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Mark A. Gallagher
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Mark A. Gallagher
The Law Offices of Mark A. Gallagher
1440 N. Harbor
Suite 515
Fullerton, CA 92835
Phone: (800) 797-8406 | Fax: (714) 680-9982
http://www.socaldefenselawyer.com
Criminal Defense, DUI and Juvenile Law for 10 Years
Legal Topic
Criminal Defense
Preferred New Clients
We prefer to work with clients in need of an experienced criminal defense attorney that will fight for their rights.
Sub-Categories
Criminal Defense
- Aiding, Abetting, Accessory, Conspiracy
- Appeals
- Capital Crimes/Capital Cases
- Environmental Violations
- Felonies
- Grand Jury Proceedings
- Juvenile Crimes
- False Identification
- Truancy
- Military Crimes (UCMJ)
- Misdemeanors
- Parole
- Probation
- Perjury
- Plea Negotiation
- Search & Seizure
- Victims' Rights
- Animal Abuse
- Child Abuse
- Domestic Violence
- Elder Abuse
- DUI
- Felony Auto Accidents
- Parking Tickets & Towing
- Traffic - Moving Violations
- Open Container
- Driving with a Suspended License
- Driving without a License
- DWI
- Hacking
- Malicious Code
- Unauthorized Access
- Expungement or Expunction
- Drug Cultivation & Manufacturing
- Drug Possession
- Intent to Distribute Drugs
- Intent to Sell Drugs
- Medical Marijuana
- Constitutional Rights Defense
- Illegal Possession or Transportation
- Other Weapons & Devices
- Bank Fraud
- Checks & Credit Cards
- Corporate Espionage & Sabotage
- Embezzlement
- Extortion
- Forgery
- Identity Theft
- Insider Trading
- Insurance Claims
- Money Laundering
- Public Offerings
- Racketeering & RICO
- Securities Fraud
- Smuggling
- Tax Evasion & Fraud
- Trade Secrets
- Wire Transfer
- Arson
- Burglary
- Embezzlement
- Larceny
- Shoplifting
- Theft
- Trespass
- Vandalism
- Abduction
- Child Abuse
- Child Pornography
- Indecent Exposure
- Prostitution, Solicitation, & Pandering
- Rape
- Sexual Assault
- Stalking
- Trafficking in Women
- Assault & Battery
- Domestic Violence
- Extortion
- Kidnapping
- Manslaughter
- Murder
- Robbery
Bar Admissions
CA, Dec 2000
Bar Number: 209811
Other Court Admissions
U.S. District Court, Central District of California, Supreme Court of California.
Association Memberships
Orange County Bar Association, California DUI Lawyer's Association, National College for DUI Defense.
Continuing Education
I attend continuing legal education seminars and events through the Orange County Bar Association and the Los Angeles County Bar Association. I am also an active member of the California Public Defenders Association. I always exceed the required amount of continuing education hours. I also mentor young lawyers in the ethics and current case law of a criminal defense practice.
Example Cases
• In a second time DUI case in Rancho Cucamonga, a client was facing up to two years in the county jail. I filed a motion based on my client's speedy trial rights and all charges were dismissed.
• In an attempted murder case with gang enhancements out of Pomona, a client was facing life in prison. I worked with a forensic investigator and ballistics specialist to establish that the evidence could only support two gunmen instead of three. The attempted murder charges were dismissed. The client will be paroled before his 30th birthday.
Education
Degree:
Juris Doctor
School:
Pepperdine University
City:
Malibu
State:
CA
Year:
2000
Honors:
Graduated Cum Laude (Top 15%)
Focus and Accomplishments:
• Criminal Law Clinical Program, American Trial Lawyers Association
• Dean's Merit Scholarship
Degree:
B.A. in Philosophy
School:
University of San Diego
City:
San Diego
State:
CA
Year:
1996
Honors:
Presidential Scholarship, Deans List
Focus and Accomplishments:
Philosophy major with a Spanish minor, international studies, Universidad de Guadalajara summer program 1995 to 1996
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
California
Firm Focus and History
I have been practicing criminal defense exclusively for ten years. I started my own practice in 2006 and in less than four years, I have grown from a start-up with a single office to locations throughout Southern California.
We provide high quality and personalized defense representation without the expense of a large firm.
