Marc Pelta

PRO

Marc Pelta

also known as Mordechai Pelta

4.9
78 reviews
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 18 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at San Francisco, CA
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, Domestic Violence, Violent Crime ... +9 more

1390 Market Street, Suite 200, San Francisco, CA

Virtual Consultation Available

About Marc

Biography

Hire a Former Prosecutor on Your Side! Experienced Litigator representing clients accusing of crimes.

Experienced prosecuting and defending a wide-range felony and misdemeanor cases. Experience counts

I am experienced prosecuting and defending DUI alcohol and drugs cases. Do not take chances.

I am experienced both prosecuting and defending DV cases.

I am experienced prosecuting and defending these kinds of cases and they are often complicated.

Representing clients across California involved in Professional Licensing Investigations by State agencies; Nurses, Physicians, Pharmacists, General Contractors, Teacher, etc.

Representing Clients involved in Federal & State criminal narcotics, controlled-substance investigations.

Representing clients in expungements also known as petitions/motions for dismissal for Felonies & Misdemeanors.

Representing Clients in Federal Criminal cases in the Northern, Eastern & Central District Courts for California. Also, admitted to practice before the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court of the United States.

Experienced former prosecutor in juvenile delinquency cases representing clients across the State of California in Felonies and Misdemeanor cases.

Representing clients across California in Restraining Order cases.

Representing Clients in State & Federal cases involving accusations of sex crimes. Whom you first hire often makes a huge difference in the potential outcome!

Representing Clients involved in violence crime investigations and cases, including Strikes, Prior Prison Terms & other Enhancements.

Practice Areas

12

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 36%

I am an ex-prosecutor. I represent clients in felony and misdemeanor cases across California. I possess jury trial and pre-trial litigation experience: preliminary hearings, motion to suppress hearings, bail hearings, motions in limine, etc.

18 years | 300 cases

36%
Domestic Violence 15%

Criminal and Restraining Order cases across California. For more information go to: http://www.peltalaw.com

18 years | 100 cases

15%
Violent Crime 15%

I am a former prosecutor with significant experience defending clients accused of violent crime. I represent & advise people accused of violent crime across Northern & Southern California. For more information go to: http://www.peltalaw.com

18 years | 100 cases

15%
DUI and DWI 10%

I am a former prosecutor with significant DUI litigation experience. For more information go to: http://www.peltalaw.com

18 years | 150 cases

10%
Litigation 5%

Domestic Violence, Civil Harassment and Elder Abuse Restraining Orders across California. For more information go to: http://www.peltalaw.com

15 years | 50 cases

5%
White Collar Crime 5%

I represent clients in white collar crime cases across Northern & Southern California. Specific experience is required in these cases. For more information go to: http://www.peltalaw.com

17 years | 40 cases

5%
Sex Crime 4%

I have represented clients in criminal sex cases across California including at trial. For more information go to: http://www.peltalaw.com

16 years | 40 cases

4%
Administrative Law 3%

DMV Admin Per Se Hearings on driver Licenses and professionals with licenses issued by various agencies by the State of California such as physicians, nurses, pharmacists, teachers, contractors, et al.

18 years | 100 cases

3%
Drug Crime 2%

I have advised, counseled and represented clients during investigations, court hearings & before trials in drug crime cases all across Northern & Southern California. For more information go to: http://www.peltalaw.com

18 years | 75 cases

2%
Federal Crime 2%

I am admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court, in addition to Federal District courts and the 9th Circuit. For more information go to: http://www.peltalaw.com

10 years | 5 cases

2%
Juvenile Law 2%

Juvenile Delinquency Defense. For more information go to: http://www.peltalaw.com

18 years | 70 cases

2%
Expungement 1%

For more information go to: http://www.peltalaw.com

15 years | 10 cases

1%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2025 2024 2023
...
+ 3
Top Contributor
Top Contributor
2025 2024
Silver Client Champion
AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating

Licenses

Licensed in California for 18 years

State: California

Acquired: 2007

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Pelta Law - NorCal Location

1390 Market Street, Suite 200, San Francisco, CA, 94102

peltalaw.com/

Pelta Law - Southland Location

15233 Ventura Blvd., Suite 500, Sherman Oaks, CA, 91403

peltalaw.com/

Marc Pelta's Reviews

Showing 56 - 60 of 75 reviews

Posted by Bobby | July 17, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Excellent lawyer!

