To some attorneys, success against overwhelming odds is a fantasy. To Attorney Debra White, it's all in a day's work. 

About

Attorney Debra White is a distinguished criminal defense attorney in Los Angeles, with a diverse and compelling background shaped by perseverance and unwavering dedication to justice. With over twenty years of trial experience in state and federal courts, she leads a boutique firm with locations in downtown Los Angeles and Calabasas. Debra’s expertise is certified by the California State Bar's Board of Legal Specialization—a recognition earned by less than 3% of attorneys in California. This board certification attests to her deep legal knowledge, experience, and the high regard in which she is held by peers and the judiciary.

Debra White is fiercely dedicated to advocating for her clients, driven by a profound commitment to justice and the protection of the accused. Her work ethic, coupled with a relentless pursuit of fairness, contributes significantly to her reputation and the successful outcomes she achieves. This dedication is not merely about legal representation; it's about being a passionate defender of her clients' rights and freedoms in the intricate realm of criminal law.

To learn more about Debra White’s journey, personal insights, and the philosophy that shapes her approach to law, additional details can be explored by scrolling below to: Ms. White’s Background & Philosophy: A Genuine Success Story.

.Education

University of California, Los Angeles – J.D. 1999

University of California, Los Angeles – B.A. 1995

Bar Admissions

Supreme Court of California

State Bar of California

U.S. District Court Central District of California

U.S. District Court Southern District of California

U.S. District Court Eastern District of California

U.S. District Court Northern District of California

Honors and Credentials

  • Board-Certified Criminal Law Specialist - Certified by the State Bar of California, Board of Legal Specialization, 2016 - present

  • AV-Preeminent Rated by Martindale-Hubbell - the highest rank of professional excellence, voted by her peers, prosecutors and Judges for strong legal ability and high ethical standards, 2013 - present

  • Selected by Super Lawyers in the field of criminal law - rated among the top 2.5% best criminal attorneys in Southern California, 2015-present

Professional Associations and Memberships

State Bar of California, Criminal Law Section

Los Angeles County Bar Association

California Attorneys for Criminal Justice

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Criminal Courts Bar Association

Recent Notable Victories

Below is a sampling of recent state case victories:

  •  Forcible Rape - Case dismissed prior to trial - Early defense investigation and litigation exposed significant weaknesses in the DA’s case forcing a dismissal - People v. Fargo (Ventura)

  • Domestic Violence – Case Dismissed before arraignment due to aggressive investigation and early intervention  - People. v. Vas (Los Angeles) 

  • Rape by Intoxication - Not guilty jury verdict - Retrial of complex case. Conviction would have resulted in a sentence of life in prison. Unanimous jury verdict of not guilty — People v. Wong (Los Angeles)

  • Vehicular Manslaughter While Intoxicated – Probation, no jail - Felony conviction was withdrawn in exchange for a misdemeanor plea per negotiations with the the DA – People v. Montenegro (Van Nuys)

  •  Assault on a Peace Officer – Dismissed and Arrest Record Sealed - Charges were diverted for one year and case was dismissed with arrest deemed never to have occurred following successful completion– People v. Cripe (San Bernardino)

  • Hit and Run with Great Bodily Injury – Diversion granted - Once successfully completed, case will be dismissed – People v. Tirmizi (Van Nuys) 

  • Illegal Firearms and Assault with Deadly Weapon – Charges dismissed in exchange for negotiated plea to disturbing the peace (misdemeanor) – People v. Polanco (San Fernando) 

  • Robbery and Carjacking - Charges dismissed in exchange for a negotiated plea to disturbing the peace (misdemeanor) - People v. Huichan (Van Nuys)

  • Burglary - Charges reduced - no jail, no probation - Felony burglary charges reduced to petty theft and further reduced to misdemeanor trespass (Van Nuys)

  • Embezzlement - Charges not filed due to early intervention and successful civil compromise - confidential (Los Angeles)

Ms. White’s Background & Philosophy: A Genuine Success Story

Real Client Perspective

            “Debra S. White is an absolutely amazing attorney. I was frivolously accused of several violent crimes and was facing five consecutive life sentences in prison. Ms. White was able to quickly navigate through the red tape and prove my innocence. She knew exactly what was going to happen and knew how to handle it effectively. Not only was she able to have my case dismissed before the Preliminary Hearing, but she went on to have an Order of Factual Innocence signed by the judge just six months later. This woman is an angel and there is no way on earth that I would trust my life in the hands of another criminal attorney.”

                        -- Louis Gonzalez, III

Mr. Gonzalez’s extraordinary case was featured in the LA Times in an article titled: “Could this be happening? A man’s Nightmare made real.” Link: https://www.latimes.com/local/la-me-accused-20110626-story.html

Ms. White’s Perspective

Securing justice for Mr. Gonzalez stands as just one example of the countless battles Attorney Debra White has fearlessly confronted and conquered, both in her personal journey and within the courtroom. Her journey begins humbly, rooted in a small farming town in Northern Canada, where she navigated the challenging terrain of foster homes during her early years. It was during these formative experiences and her subsequent challenges upon immigrating to Los Angeles that she developed an unwavering commitment to championing justice and fairness.

Debra's dedication to these principles led her to pursue a Juris Doctorate from UCLA School of Law, solidifying her resolve to advocate for those in need and to level the playing field against biased agencies, unethical government practices, and unscrupulous prosecutors to ensure her clients are treated fairly. Her pursuit of justice for Mr. Gonzalez is a testament to the fierce advocate she has become, driven by her own life's experiences.

For Attorney Debra White, every case she takes on is a serious matter. Whether a client faces a misdemeanor charge or a potential life sentence, she approaches each case with unwavering dedication, aggressively defending her client’s rights and delivering the best possible defense. Her tenacity in dealing with prosecutors and meticulous attention to case details reflect the high stakes involved for her clients and their families. Throughout this legal journey, she remains sensitive to her clients' needs, providing support as they navigate these legal challenges together.

Reduced to its essence, Attorney Debra White's philosophy centers on the belief that a defense attorney's role is to craft innovative solutions to seemingly insoluble problems. While education and experience are essential qualities for an advocate, Ms. White firmly believes that to be a successful attorney, one must much more is required for an attorney to achieve successful results for a client. Ms. White believes a successful attorney must also possess the drive and determination necessary for justice and required to be a genuine voice for her clients’ rights. She not only holds that drive and determination for her clients, but it is a credo she has practiced throughout her own life.

To some attorneys, achieving success against overwhelming odds may seem like a fantasy. To Attorney Debra White, it's all in a day's work.