Client Reviews for Debra S. White
Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney and Board-Certified Criminal Law Specialist
Real Clients. Real Reviews. Real Outcomes.
Peer Endorsement
Debra White deserves the highest tribute an attorney can give another: if I or a member of my family ever faced criminal charges, Ms. White would be the only lawyer we’d call.
—Criminal Defense Attorney, Los Angeles
What Clients Say
People come to me during the most difficult moments of their lives. These Los Angeles criminal defense attorney reviews reflect real client experiences in serious felony, federal, and other high-stakes criminal cases handled throughout Los Angeles and Ventura County.
Featured Client Experiences
Debra White is an absolutely amazing attorney. I was frivolously accused of several violent crimes and was facing five 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, but she went on the 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.
If you are lucky enough to interview and retain this attorney, she will eat, sleep, and breath your case. Feel free to ask Ms. White for my phone number as she is authorized to release it to potential clients.
—Former client, Ventura County
This case was featured in the Los Angeles Times. Read the Article.
After a tragic double-fatality accident, my cousin, who had no criminal or DMV record, was wrongfully charged with two counts of second-degree murder and faced two life sentences. Debra fought relentlessly, exposed critical inconsistencies, and ultimately had the murder charges dismissed – twice – leading to a probationary sentence instead of decades in state prison. During the darkest time in our lives, she brought clarity, strength, and unwavering advocacy when it mattered most.
—Former client, Los Angeles County
I previously retained Debra S. White and later recommended her in a serious, high-profile federal criminal matter. Her command of federal law, strategic judgment, and preparation are exceptional. She understands federal investigations and prosecutions at a high level and approaches cases thoughtfully and deliberately. Based on both my personal experience and what I observed professionally, I highly recommend her for federal criminal defense matters.
—Former client, Los Angeles (U.S. District Court, Central District of California)
I’m extremely grateful to Debra for representing me in a complicated federal case. From the start, it was clear she was not only highly skilled and experienced, but also compassionate and empathetic, guiding us through a very difficult situation. She was precise, careful, and tenacious, always striving for the best resolution.
Despite serious hurdles, Debra secured an outcome better than I thought was possible. My life could have been seriously impacted if I didn’t have her on my side. I truly believe she is one of the best criminal defense attorneys you can hire.
—Former client, Los Angeles (U.S. District Court, Central District of California)
I was falsely accused of kidnapping and rape, and faced spending the rest of my life in prison. From the first time that I contacted Debra, I knew that she believed in my case and would do her absolute best in protecting me. She is an excellent lawyer, and an even better person.
Debra is so hardworking and humble, and does not seek glory like many other lawyers. She is honest and compassionate. Debra truly has a heart of gold. She has an amazing life story, and I believe that helps her connect with all kinds of people (especially jurors) and deal with extreme adversity.
Debra analyzed my complicated case at so many levels and from so many angles. She is an outstanding strategist. Debra focused on what was most important to the jury and used the prosecutor’s aggression and deception against him.
Her preparation on our case was more than I could have imagined. I thought about the case day and night, and Debra would frequently communicate with me and introduce ideas and issues that did not even enter my mind. Her emphasis on integrity and character has inspired me to be a better man.
While the stakes of this trial were extremely high, I never lost my trust in Debra. Our jury deliberated for three hours before finding me Not Guilty on all charges!
Whenever I think about Debra and the case, I get a big smile on my face and my heart is still doing somersaults. Tell the truth to Debra, and she will set you free!
—Former client, Los Angeles County
The minute I got the call telling me my son was in the Van Nuys jail, I was horrified. I now had to find a way to get him out of the nightmare we were all cast into. I had no idea where to start, and no idea what was going to happen, but I knew one thing. I was only going to hire someone that believed in what they were doing. Someone who believed that the system wasn’t perfect and that things aren’t always how they appear on the surface. I got what I was looking for in you and more.
I couldn’t believe how lucky I was to find someone so passionate and compassionate about our situation. You were so honest with us from the very beginning, never giving us false hope, and never pretending like it could only go our way, which I appreciated so much because I needed to be realistic and know what we could be facing. You gave us faith in your ability and your understanding of the law, and you never let me down when I needed you to explain things to me in detail, and you were always willing to talk to me until I could comfortably understand.
