Why Should I Hire a Certified Criminal Law Specialist?

Joshua Mulligan is the most highly-credentialed attorney defending criminal cases in the Coachella Valley. Josh was educated at the top-tier Ivy League Cornell Law School, where he worked on the Journal of Law and Public Policy, and his widely-cited student note was published. Josh has worked exclusively in criminal defense since graduating in 2004 and, through hard work, has obtained thousands of pre-trial case dismissals and dozens of “not guilty” verdicts at jury trial. Josh is recognized as a California State Bar Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist, a title that less than 3% of California attorneys hold. Josh is also a graduate of Gerry Spence’s Trial Lawyers College, a demanding program involving psychodrama, acting, and storytelling training.

What is a Certified Criminal Law Specialist?

Very few California Criminal Defense Attorneys hold the title of Criminal Defense Law Specialist. In order to earn this prestigious title, the applicant must prove their worth as a leader of the pack in criminal defense by passing several rigorous and important milestones. They must first:

Pass a 6 hour examination.
Demonstrate a broad range of criminal law experience. A specialist must have proven experience trying cases to juries, filing motions, and pursuing writs and appeals.
Receive positive referrals from dozens of judges, defense attorneys, and prosecutors familiar with his work. The Board of Legal Specialization seeks these referrals and the results are kept confidential from the applicant.
Complete 45 hours of classes specifically approved for criminal law.

Any attorney may represent a person facing criminal charges with potential prison or jail time, whatever his or her education or experience. However, hiring a Certified Specialist guarantees an attorney with knowledge and experience in criminal law and recognition in the local legal community.