Overall Rating
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
5.0 /5.0
39 Client Reviews
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Samuel A. Luton II
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About Samuel
Biography
As both a criminal defense lawyer and former deputy district attorney I have 26 years of experience in criminal law.
I have appeared as defense counsel for people accused of Murder, DUIs, Juvenile Crimes, Sexual Assault, Drug Offenses, Burglary, Domestic Violence, and Prison Offenses. I have helped over 5000 people who have been accused of crimes, and obtained great results for them.
As a former prosecutor I understand how the government puts their case against you together and will use that experience to help in your defense. I performed trials and obtained convictions in cases involving serious offenses, including: Attempted 1st Degree Murder, Rape, Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Arson, Possession of Controlled Substances for Sale among many, many others.
If you are arrested or charged with a criminal offense you can rest assured that when you come to me you are talking to someone who can handle it.
I graduated from UCLA in 1990 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History. Following graduation I worked a few years as a budget estimator at Paramount Studios.
After getting some experience in the working world I moved from Los Angeles to San Francisco where I earned my law degree at Hastings College of the Law.
I joined the firm of John Barker and Associates where I helped people who were charged with felony and misdemeanor matters. On my first day in court I won a Possession for Sales case for my client at preliminary hearing. I won the Rookie of the Year Award for my first year of work there in 1997.
As a criminal defense lawyer with the Fresno and Monterey Public Defenders Offices from 1999 to 2006, I defended juveniles and adults charged with varied offenses from traffic violations to murder.
In 2006, I joined the Fresno County District Attorneys Office where I prosecuted matters from misdemeanor DUIs to Attempted 1st degree murder and rape.
Now that I am in private practice since 2015 I have represented people and helped in all aspects of helping others. I have represented clients in restraining order matters, domestic violence issues, juvenile cases, homicide, gang matters, duis, strikes, expungements, theft matters, and many other different criminal issues. I have performed over 120 trials. I have negotiated favorable outcomes for clients who needed help telling their sides of the case.
I CAN HELP.
With over 25 years experience as a Criminal Defense Attorney and former deputy district attorney - I CAN HELP
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
20%
28 years | 10,000 cases
DUI and DWI
20%
Domestic Violence
20%
Juvenile Law
20%
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Licenses
Licensed in California for 28 years
State: California
Acquired: 1997
No misconduct found
Location
Samuel A. Luton II's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 37 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Linda | July 17, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Great Attorney : Sam Luton
I would highly recommend, Attorney, Sam Luton. As he represented my husband on a very sensitive case. Mr Luton, proved to be highly experienced amd very professional. Always returned calls, present at all scheduled meetings and kept us in the loop at all times. End result, "favorable outcome". Th...
Posted by Jonathan | March 24, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Solid Lawyer!
I had the pleasure of working with Sam Luton for an unexpected legal matter that brought significant stress into my life. Throughout the nearly year-long legal battle, he was always accessible and easy to reach, whether by phone or through in-person appointments. Thanks to his hard work and expertise...
Posted by Jessica | February 28, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Perfect representation
Hands down the best lawyer. I was stressed to the max over my sons case. Mr luton went beyond. He sat down with me before he was even my lawyer to talk with me. He helped put me at ease. Always called back promptly listed to what I had to say an was very honest about what needed to be done. I will...
Posted by Ryan | June 8, 2024 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
For my case
One of the most understanding and professional lawyers I have ever meant! Mr. Luton did what he said, and on time!
Posted by Yolanda D. | June 2, 2024 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Counsel Sam Luton Review
06/02/2024 I am writing this review as a part of my gratitude that my family is very grateful for Counsel Sam Luton and his Staff for excellent representation regarding the Court System. Our family lives had been very hectic with an unknown future. Counsel Luton has a lot of patience, an unbiased...
Samuel A. Luton II's Lawyer Endorsements
"I have worked with Sam for 18 years when he was a prosecutor and now as a defense attorney. He is a tough advocate in court and he has made me a better attorney because of his attention to detail. As a prosecutor, he did not take advantage of me when I first started practicing law, which I believe shows his true character. What makes Sam a superb lawyer is he truly listens to his clients, attorneys, and judges. He is also a keen observer, and I feel it is very helpful when you need an attorney that cares about your situation, especially with a criminal or DUI case. Sam stays up to date with the law and works extremely hard to make sure every client receives the best outcome. He is well liked and respected among the legal community. He cares about his clients, he knows his way around the courtroom, and he has this unique ability to argue his case with such confidence that makes the other side question their position. If you retain Sam as your attorney, you will not have any regrets."
"I am pleased to endorse Sam Luton; he has an impressive background as a prosecutor and with his vast knowledge and experience, he can level the playing field. If you have an investigation or actual criminal case filed against you, Sam is the lawyer with whom you should confer and obtain his wise counsel."
