Michelle Trigger

Michelle Trigger

3.4
Rating: 5.2

Licensed for 13 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Sacramento, CA
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, Family, Expungement ... +2 more

901 H Street, Suite 650, Suite 650, Sacramento, CA

About Michelle

Biography

Practice Areas

5

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 50%

Trigger Law handles most misdemeanor and felony crimes, including DUI, Domestic Violence, Firearm Possession, Drug Possession and Sales, Burglary, Robbery, Theft, Assault/Battery, Resisting Arrest, Child Abuse/Endangerment, and many others.

14 years

50%
Family 20%

(Limited availability for new clients) Trigger Law handles divorce, child custody, visitation, child support, spousal support/alimony, grandparent rights, and guardianship.

14 years

20%
Domestic Violence 10%

Whether you need to file a Domestic Violence Restraining Order or need assistance in defending against one, we can help. We also offer services for Civil Harassment and Workplace Restraining Orders.

14 years

10%
Expungement 10%

Past case haunting you? We handle expungements for both misdemeanor and felony crimes, as well as early probation termination, firearms rights restoration, and reductions from misdemeanors to felonies and formal probation to informal probation.

14 years

10%
Speeding and Traffic Ticket 10%

Even a traffic ticket can have major implications on your life, especially if you are a commercial driver or hope to obtain your commercial license. We can help you with speeding, red ticket, stop sign, carpool lane, and other traffic infractions.

14 years

10%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 15 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in California for 13 years

State: California

Acquired: 2012

Active

Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2024

Location

Trigger Law Office

901 H Street, Suite 650, Suite 650, Sacramento, CA, 95814

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Michelle Trigger's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

3.4 /5.0

10 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (10) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 6 reviews | Professionalism

Posted by kareem | May 31, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

Beware of this attorney

Beware of this Lawyer , I ran into her at the Center for fathers and family , Which is a program to help fathers with fatherhood , Michelle was there giving lower priced family lawyer services . I thought everything was great until my first cvourt date , I was late , just as my childs mother had been... or not arrived b4 but her lawyer stepped in for her , Michelle did not even bother to show up to court she claimed to have had a rep there in her place but he did not step up on my behalf or even bother to give me a call and he would have found out I was twenty minutes away , But the case was called which lead to me losing my rights . I take my part for bieng late but this is the start , this women openly admitted to me that she within a six month time frame did not have time to look over my case . I lost my case on a technicality , Basically I hired her For Trial , when I missed that court date , I lost my rights and only had six months to file an appeal , I didint know that which is why I had hired her as a lwayer to know the things i dont know . But instead of filling a apeal I was going back and forth to court and mediation for over a year and a half just to be told in court that the apeal time had ended over a year ago . so we had been going back and fourth to court and mediation 3 or 4 times over a year and a half just to get told that I had lost all rights when I did not appeal almost a year prior , I should mention that I was in trial for a case that a judge had already made a ruling on in a prior case but she never looked at my prior cases to evenn know that , and thats her own words "i didint hve time" . Not to mention one of the reasons we where back and fourth to court and mediation so many times within that year and a half period is because Michelle Trigger emailed service to my child's mom instead of mailing it or in person which the judge stated in open court , so he gave us another court date which sent us back into mediation and then back to court by the time i got back into court the six month apeal time had passed . time passed and I wrote reviews about Michelle , first she threatened to sue me then she said it was a misunderstanding and said she would take my cae for free , even though I had already paid her , this turned out to be a strategic move to get to to remove my reviews as she never did anything or submitted anything into court on my behalf , which was critical because at the time my daughters mom was incarcerated which gave nme the perfect opportunity toi get custody . In the hands of my childs mom one child , my son has been killed and she now has 6 CPS cases with my daughter , and continues to do drugs . I thought as a woman and as A family lawyer this would be Michelles biggest concern , getting a child out of harms way and also undoing her wrong in bieng negligent in my first case , but she never submitted one document in over six months , I begged and pleaded with this women to just respond and she ignored me for months . AGAIN BUYER BEWARE

