PRO

Licensed for 18 years

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Juvenile Law 2%

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

18 years | 70 cases

Expungement 1%

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

15 years | 10 cases

Fees and Rates

Cost

Retainer

Always

Payment Methods

Cash
Check
Credit Card

Awards

2025 2024 2023

...

+ 3

2025 2024

Licenses

Licensed in California for 18 years

State: California

Acquired: 2007

Active

No misconduct found

See All Attorney Licenses See Less Attorney Licenses

Location

Pelta Law - NorCal Location

(415) 963-9992

Mobile

(415) 963-9992

Mobile

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

peltalaw.com/

Message Get Directions

Pelta Law - Southland Location

(415) 963-9992

Mobile

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

peltalaw.com/

Message Get Directions

See All Locations See Less Locations

Gallery

Marc Pelta's Reviews

Overall Rating
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.

4.9 /5.0

78 Client Reviews

Avvo

4.9

(75)

Lawyers.com

5.0

(3 )

See client reviews from Lawyers.com

Showing 1 - 2 of 2 reviews | Family

Posted by anonymous | March 04, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Family

Administrative Law excellence

I hired Marc because of an investigation in a professional licensing issue with the Board of Pharmacy. My situation was more complex as it involved a family law component to it as well as the administrative law component I hired him for. His expertise, experience, and directness were invaluable. M...arc advised, represented me at the meeting with the investigator and guided me. The investigation was closed. I am pleased with the result.

See Full Review Collapse Review

Marc Pelta

Replied last July 13, 2025

Helping someone ensure that his or her professional license remains active so that the person can continue to service as a productive member of society is important to me. Thank you for taking the time to leave this review.

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

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.

See Full Review Collapse Review

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

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 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 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 Borthwick

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

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

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 28

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer."

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 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

Unknown lawyer | Oct 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Christian Lassen

Unknown lawyer | Sep 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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

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 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 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."

See More Lawyer Endorsements See Less Lawyer Endorsements View All Endorsements