worked up a compelling case - video, audio, witnesses, reports, expert views, identified inconsistencies by police, etc. - all of which got my case dismissed. The cops were liars and Lytel got the District Attorney to at least come to the conclusion that many of the allegations were inconsistent with the evidence. He also had showed a deceptive pattern by police that suggested the arresting officers were impeachable.
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Posted by anonymous | April 10, 2015
Lytel is professional, caring and saved my butt
He had the whole case thrown out due to unlawful search and conduct by police. He could have just said take this lower change, but he charges forward all the way to the court and kicked butt! He saved my career.
Posted by Paul | October 5, 2013
Roger Lytel Delivers
I received a 'Drunk and Disorderly' citation, along with a court date. I called Roger Lytel. Great move. Roger answered the phone the first time I called. He immediately went to work by asking me the right questions. It was quickly clear to me I was dealing with a real professional who knew both Santa Barbara and it's legal system well. He told me not to worry, and a few days later I was informed that all charges had been dismissed. I highly recommend the law office of Roger Lytel for anyone facing charges like I was, who wants an attorney who is agressive and extremely competent. Roger delivered, and gets a five star rating from me.
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Posted by William | December 5, 2012
Recommended
Thanks to Mr. Lytel, I was able to get one of my felony charges dismissed (I had two). I am very grateful for the way things have turned out due to his immense help. Also, his fees were very reasonable. I highly recommend this lawyer.
Posted by George Russell | October 12, 2010
Roger Lytel..........EXCELLENT REPRESENTATION
Mr. Lytel defended me in my 2nd DUI within 7 years, what I could have got compared to what Mr. Lytel bartered for was all the difference. He always took my calls and punctually returned them. Very personable which to me is everything when you have an attorney that has to go before a Judge and DA in your behalf. I hope I don't need an attorney again but Mr. Lytel is the only one for me. On another note, even his Secretary is polite and makes sure your message gets to Mr. Lytel.
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Cost

Rates
  • Free Consultation 45 minutes
  • Pro bono 5 %
  • Retainer Sometimes
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Managing Partner
  • LYTEL & LYTEL LLP
  • 1993 - Present
  • Served as Pro Tem Judge
  • Santa Barbara Juvenile Court
  • 2002 - 2003

Education

  • Glendale University College Of Law
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 1977
  • California State University, Long Beach
  • Undergraduate program
  • N/A

Legal Cases

  • People vs Marcus, H
  • reduced to wet reckless
  • 1000's of cases dismissed or with favorable outcome
  • Wins & favorable legal outcomes (1000's)
  • People vs. Maxine, R
  • Dismissed
View all legal cases

Associations

  • California Attorneys for Criminal Justice
  • Member
  • 1998 - Present
  • American Inns of Court
  • Barrister
  • 1998 - Present
  • DARC
  • Former President, Former Chairman
  • 1997 - Present
  • California Deuce Defenders
  • Member
  • 1995 - Present
  • DUI Defense Directory
  • Founding Member
  • 1995 - Present
  • California Public Defenders Association
  • Member
  • 1994 - Present
  • State Bar of California
  • Member
  • 1993 - Present
  • Santa Barbara County Bar Association
  • Member
  • 1993 - Present
  • California Criminal Defense Bar
  • Member
  • 1993 - Present
  • Toastmasters
  • Founder & Former President of Sedona Association
  • 1981 - Present
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English
  • Spanish

Honors and Awards

  • Top 100 Criminal Defense Trial Lawyers
  • National Trial Lawyers Association
  • 2016
  • BV Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2015
  • Nation's Top 1% Attorneys Award
  • The National Association of Distinguished Counsel
  • 2015
  • Lytel & Lytel LLP Selected in Super Lawyers Rising Star
  • Super Lawyers Magazine
  • 2015
  • Highest "Superb Top Attorney" Rating
  • AVVO Attorney Rating Service
  • 2015
  • BV Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2014
  • BV Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2013
  • Clients' Choice Award
  • AVVO Attorney Rating Service
  • 2012
  • BV Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2012
  • BV Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2011
  • BV Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2010
  • Nominated the Best Legal Services in Santa Barbara County
  • Business Digest
  • 2005
  • MAYOR'S COMMENDATION Outstanding Service to Santa Barbara
  • City of Santa Barbara
  • 1988
  • GOVERNOR'S SPECIAL COMMENDATION
  • California State Governer
  • 1974
View all awards