Michelle Trigger

Replied last September 30, 2025

I teach at the Center for Fathers and Families. I do this pro bono. Most of the gentlemen who participate are wonderful. They are engaged, dedicated, and grateful. I do not offer "lower priced services" in my classes and most certainly do not teach to gain clients. I volunteer and if someone needs assistance beyond my class, on a case-by-case basis I'm willing to assist. I do generally in such circumstances provide a steep discount because I am committed to helping my class participants. I believed this client had made progress. I truly did. Despite multiple restraining orders and criminal cases, I believed he was reformed and agreed to assist him at his hearing. He failed to appear. He says he was "late." He was not late--he just didn't show. I had taken off my whole day to assist him. He became enraged that I would not do his appeal for free. Even after explaining that an appeal is not the appropriate vehicle, he remained angry. He engaged in multiple threats. He even sent his boyfriend to threaten me at my office. I wish him the best.

Posted by Amber | November 25, 2019 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

Michelle is an outstanding Attorney

Michelle is great at what she does. I highly recommend hiring her as your Attorney. A friend recommended me contacting Michelle for a second opinion about my case. When the Public Defender given to me almost had me convinced pleading guilty would be a good decision since it was an older case. Well I ...was looking at a DUI , Driving on suspension, position an multiple other counts. Number one I WASN’T driving an yes I did have drugs on me Bt. Since then I can say I’m 3 yrs sober a Leader in Celebrate Recovery an I work at a pharmacy. My life has changed completely I wasn’t guilty. For the things I was guilty of I was no longer that person. Once I contacted Mrs Trigger she told me from the gate Never plead guilty to a crime never committed 5 years ago or anytime. Long story short we went in with confidence an a plan. With Michelle’s knowledge of the law an skills ALL counts against me have been dropped. Hiring Michelle was the best decision I could have made. She’s an amazing person an again great at what she does . Definitely worth hiring She will fight by your side until the end. Thank you Trigger law!!

Posted by anonymous | April 09, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Domestic Violence

Neglectful

I'm writing this review to warn others who are in a vulnerable situation and would like to consult with her. I contacted her regarding a restraining order. After telling her my situation and sending personal information and evidence, she agreed to represent me. The FIRST red flag was that she woul...d tell me she sent emails about the case to me, but I never got them. She also neglected to keep me up to date or answer any of my phone calls or emails ( this was weird because I'd just spoken to her about therapists a month before she stopped). I'm not sure why or if she was "allegedly" paid off by my ex. Because of her my restraining order was dropped ( she told me she would refile, but NEVER did), and I'm in ruin. I WOULD NEVER recommend her to anyone

Michelle Trigger

Replied last April 09, 2019

This "review" does not describe any current or former clients. Further, because it was left anonymously, if it is indeed someone our office has had contact with at some point, we cannot do anything to remedy this person's concerns.

Posted by Lucia | June 02, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

Amazing Attorney!!!

I have a very unique situation in dealing Michelle as an attorney. Oddly enough she was the opposing counsel for my family custody battle. And although I felt the system was extremely unfair and resulted in the most horrific nine months of my life partly because of Michelle‘s incredible skills as a...n attorney and advocating for the devil himself lol I saw immediately her passion, organization, professionalism... I thought to myself throughout the process dang I wish I wasn’t forced to make such a rash decision in hiring representation on emergency basis and had the opportunity to find Michelle first . Here is where the kicker comes in , I actually agreed to allow Michelle to represent my son in a criminal matter simultaneously as the family custody battle. I have to tell you I was more than pleased at the way Michelle was able to separate the two cases!! During the family law case she addressed me in a very professional non-personal matter. During my sons criminal case she addressed me as a client being super friendly, communicative, organized, understanding, responsive and encouraging. I was absolutely amazed at her ability to truly separate the two cases ! I have to say that is a unique skill possessed by Michelle as an attorney ! I’m sure this is a VERY RARE situation and not many attorneys could handle such a task! Michelle took felony charges and her diligence resulted in a misdemeanor offense with no further action required . I could not have asked for a better outcome for my son! Too bad there is only 5 stars available because Michelle deserves 10 stars! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND HER for anyone Looking for representation from an attorney with passion, compassion, organization, professionalism, and the unique ability to separate her feelings from her job as an attorney!!!

