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William Carlos Makler

also known as Bill Makler
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Avvo Rating10
  • Santa Barbara, CA
  • Licensed for 22 years
  • Free consultation
William Carlos Makler
William Carlos Makler
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About William

Tons of happy clients. 162 five star reviews says it all. No better reviewed lawyer in SB.

Mr. Makler is the only Santa Barbara lawyer that has been awarded the top rating (A-V) by Martindale-Hubbell (since 2013), 10 out of 10 by avvo (since 2010) and who is also ranked in the Nation's Top 1% by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel. He has also been determined to be in the Top 100 by the National Trial Lawyers. He is a former felony deputy public defender for both Santa Cruz and Santa Barbara Counties.  He also has taught Evidence as a member of the regular faculty of the Santa Barbara College of Law. He has gained more than 20 years of experience working in the state and federal criminal justice systems; including law enforcement. His considerable experience and skillful lawyering brings his clients very satisfying results at a reasonable cost. In addition to his work as a criminal defense, Mr. Makler has brought class action lawsuits as lead class counsel against police agencies resulting in system-wide changes that benefit individuals who were arrested but whose cases were never prosecuted. He remains active in various trade organizations, including an association of Santa Barbara criminal defenders he helped found: Santa Barbara Defenders. Mr. Makler is regularly recommended for hire by other criminal defense lawyers, judges and members of law enforcement.

Practice areas

Criminal defenseDUI and DWI
  1. DUI and DWI: 70%

    Mr. Makler has achieved mastery in every aspect of DUI defense, including pretrial motions, plea negotiations, dmv hearings, trials, writs and appeals. He has one of the largest, if not the largest, DUI defense practices in Santa Barbara.

    23 years, 2,000 cases

  2. Criminal defense: 30%

    Mr. Makler handles all criminal matters; from homicide to traffic tickets and everything in between.

    23 years, 2,000 cases

Languages spoken

Spanish, English

Photos and videos

174757 1392477795

Contact

140 East Figueroa Street
address map

Law Offices of William C. Makler, P.C.

140 East Figueroa Street
Santa Barbara, CA, 93101

Office (805) 892-4922
Fax (805) 880-0400

Website

http://www.sbdefenselawyer.com/

Resume

License
StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
CAActive199609/26/2019
We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
Avvo Contributions
Legal answers363
Legal guides0
Awards
Award nameGrantorDate granted
AV Preeminent RatedMartindale-Hubbell®2019
AV Preeminent RatedMartindale-Hubbell2018
AV Preeminent RatedMartindale-Hubbell2017
AV Preeminent RatedMartindale-Hubbell2016
AV Preeminent RatedMartindale-Hubbell2015
Top One PercentNational Association of Distinguished Counsel2015
AV Preeminent RatedMartindale-Hubbell2014
AV Preeminent RatedMartindale-Hubbell2013
Peer Review RatedMartindale-Hubbell2012
Peer Review RatedMartindale-Hubbell2011
Peer Review RatingMartindale-Hubbell2010
Peer Review RatingMartindale-Hubbell2009
Honors in Trial AdvocacyMcGeorge School of Law1996
Work Experience
TitleCompany nameDuration
AttorneyLaw Offices of William C. Makler2004 - Present
Faculty MemberSanta Barbara College of Law2006 - 2008
Deputy Public DefenderSanta Barbara County Public Defender's Office2001 - 2003
Deputy Public DefenderSanta Cruz Public Defender1997 - 2000
Staff AttorneyFederal Public Defender1996 - 1997
Associations
Association namePosition nameDuration
Santa Barbara DefendersPresident2018 - Present
Better Business BureauAdmitted2006 - Present
National College of DUI DefenseMember2001 - Present
California DUI Lawyers AssociationMember2001 - Present
Santa Barbara County Bar AssociationMember2000 - Present
California Public Defenders AssociationMember1996 - Present
State Bar of CaliforniaMember1996 - Present
California Attorneys for Criminal JusticeMemberN/A
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember2001 - 2007
Publications
Publication nameTitleDate
Santa Barbara Lawyer (blog)So What's the Big Deal?2009
Santa Barbara Lawyer (Blog)Does Parental Notification Violate Privacy?2008
Santa Barbara Lawyer (Blog)Pleading Not Guilty2008
Santa Barbara Lawyer (Blog)NO Canada!2007
Santa Barbara Lawyer BlogCriminal Convictions Reduce Longterm Earnings.2007
Education
School nameDegreeGraduated
McGeorge School of Law, University of the PacificJD - Juris Doctor1996
University of California - San DiegoBA - Bachelor of Arts1991
Speaking Engagements
Conference nameTitleDate
The BasicsCriminal Law Practice Management2017
DUI TrainingDUI2017
Defending DUIDUI2016
DUI DefenseDUI2015
DUIDUI2014
Know Your RightsConstitutional Rights2012
Know Your RightsConstitutional Rights2009
Know Your RightsConstitutional Rights2008
CPDA Basic Trial Skills InstituteTrial Skills2008
DUI DefenseDUI Defense2007
Crash Course in Legal RightsLegal Rights2007
Scientific Evidence in DUI CasesScientific Evidence in DUI Cases2005
DUI DefenseDUI Defense2005
Bench & Bar ConferenceDUI Defense Practice tips2005
Know Your Rights!Know Your Rights2004
Legal cases
Case nameOutcome
People vs. Stephen K.Not guilty
People vs. Carol R.License reinstated.
People vs. Joshua T.Public Intox./Driver’s license reinstated
People v. MurilloNot guilty.
Schmidt v. CHPCHP ordered to issue detention certificates and to update records.
People vs. Ari P.Case dismissed.
City of Santa Barbara vs. Eastside/WestsideNo gang injunction ordered.
People v. Lisa L.DUI charges dismissed.
People v. Jerry W.All charges dismissed.
David P.Felony Strike Stricken
People v. Jose C.Case Dismissed
People v. Robert G.Case Dismissed
People v. Mario C.Not guilty and deadlocked
People v. Mark H.Case Dismissed
People v. Shawn C.Not guilty of assualt on peace officer.
Alberto C.Case Dismissed
People v. Vernon F.Not guilty on all counts
People v. Dragisa L.Child Abduction Charges Dismissed
People v. Bruce S.Not guilty on all counts
Alfredo V.Hung Jury; case dismissed
People v. Patrick S.Case Dismissed/Suspension Set Aside