Publications

  • State of California
  • AUTHOR of: Retail Shoplifting Prevention Manual (Author of Text Book)
  • 1974
  • AUTHOR: Hardcopy Authoritative Book for Office of Traffic Safety, State of California
  • AUTHOR: Study of Bicycle / Motor Vehicle Accidents (Author of Text Book)
  • 1973
View all publications

Speaking Engagements

  • Association of Southern California Defense Counsel
  • Lytel Hosting ASCDC's Speaker Seminar "Debunking and Redefining the Plaintiff Reptile Theory"
  • 2015
  • Association of Southern California Defense Counsel
  • Lytel Spearheads Seminar: "The Latest Developments in the New Howell Paradigm for Evaluating Personal Injury Damages"
  • 2014
  • LECTURER: developed a Seminar for the UCSB Student Body
  • LECTURER: Student Legal Rights
  • 2008
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (8)
Given (10)
Endorse Roger
Gregory Douglas Young headshot
Gregory Young
Criminal defense Attorney | Jun 09
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Outstanding attorney."
Dennis Gene Merenbach headshot
Dennis Merenbach
Criminal defense Attorney | May 28
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse this lawyer. Roger Lytel is a very capable, experienced and ethical attorney."
Carolyn Ann Diacos headshot
Carolyn Diacos
Criminal defense Attorney | Mar 17
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Roger is a reputable attorney in the area with decades of experience in criminal law."
Paul B. Tyler headshot
Paul Tyler
Criminal defense Attorney | Mar 30
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse this lawyer. Roger is a very capable and honest criminal defense attorney in Santa Barbara and he has my highest recommendation."
Nancy Barbara Duffy headshot
Nancy Duffy
Criminal defense Attorney | Oct 03
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"Reliable, Trustworthy, Honest, Reasonable Rates; I have referred clients to Mr. Lytel for criminal defense"
Lois Sharon Laughlin headshot
Lois Laughlin
Business Attorney | Oct 01
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"Roger Lytel is able to serve his clients in an extraordinary manner due to his deep ties to the community and the respect he commands from prosecutors and judges. It is remarkable that he is able to obtain such a high success rate on cases. Roger Lytel has helped me on several occasions resolve on what first felt like an intractable problem."
William Ernest Poulis headshot
William Poulis
Criminal defense Attorney | Sep 24
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Attorney Roger Lytel is an aggressive, savvy and results-oriented attorney with an outstanding reputation. I have worked on cases with him, observed him in court and seen him work magic for his clients. He has a focused practice in criminal defense with a hard charging approach to solving his clients' legal problems."
Diana Pugh Lytel headshot
Diana Lytel
Criminal defense Attorney | Jun 22
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Roger has a superb reputation in our community, with seasoned experience and a long list of successes. He works tirelessly for his clients."
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Marius Segal-Gebski headshot
Marius Segal-Gebski
Business
Barton Craig Merrill headshot
Barton Merrill
Construction and development
Charter Claiborne Hughes headshot
Charter Hughes
Unknown
Douglas Russell Hayes headshot
Douglas Hayes
Unknown
Glenn Alan Dorfman headshot
Glenn Dorfman
Unknown
Darryl Wayne Genis headshot
Darryl Genis
DUI and DWI
Dennis Gene Merenbach headshot
Dennis Merenbach
Criminal defense
Carolyn Ann Diacos headshot
Carolyn Diacos
Divorce and separation
Paul B. Tyler headshot
Paul Tyler
Criminal defense
Erich Ernst Fock headshot
Erich Fock
Business
Santa Barbara Criminal defense Lawyer Roger Burton Lytel
Roger Burton Lytel
Criminal defense Attorney
Santa Barbara, CA
Free Consultation
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