Hiring Marc Pelta of Pelta Law was the best decision we made in this case.  I was arrested on trumped up felony child endangerment charges because i was defending my mother from getting beaten up by some bikers.  Marc was compassionate, understanding and listened to our concerns.  This was the first ...time i was ever arrested and it was so important that we felt that we had someone on our side who was listening to us and guiding us through this emotionally difficult experience.  Marc advised us not to bail out because the DA would let me go in 1-2 days.  Marc knew that because he was already in discussions with the DA's Office from Sunday night when it happened.  Somehow, Marc knew whom to reach in the DA's Office on the weekend.  Marc presented our side -- which the cops did not care to share with the DA.  Marc got the police to re-investigate.  My mother who was also arrested for the same trumped up reason chose to listen to Marc and was released by the DA with no charges in Court despite the fact that the Court and DA told me she would be charged the next day.  We are incredibly grateful that Marc not only guided us how to save a lot of money on bail, but also in persuading the DA to not file felony charges against me and my mother. We are very grateful for criminal defense attorney Marc Pelta's superb legal advice and successful efforts in getting the DA to not file any charges."

Marc Pelta

Replied last March 31, 2023

Thank you for your positive feedback about helping you get past this legal issue.

Posted by Gary | July 14, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

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My wife was arrested for something she never should have been arrested for. But there she sat in jail. A friend recommended Marc Pelta, and within an hour I was talking to him on a Sunday. He advised me to tell my wife not to bail out, as he felt the charges were bogus. He sent the DA's office a ...letter explaining why my wife should not be charged. After the South Lake Tahoe police kept her in jail for 70 hours hoping she would pay the bond, which we did not because of his advice, she was released without charges ever filed. He saved us from paying thousands of dollars that we would never have gotten back, even though she was innocent. Two pieces of advice from me: be careful of the SLT police and if you need a great lawyer, hire Marc Pelta.

Marc Pelta

Replied last March 31, 2023

It was my pleasure to help you get this issue with the South Lake Tahoe PD/El Dorado District Attorney's Office resolved.

Posted by anonymous | May 08, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Highly reccomended

Marc Pelta is very knowledgeable in his field and really cares for his clients, he was very attentive and patient with me from beginning to end. He was able to convince the investigator to close my case. I'm very pleased to have hired him!!!

Marc Pelta

Replied last March 31, 2023

Thank you!

Posted by Robert | March 24, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Speeding & Traffic Ticket

Highly recommended!!!

I was referred to Marc from a friend of mine who sought similar representation for a potential traffic conviction. Marc was patient, answered nearly every call that I made to him. When he couldn't answer he would either return my call within 10-15 minutes or text me with a time to reach him. Marc edu...cated me thoroughly regarding my case. He relentlessly fought for me, and as with my good friend, I was pleased with the outcome which Marc was able to bring about for my case. I will most definitely use Marc again in the future. You should too.

Marc Pelta

Replied last March 31, 2023

It was my pleasure to help you get this issue resolved.

Posted by Suzette | May 24, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Excellent defense attorney

My 18 year old son was facing a battery conviction. Attorney Marc Pelta started the process to get his case dismissed. I am very satisfied that I hired him as our criminal defense attorney. Marc is extremely knowledgeable of the law, the procedures and the local court system. He was able to walk... us through the steps to assure the most favorable result. He was always available for questions and was present for every appearance. Marc made a stressful and intimidating process go very smoothly. I would highly recommend Marc to anyone going through a similar experience as he is highly competent, reasonable and communicative.

Marc Pelta

Replied last March 31, 2023

It was a pleasure to help you and your son resolve this battery case in Superior Court.

See All Client Reviews

Marc Pelta's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Marc
Anna Goncharova headshot
Anna Goncharova

Domestic violence lawyer | Oct 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I hired Marc after he was already hired to represent a relative of mine. I then hired Marc to work with me as co-counsel in a Domestic Violence Restraining Order petition case for a client in Santa Clara County. Working with Marc was a tremendous asset in ensuring a positive outcome for my client. Thank you, Marc! You are a the best co-counsel and mentor!"

Ronald A. Cabanayan headshot
Ronald Cabanayan

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Marc is an exceptional attorney with extensive experience in criminal defense. I have sought advice from him on federal crime matters because he has worked as a federal prosecutor. We have also worked together on drug offense cases and collateral consequences of immigration status. I trust his insight and experience. He is an honest man who cares about his clients."