Reviews

(166)
5 Star
98%
4 Star
2%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Review William Makler

Excellent attorney!

Posted by anonymousThu Jun 24 2010

I wholeheartedly recommend Bill to anyone seeking quality legal counsel in Santa Barbara. He provided me with stellar defense in both my DUI case and my DMV hearing by explaining the complex processes to me plainly and helped me understand systemic delays. He's very familiar with all the local prosecutors and judges. Moreso, he has great instincts; he knows when to be aggressive and press the issue with the DAs Office and when to back off. I can't recommend him enough

The best lawyer ever

Posted by anonymousTue Jul 03 2012

I am a foreigner and a profesional, I was lucky to Have found Bill, he was clear, honest, availale and understanding. He was incredible at explaining the situation as it was without false hope. He guided me and made me make the right decision to have the best outcome possible in my situation. I am grateful and would recommend his services without reservation
See all reviews

Attorney endorsements

(52)
Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

Cristi Michelon Vasquez, Probate Attorney on Feb 4, 2019
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Having known Bill for nearly two decades, I can say that Bill is an honor to our profession. Bill is smart, aggressive when necessary and strategic in his handling of cases. I have referred a number of cases to Bill over the years and I can say that my clients have never been disappointed. Not only has Bill achieved great results for my clients, he has worked, hard, charged a fair fee and considered the long range consequences to the client. This is whole picture approach is imperative to a complete and effective representation. Hire Bill or recommend Bill. You won't be disappointed.

Agavni Tulekyan, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 16, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Meghan Behrens, DUI and DWI Attorney on Aug 1, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I've known Bill for over ten years. He's professional and very knowledgeable in all areas of criminal defense.

George Gigarjian, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 6, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I have known Bill for over twenty years. He is a knowledgeable, experienced, skilled attorney. I highly recommend Bill for any DUI or other criminal matter.

Mark Clay, Immigration Attorney on Aug 22, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I highly endorse Mr. Makler. Very experienced and caring attorney who produces great results in representing clients! I want all people with legal problems to contact him first.

Jonathan Lacour, Employment and labor Attorney on May 7, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

One of the absolute best. Exceptional attention to detail, service next to none. I endorse this lawyer.

Laura Hoskins, Divorce and separation Attorney on Apr 5, 2015
Relationship: Other

Mr. Makler has an impressive background, outstanding client reviews and is a great asset to this forum. I endorse this lawyer.

Timothy Brown, Bankruptcy and debt Attorney on Apr 4, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Lilian Demonteverde-Hoats, Family Attorney on Apr 2, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. He is an excellent attorney and well respected in the field.

Socrates de La Cruz, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 30, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. A great advocate and fights for clients in court.

Vonnie Dones, Litigation Attorney on Mar 29, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer. A brilliant, trustworthy and highly respected attorney in the legal community.

Patrick Kang, Personal injury Attorney on Mar 11, 2015
Relationship: Other

I endorse this lawyer.

Mark Girdner, Criminal defense Attorney on Feb 24, 2015
Relationship: Other

I endorse William. Hard working and aggressive attorney who is dedicated to the success of his clients. Respected by his colleagues within the legal community.

Judd Nemiro

Such a remarkable attorney. I endorse this lawyer.

Dmitry Gorin, Criminal defense Attorney on Feb 8, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse attorney William Makler. He demonstrates an impressive knowledge of the law based on his outstanding legal answers on Avvo. He is skilled, experienced, and dedicated to his profession. A respected member within the legal community.

Douglas Borthwick, Family Attorney on Dec 12, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Dmitriy Shakhnevich, Criminal defense Attorney on Sep 29, 2014
Relationship: Other

I endorse this lawyer.

Richard Geller, Divorce and separation Attorney on Sep 15, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse William. Highly respected in the legal community with a strong reputation for client advocacy and dedication.

Giacomo Behar, Immigration Attorney on Aug 4, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer. A brilliant attorney, highly respected in the legal community.

Brandon Roseman, DUI and DWI Attorney on Aug 2, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

William takes time to assist the general public in answering questions and offers sage advice.

Cost

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    • Free Consultation Some lawyers offer a free consultation to help determine whether their services are right for your legal needs30 minutes

    Avvo Rating

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    Avvo Rating levels

    • 10.0 - 9.0 Superb
    • 8.9 - 8.0 Excellent
    • 7.9 - 7.0 Very Good
    • 6.9 - 6.0 Good
    • 5.9 - 5.0 Average
    • 4.9 - 4.0 Concern
    • 3.9 - 3.0 Caution
    • 2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution
    • 1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution
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