Cody Miles Christiansen
About Cody
Biography
Cody started his legal career with the Santa Barbara County Public Defenders Office as a criminal defense attorney. As a trial deputy, Cody was assigned to handle over 1,500 cases ranging from domestic violence, DUI’s, theft and burglary, drug possession and sales, violent assault, and property crimes. He served as an arraignment deputy in drug and alcohol court and additionally defended cases for contempt against the Department of Child Support Services.
Cody then worked as both a senior trial attorney and managing attorney at a private criminal defense firm that he was instrumental in creating. While there, Cody personally handled over 1,000 cases in all areas of criminal defense with an emphasis on severe felonies. Cody has heavy litigation experience ranging from trial preparation, preliminary hearings, violations of probation, restitution hearings, bail/bond hearings, and a vast range of motions with specialization in motions to suppress evidence.
At Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, Cody now uses his insight of case negotiation and to gain a significant advantage for his clients. His unique perspective and litigation experience make Cody a fearless opponent and advocate in the courtroom. Cody is passionate about helping people and enjoys helping injured victims face big insurance companies.
Cody earned such awards as Top 40 under 40 by The National Trial Lawyers – 2015;
10 Best Under 40 by the American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys – 2015; Top 40 under 40 by The National Trial Lawyers – 2014, and again Top 40 under 40 byThe National Trial Lawyers – 2013
Of all his accomplishments, Cody is most proud of his family. He is happily married with four children.
Practice Areas
1
Practice Area
9 years | 45 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
15%-40%
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 13 years
State: California
Acquired: 2012
No misconduct found
Location
Harris Personal Injury Lawyers
689 Tank Farm Road, Suite 240, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93401
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Cody Miles Christiansen's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 17 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Jason | September 18, 2017 | Hired Attorney
True professional that cares
3 felony accounts of DUI w/ injury and $220,000 bail amount. After talking with Kit (Codys team lead) he pulled no punches and told it to me straight. I had waited over a year ... saving for a defense always looking over my shoulder. It was time ... so I had a sit down with Cody ... from that day...
Posted by Mercedes | March 2, 2017 | Hired Attorney
One happy traveler.
I travel alot on business and rely on my license. I recieved a notice that my license was being suspended due to an unpaid citation. I contacted central coast criminal defense and explained that I had never recieved a ticket in San Luis Obispo. I'll be honest, I thought no one would believe me but I ...
Posted by Wes | June 8, 2016 | Hired Attorney
Excellent Lawyer
A few months ago my son, who was living in California at the time, was arrested for Grand Thief of an Automobile. Not knowing anyone else living in California and being located on the other side of the country, I had to find a lawyer to represent him. I performed the usual internet searches and came ...
Posted by Sharon | May 22, 2016 | Hired Attorney
An Excellent lawyer with an Excellent Team!!
My family recently hired Cody and his team to defend my son with felony charges. Within a few weeks my son was home with no prison time and his charges brought down to a misdemeanor!! This was short of a miracle!! They always returned phone calls with information and positive outlooks, which was su...
Posted by Danielle | April 28, 2016 | Hired Attorney
They Got It Done
I lost my license for 4 years due to a ticket out of my area that was 4K. Not being able to afford most attorneys I had spoken to I felt doomed until Kit agreed to help me at an affordable rate...He gave no promises but boy did he deliver...Just got my license back thanks to cCCD's team...God Bless ...
Cody Miles Christiansen's Lawyer Endorsements
"Cody is like Johnny-on-the-spot! competent, professional, highly recommended!"
"I have known Cody for more than 20 years. He is a talented attorney and passionate advocate for his clients. I endorse Cody without reservation."
"Very talented criminal defense attorney on the Central California coast. Diligent in achieving justice for his clients. I recommend this lawyer to anyone that needs a well rounded attorney to handle criminal defense cases on the Central Coast."
"I would recommend Cody to any family member or friend charged with a crime in the Central Coast. He will effectively and vigorously defend your rights."
"Cody Christiansen is a very good criminal defense lawyer. He has worked as a Public Defender here on the Central Coast which gives him insider knowledge and contacts beneficial to his clients. He is a knowledgeable and aggressive attorney and a terrific human being. I would refer my clients on the Central Coast to Cody for DUI and criminal defense and recommend him to anyone reading this review."
"I endorse this lawyer. Cody is well known in the legal community as an effective advocate for his clients."
"Cody is an extremely knowledgeable and experienced attorney who provides exceptional defense for clients. From simple misdemeanors to complex felonies, he gives each his undivided attention and, because he truly cares for the well-being and best interests of each client, I strongly recommend and endorse him."
"Cody is a very impressive attorney. His legal knowledge is well beyond his years. I have been practicing longer than Cody and he often teaches me. In my opinion, he is the "go to" defense attorney on the Central Coast. He is the criminal defense and DUI attorney who I refer all my clients to. I highly endorse Cody."
"I would highly recommend Cody to anyone who is facing DUI or other criminal charges in SLO or Santa Barbara Counties. He is enthusiastic, knowledgeable, aggressive, and willing to fight for his clients."
