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Jonathan A Mendoza

5.0
Rating: 9.3

Licensed for 15 years

Criminal defense Lawyer Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, Immigration

About Jonathan

Practice Areas

Fees and Rates

Cost

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in California for 15 years

State: California

Acquired: 2010

Active

No misconduct found

Location

No contact information is available for this lawyer

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Jonathan A Mendoza's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

42 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (42) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 16 reviews | Recommendation

Posted by Albert Acosta | October 02, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

THE BEST OF THE BEST

I want to start off by saying, there aren't enough stars out there to give this man. He is the best at his craft, I'm am very lucky that he is so knowledgeable, and experienced in law. I would first like to say, I've been with four other law firms, spent thousands of dollars, before finding Mr. Men...doza, I believe that God said enough is enough, and he allowed our paths to finally cross, I was at the end of my rope, My case was so complicated with multiple convictions, Mr. Mendoza managed to accomplish in a very short period of time, what four other attorney's couldn't accomplish in 10 years. Empire law gave me my life back, the staff is amazing, specially Cesar very polite and caring when requesting information about my personal life. There aren't enough words to express my gratitude to Mr Mendoza and his team. All I know, is if your looking for the best of the best, You will get it with Jonathan Mendoza, I trust him with my life, I will recommend him to any family member or friend. God Bless.

Posted by Vanessa | September 15, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Immigration

Godsent!

Please read!! I would give Jonathan and his team ten stars if I could! Me and my husband started the visa process back in 2016. We trusted Rogelio Morales, who at the time was a reputable lawyer. Come to find out this man, did not care about me or my husband. He took our money and wasted our ...time. Years came and in 2019 we received an attempt to deny our application for insufficient evidence. I had less than three weeks to turn in more documentation, or they would deny and possibly deport my husband. Mind you this is during the holidays. My lawyer was arrested for fraud. I was in the worst place in my life. Me and my husband thankfully found Jonathan and his team, and let’s just say he took care of business! Staff is very organized and detailed with their packets. I felt like they truly cared about me and my family. They gave us the option to reach out to them personally at any time. Due to my husbands health circumstances, Jonathan was able to get my husbands case expedited to the consulate. Last week my husbands visa was finally approved!! Me and my husband can now finally breath, and live out our dreams for our family. Please do not look any further than Empire Law. You will be in good hands!

Jonathan Mendoza

Replied last September 16, 2022

Thank you for the fantastic review Vanessa! We are grateful for the trust and confidence you had in our office. It was a long journey but we achieved the success.

Posted by Cecilia | March 22, 2022 | Hired Attorney

Excellent Service

My experience with Attorney Mendoza has been great from the start. During consultation he was open and honest about our case and took the time to explain and ensured our understanding about any potential challenges we could face. He gave us an honest opinion about our case and I can say, after having... gone through the whole process now, I am very happy with the honesty and transparency Attorney Mendoza showed to us. He made himself available when needed and his team were extremely pleasant and professional at all times. Lastly, unlike other lawyers, he truly cares for his clients and his integrity was something that we appreciated from the start. I would definitely recommend him to anyone in need of an attorney.

Posted by anonymous | March 15, 2022 | Immigration

Best Immigration Lawyer in California

Thank you GOD for allowing Mr.Mendoza into our lives he will now be my new immigration lawyer! I've spoke to several immigration attorneys and none of them are as passionate, respectful & KNOWLEDGABLE as Mr. Jonathan Mendoza. I had a consultation with him & I knew he was the perfect lawyer for my fam...ily as soon as he introduced himself. He allowed me to ask as many questions as needed with no judgement & no rush. I appreciate all of your time, knowledge, and help that you do for people. May God continue to bless you, your family and your beautiful business in helping humanity. Thank you again for all of the guidance. Respectfully -Andrea G

Posted by Sarah | June 28, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Immigration

Sarah Lawson CADC

Jonathan Mendoza and Empire Law, Inc. saved my life and directly impacted the lives of my husband, children, parents, sister, and the community I live in. I was stopped while re-entering the country and told that I needed to appear in immigration court. I had charges from over 7 years ago for drug... possession and shop lifting. In court my public defender never explained to me that pleading guilty would affect my immigration status as a permanent resident with a green card. I've lived in the USA since I was 2, I'm now 34. I have 2 children who are US citizens, along with a husband who is a US citizen, and since my arrests I've become a substance abuse counselor for parolees- I've literally dedicated my entire life to helping others and trying to stop of the process of substance abuse, untreated mental illness, and recidivism, so this was all a HUGE shock to me. I had no clue how pleading guilty to those charges seven years ago would mean me getting deported to a country I have no ties to. After obtaining an immigration attorney she referred me to Jonathan Mendoza and Empire Law, Inc. From the second I contacted them I was treated with the utmost respect and explained the entire process I would need to undergo to vacate my old charges so that I didn't get deported. Mr. Mendoza's staff were kind, courteous, and EXTREMELY knowledgeable and thorough. They answered all of my questions and helped me every single step of the way. Yesterday I finally went to court and the DA not only agreed to not contest the motions, but she actually SUPPORTED me having my charges vacated, thanks to the hard work and mountains of evidence Jonathan Mendoza and his team collected to support my motions. I sobbed throughout court because I am so grateful and relieved that Mr. Mendoza was able to get all of my charges vacated, which means I can stay in the country with my family and continue to work towards helping my community. I am forever grateful to Jonathan and his team. I cannot begin to express my gratitude for what they've done for me and my family. If I could give them 10000 stars on this review I would. Thank you to the whole team at Empire Law, Inc. You're truly a God-send.