Posted by Greg | July 15, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

I Finally Won!

Michelle, is very smart and passionate about what she does. She has been there when I needed her. After years of separation, my wife who is very resentful towards me has tried on multiple occasions to get me in family court so that she can separate me from the Son I love and adore. This time she ...attempted a permanent restraining order. I knew I needed a good attorney. Michelle handled herself well in court enduring 20 minutes of Mom going on and on. Michelle stayed wisely quiet while Mom dug a deeper hole for herself. Then she told our side of the story. In the end, the restraining order was removed by the judge and I was able to see my Son again. After years of losing these battles, I finally won! You should have seen the angry look on Mom's face and the Bailiffs when she ripped the court order out of his hand and stormed out of the court room.

See All Client Reviews

Michelle Trigger's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Michelle
Sasha Faryar Ganji headshot
Sasha Ganji

Family lawyer | Jun 12

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Ms. Trigger is very professional and a pleasure to work with. She is knowledgeable and presses for her clients' best interests. Highly recommended!"

Patrick Ryan Blood headshot
Patrick Blood

General practice lawyer | Jan 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"As a practicing attorney myself, I commend Mrs. Trigger's unwavering dedication to her clients and her zealous representation that everyone should receive. Mrs. Trigger is one of those attorneys that I suspect the other side never would want to go against: her eloquence and attention to detail are unparalleled and she is an awesome advocate for her clients. I would have zero hesitation to referring clients to Michelle."

Leslie Renae Ramos headshot
Leslie Ramos

Family lawyer | Apr 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. She is very knowledgeable and experienced, and she cares."

Matthew Bradley Rosenthal headshot
Matthew Rosenthal

Family lawyer | Jan 22

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I have found Michelle to be a knowledgeable and zealous advocate for her clients. She knows the ins and outs of family law. She would be an excellent choice for prospective clients looking for an attorney."

Shelby Nicole Alberts headshot
Shelby Alberts

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

John Joseph Casey III headshot
John Casey

Unknown lawyer | May 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have had the opportunity to both supervise Michelle's work as well as work along side Michelle. She is a bright enthusiastic attorney who works tirelessly to make sure her client's get the best results possible."

Brett Daniel Yorke headshot
Brett Yorke

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Michelle is tenacious, dedicated, and obtains great results for her clients."

Hendrick Stevens Crowell II headshot
Hendrick Crowell

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 10

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer."

View All Endorsements
Kenton D. Trigger headshot
Kenton Trigger

Workers compensation lawyer

Sasha Faryar Ganji headshot
Sasha Ganji

Divorce and separation lawyer

Christina Elizabeth Cortino headshot
Christina Cortino

Environmental and natural resources lawyer

Brett Daniel Yorke headshot
Brett Yorke

Litigation lawyer

Hendrick Stevens Crowell II headshot
Hendrick Crowell

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  5.2 (Average)

Professional misconduct

This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2024.

Discipline, Probation; no Actual Suspension issued in CA, 2024

updated on 05/21/2024

This sanction means the attorney had a suspension placed on hold (and ultimately removed) by complying with certain requirements.

Work Experience

2013 - Present

Owner, Trigger Law Office

2012 - 2013

Attorney, Law Offices of John J. Casey

2011 - 2012

Certified Legal Intern, Sacramento County Conflict Criminal Defenders

2010 - 2011

Certified Legal Intern, Sacramento County District Attorney's Office

Education

2012

McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific

Juris Doctor

2009

California State University, Chico

Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2013

Class Lecture

Overview of Family Law

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline
    This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2024
    Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
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