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Amy Lauren Mcdonald
also known as Amy McDonald
About Amy
Biography
I graduated from Ohio State University in 1990. (Go Buckeyes!) I am a former deputy district attorney and have filed and prosecuted hundreds of cases and served as a liaison to San Bernardino County police departments’ task forces.
I worked for a DUI defense firm, The Law Offices of Lawrence Taylor, for three years before deciding to open my own office in Newport Beach and now San Diego. I devote my entire practice to Criminal defense.
The most important aspect of my practice is that I personally represent all of my clients. From the initial interview to the conclusion of a case, I never “hand off” or “contract out” a case to another attorney. This is very important to me.
When it comes to trials, I do all of them personally and have a winning record both as a prosecutor and a defense attorney. There are very few places in this world I would rather be than in a courtroom during a trial. I love going to trial. It is the reason I became a lawyer.
I have an extensive psychology background and truly enjoy the jury selection process. I have spent years researching the psychology behind selecting a jury. This is an extremely important part of any trial. I have spoken to hundreds of jurors over the years and have learned various techniques to “weed out” those potential jurors who are biased
I have spoken both locally and nationally at various seminars and training classes regarding Trial Tactics and The Jury Selection Process.
I co-authored the California edition of The DUI Book and I am considered an expert on cases involving the Drug Ambien and the use of the defense of "involuntary intoxication."
Practice Areas
1
Practice Area
Criminal Defense
100%
28 years
Fees and Rates
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 27 years
State: California
Acquired: 1998
Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2018
Location
The Law Office of Amy L. McDonald
Torrey Pines Rd., San Diego, CA
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Amy Lauren Mcdonald's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
3 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
Posted by TJ | January 29, 2013 | Criminal Defense
Attorney McDonald saved my son's future!
My son is on football scholarship and has a very big future ahead of him. So when he foolishly went out drinking with his so-called "friends" and got himself into some serious trouble, we were worried and desperate. One of my employees told me to call Amy McDonald. He told me if anyone could get my...
Posted by Lisa Antcliff | November 16, 2011 | DUI & DWI
O C'S DUI QUEEN
I was facing jail time as I was a multiple DUI offender, Amy got 7 of 8 charges dismissed and got me home supervision!!!! She was very supportive and encouraged me in my journey to find sobriety. She will get best possible outcome.
Posted by anonymous | May 14, 2009 | Speeding & Traffic Ticket
The best DUI defense attorney ever!
Amy McDonald was amazing. She got my case dismissed because the police officer did not have a valid reason to pull me over. I almost decided to represent myself and plead guilty. Thank God I hired Amy McDonald first!
Amy Lauren Mcdonald's Lawyer Endorsements
"This attorney works very hard for the client and keeps up with the law by attending legal seminars to assist them in this regard. I endorse this attorney."
"Our QC and Safety Plans, of cource we only extract the applicable parts or summaries and we do not include in our proposals the entire plan, unless they ask for it specifically."
"I endorse this lawyer's work: extraordinarily conscientious, very hardworking and extremely dedicated, it is well-known that this lawyer is an excellent trial attorney who is a tremendous & generous asset to the Nationwide DUI Defense Bar community. Any person in need who hires this superb attorney will know he or she is in capable hands. For a number of obvious reasons, I am honored to endorse this fine lawyer!"
"Amy is an enigma in the criminal defense legal community. She is relentless both in and out of court in the defense of her clients. She also places a premium on physical fitness and looks the part of a highly aggressive DUI defense attorney in Orange County. She is recognized in Newport Beach, California by judges and prosecutors as civil, yet passionate in the pursuit of justice. Amy McDonald is a former prosecutor, so it makes sense that she would have such a great reputation. I hold Amy in the highest esteem and reccomend you contact her for all forms of criminal defense, including white collar crime. /s/ Michael Ehline, injury attorney."
"Recently, Amy and I worked together on a domestic violence case at the Harbor Justice Center in Newport Beach. Amy represented the victim, who is the wife of my client. This case involved the discharge of a firearm and allegations of criminal threats. Amy's prior experience as a former deputy district attorney was very helpful in resolving the matter in everyone's best interests. As a former prosecutor, she was able to give critical information to the parties involved as to potential outcomes in the case. And it was a pleasure to work with her. I would not hesitate to recommend her services. Sincerely, Don Sowers Partner Takakjian, Sowers & Sitkoff LLP"
Michael Ehline
Personal injury lawyer
Donald Sowers
Criminal defense lawyer
Experience
Professional misconduct
This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2018.
Disbarment issued in CA, 2018
updated on 05/07/2018Disbarment is the most serious penalty for a lawyer. If this attorney is currently practicing law, you should contact the California State Bar to understand the reasons for disbarment.
Work Experience
2004 - 2006
Associate Attorney, The Law Office of Lawrence Taylor
2000 - 2002
Deputy District Attorney, San Bernardino County District Attorney
Associations
The Ohio State University Alumni Association
Sample of Legal Cases
People v. Fuller
Two Hung Juries. Case dismissed by trial judge.
Education
N/A
Western State College of Law
law
N/A
Ohio State Univ
undergraduate
Speaking Engagements
N/A
Criminal Defense Lawyers Club
Trial Tactics
Publications
2009
The DUI Book
California Edition
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers