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William C. Makler
also known as Bill Makler
About William
Biography
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 taught Evidence as a member of the regular faculty of the Santa Barbara College of Law. He has more than 30 years of experience working in the state and federal criminal justice systems. 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 lawyer, Mr. Makler brought several 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 bar associations, including an association of Santa Barbara criminal defense attorneys 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
2
Practice Areas
DUI and DWI
70%
30 years | 5,000 cases
Criminal Defense
30%
30 years | 5,000 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 29 years
State: California
Acquired: 1996
No misconduct found
Location
Law Offices of William C. Makler, P.C.
140 East Figueroa Street, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101
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William C. Makler's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 208 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Kyle | December 31, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Look no further…Bill is THE BEST
Bill and his team are exceptional. They are friendly, knowledgeable, and dedicated to getting you the best possible outcome for your case. I am so glad I chose him as representation and I advise you do the same!
Posted by David | November 7, 2025 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
1000⭐️layer
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I was fortunate to speak with attorney William Makler, and I can confidently say he stands out for his honesty, expertise, and genuine care for others. He took time to guide me when he didn’t have to, and that shows true character. If you want a lawyer who combines experience with integri...
Posted by anonymous | August 11, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Highly Recommend
Mr. Makler and his team — Maureen, Maria, and Rachel — are hands down the best legal team in Santa Barbara. They’re diligent and work tirelessly to get you the best possible outcome. Maureen, Maria, and Rachel are always willing to answer questions, explain each step, and keep you calm and informed t...
Posted by anonymous | May 20, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Best Attorney there is
Bill is a life Saver! October 17th, 2024 I was arrested for a DUI and was completely crushed and did not know where my life was heading. Thanks to Bill and him team they got me flawlessly through my senior year maintaining all my driving privileges and was able to graduate college this past weekend. ...
Posted by anonymous | May 2, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Law Offices of William C. Makler
I just wanted to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude to Bill, Maria, and the entire team. I found myself in a really difficult place, facing two very unfortunate situations that were viewed as criminal offenses. It was a confusing and stressful time for me, but with Bill’s guidance through ...
William C. Makler's Lawyer Endorsements
"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."
"I am have referred several clients to Bill Makler for criminal matters in Santa Barbara. It is a unique county that requires knowledge of the local rules and politics, and Bill is a respected and reliable lawyer there."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I've known Bill for over ten years. He's professional and very knowledgeable in all areas of criminal defense."
"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."
"One of the absolute best. Exceptional attention to detail, service next to none. I endorse this lawyer."
"Mr. Makler has an impressive background, outstanding client reviews and is a great asset to this forum. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. He is an excellent attorney and well respected in the field."
"I endorse this lawyer. A great advocate and fights for clients in court."
"I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer. A brilliant, trustworthy and highly respected attorney in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"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."
"Such a remarkable attorney. I endorse this lawyer."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse William. Highly respected in the legal community with a strong reputation for client advocacy and dedication."
"I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer. A brilliant attorney, highly respected in the legal community."
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Experience
Honors
2021
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®
2020
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®
2019
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®
2018
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2017
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2016
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2015
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2015
Top One Percent, National Association of Distinguished Counsel
2014
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2013
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2012
Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2011
Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2010
Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2009
Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
1996
Honors in Trial Advocacy, McGeorge School of Law
Work Experience
2004 - Present
Attorney, Law Offices of William C. Makler
2006 - 2008
Faculty Member, Santa Barbara College of Law
2001 - 2003
Deputy Public Defender, Santa Barbara County Public Defender's Office
1997 - 2000
Deputy Public Defender, Santa Cruz Public Defender
1996 - 1997
Staff Attorney, Federal Public Defender
Associations
2017 - Present
Santa Barbara DefendersPresident
2017 - Present
Santa Barbara DefendersBoard Member, Officer
2006 - Present
Better Business BureauAdmitted
2001 - Present
National College of DUI DefenseMember
2001 - Present
California DUI Lawyers AssociationMember
2000 - Present
Santa Barbara County Bar AssociationMember
1996 - Present
California Public Defenders AssociationMember
1996 - Present
State Bar of CaliforniaMember
California Attorneys for Criminal Justice
Member
2001 - 2007
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
Sample of Legal Cases
People vs. Stephen K.
Not guilty
People vs. Carol R.
License reinstated.
People vs. Joshua T.
Public Intox./Driver’s license reinstated
People v. Murillo
Not guilty.
Schmidt v. CHP
CHP ordered to issue detention certificates and to update records.
People vs. Ari P.
Case dismissed.
City of Santa Barbara vs. Eastside/Westside
No 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
People v. Patrick S.
Case Dismissed/Suspension Set Aside
Alfredo V.
Hung Jury; case dismissed
Education
1996
McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific
JD - Juris Doctor
1991
University of California - San Diego
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2017
The Basics
Criminal Law Practice Management
2017
DUI Training
DUI
2016
Defending DUI
DUI
2015
DUI Defense
DUI
2014
DUI
DUI
2012
Know Your Rights
Constitutional Rights
2009
Know Your Rights
Constitutional Rights
2008
Know Your Rights
Constitutional Rights
2008
CPDA Basic Trial Skills Institute
Trial Skills
2007
DUI Defense
DUI Defense
2007
Crash Course in Legal Rights
Legal Rights
2005
Scientific Evidence in DUI Cases
Scientific Evidence in DUI Cases
2005
DUI Defense
DUI Defense
2005
Bench & Bar Conference
DUI Defense Practice tips
2004
Know Your Rights!
Know Your Rights
Publications
2009
Santa Barbara Lawyer (blog)
So What's the Big Deal?
2008
Santa Barbara Lawyer (Blog)
Does Parental Notification Violate Privacy?
2008
Santa Barbara Lawyer (Blog)
Pleading Not Guilty
2007
Santa Barbara Lawyer Blog
Criminal Convictions Reduce Longterm Earnings.
2007
Santa Barbara Lawyer (Blog)
NO Canada!
Languages
Spanish
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
Is it possible to beat a 110 in 55 speeding ticket ? Or at least make the punishment go down? I'm a first time offender
20 Jun 2022
Q&A
What can I do if I cannot appear in court due to living in another state and can't afford the plane ticket?
22 Jul 2021
Q&A
Is it possible to transfer a court date from one county to another in california?
11 Jul 2021