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Neil D. Levinson
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Neil D. Levinson
Law Offices of Neil D. Levinson
1933 Cliff Drive
Suite 2
Santa Barbara, CA 93109
Phone: (805) 963-2592 | Fax: (805) 435-1525
Legal Topic
Criminal Defense
Preferred New Clients
My preference is to defend persons charged with criminal offenses.
Sub-Categories
Criminal Defense
- Aiding, Abetting, Accessory, Conspiracy
- Appeals
- Capital Crimes/Capital Cases
- Felonies
- False Identification
- Truancy
- Misdemeanors
- Parole
- Probation
- Probation
- Perjury
- Plea Negotiation
- Search & Seizure
- Domestic Violence
- Elder Abuse
- DUI
- Felony Auto Accidents
- Parking Tickets & Towing
- Traffic - Moving Violations
- Expungement or Expunction
- Drug Cultivation & Manufacturing
- Drug Possession
- Intent to Distribute Drugs
- Intent to Sell Drugs
- Constitutional Rights Defense
- Illegal Possession or Transportation
- Other Weapons & Devices
- Bank Fraud
- Checks & Credit Cards
- Embezzlement
- Forgery
- Identity Theft
- Insider Trading
- Insurance Claims
- Money Laundering
- Racketeering & RICO
- Securities Fraud
- Tax Evasion & Fraud
- Arson
- Burglary
- Embezzlement
- Larceny
- Shoplifting
- Theft
- Trespass
- Vandalism
- Prostitution, Solicitation, & Pandering
- Rape
- Sexual Assault
- Assault & Battery
- Domestic Violence
- Extortion
- Kidnapping
- Manslaughter
- Murder
- Robbery
Bar Admissions
CA, Jun 1988
Bar Number: 134733
Other Court Admissions
California State Courts; United States District Courts - Central and Southern Districts of California
Association Memberships
Los Angeles County Bar Association
Continuing Education
200 Hours in criminal law seminars and trial college programs
Example Cases
1. Possession for Sale of Cocaine - Client facing 9 years in state prison; after hung jury, felony charges dismissed
2. Driving Under the Influence - Acquittal by jury
Education
Degree:
J.D.
School:
San Fernando Valley College of Law
City:
Los Angeles
State:
CA
Year:
1987
Degree:
B.S.
School:
University of California at Berkeley
City:
Berkeley
State:
CA
Year:
1982
Focus and Accomplishments:
Major: History
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
California
Firm Focus and History
I am focused almost exclusively on criminal defense of misdemeanor and felony cases, including drug, theft, DUI, fraud, and sex crimes for the past 13 years. My firm started in Santa Monica, California and then relocated to Santa Barbara, California, where we continue to serve the community.
Previous Employment Summary
Former Deputy District Attorney for Los Angeles County from 1988-1992 - prosecuted misdemeanor and felony crimes; Law Clerk for United States Attorney's Office for the Central District of California - Summer 1986; Professional Pianist at Bars and Restaurants - 1983-1985; Professional Tennis Player - Summer 1983
Activities and Awards
None
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
I make an effort to educate my clients about the legal issues that relate to their case so they can meaningfully assist in their defense. The self-help philosophy I encourage my clients to adopt is to understand how they have contributed to being in the situation that has resulted in charges against them (i.e., to be aware of any personal problems (involving money, career, family).
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
It is an essential part of effectively representing clients charged with crimes.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
I am happy to assist clients who want to represent themselves, but encourage them not to do so. The decision to coach a client who wants to represent him/her self depends on the type of crime they are charged with.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I decided to be a lawyer to protect the rights of people who do not have the education or means to help themselves or to stay out of the criminal justice system.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
The work experience and education that helps me be a better lawyer is trying difficult and challenging cases, practicing trial methods, and talking to other criminal lawyers about case examples and strategies.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
I decided on my primary specialty to protect people from unfair treatment by law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies.
What do you like best about your career?
What I like best are all the people I have helped, not only in their criminal cases but in their lives by increasing their awareness.
Tell us about your law firm:
Right now I am without an office assistant and I am the only lawyer in my firm.
What are your strengths and style?
My unique strength and expertise is negotiating case settlements for clients and defending cases honestly and fairly.
My style is non-adversarial, honest, realistic and real. I do not like to try to fool clients, prosecutors, police, judges or juries.
Personal Interests:
My personal interests include music, sports, art, and reading.
Office Manager/Assistant
None
Fax
(805) 435-1525
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Foreign Languages
French
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
It depends on the types of criminal offense charged. Misdemeanor cases have a fixed fee before trial and for trial; felony cases have a fixed fee through the preliminary hearing and for trial.
Hourly Rates
$250
Free Initial Consultation?
Yes, the initial consultation is free.
Typical Retainer
$2,500
Nolo's Licensing Check
Attorneys have passed a licensing check. Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the applicable bar associations upon joining the directory.
Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any bar association.
