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For over four decades, Michael Lawrence has been recognized as one of the most respected and effective trial attorneys in Monterey County. In 2010, he was the recipient of the Lewis C. Fenton Award, which is the Monterey County Bar Association’s most prestigious award for excellence in trial advocacy. He has successfully handled many high profile cases including representing elected officials accused of theft and embezzlement as well as police officers and other political officials. Michael has aggressively defended thousands of people and tried scores of jury trials ranging from capital murder to simple misdemeanors during a career spanning over forty years.
Michael graduated from Hastings College of the Law, University of California, in 1968. He then worked as a staff attorney with the Riverside Public Defenders Office, and was a partner in the Riverside law firm of Hennigan, Butterwick, and Clepper.
He arrived in Monterey County in 1972 and accepted a position as an attorney with the Monterey County Public Defender’s Office. Three years later, in 1975, he became the Assistant Public Defender. In 1979, he was appointed the Chief Public Defender of Monterey County by the Board of Supervisors, running the Public Defender’s Office for 27 years. He was California’s longest-serving chief public defender.
Michael is a member of the Monterey County Bar Association, California Attorneys for Criminal Justice, and the California Public Defenders Association.
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Chat withState: California
Acquired: 1968
No misconduct found
220 Capitol Street, Salinas, CA, 93901
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Dawn | August 2, 2016 | Hired Attorney
In one, brief sentence: a resounding YES - hire this attorney and his associated firm! They will not steer you wrong. Words do not express the depth of gratitude I hold for Mr. Lawrence, his associate Ms. Peck, and the staff of Lawence & Peck. I was arrested in the fall of last year and found my li...
Posted by anonymous | October 14, 2015 | Hired Attorney
Mr. Lawrence did an outstanding job representing me in a high profile criminal case. He has a great wealth of knowledge in criminal law and his attention to details and facts of a case are exceptional. Mr. Lawrence put a lot of time and effort into my criminal defense. He was always candid and he ...
Posted by Charles | October 14, 2015 | Hired Attorney
I had a complicated criminal case brought against me by the government. He worked very hard with research and diligence, missing no gaps. The case was dismissed at a very early stage, thanks to his detailed work. He was always available to answer questions and console me. He allow a extremely reasona...
Posted by R. Peters | October 14, 2015 | Hired Attorney
I made bad decisions. I was caught. I had no hope. Attorney lawrenc did so much work behind the scenes and the case was settled with a good outcome for me. I was able to get help for drinking and am ding so much better. I'm very thankful.
"I endorse this lawyer. I have worked with Mike Lawrence on cases and seen him work for many years. He is a widely respected attorney who is known for creative and aggressive defense strategies."
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2024
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2023
Reader's Choice (criminal defense firm), Monterey Herald
2023
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2022
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2021
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2020
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2019
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2018
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2017
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2016
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2015
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2014
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2013
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2012
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2011
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2010
Lewis L. Fenton Award for Excellence in Advocacy, Monterey County Bar Association
1993
AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
1992
AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
1991
AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2006 - Present
Partner, Law Offices of Lawrence & Peck
1979 - 2006
Chief Public Defender, Monterey County Public Defender's Office
2006 - Present
California Attorneys for Criminal JusticeMember
1972 - Present
California Public Defenders AssociationMember
1968 - Present
State Bar of CaliforniaMember
Charges Never Filed
Case Dismissed
1968
JD - Juris Doctor
1962
BA - Bachelor of Arts
English