Jonathan Mendoza

Replied last June 28, 2021

Thank you for the heartwarming review, Sarah! It has been a pleasure to serve you. After our success in court, we had a team discussion about your case. It is stories like yours that emphasize our organization's vision. That is - to change people's lives for the better. Thank you for your trust. We look forward to hearing about your continued success.

See All Client Reviews

Jonathan A Mendoza's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Jonathan
Ernesto Rodriguez headshot
Ernesto Rodriguez

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Jonathan Mendoza is a great lawyer that does not mind sharing his knowledge and expertise in criminal law and immigration law with other lawyers. On multiple occasion I have reached out to Mr. Mendoza with legal questions and he is always responsive and willing to help. Thank you Jonathan for your support."

Alejandro Barraza headshot
Alejandro Barraza

Immigration lawyer | Oct 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Jonathan Mendoza is a fantastic attorney and we are lucky to have him in our legal community. He is very knowledgable in both immigration and criminal defense. He is a mentor of mine. He has taken time out of his busy days, to help answer my questions. Thank you Jonathan."

Gregory Alan Rollins headshot
Gregory Rollins

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 23

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Back when I was a prosecutor, I had several cases wherein Jonathan was the defense attorney. We even did a trial together. Without a doubt, Jonathan is one of the best defense attorneys I had to go up against. You can tell that he cares about his clients and fights his hardest to see that their rights are protected. When you hire Jonathan as your lawyer, you have one of the best!"

Mohammad Z. Qazi headshot
Mohammad Qazi

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Mendoza is a fearless advocate for his clients. He goes above and beyond to obtain the best results on a consistent basis. He is well respected by court staff, prosecutors, judges and his colleagues."

Lauren C. Sorsby headshot
Lauren Sorsby

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Mendoza is knowledgeable, experienced and honest. I have seen his professionalism before the court, and I have seen him work behind the scenes to ensure that the case, the client, and the client's family is ready for trial. His ability to be compassionate but direct is a valuable asset to a client during a difficult time. He has been encouraging personally and professionally, and ready to lend a hand when asked."

Xinia L. Guerra headshot
Xinia Guerra

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Jonathan A. Mendoza is hard working, experienced, knowledgeable, and everything you are looking for in a criminal defense attorney. His previous experience with the public defender's office provides valuable insight and experience."

Matthew Murillo headshot
Matthew Murillo

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 07

Relationship: Friend

"I'm known Jonathan for several years now and can't think of anyone else I'd rather go into Court with when it matters. Jonathan is everything you want - charismatic, aggressive, experienced, and knows how to get the job done."

Imran Syed headshot
Imran Syed

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Ive known Jonathan for over a decade. i have asked him countless questions about criminal law and he has always been able to lead me in the right direction. Ive also worked with him personally on cases and have seen how much he cares about getting the best results for his clients. Jonathan is also a trial attorney, he's not afraid to litigate a case and knows courtroom procedure. He also has excellent negotiation skills and is well known and liked in the legal community. If you want a good lawyer i recommend him."

Stephen Troy Allen headshot
Stephen Allen

Immigration lawyer | Jun 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer.. I've known and worked closely with Mr Mendoza for a number of years. He's patient, dedicated, and gets the job done. If you need someone who understands the law especially in regards to immigration effects due to criminal legal issues, call Mendoza."

View All Endorsements
Ernesto Rodriguez headshot
Ernesto Rodriguez

Immigration lawyer

Gregory Alan Rollins headshot
Gregory Rollins

Criminal defense lawyer

Mohammad Z. Qazi headshot
Mohammad Qazi

Criminal defense lawyer

Eugene Carson III headshot
Eugene Carson

Criminal defense lawyer

Imran Syed headshot
Imran Syed

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.3 (Superb)

Honors

2018

Wiley W. Manuel Award for Pro Bono Legal Services, State Bar of California

2018

Certificate of Recognition, TODEC Legal Center

Work Experience

2011 - 2017

Deputy Public Defender, Law Offices Of The Public Defender, Riverside County

Associations

California Public Defenders Association

California DUI Lawyers Association

Riverside County Bar Association

Los Angeles County Bar Association

Sample of Legal Cases

Domestic violence charges

Not guilty of all charges.

Motion to Dismiss for Insufficiency of Evidence (PC 1181(6))

Motion granted after jury trial. Case dismissed.

Driving under the influence (DUI)

Hung Jury. District Attorney dismissed the DUI after trial.

Motion to Vacate (PC 1473.7)

Motion granted. Client released from ICE custody and avoided deportation.

DACA renewal (after criminal conviction)

Petition approved.

I-601A waiver (unlawful presence)

Waiver was approved.

See More Legal Cases

Education

N/A

Univ of LaVerne COL

N/A

Univ of California Irvine

Speaking Engagements

2018

Citizenship workshop and DACA renewal Immigration

Publications

2018

Riverside Lawyer Magazine Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals

Languages

Spanish

Avvo Rating

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  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
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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