William J Walraven headshot
William Walraven

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 20

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Marc Pelta is a highly skilled criminal defense attorney who will find a solution to the most complex legal problem. He is fearless in the courtroom and fights for his clients to achieve the best possible outcome. I am proud to endorse Marc Pelta."

Douglas MacMillan Borthwick headshot
Douglas Borthwick

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Peter John Marek headshot
Peter Marek

DUI and DWI lawyer | Nov 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Excellent reputation as a former prosecutor and current defense attorney. As a former DA he has a huge advantage over other criminal defense attorneys. "They know that he knows what they know". Do yourself a favor and schedule a consultation with him first. You will not be disappointed."

Dmitriy Shakhnevich headshot
Dmitriy Shakhnevich

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 28

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer."

Sean Cleary headshot
Sean Cleary

Criminal defense lawyer | May 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. A highly skilled and respected lawyer in the legal community."

John M O'Brien headshot
John O'Brien

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. A highly skilled and respected lawyer in the legal community."

Kiarash Feyzjou headshot
Kiarash Feyzjou

Unknown lawyer | Oct 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Christian K. Lassen II headshot
Christian Lassen

Unknown lawyer | Sep 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community."

Jonathan Scott Franklin headshot
Jonathan Franklin

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 08

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Pelta is an excellent attorney who will fight for his clients tooth and nail. We went through advanced trial training together and worked on cases with each other. I am proud to endorse him!"

Lisa Jane Espada headshot
Lisa Espada

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 14

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Mordechai Pelta is an ethical and skilled attorney. He can be counted on for top-notch representation."

Adam Donald Brumm headshot
Adam Brumm

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 11

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I feel like Mordechai has a chance to win every case he takes. He defeated the best lawyers in California during his time as a District Attorney. He is among very few lawyers in the state uniquely capable of capitalizing on mistakes made by prosecutors. I would encourage lawyers practicing in other areas to refer criminal cases to his office."

View All Endorsements
Thomas Daly headshot
Thomas Daly

Criminal defense lawyer

Dmitriy Shakhnevich headshot
Dmitriy Shakhnevich

Criminal defense lawyer

Thomas Victor Wallin headshot
Thomas Wallin

DUI and DWI lawyer

Alison Fay Triessl headshot
Alison Triessl

Criminal defense lawyer

Robert Fredrick Cochran headshot
Robert Cochran

Criminal defense lawyer

Rett Drake-Beck Bergmark headshot
Rett Bergmark

Wrongful death lawyer

Allan Lee Dollison headshot
Allan Dollison

Criminal defense lawyer

Donald Darren Mcelfresh headshot
Donald Mcelfresh

Criminal defense lawyer

Donald Joseph Bartell headshot
Donald Bartell

DUI and DWI lawyer

Tony Tamburello headshot
Tony Tamburello

Criminal defense lawyer

Mark John Geragos headshot
Mark Geragos

Criminal defense lawyer

Kiarash Feyzjou headshot
Kiarash Feyzjou

Criminal defense lawyer

Robert Steven Fink headshot
Robert Fink

Personal injury lawyer

Jason Michael Chaput headshot
Jason Chaput

Criminal defense lawyer

Bridget C. Ausman-Mckinley headshot
Bridget Ausman-Mckinley

Juvenile law lawyer

Julia Deutsch headshot
Julia Deutsch

Criminal defense lawyer

Karen Diane Olson headshot
Karen Olson

Criminal defense lawyer

Eugene Cowan Denson headshot
Eugene Denson

Criminal defense lawyer

Paul Vincent Cummins headshot
Paul Cummins

Criminal defense lawyer

Bill Fazio headshot
Bill Fazio

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2026

AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2026

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2025

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2024

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

Work Experience

2012 - Present

Owner, PELTA LAW

2008 - 2012

Deputy District Attorney, District Attorney's Office

Associations

2024 - Present

The Private Defenders

Member

2018 - Present

National College of DUI Defense

Member

2018 - Present

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

2015 - Present

California Attorneys for Criminal Justice

Member

2012 - Present

California Public Defenders Association

Member

Education

2002

New York City Law School

JD - Juris Doctor

1997

San Francisco State University

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Publications

2011

2001

New York City Law Review Executive Articles Editor

Languages

English

Activity

Top Contributor

Marc earned significant contribution points in 2025.

Avvo Rating

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Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution