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Gabriel Dorman
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Gabriel Dorman
The Law Offices of Gabriel Dorman
11901 Santa Monica Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90025
Phone: (866) 649-8443 | Fax: (310) 388-1222
http://www.criminaldefenseduilawyer.com
Los Angeles & Orange County Criminal Defense DUI Lawyer
Legal Topic
Criminal Defense
Preferred New Clients
I will represent anyone accused of criminal wrongdoing in an effort to help them avoid a criminal conviction and/or jail.
Sub-Categories
Criminal Defense
- Aiding, Abetting, Accessory, Conspiracy
- Appeals
- Capital Crimes/Capital Cases
- Environmental Violations
- Felonies
- Grand Jury Proceedings
- Juvenile Crimes
- False Identification
- Truancy
- Misdemeanors
- Parole
- Probation
- Perjury
- Plea Negotiation
- Search & Seizure
- Victims' Rights
- Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transsexual, Transgender (LGBT) 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, Jun 1996
Bar Number: 182340
Other Court Admissions
California State Courts and U.S. District Court, Central District of California.
Association Memberships
California Bar Association.
Continuing Education
I attend continuing legal education seminars on the topics of criminal law, criminal procedure, evidence, trial strategy, and legal ethics.
Example Cases
I successfully defended at trial a young man charged with one count of murder and three counts of attempted murder who confessed to his participation in the crimes.
I also successfully negotiated the outright dismissal of three counts of armed robbery against my 17-year-old client after two previous lawyers tried to convince him to take 15 years in prison. Fortunately, I was able to convince the District Attorney they had the wrong guy.
Education
Degree:
Bachelor of Arts
School:
University of Wisconsin
City:
Madison
State:
WI
Year:
1993
Focus and Accomplishments:
Political Science
Degree:
Juris Doctor
School:
California Western School of Law
City:
San Diego
State:
CA
Year:
1996
Focus and Accomplishments:
Criminal Law and Procedure
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
California
Firm Focus and History
I focus exclusively on the practice of criminal defense throughout Southern California and represent clients on a large variety of crimes including, but not limited to, DUI, domestic violence, drug crimes, sex crimes, theft crimes, and murder.
After time spent practicing criminal defense at both the Orange County Public Defender's Office and private criminal defense firms, I decided to open my own practice to allow me the freedom to provide the kind of personal service I felt was lacking where a client can have a constant and open line of communication with their actual lawyer. I am committed to providing a very personal service for my clients. Let's face it, if you have been arrested and/or charged with a crime, it most likely is not a shining moment in your life. This kind of situation requires someone who is going to care about your life and circumstance as much as you do. That has to begin with the quality of the attorney/client relationship.
Previous Employment Summary
I began my career at the Orange County Public Defender's Office where I first worked as a certified legal clerk while in law school and was eventually hired on as a deputy public defender representing both juveniles and adults in a wide variety of criminal defense cases. The last ten years have been spent exclusively in private criminal defense practice successfully defending individuals throughout Southern California on charges ranging from DUI and drug crimes to theft and violent crimes including murder.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
I encourage clients to educate themselves about the legal issues that are affecting their lives. It is important that a client understands the issues in their case, what is happening on their case and why. Anything the client can do on their own in that regard can only serve to enhance their experience as well as the attorney/client relationship.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
While this is not something that normally comes up in the context of criminal defense practice, I would review any document I believe to be relevant to a particular case.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
Since the potential consequences in a criminal case can often be severe, it is not always the best decision for someone to represent themselves. That being said, I enjoy counseling clients as to how to best handle a particular situation or explain how the criminal process works.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I am a creative person. Law and, more specifically, litigation, allows for a lot of creativity. Things aren't always what they seem. I have always liked the idea of standing before a court and presenting my argument. It feels really good to do that for a living.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
After 13 years spent in the exclusive practice of criminal defense, I have come to learn that effective criminal defense requires not only a thorough and aggressive challenge of the evidence but also a firm understanding of what will best serve the client. Competent representation must begin with an honest and open line of communication with the client. Your voice, needs and expectations matter and should be the cornerstone of any successful criminal defense. Only then can I truly serve my client and obtain the result they hope to achieve.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
I really love criminal law. Ever since law school, my career has been guided toward criminal law and procedure, having clerked for the Orange County Public Defender's Office while in school and eventually being hired as a Deputy Public Defender upon graduating and passing the bar. Every case presents its own unique challenge whether it is a case that involves a violation of my client's Constitutional rights or one that needs some damage control. Whatever the case, I get to walk into court and be that voice for someone that needs some help. It's a great feeling and a challenge I don't take lightly.
What do you like best about your career?
I get to help some really good people. Often times people ask me how I can defend criminals. They just don't get it. The reality is there are some good decent people out there that find themselves in some tough situations with serious potential consequences. They shouldn't be defined by this moment in their life or written off as a criminal because of it. If I can help someone get through this and move forward with their life with as little consequences as possible, how can that be bad?
Tell us about your law firm:
I am a sole practitioner. I am the lawyer who will be handling your case from start to finish and the only one that you will have to speak with along the way. You will not be passed off to an assistant, an associate or a case manager. After spending most of my career working in a private criminal defense firm, I became frustrated with the business of criminal defense and client communication, in particular. Many firms employ case managers or legal assistants that field calls and attempt to answer your questions. You should settle for nothing less than speaking with your actual lawyer every time.
What are your strengths and style?
I am very approachable, honest, and straight with people. It is these qualities that have enabled me to establish great relationships with judges and prosecutors throughout all of Southern California including Los Angeles and Orange County. I use this same approach with clients. It is so easy to tell clients what they want to hear. Often times attorneys use words like dismissal or reduction or no jail because they know those are the magic words, so to speak. However, I have found the client is best served when you give them the straight and honest reality about their case. It is not always good news, but they need to hear it. Not every case is worthy of a dismissal or a reduced charge for that matter. Sometimes the case is really about consequences and what needs to be done to lessen them. That being said, every client deserves a chance to communicate what their expectations are for the case. Only then can you really understand what it is that the client is looking for and whether that is a result that can be achieved for them given their case.
Personal Interests:
Spending time with my family, traveling, and an occasional round of golf.
Fax
(310) 388-1222
Office Hours
24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Foreign Languages
Spanish
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
Fees for services are established on a case-by-case basis. I can tell you that I try not to turn someone away due to a financial constraint and will make an effort to come up with a satisfactory fee arrangement.
Hourly Rates
I do not charge an hourly rate. All fees for services are based on a flat fee rate.
Free Initial Consultation?
Yes. All case evaluations and/or initial consultations are free.
Typical Retainer
All retainer fees are established on a case-by-case basis.
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.
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