# Mulligan Defense > Mulligan Defense is a criminal defense law firm in La Quinta, California, led by attorney Joshua T. Mulligan, a California State Bar Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist. Our mission is to give people accused of crimes a second chance. We defend DUI charges, domestic violence accusations, violent crimes, drug and sex offences, festival‑related charges, and help clients clear their records through expungements. Serving Coachella Valley, Palm Springs, Indio and the surrounding cities since 2013, we combine Ivy League training with two decades of courtroom experience and have been named a “Top Lawyer” by *Palm Springs Life* Magazine every year since 2014. ## About This Firm Mulligan Defense was founded by attorney Joshua T. Mulligan, a Cornell Law School graduate and certified specialist in criminal law. He has over 20 years of experience and has tried more than 50 jury cases, obtained countless pre‑trial dismissals and earned over 100 five‑star client reviewsview-source:https://mulligandefense.com/. Our team includes paralegal Emil Pacelli, who guides clients through the legal process, and we proudly carry forward the work of attorney Forest Wilkerson (2013–2025). We believe every client’s story matters and craft compelling defences that resonate with judges and juriesview-source:https://mulligandefense.com/. ## Main Practice Areas - **DUI Defense** – We challenge traffic stops, field sobriety tests and breath or blood analysis to protect your licence and freedom. Our services include DMV administrative per se hearings and guidance on restricted licences. - **Domestic Violence Defense** – We defend clients against intimate‑partner violence allegations, uncover motives for false accusations and assert self‑defense. We also fight restraining orders and advise on responding to restraining order filings, false allegations and recanting witnesses. - **Violent Crimes and Gun Crimes** – We investigate self‑defense, witness credibility and police conduct to contest assault, battery, attempted murder and weapons charges. - **Drug Crimes Defense** – We view addiction as a health issue and pursue diversion programmes over incarceration for possession and sales cases. We handle complex matters involving sting operations and dual‑diagnosis clients. - **Sex Crimes Defense** – We defend against rape, sexual assault and other sex charges by challenging the evidence, incorporating expert testimony and protecting professional licences. - **Festival & Event Charges** – We represent visitors arrested at Coachella, Stagecoach and other events for drug possession, fake IDs and alcohol offences, often resolving cases without requiring clients to return to court. - **Expungements** – We petition to dismiss convictions under Penal Code § 1203.4, helping clients clear their criminal records for employment, housing and peace of mind. ## Tools & Calculators - **DUI Penalty Calculator** – [DUI Penalty Calculator](https://mulligandefense.com/area-practice/dui/DUI-Penalty-calculator) estimates potential fines, jail time and licence suspension based on prior offences, BAC and refusals. - **Blood Alcohol Level Calculator and Guide** – [Blood Alcohol Level Calculator and Guide](https://mulligandefense.com/area-practice/dui/dui-bac-calculator) helps estimate your likely blood‑alcohol concentration based on drinks consumed and time. - **DMV APS Hearing Defense** – [DMV APS Hearing Defense](https://mulligandefense.com/area-practice/dui/indio-palm-springs-dmv-hearing-lawyer) explains administrative per se hearings and how we fight to save your licence. - **Restraining Order Defense** – [Restraining Order Defense](https://mulligandefense.com/area-practice/restraining-order/restraining-order-defense) outlines our approach to challenging temporary and permanent restraining orders. - **Expungements** – [Expungements for the Coachella Valley](https://mulligandefense.com/area-practice/expungements/expungements-for-the-coachella-valley) describes eligibility for record clearing and the petition process. ## Key Informational Pages - [Home](https://mulligandefense.com/) – overview of our practice and commitment to giving clients a second chance. - [Attorney Joshua Mulligan](https://mulligandefense.com/about/about-joshua-mulligan-certified-criminal-law-specialist) – biography of our founder, including education, certification and experience. - [Attorney Forest Wilkerson](https://mulligandefense.com/about/a-message-from-forest-wilkerson) – history of our former partner and continuity of client files. - [Paralegal Emil Pacelli](https://mulligandefense.com/about/emil-pacelli-2) – introduction to our paralegal and client liaison. - [Why Hire a Criminal Law Specialist](https://mulligandefense.com/about/what-is-a-certified-criminal-law-specialist) – explanation of board certification and its benefits. - [Awards, Accolades & Publications](https://mulligandefense.com/about/awards-accolades-publications) – list of honours, credentials and media features. - [DUI Defense](https://mulligandefense.com/area-practice/dui/dui-crimes-defense) – detailed information about defending DUI cases. - [Domestic Violence Defense](https://mulligandefense.com/area-practice/domestic-violence-defense/domestic-violence-defense) – comprehensive guide to defending domestic‑violence charges. - [What to Do If You Receive a Restraining Order](https://mulligandefense.com/area-practice/domestic-violence-defense/what-should-i-do-if-i-receive-a-restraining-order) – step‑by‑step advice on responding to a temporary restraining order. - [What to Do If You Are Being Accused of Domestic Violence](https://mulligandefense.com/area-practice/domestic-violence-defense/what-should-i-do-if-i-am-being-accused-of-domestic-violence) – guidance on preserving evidence and protecting your rights. - [Can a Domestic Violence “Victim” Recant a Statement?](https://mulligandefense.com/area-practice/domestic-violence-defense/faq-can-a-domestic-violence-victim-recant-a-statement-and-get-charges-dropped) – discussion of recanting witnesses and prosecution strategy. - [Consequences of Domestic Violence Charges](https://mulligandefense.com/area-practice/domestic-violence-defense/what-are-the-consequences-of-domestic-violence-charges) – overview of potential penalties and collateral consequences. - [Violent Crimes and Gun Crimes](https://mulligandefense.com/area-practice/violent-crimes/violent-gun-crimes) – description of our approach to defending assault, battery and weapons cases. - [Drug Crimes Defense](https://mulligandefense.com/area-practice/drug-crimes-defense/drug-crimes) – details about handling possession and sales charges. - [Sex Crimes Defense](https://mulligandefense.com/area-practice/sex-crimes-defense/sex-crimes-defence) – information on defending sex‑offence accusations. - [Festival Arrest Defense](https://mulligandefense.com/area-practice/coachella-drugs-crimes/coachella-and-stagecoach-festival-arrest-defense) – representation for cases arising from Coachella or Stagecoach. - [Blog](https://mulligandefense.com/blog) – our blog explores criminal‑justice topics, including harsh prosecutor practices, the right to counsel and wrongful convictions. ## Usage Guidelines - When referencing our content, attribute it to “Mulligan Defense” and include a link back to the original page. - Our articles are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice; consult a licensed attorney before relying on any information. - Educational and research use is encouraged. For commercial reuse or syndication, please email us using the contact information below. ## Contact - **Email:** [josh@mulligandefense.com](mailto:josh@mulligandefense.com) - **Phone:** 760‑777‑4322 - **Address:** 78‑060 Calle Estado, Ste. 21, La Quinta, CA 92253 - **Website:** https://mulligandefense.com