team-member

Craig Sturm

Los Angeles, CA

N/A

Law Degree

Awards

Primary Practice Area

Criminal Defense

Language

English

About

Designated a 2020-2021 SuperLawyer™ by his attorney peers and judges, partner Craig Sturm brings 20 years of DUI, drugged driving, and criminal defense success to Artz & Sturm Law Group. Sturm began his career as an LA County Public Defender, defending individuals in assault, domestic violence, theft, firearms, possession, and DUI drugs and alcohol cases. He later added “big firm” criminal defense experience at Kavinoky Law Firm, one of the largest DUI firms in California, where he became Trial Managing Attorney of the largest DUI firm in California.Craig Sturm has specialized in drunk/drugged driving defense for almost two decades, and is known throughout Los Angeles and Orange County for his successful motions, reduced PreTrial charges, and for winning difficult DUI and criminal trials, including receiving a not-guilty verdict on a DUI murder trial. He is trained in all breath machines used in LA and Orange County, and is the only DUI attorney who has received extensive training in both the Datamaster DMT and the EC/IR II, the two breath machines used in the City of Los Angeles. Sturm is also trained in the ALS Laboratory and Gas Chromatography blood machines.Mr. Sturm is a founding member of DUI Defense Lawyers Association (DUIDLA) and an active member of National College DUI Defense (NCDD), California DUI Lawyers Association (CDLA), and California Public Defender Association (CPDA). He continuously expands his knowledge of BAC forensic science, travelling the country to learn from the nation's best BAC testing experts, and is a Certified Instructor on Standardized Field Sobriety Tests by the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration. His forensic science expertise enables him to get evidence excluded from trials, dramatically boosting his clients’ trial and pre-trial success rates.Mr. Sturm is passionate about the outcome of all his cases, offering a comprehensive, intelligently planned defense for each and every client.Certifications and Trainings:• Certified Instructor by the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration on Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Certification.• IACP/NHTSA ARIDE Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) Course• Mastering Scientific Evidence in DUI Defense• Breath Machines used in Los Angeles and Orange County:• Operator/ Instructor- DataMaster DMT• Owner/ Operator- PAS Alco Sensor IV• Trained in ALS Laboratory blood machine• Trained in Gas Chromatography blood machine• Operator- DataMaster CDM• Operator- EC/IR II• Owner of EC/IR breath machine (Artz & Sturm is the only law firm in Southern California that owns this machine)ARTZ & STURM LAW GROUPArtz & Sturm Law Group is one of the most successful and experienced DUI, drugged driving, and criminal defense law firms in California. Partners Jon Artz and Craig Sturm have both been recognized as SuperLawyers™ by their CA attorney and judicial peers—among the top-rated lawyers in the nation—with 70 years of combined DUI criminal defense experience between them.

Practices Areas

Criminal Defense

DUI and DWI

Language

English

Contact

Artz & Sturm Law Group1010 Wilshire BlvdSuite 1415Los Angeles, CA, 90017

Office: N/A

Website: N/A

Reviews

Kevin
July 29, 2020

These guys are awesome! I made a mistake and got a DUI in 2018. After that case, I was attending a MADD panel discussion in 2019. When I left, I was pulled over for expired registration. Turned out I neglected to pay a license reinstatement fee, and my license wasn't valid. So THEN I got arrested for driving with a suspended license. Not my proudest moment. Fortunately, I talked with my previous attorney, and he recommended I contact Sturm Law. I'm glad I did; I really didn't need any more complications in my life. Mr. Sturm's team was helpful, quick, and informative. Miss Gavilan kept in touch frequently, and helped me work out a payment plan that was manageable for me. On top of that, Craig's a cool dude, too. I found him straightforward and likable. I could crack jokes with him; it wasn't like I was dealing with some one-percenter lawyer who didn't really care about my case. The best part is my case went perfectly! Craig got my "driving on a suspended" to simply "driving without" a license, which removed any penalties from my DUI, as I was otherwise law-abiding, and simply didn't pay a fee. Now everything's back to normal, and I'm legally driving safely without restrictions! If you're in a bad situation and just want to get on with your life, send 'em an email or give 'em a call. It's totally worth it to have a skilled team on your side. You can learn from your mistakes, but also save yourself from having some stain on your record that's going to follow you for years.