Previous Employment Summary
I began my legal career at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP practicing civil litigation. I was frustrated by the lack of client contact and the limited opportunities for hands-on litigation. I then worked at the Orange County Public Defender's Office for five years. I enjoyed criminal defense work, but I was unhappy with the high volume of clients. The caseload of the Public Defender's office makes it nearly impossible to provide personal service. I then spent two years in private practice at Wallin & Klarich. I enjoyed the level of service that I could provide at a large firm, but the fees required make this level of representation unavailable to many clients. I started my own practice in an effort to make high quality representation accessible to the general public.
Activities and Awards
• Clerked with the Los Angeles County Public Defender's Office
• Member of Orange County Lawyer Referral Service
• Admitted to practice in front of all Juvenile Dependency Courts in California
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
An educated client is always in the best position to make smart decisions about his or her legal rights.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
I am always willing to review and comment on documents prepared by my clients.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
I would always advise against clients representing themselves on criminal cases. While I encourage clients to learn as much as possible about the law and their cases, the stakes are simply too high in a criminal case to take the risk of self-representation.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I believe strongly in individual rights and freedoms and am generally opposed to governmental intervention in private life. Many of our Constitutional rights are currently under attack and several of the freedoms guaranteed in the Bill of Rights are beginning to disappear. I enjoy defending anyone whose rights are being violated by the system.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
I have always rooted for the underdog and I enjoy helping others. I truly believe that equal protection and due process require that everyone be given the same treatment under the law. Having worked in the court system for over five years as a Public Defender, I have seen firsthand how the system can treat people unfairly. I strive to help each and every person that I represent avoid being another statistic.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
Criminal defense allows me a great deal of client interaction. I often represent clients in situations where everyone is working against them. The system often treats defendants as guilty until proven innocent. My goal is to make sure that clients know they have me working on their side and that I will do everything I can within the law to help win their case. Criminal defense also requires a lot of time in the courtroom for both negotiations and litigation and I enjoy going to court as opposed to being stuck in my office all day.
What do you like best about your career?
I like knowing that my work directly benefits my clients. People facing criminal charges are at risk of going to jail, losing their careers, their families, and their reputations. With so much on the line, I enjoy providing excellent results.
Tell us about your law firm:
I am a solo practitioner, but I do associate with several other like-minded defense attorneys throughout Southern California. Having local contacts in each court is essential to a good criminal defense practice. My legal assistant, Susan Escobar, manages my calendar and is always available to set an appointment if I am in court or with another client.
What are your strengths and style?
My biggest strength is my willingness to challenge the system. It amazes my how many defense attorneys simply go through the motions and sign up the client for the first plea deal offered. My goal on every case is a dismissal. While this is not always possible, it is always the goal. When offers are made during the course of fighting the case, I will always communicate the offer to the client and advise the client of the pros and cons of the offer. Ultimately, if the client decides to go to trial, I relish the opportunity to litigate.
Personal Interests:
Travel, music, and food are my primary interests because I enjoy experiencing new things. I am very open-minded and unbiased about other cultures and ideas. Diversity is the spice of life, and freedom is to be celebrated.
Office Manager/Assistant
Susan Escobar.
Fax
(714) 680-9982
Office Hours
Available 24 hours a day.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Foreign Languages
We speak Spanish.
Additional Offices
Riverside, CA
4255 Main Street
Suite 4
Riverside, CA 92501
(800) 797-8406
West Covina, CA
668 S. Sunset Ave.
West Covina, CA 91791
(800) 797-8406
San Bernardino, CA
505 North Arrowhead Avenue
Suite 107
San Bernardino, CA 92401
(800) 797-8406
Santa Ana, CA
1720 E. Garry Ave.
Suite 221
Santa Ana, CA 92705
(800) 797-8406
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
Flat fee retainers are available for most criminal matters. It is common for a criminal case to require multiple court appearances. Many clients prefer to have a fixed legal fee to avoid hourly billing for these appearances. Misdemeanor retainers start at $2,500 and felony retainers start at $3,500.
Hourly Rates
$350 per hour.
Free Initial Consultation?
Yes, all initial consultations are free.
Typical Retainer
My typical retainer is between $3,000 and $6,000. Initial retainers can be paid by check, credit card, money order, or cashiers check. Some clients may qualify for financing.
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.