When the jury was coming back with it’s verdict, and before they even read it, I told you that regardless of the outcome, you served us proud, and I was very happy about my decision to hire you, and I meant every word of it. Happily the jury agreed with us and found my son not guilty, but even if they hadn’t, I never would have doubted that my son got the best defense possible.
You helped restore my faith in a system that I had long ago stopped believing in.
—Parent of a former client, Los Angeles County
After having researched and met nearly 20 lawyers in person to discuss the facts of my case, I decided immediately to go with Debra White. Her command presence caught my attention, and her ingenious and well-articulated arguments not only made sense to me, but would make sense to the jury.
Throughout the jury trial, she passionately articulated my side of the story. Right then and there, I knew that I had chosen an attorney that I could trust and put all my faith into. I felt like I had to just sit back, and let her do what she does best.
I was cleared of all charges. She deserves all the credit.
—Former Client, Los Angeles County
I was facing a bogus DUI charge in Van Nuys that other attorneys did not want to take to trial. Debra was willing to fight.
Not only did she stand her ground, she took control of the courtroom. Her cross-examination of the officer was incredible. She exposed inconsistencies in his testimony, challenged his version of what happened, and brought to light the force he used against me. Watching her dismantle the prosecution’s case in front of the jury was unforgettable.
The result was an acquittal in the criminal case and a dismissal in the DMV proceeding. She refused to settle for anything less than the right result.
She is personable, compassionate, and tough as nails in court.
—Former client, Los Angeles County
I was facing very serious felony charges that could have ruined my life and my family’s future. Retaining Debra S. White was the most important decision I made. Because of her strategy, advocacy, and deep understanding of the law, I achieved the best possible outcome and a real opportunity to move forward with my life.
Debra is a powerful advocate in court and a steady, compassionate guide through an overwhelming process. She is intensely dedicated to her clients and fights tirelessly for their interests. I will always be grateful for the life-changing impact she had on my case.
—Former client, Los Angeles County
Additional Client Reviews
I almost joke that I would get in trouble again just to have Debra represent me — but all jokes aside, I cannot express how grateful I am to her. This was my second time retaining Debra. If the outcome on my first federal case was superb, then the state case was almost effortless.
I never worried for one minute. I knew the case would end well, and once again Debra delivered beyond expectations. She always said she could not promise an outcome, but that she would do her best — and her best is better than anyone else’s. I have experienced that twice.
I am moving forward with my life exactly as I had hoped, and I would recommend her to anyone facing serious trouble. You will not find someone better for this job.
—Former client, Los Angeles County
What truly sets Debra apart is her genuine kindness and unwavering support throughout the process. She not only fought for me in the courtroom but also played a crucial role in helping me rebuild my life after a regrettable mistake.
—Former client, Los Angeles County
My case file was extremely large with a whole lot going on. I am convinced that had I chosen any other attorney to handle my case, I would be sitting back behind bars yet again.
—Former client, Los Angeles County
My family along with myself were so blessed to have found a wonderful, trusty worthy, hardworking Attorney like yourself. You fought till the end and gave us what we wanted and more.
—Loved one of a former Client, Los Angeles County
Ms. White fought to defend my brother from an unjust accusation that could have meant life in prison, and I watched her handle every hearing and trial with confidence, sharp thinking, and complete command of the courtroom. She was always honest and patient with our family, and the strength and grit she showed during that time inspired me to pursue my own career in law.
—Loved one of a former client, Ventura County
Clarence Darrow, one of America’s most esteemed attorneys, opined that “The trouble with law is lawyers.” He obviously never met Ms. Debra S. White, a clear exception to Darrow’s gross generalization; just as she is an exceptional lawyer, human being, and human doing!
—Former client Los Angeles County
Read more verified client feedback on independent review platforms, including Yelp, Avvo, and Google.
When everything is on the line.
Defending a serious criminal case requires depth of experience — grounded legal knowledge, substantial trial work, and the ability to cross-examine with precision when credibility determines the outcome. It also requires perspective: the life experience and steadiness that inform judgment in the courtroom and strength in negotiation when resolution is appropriate.
Debra S. White is a Board-Certified Criminal Law Specialist (State Bar of California) with more than 25 years of experience in state and federal courts. To understand her background, perspective, and approach to criminal cases, visit: About Debra S. White.
If you are under investigation or charged with a criminal offense, speak directly with Debra S. White to review the circumstances, address the risks candidly, and determine the strategy your defense requires.