William C. Makler

As someone who is inexperienced and not knowledge of legal proceedings, I just wanted to give a call to confirm what had happened — which very pleasantly shocked me. After confirming what had been received (still in a state of disbelief), I had intended to provide my sincerest thanks through the phone call (which I thought would be more personal than a message). When I received the news, I literally screamed "wait, is this real"? I had no doubt in my mind that the legal team at your Law Offices is the TOP Santa Barbara DUI Attorney, not just for securing this complete win, but by the professionalism and compassion that you and the legal team has demonstrated as I waited for the bench trial. I recall calling your office a few times leading up to the trial with anxiety-filled questions/uncertainties about my case and of my future. And I do recall the excellent support that Maria, Maureen, and you have provided in (1) providing in-depth information regarding my case, despite questions that may seem simple (2) providing empathy and reassurance in the presence of my stress and anxiety (3) overall professionalism that left me feeling secure and optimistic. This is in contrast to other SB attorneys I've spoken to for intaking my case; they made me feel dismissed and unimportant. So, thank you and all of your legal team for the unrivaled assistance provided. I am still in awe of what had transpired. Words truly cannot express how grateful I am. Thank you once again. Verdict: Acquitted

Mr. Makler is an extremely knowledgable and experienced attorney. He cares about his clients. He always made a point to respond to me very promptly, as did his team. Mr. Makler knows the ins and outs of the local judicial system given his vast experience in the area. From the beginning, Bill said that he doesn't plan on settling for a quick outcome. He said that he is going to take as long as he needs in order to ensure the best outcome for my case. Saved my life with the best possible outcome and I'm forever grateful. Additionally, his team, Maureen and Maria, spent a great deal explaining things to me with lots of patience and providing me with updates. They were very supportive and caring throughout the process. Can't go wrong with this choice when deciding on choosing your attorney in Santa Barbara. Him and his team are the best.

I contacted Bill, as attorney William Makler goes by, regarding a very peculiar case which I was very troubled with. After speaking with over 10 lawyers in the Santa Barbara area I chose Bill, as his plan to resolve my case seemed strongest, and he was the most professional of all the attorneys. He was prompt, kind, and courteous in all of his responses and made himself always accessible. I had never been through a criminal proceeding, however Bill and his excellent team eased my concerns as each court event resulted in better results and more good news. The public defender I was originally offered before seeking an attorney made my only outcomes seem grim with no chance of dismissal. The other attorneys I sought had strategies which did not seem to guarantee as favorable of an outcome as Bill had highlighted for me in our initial consultation. They also were not as professional and most of them asked for rates much higher than what Bill quoted me at. After many months and court dates, which Bill attended on my behalf without me needing to be present, my case was dismissed 9 months earlier than what it was set it to be. I couldn't have expected for a better result. Bill and his team were sincere, hardworking, and helpful all the way from the start to the end. Thanks Bill and team, you have helped me immensely and I hope for continued success. To anyone questioning whether they should choose Bill as their attorney, he is without a doubt the best criminal defense attorney in the Santa Barbara area, and you will have no doubt seeing he is the best lawyer for your case.

I had a very bad DV case, which was reported by the police as a felony. I was very desperate because I was new to the US and I didn't have a clue about the laws and the procedures. So the only thing I did, I went on Avvo, reviewed the rankings and reviews and I came across Bill name, as the best one in Santa Barbara. To talk honestly, Bill saved my carrier, reputation, immigration status, and future. He was calm and supportive during the long process of my case, which took more than a year to be dismissed. He stayed steady, positive, affirmative. I highly recommend him to anyone who has no hope and despair of their case. Through the long process of my case, at some points, I felt that I was losing my faith in him, but his confidence, professionalism, and knowledge won in the end. So put your entire trust in him and win your case.

I was recently arrested for drunk in public, and rightfully so since there is very little I remember of the day. With my reputation at stake and potential loss of freedom I quickly began the search for a good attorney. I selected William C. Makler. Within a day of speaking with him he was able to get my charges dropped. The stress relief in itself was worth every penny. His fees were fair and he gave me a discount because I was a veteran. He clearly knows the law, knows his way around the legal system in Santa Barbara, and has a great deal of experience. It was easy working with him and his office staff and they did everything they said they would do. No question that I made the right choice and I would recommend him to my friends, but I hope I never have to.

