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David Michael Lawrence
About David
Biography
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.
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 57 years
State: California
Acquired: 1968
No misconduct found
Location
Law Offices of Lawrence & Peck
220 Capitol Street, Salinas, CA, 93901
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David Michael Lawrence's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
4 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (4)
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Practice Areas
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 review | Payment Plans
Posted by Charles | October 14, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Extremely Good 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...
David Michael Lawrence's Lawyer Endorsements
"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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Experience
Honors
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
Work Experience
2006 - Present
Partner, Law Offices of Lawrence & Peck
1979 - 2006
Chief Public Defender, Monterey County Public Defender's Office
Associations
2006 - Present
California Attorneys for Criminal JusticeMember
1972 - Present
California Public Defenders AssociationMember
1968 - Present
State Bar of CaliforniaMember
Sample of Legal Cases
Accessory to Murder
Charges Never Filed
Doctor Indicted for Fraud
Case Dismissed
Education
1968
University of California, Hastings College of the Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1962
Whittier College
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Languages
English