April S Gilbert

April S Gilbert

also known as April Zwirn

5.0
Rating: 8.4

Licensed for 31 years

Criminal defense Lawyer Practice Areas: Criminal Defense

About April

Biography

Practice Areas

1

Practice Area

Criminal Defense 100%

Criminal Defense Practice with emphasis on DUI, Drug Charges/Substance Abuse, Treatment, Recovery, Collaborative Courts, and Expungements. Experience defending against serious & violent felonies, thefts, domestic violence, and child abuse charges.

31 years | 65,500 cases

100%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 45 minutes

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in California for 31 years

State: California

Acquired: 1994

Active

No misconduct found

Location

No contact information is available for this lawyer

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April S Gilbert's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

98 Client Reviews

Showing 6 - 10 of 40 reviews | Recommendation

Posted by Hannah | September 11, 2025

Heart of Gold, Fierce Attorney

I cannot thank Attorney April Gilbert enough for her support and guidance. She stepped in with compassion, wisdom, and strength, helping me through one of the hardest times of my life. Because of her tireless effort and advocacy, the case against me did not move forward. She made it clear there wa...sn’t enough evidence to file, and the charges were dropped. April is not just an incredibly skilled and powerful lawyer. She has a beautiful heart and soul. She goes above and beyond for her clients, with genuine care and kindness. She is not in this work for the money; she is in it because she truly cares about people and their families. April, you are a blessing sent from God. Your advice, compassion, and unwavering support carried me through. I am beyond grateful for you. To anyone in need of representation: do not hesitate to call April. She is the best of the best. An extraordinary lawyer and an extraordinary human being. With gratitude, Hannah

Posted by Kelsey | August 23, 2025 | Hired Attorney

#1 Criminal Defense Attorney

I could write an entire essay on April because she is truly one of a kind. I have had the pleasure of working with her years ago as my public defender and when I got a hit and run recently, I knew exactly who to call. I was nervous because it happened in San Diego and I knew she was more familiar wit...h OC, however, in true April fashion she blew it out of the water. I went into court with a warrant and walked out an hour later with my arraignment complete. April even took the time to visit the DAs office and leave a hand written note for the supervisor, who later reached out to April and delivered an amazing deal, well before our court date! These are the personal touches you get with April, which most attorneys simply will not take the time to do. She is truly the best of the best-personable, compassionate, confident and ALWAYS makes you feel safe and secure, no matter what you’re facing. She can walk into any court and get answers, not because she is overly aggressive but because she is so warm and professional. I was facing up to 6 months in jail for a hit and run. She was not only offered a deal by the SUPERVISING DA, which would have resulted in my case being dismissed through a diversion program, but she was even able to negotiate that amazing deal to better serve me. I will forever respect and recommend April to anyone! She has a heart of goal and so much experience making her the absolute best in the business!

Posted by anonymous | June 30, 2025 | Hired Attorney

Best outcome I could have imagined

I can’t say enough good things about April. I wish I could give 30 stars due to how everything turned out. She represented me in a shoplifting case . It was a multi count felony and facing the J-word but after following her advice and her submission of mitigation she convinced the judge to reduce all... charges to misdemeanors and only did 10 days of trash cleanup at the beach 5 min from my home. Literally could not have worked out better. From the start, she was on top of everything sharp, aggressive, and still had a very calm kind of energy that made me feel very comfortable. She made sure I understood every step of the process and helped me feel at ease during some stressful moments, she was well respected and known in the courtroom amongst the other attorneys. I’m so beyond grateful for her help if you need somebody that knows their stuff and really cares then she’s the attorney to go with. You won’t be disappointed.

Posted by anonymous | June 13, 2025 | Hired Attorney

DUI Defense

April came highly recommended. Her experience, compassion and professionalism provided the peace of mind I needed when facing criminal charges. She was always available to consult with me throughout the duration of my case. I could not be happier with the outcome she achieved. Extremely grateful for ...her hard work on my case and would recommend her to anyone facing a DUI charge.

Posted by anonymous | June 12, 2025 | Hired Attorney

Amazing criminal defense lawyer

April is a fantastic defense attorney lawyer. She is a trusted and very caring attorney who since the first day my husband consulted his case with her explained all the steps and reassured him that she was going to fight along his side. My husband was charged with two DUI counts and a Hit and Run an...d April was able to get 2 counts dismissed and a very favorable sentence for him. She was always available to discuss the case with him and gave him not only the best legal advise but personal advice to help him stay calm and motivated during this difficult time. We thought it was almost impossible to challenge a DUI/Hit and Run charges, but April did it. She is very knowledgeable of the DUI laws and DMV administrative proceedings which are very difficult to navigate on you own. We highly recommend April. She is simply THE BEST!!

See All Client Reviews

April S Gilbert's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse April
Jennifer Elaine Boukidis headshot
Jennifer Boukidis

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"April is an exceptional attorney. She has a wealth of experience in all types of criminal matters. Not only is she skilled and knowledgeable, but she truly cares about her clients, their well being, their families, and their future. She leaves no stone unturned when it comes to serving her client's best interest. April is well respected by her peers, opposing counsel, and the court. I have worked opposite her as a former prosecutor and work alongside her now as a fellow criminal defense attorney. I know her to be honest, intelligent, hard working and compassionate. April is a talented and caring person and an excellent choice for representation in any criminal matter."

Kristine Koo headshot
Kristine Koo

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"April cares. She is someone who will listen to you, take what you say into consideration, and give thoughtful feedback. She also gives wise counsel and is trustworthy. Whenever I have a question in criminal law - I go to April - because she knows!"

Karren Melinda Kenney headshot
Karren Kenney

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Ms. Gilbert cares about each and every one of her clients and she takes the time to fight for them in order to get the best disposition possible. Ms. Gilbert is also an extrememely effective trial lawyer. I have seen her in trial and was amazed at the connection she has with the jury...jurors love her!"

View All Endorsements
Alan Castillo headshot
Alan Castillo

DUI and DWI lawyer

Kristine Koo headshot
Kristine Koo

Criminal defense lawyer

John F. Christl headshot
John Christl

Criminal defense lawyer

Lisa Ann Kopelman headshot
Lisa Kopelman

Criminal defense lawyer

Karren Melinda Kenney headshot
Karren Kenney

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  8.4 (Excellent)

Honors

1993

American Jurisprudence Award Criminal Procedure, Western State University College of Law

1991

American Jurisprudence Award Civil Procedure, Western State University College of Law

Work Experience

2021 - Present

Criminal Defense Lawyer, Law Office of April Gilbert

1995 - 2021

Deputy Public Defender, Orange County Public Defender's Office (CA)

1993 - 1995

Contributing Editor, Orange County Lawyer Magazine, Orange County Bar Association

1986 - 1992

Legal Assistant, Law Office Of Harley A. Feinstein

Associations

2024 - Present

North Orange County Bar Association

Board of Directors

2018 - Present

North Orange County Bar Association,

Member

1994 - Present

Orange County Bar Association

Member

1996 - 1997

William P. Gray Legion Lex American Inn of Court

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Carjacking and robbery of elders with a deadly weapon

My client was only sentenced to three years in prison (instead of 13), which was the lowest possible term.

See More Legal Cases

Education

1994

Western State University College of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1990

California State University, Long Beach

BA - Bachelor of Arts English Literature

Speaking Engagements

2019

Publications

1994

Orange County Lawyer Magazine The Fourth Amendment is not a Technicality

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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