Andrew
June 26, 2019

I have known Craig and Linda since 2016 and I am still impressed with their work effort and follow up procedures three years after they prevented my 3rd Dui arrest from a conviction. Craig Strum’s expertise in criminal defense and his commitment to my case gained my confidence in his ability to win for me, and he did. Linda, legal administrator, provides transparency and accurate handling of all legal documents pertaining to my case. She has helped me in the process of expungement of previous unrelated DUI convictions and advised me on my options to proceed. As a professional in the finance industry, I know a good team when I see one. Sturm Law has my highest recommendation; you will not find a better team.

Lauren
May 10, 2019

Sturm Law guided me through a very difficult time in my life. Linda, the office manager, ensured that I was fully informed and understood every facet of my case from start to finish. Craig Sturm did a fantastic job negotiating with the DA, and ensuring that my best interests were at heart. Sturm was able to have my case dropped from a felony DUI to a misdemeanor. During a very daunting and scary time, Sturm Law helped me to remain with family and continue to live my life. I would recommend them to anyone struggling with a DUI or criminal case.

Nataly
March 26, 2019

I worked with Strum Law and it was a great experience. They were the only firm that explained the process in detail which made feel comfortable with them representing me. Thank you for the support during the process.

anonymous
February 15, 2019

My experience with Strum law has been great. Strum and his team are really professional is handling the case. Being the first time, I didn’t know much. Strum team clearly explained the process. Strum personally appeared in court for all my hearing. In my case, due to impact on immigration , requested strum to drop or reduce the charges. He understood my situation and talked to stubborn prosecutor multiple times and eventually reduced the charges to reckless. It was very helpful. Thanks to the entire team. I would very much recommend anyone looking for attorney to help them through the tough situation.

Phillip Sumner
March 6, 2018

He handled my case after I worked with another lawyer who had let my case get turned upside down when I was wrongfully accused of a DUI. I had not been driving. My Friend had crashed my car with me in the passenger seat and since I was very intoxicated when the police arrived and the car was registered to me. They pined me as the driver. Craig worked my case for almost 2 years gathering up all the evidence and he was finally able to get the DAs office to realize all the errors the police had made and the case was dismissed and charges were dropped. Thank you Craig Sturm for all you help!!!

Yousef
March 3, 2018

It has been more than a year since my case was handled by Craig and his team and was concluded. Craig's professionalism is outstanding. He is able to set expectations from the start and follow through his promises. Being realistic and knowing when to pull the trigger on a deal being presented by the DA and when to hold off has been the utmost help. Craig's care for his clients and his confidence in knowing when a good deal is being presented and when to take it and when to hold off was my biggest reward for hiring him as my attorney. The offer for my second DUI offense, within a year of my first one, started with 90 days in jail. Through persistence, negotiations, and his ability to maneuver his contacts in the court, it was dropped to 96 hours (mandatory minimum). He was able to understand that he needs to hold firm when I was not sure if we were going to get a better deal. Moreover, his team, specifically Linda, has been extremely helpful and resourceful. There has not been a time when I was not able to reach her for follow up questions after my sentencing. She has been of extreme help connecting me to the right people for all my needs from the start of my case to the end of it. Linda's communications with the firm's clients and her availability to answer questions is very impressive. I have contacted her almost over a year later for follow up questions regarding my case and she was there to answer them and connect me with the right people as well. I, myself, am a businessman and understand the customer experience aspect of a business relationship. It is without a doubt one of the best experiences I have had working with this team especially in these uncomfortable and somewhat embarrassing circumstances. If you find yourself in need for a lawyer for a DUI, give this firm a call. I highly highly recommend them. They will work with you to accommodate your situation. Thank you Craig and Linda for your amazing service!

