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
Mr. Makler has achieved mastery in every aspect of DUI defense, including pretrial motions, plea negotiations, dmv hearings, trials, writs and appeals. Judges, lawyers and police officer regularly refer DUI cases to Mr. Makler.
25 years, 3,000 cases
Mr. Makler handles all criminal matters; from homicide to traffic tickets and everything in between. His 30+ years of criminal justice experience, trial skill and client centered approach have resulted in him being the best reviewed lawyer in SB.
25 years, 3,000 cases
Languages spoken
Spanish, English
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
CA | Active | 1996 | 10/28/2020 |
Legal answers | 375 |
Legal guides | 0 |
Award name | Grantor | Date granted |
---|---|---|
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 |
Top One Percent | National Association of Distinguished Counsel | 2015 |
---|---|---|
AV Preeminent Rated | Martindale-Hubbell | 2014 |
AV Preeminent Rated | Martindale-Hubbell | 2013 |
Peer Review Rated | Martindale-Hubbell | 2012 |
Peer Review Rated | Martindale-Hubbell | 2011 |
Peer Review Rating | Martindale-Hubbell | 2010 |
Peer Review Rating | Martindale-Hubbell | 2009 |
Honors in Trial Advocacy | McGeorge School of Law | 1996 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Attorney | Law Offices of William C. Makler | 2004 - Present |
Faculty Member | Santa Barbara College of Law | 2006 - 2008 |
Deputy Public Defender | Santa Barbara County Public Defender's Office | 2001 - 2003 |
Deputy Public Defender | Santa Cruz Public Defender | 1997 - 2000 |
Staff Attorney | Federal Public Defender | 1996 - 1997 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Santa Barbara Defenders | President | 2018 - Present |
Better Business Bureau | Admitted | 2006 - Present |
National College of DUI Defense | Member | 2001 - Present |
California DUI Lawyers Association | Member | 2001 - Present |
Santa Barbara County Bar Association | Member | 2000 - Present |
California Public Defenders Association | Member | 1996 - Present |
---|---|---|
State Bar of California | Member | 1996 - Present |
California Attorneys for Criminal Justice | Member | N/A |
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers | Member | 2001 - 2007 |
Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
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 Guilty | 2008 |
Santa Barbara Lawyer (Blog) | NO Canada! | 2007 |
Santa Barbara Lawyer Blog | Criminal Convictions Reduce Longterm Earnings. | 2007 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific | JD - Juris Doctor | 1996 |
University of California - San Diego | BA - Bachelor of Arts | 1991 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
The Basics | Criminal Law Practice Management | 2017 |
DUI Training | DUI | 2017 |
Defending DUI | DUI | 2016 |
DUI Defense | DUI | 2015 |
DUI | DUI | 2014 |
Know Your Rights | Constitutional Rights | 2012 |
---|---|---|
Know Your Rights | Constitutional Rights | 2009 |
Know Your Rights | Constitutional Rights | 2008 |
CPDA Basic Trial Skills Institute | Trial Skills | 2008 |
Crash Course in Legal Rights | Legal Rights | 2007 |
DUI Defense | DUI Defense | 2007 |
Bench & Bar Conference | DUI Defense Practice tips | 2005 |
DUI Defense | DUI Defense | 2005 |
Scientific Evidence in DUI Cases | Scientific Evidence in DUI Cases | 2005 |
Know Your Rights! | Know Your Rights | 2004 |
Case name | Outcome |
---|---|
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 |
Alfredo V. | Hung Jury; case dismissed |
People v. Patrick S. | Case Dismissed/Suspension Set Aside |
Posted by Clifford
Mon Nov 30 2020
Posted by Stephanie
Fri Nov 06 2020
Posted by anonymous
Sun Oct 04 2020
Posted by anonymous
Wed Jun 24 2020
Posted by Peter
Fri Apr 03 2020
Posted by Darien
Sat Mar 28 2020
Posted by anonymous
Tue Mar 17 2020
Posted by anonymous
Mon Nov 11 2019
Posted by Johnny
Tue Oct 22 2019
Posted by anonymous
Thu Oct 10 2019
George Gigarjian, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 5, 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.
Paul Burglin, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 27, 2009
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
Cristi Michelon Vasquez, Criminal defense 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.
I endorse this lawyer.
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 5, 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, Criminal defense 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.
One of the absolute best. Exceptional attention to detail, service next to none. I endorse this lawyer.
Laura Hoskins, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 4, 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, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 3, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Lilian Demonteverde-Hoats, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 1, 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, Criminal defense 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, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 11, 2015
Relationship: Other
I endorse this lawyer.
Mark Girdner, Criminal defense Attorney on Feb 23, 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.
Such a remarkable attorney. I endorse this lawyer.
Dmitry Gorin, Criminal defense Attorney on Feb 7, 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, DUI and DWI Attorney on Dec 12, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Dmitriy Shakhnevich, Criminal defense Attorney on Sep 28, 2014
Relationship: Other
I endorse this lawyer.
I endorse William. Highly respected in the legal community with a strong reputation for client advocacy and dedication.
Giacomo Behar, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 3, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer. A brilliant attorney, highly respected in the legal community.
Brandon Roseman, Criminal defense 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.