team-member

Carina Castaneda

Manhattan Beach, CA

Licensed for 26 years

Law Degree

Awards

Primary Practice Area

Criminal Defense

Language

English

About

I am first and foremost a trial attorney. I value and work towards settlement but if a jury or a bench trial is needed, this is where twenty-five years of training and hard work is put in play. My commitment to public service is deeply rooted in my immigrant background.My father was a civil engineer who was recruited to work in an engineering firm in New York City. He had a solid life in the Philippines and a young family. But an opportunity arose—one he could not decline. His work took him to Indianapolis, Albuquerque and Los Angeles, California. Through hard work, my parents were afforded the opportunities to send their three children to good schools.I dabbled in finance working with Shearson & Lehman the summer before attending UCLA. In college, I worked with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office and witnessed attorneys, present a case from picking jurors to closing arguments.Public service piqued my interest, so I attended the University of California, Hastings College of the Law in San Francisco. While there, I broadened my international studies of criminal and business law at the University of Leiden in the Netherlands.After Hastings, I worked for Judge Dickran Tevrizian at the United States Ninth District in Los Angeles, researching and drafting judicial orders and gained valuable experience in federal civil and criminal practice. Afterwards, I joined the City of Los Angeles, Mayor’s Office, as an Appeals Analyst for the Office of the Economic Development evaluating business applicants for MBE/WBE/DBE certification.Missing the courtroom, I went back and joined the District Attorney’s Office but now as an attorney, prosecuting felony and misdemeanor cases from arraignment to trial. My work with the Department of Child Support and Services fostered my interest in children’s issues, where I established and enforced child support orders.As an attorney, working with families is a priority, litigating all issues in a dissolution matter which may involve restraining orders, asset division, domestic and international custody orders, child and spousal support. As the managing partner of my firm, I have the ability to pick and choose the cases I take in the criminal and family law area, and most are complex. I have a team of professionals from forensic accountants, private investigators, jury selection advisors, real estate consultants, and dynamic attorneys and staff that provide efficient and effective legal representation.My background and training in law is diverse, exciting and comprehensive. I am lucky to be immersed in the legal world while managing a personal life surrounded by family and friends. I am a California girl with a deep love for the island mentality. Philippines after all, is an archipelago of more than 7,100 islands. Traveling the world is my idea of a lucky life combined with work that is always challenging and relevant.

Practices Areas

Criminal Defense

Family

Language

English

Contact

LAW OFFICE OF CARINA CASTAÑEDA1230 Rosecrans Avenue Suite 3003rd FloorManhattan Beach, CA, 90266

Office: N/A

Website: N/A

Reviews

Client
February 9, 2022

Carina is absolutely amazing. She has been a guiding light through a difficult process. She is thorough, knowledgeable, attentive, and supportive. She is quick to respond to questions and takes the time to clarify processes and timelines. Carina gave me the direction and assurance I needed to move forward confidently with a domestic violence restraining order. Carina brought peace back into my children's and my life at a time I didn't think it was possible. I am extremely grateful for all Carina has done for my family. I cannot give her enough praise for her excellent work.

anonymous
September 9, 2021

I would recommend Carina as the father of my son had gotten away with paying little to nothing of child support ($317) to be exact. For almost 7 years I had been fighting myself filing paper work in two different states with no success. I finally got to the point that I couldn't deal with not receiving any support from the father and decided to hire Carina to finally help me get this done. She was awesome and helped me get everything that I had ask for including child support that was owed based on his new occupation. I really wish I had found her earlier because this could have been resolved with an attorney like her. Carina was always on time, professional and walked me through the entire process. She did not back down or agree to anything not in my favor and I would recommend her any day.

anonymous
July 1, 2021

What's a mother to do when a deadbeat dad doesn't pay the custodial parent what is rightfully due to their child under a court order support agreement? Call Carina Castaneda! Carina walked me through the process of opening a claim to enforce collection through the County of Los Angeles Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and she provided me with some of the forms required to make my case in support of non-payment. Carina’s advice was instrumental in assisting me with opening my claim online. I was able to fill out the online application and upload the necessary documents to make my case. Thanks to Carina the government is now working for me to protect my son’s interest. Carina’s advice and support were invaluable and I would highly recommend her for your legal needs.