anonymous
March 2, 2018

Just want to say that this was an a good experience. I did like the way my lawyer treated. Her name was (Linda) I would hired her again. Thanks Sturm law:)

anonymous
February 21, 2018

Last year, I was pulled over for driving with my headlights off. What I thought would be a simple "stop-and-go" encounter with the police, turned into the worst night of my life. I have never been in trouble ...ever, and without going into specifics I was arrested for blowing a .08. Not knowing my rights or California laws I was treated like trash. The police were rude, and no was helpful. And although I was in the wrong, the system was did not want to help me and treated me like a criminal. Imagine... you are 25 from the mid-west living in LA, you've never been in trouble, and you recently graduated from school with no money. It was a scary time. I had no idea what to do next. After coming to terms with what happened I knew I was in for a real headache. But, by some miracle I came across Strum Law through a friend of a friend. After I contacted them they were ready and willing to help. They brought me in for a meeting, answered all my questions and were confident (which made me feel even more sure I was going with the right lawyer). They made me feel comfortable and took away some of my anxiety about my case. Due to work I was not able to attend the court dates, and they understood and went for me ensuring that everything would be okay. In addition, because I was a recent graduate with little money, they were able to help me figure out a payment plan that worked for me. In the end I was not charged with a DUI, which was my greatest concern. I ended up having to complete 23 hours of community service, attend 12 AA meetings and pay a small fine. Although it felt like a lot while I was doing it, it was WAYYY better than being charged with a DUI. So many people told me how blessed I was, including the staff at the courthouse. They could not believe how lucky I was and I was told multiple times how great my lawyer was. I am so thankful to Strum Law for all they have done for me. I was so depressed and anxious for months after being arrested. If you need a lawyer, this is the way to go. They did an amazing job and I will forever be grateful.

Carolina
February 21, 2018

I chose Craig Sturm after talking to about seven other lawyers. The results were good but best of all the service was excellent. Every single time I had a question it was answered in a timely manner and I was always updated by his assistants regarding my case. Overall the service was great and it didn’t add more stress on me.

Kevin
July 29, 2020

These guys are awesome! I made a mistake and got a DUI in 2018. After that case, I was attending a MADD panel discussion in 2019. When I left, I was pulled over for expired registration. Turned out I neglected to pay a license reinstatement fee, and my license wasn't valid. So THEN I got arrested for driving with a suspended license. Not my proudest moment. Fortunately, I talked with my previous attorney, and he recommended I contact Sturm Law. I'm glad I did; I really didn't need any more complications in my life. Mr. Sturm's team was helpful, quick, and informative. Miss Gavilan kept in touch frequently, and helped me work out a payment plan that was manageable for me. On top of that, Craig's a cool dude, too. I found him straightforward and likable. I could crack jokes with him; it wasn't like I was dealing with some one-percenter lawyer who didn't really care about my case. The best part is my case went perfectly! Craig got my "driving on a suspended" to simply "driving without" a license, which removed any penalties from my DUI, as I was otherwise law-abiding, and simply didn't pay a fee. Now everything's back to normal, and I'm legally driving safely without restrictions! If you're in a bad situation and just want to get on with your life, send 'em an email or give 'em a call. It's totally worth it to have a skilled team on your side. You can learn from your mistakes, but also save yourself from having some stain on your record that's going to follow you for years.

Andrew
June 26, 2019

I have known Craig and Linda since 2016 and I am still impressed with their work effort and follow up procedures three years after they prevented my 3rd Dui arrest from a conviction. Craig Strum’s expertise in criminal defense and his commitment to my case gained my confidence in his ability to win for me, and he did. Linda, legal administrator, provides transparency and accurate handling of all legal documents pertaining to my case. She has helped me in the process of expungement of previous unrelated DUI convictions and advised me on my options to proceed. As a professional in the finance industry, I know a good team when I see one. Sturm Law has my highest recommendation; you will not find a better team.

Lauren
May 10, 2019

Sturm Law guided me through a very difficult time in my life. Linda, the office manager, ensured that I was fully informed and understood every facet of my case from start to finish. Craig Sturm did a fantastic job negotiating with the DA, and ensuring that my best interests were at heart. Sturm was able to have my case dropped from a felony DUI to a misdemeanor. During a very daunting and scary time, Sturm Law helped me to remain with family and continue to live my life. I would recommend them to anyone struggling with a DUI or criminal case.

Nataly
March 26, 2019

I worked with Strum Law and it was a great experience. They were the only firm that explained the process in detail which made feel comfortable with them representing me. Thank you for the support during the process.

anonymous
February 15, 2019

My experience with Strum law has been great. Strum and his team are really professional is handling the case. Being the first time, I didn’t know much. Strum team clearly explained the process. Strum personally appeared in court for all my hearing. In my case, due to impact on immigration , requested strum to drop or reduce the charges. He understood my situation and talked to stubborn prosecutor multiple times and eventually reduced the charges to reckless. It was very helpful. Thanks to the entire team. I would very much recommend anyone looking for attorney to help them through the tough situation.

