Phillip James Crawford

PRO

Phillip James Crawford

5.0
Rating: 9.8

Licensed for 14 years

DUI and DWI Lawyer at Salinas, CA
Practice Areas: DUI & DWI, Criminal Defense

150 W Gabilan St, Suite 4, Salinas, CA

Virtual Consultation Available

Free Consultation

About Phillip

Biography

2018 Recipient - President's Award - California DUI Lawyers Association

Top-rated DUI attorney for Monterey County. Mr. Crawford gets the most difficult cases dismissed.

Practice Areas

2

Practice Areas

DUI and DWI 90%

90%
Criminal Defense 10%

10%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 30 minutes

Hourly Rates

$ 300-500 per hour


Payment Methods

  • Check
  • Credit Card

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2017

Licenses

Licensed in California for 14 years

State: California

Acquired: 2011

Active

No misconduct found

Location

The Crawford Law Firm, Inc.

150 W Gabilan St, Suite 4, Salinas, CA, 93901

crawfordlawmonterey.com/

The Crawford Law Firm, Inc.

1414 Soquel Ave., Suite 224, Santa Cruz, CA, 95062

crawfordlawmonterey.com/

Phillip James Crawford's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

22 Client Reviews

5 star (22)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (0)

Posted by Chris | July 3, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Great job.

Phillip did an excellent job in representing me and was more then fair. I would definitely recommend him as a defense lawyer.

Posted by anonymous | September 4, 2024 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

DUI Dismissal, Best Outcome For A Horrible Event

I was arrested last year for a DUI with horrible, extenuating circumstances, BAC of .25. The first lawyer I hired, did not listen to anything I had to say and just wanted me to settle, admitting guilt with a plea bargain. I knew that there was more to my case, more that could be done and that's wh...en I contacted Mr. Crawford. During our initial phone consultation, he listened to everything I had to say and offered his knowledge of the situation and showed his compassion for myself as an individual. Navigating the legal system can be daunting, especially when facing serious charges, but Mr. Crawford made the process much more manageable. He was empathetic, kind and very open in all his communications. He walked me through all the steps letting me know what to expect. I had the DMV hearing and we won that due to lack of evidence, so my license stayed intact the entire time, never suspended. He was thorough in the next steps of the case with reviewing circumstances, evidence, investigating and interviewing witnesses. My DUI case went to trial and was ultimately dismissed on the 3rd day, due to insufficient evidence. I owe the outcome of my case to Mr. Crawford's dedication and expertise of DUI law. I wholeheartedly recommend him and his law firm to represent you if you or a family member finds yourself in this situation.

Posted by Jack | July 26, 2024 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Marijuana DUI

Review for Phillip James Crawford, Esq. I recently had the immense pleasure of working with Phillip James Crawford, Esq., and I am thrilled to share my outstanding experience. Faced with a challenging legal situation involving a warrant and a DUI case related to marijuana, I was fortunate to have ...Mr. Crawford represent me. From our very first meeting, it was evident that Mr. Crawford was not only highly knowledgeable but also deeply committed to his clients. He meticulously reviewed the details of my case, ensuring I understood every aspect of the legal proceedings and the potential outcomes. His clear communication and thorough explanations provided me with much-needed clarity and confidence during a stressful time. What truly distinguishes Mr. Crawford is his exceptional dedication and tireless work ethic. He went above and beyond to get my warrant recalled and successfully negotiated my DUI case down to an expired registration ticket with a fine of $280. This remarkable outcome was far better than I had anticipated and is a testament to Mr. Crawford’s superior legal skills and strategic acumen. Throughout the process, Mr. Crawford maintained consistent communication and kept me updated on every development. He worked diligently with the District Attorney over several months to ensure the best possible resolution for my case. His persistence and determination were crucial in achieving this favorable result. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have worked with Mr. Crawford. His professionalism, expertise, and genuine care for his clients set him apart. He made me feel supported and prioritized, always taking the time to address my concerns and answer my questions. Phillip James Crawford, Esq. is an outstanding lawyer who delivers exceptional results. I highly recommend him to anyone in need of a dedicated, skilled, and compassionate attorney. His fantastic work has had a profoundly positive impact on my life, and I am deeply appreciative of his efforts.

Posted by anonymous | July 25, 2024 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Kind, attentive, and effective

I hired Phillip for a DUI, and I am so happy I did. Despite me feeling at my lowest, he was measured, fact-based, and kind. He takes his time to actually think about your questions, and looks for help elsewhere when he doesn’t have the answer, as was the case for me with an out-of-state issue. It mat...tered to him that I knew my full options, even though they didn’t involve my California case. Phillip reviewed every aspect of the evidence, and got me the best deal I could have hoped for under the circumstance and more. He responded to even the smallest question I had almost immediately, and despite my case being on the smaller side for these things, gave me full attention. He knows the individuals at the court, and knows how to work with them. I would highly recommend Phillip.

