Santa Monica Criminal Lawyers

My private practice focuses exclusively on criminal defense. I believe in providing my clients with excellent service, protecting their freedom and their rights. Before opening Bethune Law Corporation, I worked as a public defender both in Orange County and in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Prior to that I worked as a prosecutor both in Orange County and Cambridge Massachusetts. My practice of law has only ever been in the criminal law arena and I enjoy it tremendously.

Education- While attending law school, Michael was the first student at La Verne Law to volunteer in both the Disability Legal Aid clinic, which protected disabled children's rights, and the Immigration Clinic, which involved representing a client seeking asylum in the United States. Helping people through these clinics only reinforced Michael's belief in the law. Through all of this work, Michael was able to graduate Cum Laude from law school, while at the same time interning at a local law firm to obtain practical experience.

Experience - Michael is well versed in Family Law, having interned for over a year prior...

Nicholas Martell was raised in Hesperia, California and graduated from the University of California Santa Barbara. He received his Juris Doctor degree from Western State University College of Law. His primary focus since admission to the State Bar of California has been criminal defense and family law. Nicholas has represented clients in a wide spectrum of cases. He thoroughly prepares for his cases, and he works diligently to obtain a good resolution for his clients and prides himself on making himself available to clients. Nicholas believes that communication between...

I am a State Bar Certified Criminal Law Specialist. I have been named Criminal Defense Attorney of the Year on two occasions by the San Diego County Criminal Bar Association and Trial Attorney of the Year by the North County Bar Association of San Diego.

PUBLISHED OPINIONS Phyllis P. v. Superior Court, Civ. No. B018861, Court of Appeal California, Second Appellate District, Division Five. 183 Cal.App.3d 1193, July 30, 1986, John M. Polakovic and Robert W. Scott for Petitioner. Dixon v. Superior Court, No. G005278, Court of Appeal California, Fourth Appellate District, Division Three, 195 Cal.App.3d 758, October 22, 1987. Petitioner’s Application for Review by the Supreme Court was denied January 6, 1988. Mariellen Ross and Robert W. Scott for Real Parties in Interest. Creditors Collection Serv. v. Castaldi, Civ. A. No. 665881., APPELLATE DEPARTMENT, SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO, 23 Cal. App. 4th Supp. 1; January...