Marc Pelta

Marc Pelta

also known as Mordechai Pelta

4.9
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

About Marc

Biography

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

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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

Pelta Law - Southland Location

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

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Marc Pelta's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.9 /5.0

82 Client Reviews

Showing 11 - 15 of 82 reviews

Posted by Aurora | November 09, 2025 | Hired Attorney

Wonderful Advocate for Me and My Husband

We initially hired Marc more than a year ago for some related Civil Harassment Restraining Order cases against one of us. Marc then provided us with the option to file for restraining orders against the neighbors using Elder Abuse restraining order petitions. Unfortunately, despite Marc good work, ...the judge did not agree with us. Some of the neighbors persisted with the harassment and Marc stuck by us in filing two more Elder Abuse restraining order cases against them. However, even with the stronger evidence, the Judge would not side with us. We feel Marc still did a very good job and that it is not always possible to win cases in court even when a lawyer does his work correctly.

Marc Pelta

Replied last February 02, 2026

Litigating restraining orders is not only about "winning", but also about holding others accountable. If a judge does not agree then that is the process we follow. Thank you for your understanding and placing your trust in me.

Posted by anonymous | November 06, 2025 | Hired Attorney

Great Services

I hired Marc Pelta for a DUI case. He is representing me before both the DMV and the San Mateo County District Attorney. So far I am pleased with his representation, guidance and advice in this stressful process. He puts me more at ease when explaining my rights and the plan he has to protect them....

Marc Pelta

Replied last February 02, 2026

I enjoy representing clients in DUI cases, including court hearings, DMV hearings or if it requires proceeding to jury trial.

Posted by Maria | September 26, 2025 | Hired Attorney

His expertise, highest caliber attorney and extremely knowleadgeable

High caliber attorney with expertise of trying his best to win your case. Extremely approachable and empathy of what you are going through.

Posted by anonymous | July 16, 2025 | Hired Attorney

Hire Mr. Pelta!

I hired Marc Pelta to represent me to the San Mateo County District Attorney's Office because I was arrested for a drug crime in Brisbane with a future court date. Marc contacted the DA's Office and so far no charges have been filed against me which I am pleased with.

Marc Pelta

Replied last September 03, 2025

It was my pleasure to help you get this resolved in your favor so that you can put it behind you.

Posted by Holding bad actors accountable: | July 10, 2025 | Hired Attorney

Holding bad actors in dependency court accountable:

During my dependency case, I was desperate for a new attorney. I came across attorney Marc Pelta. What was supposed to be competent representation quickly became a nightmare. Mr. Pelta exhibited aggressive, inappropriate behavior in court, misrepresented his knowledge of dependency law, and ou...tright lied about what he was capable of handling. This wasn’t just my impression — the judge overseeing the case recognized serious issues, ultimately resulting in removing him from the case. Unfortunately, by then, the damage was done. His mishandling contributed directly to my loss of custody. It’s disturbing how often parents in dependency and family court are forced to rely on attorneys who are unprepared or careless with the futures of children and families. This isn’t just my story — it’s a widespread problem in a system with little oversight or accountability. I’m continuing to fight for my son, for due process, and for reforms so that other parents aren’t subjected to incompetent representation that leads to devastating, life-altering outcomes. If you’ve experienced similar failures in the child welfare or family court system, or would like to support calls for oversight and change, please reach out or share your story.

Marc Pelta

Replied last July 13, 2025

This review is false. First, the case was handled correctly. Second, this review appears to be similar to at least 4 more this alleged former client left me almost a year ago on other websites. Third, this person knows by now that I am prohibited by the State Bar of California from responding to the details of this case without a written waiver from her/him/them. It is unfortunate that this person will not stop doing this.

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

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