anonymous
November 6, 2020

I had a case going for a couple of years, I needed an attorney for my 5yr restraining order renewal, I was searching for an attorney but having a difficult time. A friend gave me Ms. Castaneda information and there was immediate contact. Ms. Castaneda did not make promises or paint of pretty picture of an unrealistic outcome, she gave honest responses to all of my questions. She worked hard, she found resources that I could work with, she problem solved and she was very very compassionate with my 12 yrs old child , we went to court various times , we had alot of difficulty along the way with the adverse party, and finally after almost 5 months she delivered the most wonderful results to me. I not only got a renewal of a restraining order but I got a Permanent Restraining Order. This woman is amazing, shes honest, shes caring and considerate. If anyone ever need an honest ,hard working intelligent attorney who can deliver results, Carina Castaneda is the one to call.

SR
August 26, 2020

The family law judgment and orders were vague. The work Carina did was complex, well-planned and executed to get to an outcome that should have been better defined by the courts the first time the orders were made. Carina has the experience with family law post judgment issues related to support and property division to get the result that I needed.

Cuong
June 18, 2020

I hired Carina for what was supposed to be a simple divorce case back in 2011, but my ex-wife and her lawyer made it difficult and the case dragged on until we finally reached a settlement 9 years later. Because my marriage was over 10 years, the 1 year alimony at a reduced rate was an outcome I didn’t expect to get. And thanks to Carina, I did and I am extremely happy with the outcome! Throughout the 9 years, Carina has been very attentive, knowledgeable and professional in her handling of my case. She even suggested that I filed for bifurcation so I can marry my pregnant girlfriend. Hopefully my second marriage will last, if not I know who to call. I will for sure keep Carina in my contact if I ever need her again.

anonymous
December 16, 2019

I hired Carina and she was there every step of the way for me. Best choice I ever made!

Victoria
October 11, 2019

I hired Carina Castaneda as my lawyer for a complicated divorce with many properties and assets. I could not have made a better decision. Carina Castaneda has made several discoveries to help with my case and has shown her skill set several times during trial dates for my divorce. She is the only reason I still have a roof over my head, she made the judge see the circumstances of my divorce and thanks to her hard work has made it possible for me to continue to be able to cover expenses while this divorce continues. She has been very caring and supportive during this very arduous divorce and I could not be more grateful for the amount of hard work that she has put into my case.

anonymous
September 17, 2019

My family got caught in an administrative nightmare loop that involved LAPD and DCFS. We made a huge mistake and acquiesced to a police interview. We then retained Carina and her team, who helped resolve our situation before anything got filed. I cannot emphasize this enough...it is critically important that if the police ever want to interview you or a family member, politely defer the interview, remain firm on this and REMAIN SILENT, then immediately call Carina....she is a true Gem.

kayla
August 24, 2019

Carina is very personable, but also very professional. She has extensive knowledge and experience in this area of law, and made me feel very comfortable that she would be able to handle my case effectively and efficiently. She had a complete understanding of all the issues that surrounded my situation, and knew exactly what steps to take at all times. She was able to communicate complex procedures to me very clearly and was always available to respond to my many questions and concerns. She defended me expertly and was able to obtain the best result possible. I was extremely satisfied with Carina's representation of me and I highly recommend her for any engagement in this area of law.

Client
February 9, 2022

Carina is absolutely amazing. She has been a guiding light through a difficult process. She is thorough, knowledgeable, attentive, and supportive. She is quick to respond to questions and takes the time to clarify processes and timelines. Carina gave me the direction and assurance I needed to move forward confidently with a domestic violence restraining order. Carina brought peace back into my children's and my life at a time I didn't think it was possible. I am extremely grateful for all Carina has done for my family. I cannot give her enough praise for her excellent work.

anonymous
September 9, 2021

I would recommend Carina as the father of my son had gotten away with paying little to nothing of child support ($317) to be exact. For almost 7 years I had been fighting myself filing paper work in two different states with no success. I finally got to the point that I couldn't deal with not receiving any support from the father and decided to hire Carina to finally help me get this done. She was awesome and helped me get everything that I had ask for including child support that was owed based on his new occupation. I really wish I had found her earlier because this could have been resolved with an attorney like her. Carina was always on time, professional and walked me through the entire process. She did not back down or agree to anything not in my favor and I would recommend her any day.