Phillip Sumner
March 6, 2018

He handled my case after I worked with another lawyer who had let my case get turned upside down when I was wrongfully accused of a DUI. I had not been driving. My Friend had crashed my car with me in the passenger seat and since I was very intoxicated when the police arrived and the car was registered to me. They pined me as the driver. Craig worked my case for almost 2 years gathering up all the evidence and he was finally able to get the DAs office to realize all the errors the police had made and the case was dismissed and charges were dropped. Thank you Craig Sturm for all you help!!!

Yousef
March 3, 2018

It has been more than a year since my case was handled by Craig and his team and was concluded. Craig's professionalism is outstanding. He is able to set expectations from the start and follow through his promises. Being realistic and knowing when to pull the trigger on a deal being presented by the DA and when to hold off has been the utmost help. Craig's care for his clients and his confidence in knowing when a good deal is being presented and when to take it and when to hold off was my biggest reward for hiring him as my attorney. The offer for my second DUI offense, within a year of my first one, started with 90 days in jail. Through persistence, negotiations, and his ability to maneuver his contacts in the court, it was dropped to 96 hours (mandatory minimum). He was able to understand that he needs to hold firm when I was not sure if we were going to get a better deal. Moreover, his team, specifically Linda, has been extremely helpful and resourceful. There has not been a time when I was not able to reach her for follow up questions after my sentencing. She has been of extreme help connecting me to the right people for all my needs from the start of my case to the end of it. Linda's communications with the firm's clients and her availability to answer questions is very impressive. I have contacted her almost over a year later for follow up questions regarding my case and she was there to answer them and connect me with the right people as well. I, myself, am a businessman and understand the customer experience aspect of a business relationship. It is without a doubt one of the best experiences I have had working with this team especially in these uncomfortable and somewhat embarrassing circumstances. If you find yourself in need for a lawyer for a DUI, give this firm a call. I highly highly recommend them. They will work with you to accommodate your situation. Thank you Craig and Linda for your amazing service!

anonymous
March 2, 2018

Just want to say that this was an a good experience. I did like the way my lawyer treated. Her name was (Linda) I would hired her again. Thanks Sturm law:)

anonymous
February 21, 2018

Last year, I was pulled over for driving with my headlights off. What I thought would be a simple "stop-and-go" encounter with the police, turned into the worst night of my life. I have never been in trouble ...ever, and without going into specifics I was arrested for blowing a .08. Not knowing my rights or California laws I was treated like trash. The police were rude, and no was helpful. And although I was in the wrong, the system was did not want to help me and treated me like a criminal. Imagine... you are 25 from the mid-west living in LA, you've never been in trouble, and you recently graduated from school with no money. It was a scary time. I had no idea what to do next. After coming to terms with what happened I knew I was in for a real headache. But, by some miracle I came across Strum Law through a friend of a friend. After I contacted them they were ready and willing to help. They brought me in for a meeting, answered all my questions and were confident (which made me feel even more sure I was going with the right lawyer). They made me feel comfortable and took away some of my anxiety about my case. Due to work I was not able to attend the court dates, and they understood and went for me ensuring that everything would be okay. In addition, because I was a recent graduate with little money, they were able to help me figure out a payment plan that worked for me. In the end I was not charged with a DUI, which was my greatest concern. I ended up having to complete 23 hours of community service, attend 12 AA meetings and pay a small fine. Although it felt like a lot while I was doing it, it was WAYYY better than being charged with a DUI. So many people told me how blessed I was, including the staff at the courthouse. They could not believe how lucky I was and I was told multiple times how great my lawyer was. I am so thankful to Strum Law for all they have done for me. I was so depressed and anxious for months after being arrested. If you need a lawyer, this is the way to go. They did an amazing job and I will forever be grateful.

Carolina
February 21, 2018

I chose Craig Sturm after talking to about seven other lawyers. The results were good but best of all the service was excellent. Every single time I had a question it was answered in a timely manner and I was always updated by his assistants regarding my case. Overall the service was great and it didn’t add more stress on me.