"I endorse attorney Cody Miles Christiansen. He is hard working, skilled, and dedicated to his clients success. A respected member in the legal community."
"Every attorney that I know, who also knows Cody, thinks the world of him. Cody has quickly developed a reputation among his attorney peers as a lawyer who knows his stuff, treats people well, and provides top-notch representation. An energetic and devoted young attorney like Cody is often far better than an older attorney who is burned out. Cody is my recommended attorney for anyone being charged with a DUI in Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, Lompoc, or San Luis Obispo. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse Cody as an excellent DUI attorney. He knows his stuff, and has a ton of experience."
"I endorse this lawyer.Cody is an amazing asset to the legal community. He knows the law and how to use it to his clients advantage. Cody is committed to each and everyone of his clients."
"Cody is an attorney with enough experience to know how to really help you, but who is still young and feisty enough to really care. If you need an criminal defense attorney on the Central Coast, this is your guy."
"Cody is a treasure of an attorney to the people of the Central Coast who are charged with crimes, but particularly to the Spanish speaking community who often lack good representation who can communicate with them effectively in Spanish. Cody speaks perfect English and Spanish, and loves to help those facing criminal charges overcome the language barrier and understand the legal process. Moreover, Cody's understanding of Immigration law is a huge benefit to those being charged criminally who are not U.S. Citizens. Cody gained valuable experience as a Public Defender. Now he is using that experience to help people in the private sector. If you have a criminal or DUI case in Santa Barbara County or San Luis Obispo County you should definitely call Cody first."
"Cody is an attorney that I highly respect. Cody is dedicated to his clients and consistently puts his clients first. Cody demonstrated his loyalty to his clients as a Santa Barbara County Public Defender and now as a private practitioner. Cody sets himself apart from other attorneys with his work ethic. Cody will research an issue relentlessly until he has the answers he needs to help his clients. Cody is a highly intelligent attorney who will fight aggressively for his client. Cody is the attorney I would send any of my clients to in the event that they need help with a Criminal or DUI case."
"Cody awesome. Cody is an attorney who is extremely bright and remarkably studious. Cody is a student of the law, and does his research to make sure he know exactly how to help his clients. In addition, Cody has a commanding presence that draws respect from judges, district attorneys, and clients. Finally, Cody is absolutely committed to helping his clients. He serves his clients with their best interest in mind. Cody is a rare find among attorneys. If you need help with a criminal defense matter or a DUI on the Central Coast of California, I I highly endorse this Cody."
Criminal defense lawyer
Divorce and separation lawyer
Family lawyer
Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer
Divorce and separation lawyer
Experience
Honors
2015
Top 40 Under 40, National Trial Lawyers
2015
Premier DUI Attorney, American Association of Premier DUI Attorneys
2015
10 Best Under 40, American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys
2014
Top 40 Under 40, National Trial Lawyers
2013
Top 40 Under 40, National Trial Lawyers
Work Experience
2017 - Present
Attorney, Harris Personal Injury Lawyers
2014 - 2017
Attorney, Central Coast Criminal Defense
2012 - 2014
Partner, Fernadez & Fernandez- Immigration Division
2012 - 2012
Professor, John Hancock Community College
2012 - 2012
Professor, Santa Barbara Business College
2012 - 2014
Deputy Public Defender, Santa Barbara County Public Defender
Associations
2015 - Present
American Association of Premier DUI AttorneysFounding Member
2015 - Present
American Institute of DUI/DWI AttorneysMember
2014 - Present
Northern Santa Barbara County Bar AssociationMember
2014 - Present
San Luis Obispo County Bar AssociationMember
2014 - Present
California DUI Lawyers AssociationMember
2012 - Present
State Bar of CaliforniaMember
Sample of Legal Cases
Felony Conviction Avoided.
Avoided State Prison
Case Dismissed. No Conviction.
Avoided a DUI in exchange for a Reckless Driving Charge.
plea bargain for a dismissal following completion of AA meetings and Community Service.
Jail avoided. Felony Conviction Avoided
Case Dismissed
Charges reduced from a Felony to a Misdemeanor
Charges dropped. Case dismissed.
No charges filed. Case dismissed.
Reckless Driving Conviction rather than a DUI.
DUI Conviction Avoided in Exchange for Guilty plea to reckless driving.
Reckless Driving. DUI Avoided.
No Charges filed
DUI Reduced to a Reckless Driving Charge. This outcome was far better in terms of the potential impact on her professional license.
Education
2012
JD - Juris Doctor
2006
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2014
2014
2012
Business Law
2012
Citizenship and Immigration Law
Publications
2015
2014
Languages
English
Spanish
Portuguese
Italian
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
How to find out when my Dui probation is over and if I can expunge my dui?
31 Mar 2015
Would someone for sure go to prison for a 4th dui in 12 years plus evading the peace officer?
16 Mar 2015
I got pulled over in lake forest ca for driving on suspended license due to dui.If dmv reinstates my license will that help me?
15 Mar 2015