"I highly endorse this lawyer. Attorney Samuel Luton is dedicated to his clients and works hard to achieve the best outcome for them. I have worked with him and recommend him highly. Sam is extremely knowledgeable and is distinguished in his field. He is also very personable and a pleasure to work with."
"Sam worked with me on a case and achieved an incredible result for a client who had an open warrant from 2002. He got the case dismissed and has given the chance for my client to finally obtain legal status after years of legal limbo. If you have a criminal matter in Fresno, I urge you to call Sam. I give him my highest endorsement."
"Mr. Luton is knowledgeable, considerate and is a skilled attorney in the courtroom. I have practiced along side him on cases and have seen him to be of exceptional character. He will fight for you and provide you with quality representation."
"Sam Luton is an excellent criminal defense attorney with the ability to handle any kind of criminal case. I highly recommend Sam for anyone looking for one of the best criminal defense attorneys in the area."
"I have known Sam for many years and I doubt you will find a more ethical, dedicated, or experienced criminal defense lawyer. I wish Sam lived in the LA area, as I would refer him all the criminal cases that come my way. LA's loss is Fresno's gain!"
"I have had the pleasure of knowing and working with Mr. Luton for over ten years. He is one of the leading criminal defense attorneys in our region and I would not hesitate to refer friends or family to him, or hire him myself. He knows the law, is compassionate with clients, and is respected by the players in the justice system. I endorse him without hesitation."
"I endorse this lawyer. Sam is a fair and reasonable person who is has years of criminal law experience. Sometimes a person is both a skilled attorney and a good person."
"With over 18 years of experience in Criminal Law, Mr. Luton is one of the best defense attorneys in town. Keep up the good work and dedication Sam!!!"
"I have known Sam for some time now. When we met, he was a prosecutor on several cases I was defending. I found him then to be a fair prosecutor who assessed his cases with a goal of understanding what he could prove, and what was unsubstantiated, uh, shall we say "stuff." Now he is a criminal defense attorney. He brings with him not only that same ability to see through the "stuff," but the same determination that made him stick to his guns as a prosecutor when he knew he had a good case. I endorse Sam Luton not only because I know him to be a good attorney, but because I know him to be a good person. Let me just put it this way: I would trust Sam to defend me, if I were ever in a position to need help."
"Sam Luton is a highly experienced criminal defense attorney with an excellent courtroom presence. He is not only intelligent, but also street smart, which is very valuable in this type of law practice. He is a seasoned and hard-working attorney, and I highly endorse him."
"Sam is an excellent lawyer. He is very aggressive and knowledgeable on the law, and I endorse him."
"Sam Luton knows his stuff--no kidding. I've seen him in Court. He has handled criminal defense cases from both sides of the aisle. He has been a prosecutor, a public defender, and worked at the largest criminal defense firm in Fresno. On his first day of practice nearly 20 years ago, he got his first case dismissed at the preliminary hearing. As a former prosecutor, Sam understands how the government puts the case against you together. He uses that experience to defend you. He has handled everything from murder cases to traffic tickets. If you call Sam, you'll get a great lawyer. Period."
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Experience
Honors
2019
Top 100, The National Trial Lawyers
2012
Distinguished Service Award, Fresno County District Attorney
1998
Rookie of the Year, John Barker and Associates
Work Experience
2015 - Present
Attorney, Luton Law Office
2006 - 2015
Deputy District Attorney, Fresno County District Attorney's Office
2004 - 2006
Deputy Public Defender, Fresno County Public Defender's Office
2001 - 2004
Deputy Public Defender, Monterey County Public Defender
1999 - 2001
Deputy Public Defender, Fresno County Public Defender's Office
1998 - 1999
Associate, John Barker and Associates
Associations
2019 - Present
California Attorneys for Criminal JusticeMember
2017 - Present
Fresno County Bar AssociationMember
State Bar of California
Member
Sample of Legal Cases
People v. Wilcox
Expungement granted
People v. Thor
Acquittal after jury trial
People v. Morton
Client plead to misdemeanor domestic violence and received probation with no time in jail
People v. Love
Client plead to Aiding and Abetting - PC 32. Avoiding a strike and prison.
In re Kassandra R.
Informal supervision on felony case
In re Kassandra R.
Informal supervision on felony case
People v. A. Garcia
Not guilty of attempted 1st degree murder.
People v. Thor
Case dismissed after contested preliminary hearing and motion.
Education
1995
University of California, Hastings College of the Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1990
Univ of California at Los Angeles
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2013
Fresno Police Officers Association Training
Search and Seizure Training
2013
Fresno Police Officer Association Training
Medical Marijuana and the Law
Languages
English
Spanish
Activity
Legal Answers