Highly recommend! Bill helped me through a DUI case and was ultimately able to get it dismissed. Throughout the process he explained the ongoings and potential outcomes in plain language, made smart decisions on how to proceed and helped me make decisions as to my options when necessary. He is also clearly well connected in the SB area, knows the ins and outs of the city’s legal system and many of the people involved. His team was very helpful and responsive as well. Overall felt like I was in good hands every step of the way!

We would recommend William Makler and his staff(Maureen and Maria) for the highest rating possible...They were professional...informed and sensitive to our specific needs. Bill was available...timely and honest from day one. We received an excellent result...

William Makler is as professional as they come. He worked tirelessly in an hasty manner to dismiss a case that was pending against me. Highly recommend

Very professional and understanding. William C Makler helped us get through an embarrassing situation and helped minimize the penalties that could have been. Highly recommended. Thank you for your time and expertise.

I was pulled over for having 10 mph over-speed in SB, and the officer asked me if I drank any alcohol. I honestly response that I had drunk alcohol but not more than DMV limitation and accepted to give a breath test as I thought my breath test would be fine, but it showed 0.07, 0.08%, and the police officer charged me for DUI. William was outstanding in handling my case, and my case was dismissed for both DMV and DA. He was very clear and upfront about everything, and I am beyond grateful for the result of the case. Thanks to the hardworking staff at the Law Offices of William C. Makler.

Mr. Makler is FANTASTIC. His staff is wonderful. When I initially called his office to inquire about pricing the young lady who answered my call was super helpful and even put me on hold to immediately call the DA to find out what was going on with my potential case. She updated me on the spot before I even contracted their services. From there my experience with this law office only got better and better! Mr. Makler was responsive, compassionate, and effective. I came to his office feeling uncertain and alone. He spoke up for me and went to work defending me when I felt alone and afraid. He effectively advocated for me and got the DA to decline to pursue any charges against me. I am thankful for his great work. You should hire him!

I called Bill Makler after deciding to resolve an outstanding issue I’d had hanging over me for the last 10 years. He personally got back to me to immediately and throughout dealing with him he was always consistent and in touch...never lagged or gave me an incomprehensible run around. He achieved results that were better than I’d anticipated and better than he himself speculated might be possible. The last thing you want is a lawyer that promises big things and fails to deliver, and with Bill he never painted a rosier picture than what actually was the reality. When you’re calling a lawyer you’re usually in vulnerable position and you need someone who instills confidence without blowing smoke. Hiring the wrong guy can have a big impact on your life...you can hire Bill Makler and feel assured knowing your case will get the attention it deserves ,even if it’s something that might seem trivial to someone else, he’ll make you feel like it’s as important to him as it is you. I couldn’t have been more pleased with my experience with him.

Bill was the third lawyer I consulted with and I knew immediately that he was the right lawyer to defend my case. Bill is empathetic and professional. He did not sugar coat my options and was patient as I asked many questions. He was willing to think outside of the box and we ended up with a great outcome. I cannot thank Bill enough for his defense and highly recommend him.

I found myself in federal court on a very minor charge with a prosecutor that wanted to hard line me and my friends into a criminal misdemeanor despite having no priors. I searched for lawyers with federal criminal experience and found Bill. I explained to him my situation and that I was bit hard on money. It is evident that he cares about all his clients. He took me on at a more than fair rate and handled the case wonderfully. He was responsive, patient, never too busy for me, and gave very useful, straightforward, and frank advice. None of that pandering, you-like-to-hear kind of stuff. Very blunt but kind and patient. I am lucky to have had him in my corner. I highly, highly recommend him. A professional man through and through. It ended up panning out in our favor in the end somewhat unrelated to his efforts, but having to help guide me and understand the criminal court game (federal, no less) was instrumental. Before ending up with an adequate plea deal, we were gearing up to fight the case, and Bill was incredibly perceptive and straightforward when it came to considering different strategies.

I’m from LA and took a weekend trip to Santa Barbara for my birthday. At the end of the first night I found myself at a local bar and got arrested for public intoxication when the bar closed. It was a huge bummer and embarrassing. I had to go to the Santa Barbara sheriffs station for 12 hours and got a notice to appear 2 months later. I immediately googled Santa Barbara lawyers and I thankfully found William Makler. I called him on a Sunday and thank God he picked up and gave me a free consultation. I ended up hiring him Monday morning and by later that same day he spoke with the DA and got my case rejected/thrown out. I would highly recommend William. Not only did he communicate well with me, he was so proactive and got me the results that I was hoping for. Thanks again