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William M. Paparian

William M. Paparian

Law Office of William M. Paparian
272 South Los Robles Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91101

Phone: (626) 795-1750  |  Fax: (626) 584-6524
http://www.BillPaparianLaw.com

Contact William M. Paparian

Former Mayor of Pasadena. 30 Years in Criminal Defense.

Legal Topic

Criminal Defense

Preferred New Clients

All felonies and misdemeanors.

Sub-Categories

Criminal Defense
  • Aiding, Abetting, Accessory, Conspiracy
  • Environmental Violations
  • Felonies
  • Juvenile Crimes
  • False Identification
  • Truancy
  • Misdemeanors
  • Parole
  • Probation
  • Perjury
  • Plea Negotiation
  • Search & Seizure
  • Victims' Rights
Abuse
  • Animal Abuse
  • Child Abuse
  • Domestic Violence
  • Elder Abuse
Automotive
  • DUI
  • Felony Auto Accidents
  • Parking Tickets & Towing
  • Traffic - Moving Violations
  • Open Container
  • Driving with a Suspended License
  • Driving without a License
  • DWI
Computer Crimes
  • Hacking
  • Malicious Code
  • Unauthorized Access
Criminal Records
  • Expungement or Expunction
Drugs
  • Drug Cultivation & Manufacturing
  • Drug Possession
  • Intent to Distribute Drugs
  • Intent to Sell Drugs
  • Medical Marijuana
Firearms & Weapons
  • Constitutional Rights Defense
  • Illegal Possession or Transportation
  • Other Weapons & Devices
Fraud & Financial Crimes
  • Bank Fraud
  • Checks & Credit Cards
  • Embezzlement
  • Extortion
  • Forgery
  • Identity Theft
  • Insurance Claims
  • Money Laundering
  • Smuggling
Property Crimes
  • Arson
  • Burglary
  • Embezzlement
  • Larceny
  • Shoplifting
  • Theft
  • Trespass
  • Vandalism
Sex Crimes
  • Abduction
  • Child Abuse
  • Child Pornography
  • Indecent Exposure
  • Prostitution, Solicitation, & Pandering
  • Rape
  • Sexual Assault
  • Stalking
  • Trafficking in Women
Violent Crimes
  • Assault & Battery
  • Domestic Violence
  • Extortion
  • Kidnapping
  • Manslaughter
  • Robbery

Bar Admissions

CA, May 1979
Bar Number: 86598

Other Court Admissions

All Federal and State Courts of California.

Association Memberships

Criminal Law Section of the Pasadena Bar Association; Criminal Law Section of the State Bar of California; Criminal Courts Bar Association; National Lawyers Guild, Los Angeles Chapter.

Continuing Education

As a member of the Los Angeles County Bar Association's Indigent Criminal Defense Appointments program. I am required to complete at least 12 hours of continuing legal education in Criminal Law every year.

Papers and Publications

Eyewitness Atlanta: In Pursuit of Justice for the Cuban 5, published in the Pasadena Weekly, August 23, 2007.

Example Cases

In the first post 9/11 civil rights case involving FBI misconduct, I successfully represented environmentalist and anti-war activist Josh Connole. The U.S. government issued an apology and paid a large financial settlement.

Education

Degree:

Bachelor of Arts

School:

California State University, Northridge

City:

Northridge

State:

CA

Year:

1971

 

Degree:

Juris Doctor

School:

Southwestern University School of Law

City:

Los Angeles

State:

CA

Year:

1979

Number of Attorneys

1

State Licensed In

California

Firm Focus and History

I established my law office in the City of Pasadena in 1980. I aggressively fight for my client in court with my decades of experience and legal know-how; and make every effort to help my client avoid a criminal conviction.

Previous Employment Summary

I served as an elected public official for the City of Pasadena from 1981 to 1999. As Vice Mayor of Pasadena from 1994 to 1995 and as Mayor of Pasadena from 1995 to 1997. United States Marine Corps, Vietnam Era Veteran.

Activities and Awards

My services as Mayor of Pasadena in support of the military and veterans was recognized by the Secretary of the Navy who awarded me the Military, Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal.

What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?

It's highly important and I encourage it.

Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?

Yes, in fact I encourage my clients to assemble all of the documents pertaining to their case and ask them to prepare a narrative summary of the facts of their case to assist me.

Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?

It's never a good idea to attempt to stand alone when accused of a crime. And for that reason I am not willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves.

Why did you decide to be a lawyer?

While on active duty in the Marine Corps in the early 1970s. I was asked to assist an African-American fellow Marine who had been attacked by a cell of the KKK at the Camp Pendleton Marine Base. I realized then how much I enjoyed making the "system" work for those that it doesn't usually work for. That's why I decided to become a lawyer.

What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?

My over 30 years of experience as a Criminal Defense Attorney, my 12 years of public services as an elected official, and my military services in the Marine Corps, have all tempered and seasoned me to be an effective advocate for my clients.

Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?

While I was in law school, criminal law and criminal procedure were the courses that I enjoyed the most.

What do you like best about your career?

Being able to help people who are confronted with an accusation of criminal wrongdoing.

Tell us about your law firm:

I am a solo practitioner which enables me to give personal attention to my clients.

What are your strengths and style?

I am very sensitive to my client's needs and concerns. I am able to interact on a professional basis with court staff judges and other attorneys in an effective manner for my clients.

Personal Interests:

I regularly train in Krav Maga which is a martial arts self defense system.

Office Manager/Assistant

Sona.

Fax

(626) 584-6524

Office Hours

Monday through Friday
8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Also available as needed on Saturday and Sunday.

Emergency After Hours

Yes

Foreign Languages

Yes, Armenian (Office Manager).

Fixed-Price Services and Fees

I always try to work with my clients financial issues when I am retained.

Hourly Rates

My hourly rates are flexible.

Free Initial Consultation?

Yes, I offer a free initial consultations for up to one hour.

Typical Retainer

$5,000 for a felony case.

Understanding Fees

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.