anonymous
July 1, 2021

What's a mother to do when a deadbeat dad doesn't pay the custodial parent what is rightfully due to their child under a court order support agreement? Call Carina Castaneda! Carina walked me through the process of opening a claim to enforce collection through the County of Los Angeles Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and she provided me with some of the forms required to make my case in support of non-payment. Carina’s advice was instrumental in assisting me with opening my claim online. I was able to fill out the online application and upload the necessary documents to make my case. Thanks to Carina the government is now working for me to protect my son’s interest. Carina’s advice and support were invaluable and I would highly recommend her for your legal needs.

anonymous
November 6, 2020

I had a case going for a couple of years, I needed an attorney for my 5yr restraining order renewal, I was searching for an attorney but having a difficult time. A friend gave me Ms. Castaneda information and there was immediate contact. Ms. Castaneda did not make promises or paint of pretty picture of an unrealistic outcome, she gave honest responses to all of my questions. She worked hard, she found resources that I could work with, she problem solved and she was very very compassionate with my 12 yrs old child , we went to court various times , we had alot of difficulty along the way with the adverse party, and finally after almost 5 months she delivered the most wonderful results to me. I not only got a renewal of a restraining order but I got a Permanent Restraining Order. This woman is amazing, shes honest, shes caring and considerate. If anyone ever need an honest ,hard working intelligent attorney who can deliver results, Carina Castaneda is the one to call.

SR
August 26, 2020

The family law judgment and orders were vague. The work Carina did was complex, well-planned and executed to get to an outcome that should have been better defined by the courts the first time the orders were made. Carina has the experience with family law post judgment issues related to support and property division to get the result that I needed.

Cuong
June 18, 2020

I hired Carina for what was supposed to be a simple divorce case back in 2011, but my ex-wife and her lawyer made it difficult and the case dragged on until we finally reached a settlement 9 years later. Because my marriage was over 10 years, the 1 year alimony at a reduced rate was an outcome I didn’t expect to get. And thanks to Carina, I did and I am extremely happy with the outcome! Throughout the 9 years, Carina has been very attentive, knowledgeable and professional in her handling of my case. She even suggested that I filed for bifurcation so I can marry my pregnant girlfriend. Hopefully my second marriage will last, if not I know who to call. I will for sure keep Carina in my contact if I ever need her again.

anonymous
December 16, 2019

I hired Carina and she was there every step of the way for me. Best choice I ever made!

Victoria
October 11, 2019

I hired Carina Castaneda as my lawyer for a complicated divorce with many properties and assets. I could not have made a better decision. Carina Castaneda has made several discoveries to help with my case and has shown her skill set several times during trial dates for my divorce. She is the only reason I still have a roof over my head, she made the judge see the circumstances of my divorce and thanks to her hard work has made it possible for me to continue to be able to cover expenses while this divorce continues. She has been very caring and supportive during this very arduous divorce and I could not be more grateful for the amount of hard work that she has put into my case.

anonymous
September 17, 2019

My family got caught in an administrative nightmare loop that involved LAPD and DCFS. We made a huge mistake and acquiesced to a police interview. We then retained Carina and her team, who helped resolve our situation before anything got filed. I cannot emphasize this enough...it is critically important that if the police ever want to interview you or a family member, politely defer the interview, remain firm on this and REMAIN SILENT, then immediately call Carina....she is a true Gem.

kayla
August 24, 2019

Carina is very personable, but also very professional. She has extensive knowledge and experience in this area of law, and made me feel very comfortable that she would be able to handle my case effectively and efficiently. She had a complete understanding of all the issues that surrounded my situation, and knew exactly what steps to take at all times. She was able to communicate complex procedures to me very clearly and was always available to respond to my many questions and concerns. She defended me expertly and was able to obtain the best result possible. I was extremely satisfied with Carina's representation of me and I highly recommend her for any engagement in this area of law.