Posted by anonymous | April 22, 2024 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Amazing DUI Lawyer

Phillip was amazing throughout the entire process of my DUI. From the offset, he was highly professional whilst supportive, and always transparent with regards to cost, timelines, and the likelihood of various outcomes. He went above and beyond in my case to explore all possible legal avenues before,... during, and after my trial. Moreover, he has enormous integrity as a lawyer and as a friend, and I feel very fortunate to have found him to cover my case. Highly recommend.

See All Client Reviews

Phillip James Crawford's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Phillip
John William Thornton headshot
John Thornton

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jan 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Committed to his clients, his practice, and getting results."

Jamey Mitchel Dolowich headshot
Jamey Dolowich

DUI and DWI lawyer | Oct 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. He fights hard for his clients and gets great results."

charlie unger headshot
charlie unger

DUI and DWI lawyer | Oct 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Phil is fabulous. Works very hard for his clients and gets great results. Is a good hardworking lawyer. And a great guy as well."

Bryan Joseph Hackett headshot
Bryan Hackett

DUI and DWI lawyer | Oct 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Phillip for years and consider him a fine attorney. As a matter of fact, I consider him a resource that I use, drawing on his experience and expertise."

Thomas Vinson Nash headshot
Thomas Nash

DUI and DWI lawyer | Dec 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I strongly endorse this lawyer. Philip is an extremely committed, principled, hard-working attorney that cares deeply about his clients."

Steven John Rease headshot
Steven Rease

DUI and DWI lawyer | Dec 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Phillip is an outstanding criminal defense attorney. He is knowledgable about the law, passionate about his cases and has a lot of savvy in dealing with prosecutors and judges. His commitment to his clients is second to none. He brings a tenaciousness and zeal to his defense of his clients that is rarely to be seen among defense attorneys. I strongly endorse Phillip if you or a loved one is in need of a top-flight attorney."

Lara Jayne Gressley headshot
Lara Gressley

DUI and DWI lawyer | Oct 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Phillip is one of the most hard working, passionate, and caring advocates I have ever known. Phillip is not afraid of a fight, and is always prepared for anything. He has an incredible amount of knowledge and skill, specifically in the area of DUI defense. Phillip will do whatever it takes to guarantee the best chance of success for his clients. I endorse this lawyer."

Evan George headshot
Evan George

DUI and DWI lawyer | Oct 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Crawford is a good attorney with a reputation for fighting for his clients. I recommend this attorney."

Darryl Wayne Genis headshot
Darryl Genis

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jul 29

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"Phillip is a knowledgeable, compassionate and creative lawyer. If he is in your corner, you have a great advocate and can rest assured he will get you the best possible outcome."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Phillip. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

Julie Crawford headshot
Julie Crawford

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 29

Relationship: Co-worker

"Phillip Crawford is has a brilliant legal mind. I am in awe of the innovative ideas he comes up with regarding how to get charges dismissed, evidence admitted in court and how get the judges to do what he wants. I have never seen anyone work as hard as Phillip does. He is in a class by himself."

View All Endorsements
John William Thornton headshot
John Thornton

DUI and DWI lawyer

charlie unger headshot
charlie unger

DUI and DWI lawyer

Jon Bryant Artz headshot
Jon Artz

DUI and DWI lawyer

Steven John Rease headshot
Steven Rease

Criminal defense lawyer

Thomas Vinson Nash headshot
Thomas Nash

DUI and DWI lawyer

Julie Crawford headshot
Julie Crawford

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.8 (Superb)

Honors

2018

President's Award, California DUI Lawyers Association

Work Experience

2010 - Present

Managing Partner, The Crawford Law Firm

2013 - 2013

Instructor, Monterey College Of Law

Associations

2014 - Present

National Lawyers Guild

Member

2013 - Present

California DUI Lawyers Association

Member

2008 - Present

American Civil Liberties Union

Member

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

National College of DUI Defense

Member

California Attorneys for Criminal Justice

Member

California Public Defenders Association

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

People v. XH - DUI with 0.20 blood test - Case dismissed!

Case dismissed!

People v. HG - Trespassing and Resisting Arrest - Case dismissed!

Case dismissed!

People v. DJB - DUI with 0.12 breath test results - Case dismissed!

Case dismissed! No license suspension.

People v. MG - DUI with accident and 0.13 breath tests

Charges reduced. No license suspension. No DUI on her record.

People v. NS - Transportation of Cannabis for Sale - Case Dismissed!

Case dismissed!

People v. NDL - DUI with 0.17 breath test - Case dismissed!

Case dismissed!

People v. RAG - DUI with 0.16 breath tests - Case dismissed!

Case dismissed!

People v. MAM - Felony welfare fraud - Case Dismissed!

Case dismissed!

People v. WLT - DUI with Hit-and-Run and High Blood Alcohol - Case Dismissed!

Case dismissed!

People v. R.P. - Driving under the influence of Drugs - Case dismissed!

Case dismissed!

People v. JAQ: Third DUI, 0.16% blood test result - Case dismissed!

Case dismissed! No license suspension. No criminal conviction.

People v. JMH - DUI with 0.11 blood test and accident - No license suspension. No jail time.

No license suspension. No DUI on his record. No jail time.

People v. RMS: Drug DUI with Two Prior Convictions - Charges reduced and no license suspension!

Charges reduced. No jail time and no license suspension.

People v. CDB - 0.23% Blood Alcohol Level - Case Dismissed!

Case Dismissed. No criminal record and no license suspension.

People v. NRB - 0.14 blood alcohol level - No license suspension and no jail time!

NO license suspension. NO jail time.

People v GHF - 0.17% blood alcohol - No license suspension and no jail time!

No license suspension and no jail time!

People v AY: Felony domestic violence - All charges dismissed!

Case dismissed!

People v. YB - DUI with 0.17 breath tests

Driver pled to a reduced charge with no jail time and no license suspension.

People v. JM - DUI

Case Dismissed!

People v. JDM

Case dismissed!

People v. R.D.T.

Case dismissed!

People v. JTK - DUI with accident

Case Dismissed!

People v. LCH - DUI with an accident

Case dismissed!

People vs. KLG

Not guilty!

People v. T.J.P.

No license suspension. No DUI on his record. No jail time.

People v. MJB - Marijuana DUI

Case dismissed!

People v. JDW - Second DUI with a refusal

He pled to a "wet reckless." No jail time, no license suspension. 12-hour DUI class.

People v. ZRL - Driving under the Influence of Marijuana

Criminal charges dismissed. He pled to a speeding ticket and paid a fine.

People v. MCS - DUI with 0.10 Breath Test

The District Attorney dismissed all the charges!

People v. MPM - Driving under the Influence of a Drug

In both cases, all the charges were dismissed!

People v. M.D. - DUI with 0.28% Blood Test

The jury found her NOT GUILTY of all charges.

People v. C.I.E. - DUI with 0.08 Breath Test

All criminal charges dismissed!

People v. CJ - Driving under the Influence of Marijuana

Criminal charges dismissed.

People v. B.D.

All criminal charges dismissed! Client pled to two one-point infractions.

People v. LVC - DUI with 0.18 Breath Tests

Charges dismissed.

People v. CM - DUI with 0.15 Breath Test

All charges dismissed.

People v. EMR - DUI with 0.14 breath test

Jury returned a verdict of not guilty.

People v. SJ - DUI with 0.18 Breath Test

All charges dismissed!

People v. SC - DUI with 0.11 Breath Test

A jury found her NOT GUILTY.

People v. MSZ - DUI with 0.18 Breath Test

On the morning of jury trial, the prosecutor dismissed all the charges.

People v. KLM - DUI with 0.16 Blood Test

Case dismissed!

People v. RG - Felony DUI with Injury

Felony charges reduced to misdemeanor with no PRISON time.

People v. DK - Second Offense DUI

Case dismissed!

People v. SP

DMV case dismissed. All criminal charges dropped. Client pled to running a red light, an infraction, and paid a $205 ticket.

People v. SR

On eve of trial, the client pled to a wet reckless with NO JAIL TIME.

People v. DB

Charges dismissed. Arrest removed from his record.

People v. EC

Jury returned a verdict of not guilty.

See More Legal Cases

Education

2011

Monterey COL

JD - Juris Doctor

Speaking Engagements

2024

Ready for Trial: Twenty Tips for Trying DUI Cases

Defending People Accused of Driving under the Influence

2024

Fighting the DMV

Winning DMV Hearings

2021

A Booster Shot for DUI Defense

Trials and Errors: Lessons Learned from Trying DUI Cases

2020

CPDA Annual DUI Defense Seminar

The Ethical One Percent

2017

Live Broadcast

The Legal Implications of the 2016 Election

2014

Panel on Mass Incarceration and Jail Reform

Jail Reform

2014

2013

Monterey College of Law Race, Class and American Justice

Publications

2014

The Barline (Monterey County Bar Association) On the Persistence of Racism

2014

The Barline (Monterey County Bar Association) Book Reviews

2013

The Barline (Monterey County Bar Association) Book Review: With Liberty and Justice for Some

2013

The Barline (Monterey County Bar Association) Petition to Free Lynne Stewart: Support Compassionate Release

2012

Monterey Herald Proposition 36

Languages

English

Activity

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Avvo Rating Levels
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